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Tobin S.

(10,418 posts) Wed Aug 31, 2016, 06:27 PM Aug 2016

How mental states can affect the rest of your body (could be TMI for some people).

This might be TMI for some people, so you are forewarned if you'd like to exit now.

I've had problems with irritable bowel syndrome in the past. The illness manifests itself in me by having constant diarrhea. When the doctor diagnosed me he said that it's hard to say what causes IBS. He just told me how to treat the symptoms and that was it.

Well, now I think I know what causes my IBS. S T R E S S !

I got fired from a job on July 5th of this year and my IBS symptoms immediately reappeared after being dormant for many years, and the over-the-counter stuff I used to use to treat it wouldn't touch it. I got a new job on August 15th and my symptoms are slowly disappearing as the stress has dissipated.

In the past few years I have experienced stress at times, but nothing was more stressful than losing my job.

4 replies

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How mental states can affect the rest of your body (could be TMI for some people). (Original Post) Tobin S. Aug 2016 OP

I'm no expert, but I believe there is a lot of research... pinboy3niner Aug 2016 #1

Stress absolutely affects IBS and Crohns as well as Ulcerative Colitis and Colitis. auntAgonist Aug 2016 #2

I didn't mean to suggest that all of these types of illnesses are due to emotions if I did. Tobin S. Aug 2016 #3

I am glad to hear you are feeling better... Generic Brad Aug 2016 #4

pinboy3niner

(53,339 posts)

1. I'm no expert, but I believe there is a lot of research...

Reply to Tobin S. (Original post)

Wed Aug 31, 2016, 06:32 PM

Aug 2016

...on physical ailments affecting emotional health...and vice versa.

auntAgonist

(17,252 posts)

2. Stress absolutely affects IBS and Crohns as well as Ulcerative Colitis and Colitis.

Reply to Tobin S. (Original post)

Wed Aug 31, 2016, 08:02 PM

Aug 2016

D had his entire colon removed and thankfully was able to have take-down surgery so he doesn't require a surgical operation in which a piece of the bowel is diverted to an artificial opening in the abdominal wall into a bag.
BUT, as UC is an autoimmune disease, stress still affects those 'issues'

Our bodies are really amazing, sometimes not in a good way.

Glad your symptoms are disappearing as your stress lessens.

Usually one of the first things Drs. want to do instead of looking at the big picture is blame the illness on depression and not treat the illness itself.

Very frustrating. HE was told "it's all in your head" for YEARS. smh. Yes, emotions, stress, overthinking can exacerbate the illness but it's not the cause.

Tobin S.

(10,418 posts)

3. I didn't mean to suggest that all of these types of illnesses are due to emotions if I did.

Reply to auntAgonist (Reply #2)

Wed Aug 31, 2016, 08:30 PM

Aug 2016

IBS is also not nearly as severe an illness as what D has. What I have is uncomfortable, but I'm never going to require surgery for it.

Generic Brad

(14,274 posts)

4. I am glad to hear you are feeling better...

Reply to Tobin S. (Original post)

Wed Aug 31, 2016, 09:44 PM

Aug 2016

...in both body and soul.

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