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Anxiety, IBS and Walking

vicious cycle of anxiety and IBS

I have had a renewed effort to tackle my anxiety. I have been to a few group depression and anxiety meetings at Rushden Mind. I enrolled on a self esteem course too at Mind; sadly there were not enough attendees, so the course is postponed to November. I am also fast approaching the top of the list for a therapist.

In the meantime I am reading a Self Help book: The Complete CBT Guide for Anxiety and read How Not to Worry by Caroline Carr. The key message I am taking from the books is that I am now in numerous habits of avoidance to minimalise my anxiety. But as this is preventing me from doing things I wish to do. I have started tackling the issues and reversing my habits.

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Visits to GP, Psychiatrist & Gastroentroligst

My Anxiety Blog Post

Wow, it has been a month and quite a bit has happened.

A month ago, I blogged that I recognised I was stuck in a cycle with anxiety feeding IBS feeding anxiety, which was at the least hindering my recovery. So I have had a string of appointments over the past month, which included, GP, Psychiatrist, Gastroenterologist, and an Endoscopy.
So, to start, an anxious visit to the GP: who as usual seemed to lack empathy. I explained my bowel symptoms and link to anxiety. He concluded that I displayed the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and suggested I discuss it more at my next Gastroenterologist appointment.

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Ulcerative Colitis and Anxiety

My Anxiety Blog Post

You may now know that I suffer from Ulcerative Colitis (UC) as well as Anxiety and Depression.

I have been thinking more about the link between my Ulcerative Colitis and my Anxiety:

For me the main challenge of Ulcerative Colitis, other than the discomfort, 10 plus visits to the loo every day and during an attack, bleeding, bloating, tiredness and back ache and lack of bowel control.

When I was working I stupidly didn’t tell my employer I had UC, because I was embarrassed.

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease Young People Aged 16-29

me and ibd

NACC have established a team focusing particularly on young people aged between 16 and 29 who suffer with IBD. NACC’s has a new micro site for young people

They are currently caring out a survey of young people aged 16-29 with IBD, finding out your thoughts on a number of topics such as medication, surgery, transition, education and relationships.
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How I manage my Ulcerative Colitis

baby wipes for Ulcerative Colitis

Things I do to manage my Ulcerative Colitis which is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

  1. I have my Colitis ‘kit’ which I take out with me (spare underpants, baby wipes and couple of nappy sacks, in case of any accidents)
  2. Take my medication regularly
  3. Use the enema when I have an attack
  4. Try and drink lots of water and/or squash
  5. Go to bed if an attack is to bad, sleeping it off, eases UC
  6. Think about my diet, wheat and spicy food are bad news
  7. Talk to my wife and family about it.
  8. I have managed to get a disabled parking Blue Badge so I can park easily if I need to dash to the loo
  9. I am going to look into getting some Incontinence pads or pants, to help me feel safer when out.