Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group IBS and stress

Curious if any others that suffer from IBS have issues because of stress. Past couple of weeks have become rather constipated and wonder if stress related. My wife started having contractions and we were in the hospital for 2 days... doctor said we would have lost the baby, but contractions did stop and doing well now. In addition my mother in law had to go to the hospital as well just a few days prior to our trip.... I also had a flare from candidas, but have seemed to recover rather well now.

So curious if others see a relationship between stress and IBS. Bright side if stress, not flaring.

Thanks Kickers,

Tim

Yes! Stress can worsen your IBS and it makes those of us who suffer with C worse. Stress is just awful for the intestinal system.

I'm sorry you've been under so much stress lately - hope your wife and baby are ok and your MIL is doing better as well.

A couple of links for you(I sure hope they work):

IBS & Stress

HW JAMA IBS Page

Hope this helps some and things calm down just a bit in your life -- time for some stress management (deep cleansing breathes!)!!

Take care,

Sherree

First, glad to hear that everything is ok with your wife. Yes stress for me is a disaster in terms of my IBS. When I am under really stressful situation even a glass of water are bad for me.

And it goes directly related to the amount of pain that I have: last week I was feeling so bad (low back pain & hands), and my IBS goes from Constipation to the other way in just 1 day, totally uncontrolled. This week I am feeling much more better and my IBS symptoms are improving. The reason: last week I was under a stressful situation due to my job situation, I am in STD, providing support to the other financial analyst, receiving pressure from the insurance co, so that don't help to the condition; and this week no calls, so I could stay on my treatment.

Well, I hope you start to improve. Zaida

Tim,
I'd glad you wife is okay after all. How far along is the pregnancy?

Though constipation is no fun, I'm sure it beats a flare.

If I can insert a commercial here, I'd like to mention that breastfeeding seems to offer protection against autoimmune diseases in later life. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with no other sources of nutrition for the baby seems to offer the best protection. Breastfeeding seems to have positive effects on the integrity of the baby's gut. In addition:

"The thymus is a central organ in the immune system, responsible for the proper development of T lymphocytes. Immature T cells, known as thymocytes, undergo a selection process in the thymus to remove potentially self-reactive cells. Less than 5% of thymocytes survive this "education" to be released as functionally mature, circulating T cells. While the clinical significance of thymic size is not known, the central role of the thymus gland in the development of the T-cell repertoire suggests a potential for direct effects of breastfeeding on a crucial organ of the maturing immune system.

Using an ultrasound technique to measure thymic index size, Hasselbalch and colleagues14 found that, at 4 months of age, infants who were breastfed exclusively had significantly larger thymus glands than those who were partially breastfed or formula fed only. There was no significant difference in thymic size among the three study groups at birth." (from http://www.jaoa.org/cgi/content/full/106/4/203

Karen

Tim

glad things are ok, but the whole thing can be stressful, take it as a practice run.

I know lack of sleep was one of my triggers.

Dave

Tim, I am so glad that everything is OK for your wife and the baby. How frightening that must have been. I can imagine how helpless you must have felt and how profoundly relieved when the contractions stopped.

IBS is an inflammatory disease, as I understand it, so it makes complete sense that it would flare during times of stress. Never fear my friend, you're just normal. Wait, that's a whacky way to put it. Ah hell, you know what I mean.

Many hugs,

Thanks for the replies everyone and the well wishes for Gaby and baby!

I am wondering if I am a bit depressed as well... in addition to comments above, learned in the same week my uncle (fathers brother) has colon cancer. Caught early... but still the thought made me think of my parents and missing them a bit (even though we generally talk once a week over Skype). Last time I was this constipated was 4 years ago when severely depressed... would say if I am, would be a mild case.

My problem is that I swallow emotions a bit too much like most men I am assuming. And searching through them is not easy.

I do feel more relaxed today, but constipation is still there. Seeing a doctor tomorrow for intestines.

Gaby is now 6 months and little guy kicks a lot that makes us happy

Regarding breast feeding, that is the plan at this point for 1/2 yr if possible. Gaby's family is a big believer.

Thanks again everyone

Tim

Jeepers creepers, Tim, no wonder you're all bunged up. Egad, Gaby and the baby, mom-in-law and uncle, not to mention all the changes of the past year (positive stuff can be stressful too, you know).

Can you get Slippery Elm Bark down there? It works like its name. Usually it's a throat losenge, but it has unexpected benefits too.

Hope things relax soon for you.

Many hugs,

Stress is a huge trigger for IBS for me. The worst bout of IBS I had was when my mom died. My digestive system was so out of sorts and I lost a lot of weight. Fiber seems to always get things back to normal for me. I hope things get better and all goes well with the baby!

Tim,
Gosh, you do have a lot going on. I found that after my first major bout of depression I've been much more susceptible.

I'm glad the baby is well. Take care of yourself.

Thinking of you,
Karen