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Question about what isn´t talked about in Session 1


10 years ago 0 2606 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hello Steven S, 

First of all welcome to the panic center. Thank you for taking the to introduce yourself and share your experience with us. It appears that you have received a lot of feedback from your fellow members, I hope that if nothing else it helps to see that there are other people dealing with anxiety. In regards to your particular issue I would recommending consulting with your doctor of healthcare professional to see what other options their might be to improve this occurrence. 

Wishing you all the best, please do post often. I hope you have found what you need here at the panic center. 


Samantha, Health Educator
10 years ago 0 177 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Steven,

Well if you think they are separate, would it help to treat them separately? While you keep working through this program to help with the avoidance, you could also be finding ways to manage Crohn's. Is there a Crohn's support group or a specialist you can see?

The stress and anxiety could have worsened something that was already there (is Crohn's genetic?).

Kaitie.
10 years ago 0 29 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hello Kaitie,
 
Well, usually Crohn's episodes stop me up completely until they are over.  I don't believe they are related to the panic issues.  If I get into a high anxiety/panic situation, it will be an effect of the panic.  In the beginning...many many years ago, I don't really remember having bowel issues.  I do know that I have had them for quite a long time though.  I would have to say that the panic came first and then later the bowel issues were effected and made things much worse for me.  Now I practice a great deal of avoidance behavior so as not to create a panic situation.  I will say though that even when I am at home, I can get situations where it is good that I am near a bathroom.  I don't know...maybe there is a weakness in that area of my body that then is easily triggered by panic situations.  I'd have to think on that a while.
 
Steven

10 years ago 0 177 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Steven,

I personally haven't had an experience like yours, but it sounds terrible. When does this happen, is it right in the middle of a panic attack, or before or after? Is it possible that having the Crohn's and the symptoms associated with that have caused you to become anxious, worrying that this might happen again, or is the anxiety simply making these symptoms worse?

I guess what I'm saying is along the lines of which came first: the chicken or the egg?

Kaitie
10 years ago 0 6252 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
With any form of panic disorder your body will look for a reason to panic. This search it does often finds minor changes and uses them for an excuse. Therefore things that would normally not bother a person like the side effects from medication can in the susceptible person cause a panic attack. Antibiotics are one of these things, Ginseng is another.
Careful observation will give you a choice, live with it or don't take it. Third option is always medication to counter it.
No one ever said it would be easy, simple maybe but not easy.

Davit.
10 years ago 0 6252 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
kiaya

Welcome

Wow. I'm surprised there isn't more anxiety in your post. That is horrible. I've had most of my attacks at night only a few feet from the toilet so made it there in time, but the sensation of wanting to run away and yet having to stay in a heated bathroom shivering with a blanket around me was the worst I got. The need to void was a very common symptom for me. What made it worse was that I'm claustrophobic so the heightened claustrophobic sensation shrunk the room. Sheer terror. I've always been consistent and I'm retired so I can pick and choose when I go out. I've never had an accident but it could be because I tend to be more constipated than anything. Although I have bad Arthritis I have never had Crohn's. I know it is common with Arthritis. So I have no suggestion. But if it is totally related to panic attacks then curing the panic attacks cures it right. It is true that absolutely anything can be a symptom. And panic plays on our fears with attacks dramatically increasing their effects. This in turn goes around making it all worse unless a person does something about it. For me now any attacks I get are so mild and so controllable to not count as attacks any more. More like the momentary panic a person gets in a new situation. Previously experienced situations don't bother me therefore there are no symptoms. 

I had nerve damage after an operation once and had to wear a diaper for a week. It definitely is not the answer. I also had the sensation of voiding after another operation and it drove the nurses nut because I couldn't get up. I practically lived on a bed pan for days. I often wonder if it was only panic. It went away with Valium, which I only needed for a short while to counter the side effects of another med. Lots of meds will cause panic which often turns into attacks. 

All I can say is that if it is a symptom of panic then it will go away. Because of the embarrassment and fear factor it will take longer than most symptoms which you know can happen without much consequence. Like the sensation of passing out. That one you could just let happen, just sit down hey. Not like yours at all. So please be patient because CBT does work.

I'm going to read on Crohn's, I need more information.

Davit
10 years ago 0 29 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hello all,  I am just starting this program and have gotten nearly to the end of Session 1.  For me, at least, there is a glaring absence under "sensations" that I experience when I have a panic attack that goes beyond the "fight or flight" responses.  that is that I loose control of my bowels.  Now as it is true as with all of the rest of the sensations, I haven't died from it, but it causes a great deal of embarrassment , not to mention mess.  This has happened on a number of occasions where I couldn't make it to a restroom in time and there is no way to hold it back as it creates a "dump syndrome" and it is just like water...and that part of the body isn't designed to hold liquid back.  Just in case you might say, take something like an anti-diarrheal, I also have Crohn's Disease and taking anything that will "stop me up" will cause a Crohn's flare-up.  Also, wearing diapers is not an option either, because you still have the clean up issue which would cause you to have to go home and clean you clothes and shower...not to mention any related tell-tale odor.
 
I can't be the only one where bowel incontinence occurs with a panic attack and the associated avoidance of places or situations that will cause a panic attack.  I would be interested in knowing others experiences regarding this issue.  Also, yes, I have tried numerous medications and suppliments all of which are ineffective for the incontinence.
 
Thanks.

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