IBS flare up and anxiety

[Irritablebloodybowel]

I was diagnosed a long time ago with IBS it hasn't really been too bad untl the last few years (I blame perimenopause).

Usually I have the runs first thing in a morning and anxiety. I have been suffering with lots of gas and bloating.

Yesterday I was hungover (week off work and made the most of being able to have a drink on a week night) I felt crap yesterday and needed to go to the toilet regularly. Normal bowel movements. Before I went to bed I couldn't completely empty my bowels. I woke this morning with awful pain/burning in the centre of my stomach. I feel sick, kept going clammy and sweaty.

I eventually got booked in at my GP and he immediately said IBS and anxiety. I had a panic attack before I left the house and got myself into a bit of a state. The pain has calmed down a lot and my stomach now feels bruised and sore. I keep needing to open my bowels though. Every time i go to the loo i need to go.

I managed to eat some poached egg on toast earlier, but now im scared of eating. I also took a Mebeverine, GP told me to take Propranolol as well if I needed it.

I've had sky high anxiety on and off for a while now, I'm also having CBT for health anxiety - hence why I had a panic attack earlier because I was convinced something was seriously wrong with me.

I don't know where to start now do I tackle the anxiety or the IBS!

I've been there. The best thing I found is to eat little and often but only eat what you really want - however odd that might seem. I once survived for a week on pears and Stilton. Do NOT starve yourself that will only make things worse. Also, make sure you drink a lot, but avoid tea (too much tannin).

After that, it's just a question of waiting it out.

Just remember "this too shall pass".

Yesterday I had poached egg on sourdough, today I've had the same and my stomach feels better but so sore. I feel live I've done 1000 sit ups
Im taking it easy on food though and might have chicken and rice for dinner.

Im also trying to keep myself occupied and not sat about scanning myself for aches and pains.

So the last few days have been up and down. I've increased my fluid intake and have been mindful about what I eat.

However I am still constipated, I am passing stools but they are pebble like and hard. My stomach tenderness comes and goes. I have been taking mebeverine that has helped I think but I'm not so much getting cramps it's more soreness and tenderness.

Today I have passed a bowel movement without straining it was still pebble
like though and this time had some yellow mucus which I don't normally have.

My bowels have changed and I don't know if it is down to peri or something else. I usually wake and need to go urgently 3/4 times then everything settles. I've never been bothered by constipation.

I am trying to not let anxiety get the better of me and keep calm, I've now got insomnia as well to add to the list.