feel better mentally, so why do symptoms persist?

[lisabeth310]

45 yr. old female trying to figure out if symptoms caused anxiety, or anxiety causing symtoms.  I have calmed down figuring my symptoms sound like anxiety, though never have been Dx with that, or depression.  This summer after ruling out celiac disease, ovarian and colon cancer, I was diagnosed with mild IBS.  That has completely cleared up, but around the time that was getting better I started feeling arm weekness, numbness, tingling, and strange ticklish feeling in neck glands.  Some hot flushes, too.  All symptoms come and go, with times of feeling "normal".  At first I thought maybe MS, but now think probably anxiety.  So I have calmed down and feeling good mentally, but these newer symptoms still appear.  Wouldn't they go away if I am not worried anymore?  (guess it sounds like it's worrying me again.  :)   Guess I'll go back to the Dr. again to make sure.  :(    (also, blood work all normal, including thyroid)

[tschock]

IBS does not "clear up"...you just have episodes of "normality"...sorry to say.

I just learned from a specialist that IBS causes anxiety and anxiety causes IBS...it ***** doesn't it?

I have had IBS and anxiety for many years ( diagnosed at 28 and am now almost 44)...and even when I'm free of stress I still feel the symptoms of anxiety because I have IBS.

My doctor is sending me to see "a friend of his" which means a psychiatrist lol.
Apparently she will help me to deal with the IBS/anxiety issues.

Isn't it amazing how the doctors tell you that you have a "disease" but they never truly explain it to you? They will tell you "some things" but omit the "important" issues.

If you have any questions about IBS don't hesitate to ask...I think I'm a pro now lol.

[nursegirl6572]

It sure sounds like the kinds of symptoms you are experiencing could indeed be related to anxiety.  Your doctor can help you sort that out officially.

"IBS" caused solely by anxiety and not related to any other medical condition CAN resolve when the anxiety is addressed.  I put IBS in quotes because IBS-like symptoms related to anxiety really differs from medically diagnosed IBS, and the treatment will vary a bit too.

It's always best to muddle through this kind of stuff with a doctor, and it never hurts to start addressing any anxiety you are having.  Even if your doctor would find a medical reason for some of your symptoms, if you have concurrent anxiety, it can certainly exacerbate many of the sensations.

Come back and let us know how you're doing!  Good luck!