Can someone explain to me what happens exactly when we ...

[m]

..have a stressful situation occur and it results in a relapse of MC symptoms? I'm curious. Does cortisol or something else dump into our bloodstream causing smooth muscle contractions or something? It seems like every time I have an emotionally stressful situation occur, I get sick. And not just for a a day but for days? Do other people get this? Do I need to go see a shrink or something?
m

[Mars]

I can't answer your question with the medical terminology but I am sure someone will soon!

I do know that stress plays a contributing factor in upsetting the gut and the D, cramping and grumbling can begin. Not a fun thing but it is experienced by many of us!

I have been told to try yoga to calm my mind and body. I do do controlled breathing and count to WHATEVER to calm myself down - my own version of yoga!

to you - NO, you don't need a shrink! Unfortunately, this is a normal reaction unless we can control the stress. I have this problem too - mainly from my job! sigh

Take care of yourself - I hope the stress don't stay around long!

[Sally]

Hi, there,

I just had some stressful news from my daughter, Thea, and the reaction went right to my gut. I don't know why this happens and I don't even know if it has to do with MC. Of course, having D for ten days probably does. But I have been this way since I was a little girl. If I get stressed or eat something weird, I have to run for the toilet.

I, too, do yoga and deep breathing, but sometimes I don't get to breathing fast enough.

You are not crazy. Study up on stress relieving techniques. There is still nothing much that can be done about the thing that hits you from left field, though.

I'm sorry I can't be of more help.

Love,

Sally

[Umber]

I do know that when we become stressed our blood pressure goes up, blood sugar levels rise our pulse rate increases. Blood is moved from the digestive organs to the muscles and brain. Could this have something to do with it?? Stress is not a good thing, it effects us in more ways than you can imagine. I just read that listening to loud music is a big stressor!
I crank the volume in my car and jam all the way to work. Not anymore

Lori

[kate_ce1995]

Well, and there were those articles that someone, maybe Wayne, found a long while back that talked about serotonin (or some other brain chemical) and its affect on the gut. There is a definate link between the chemicals working in the brain and how the gut reacts.

Try to relax...easier said than done I know.

Katy

[jenilake]

Katy,

Where do you think those articles are? Sounds very interesting. On the old board?

Thanks, KathyP

[kate_ce1995]

Yeah, I remember the discussion on the old board. I'll try to look this evening when I have more time. Right now I'm on my lunch break and should be working through lunch to get everything done anyway. WAY too much going on right now

Katy

[Momster]

Yes, it does affect us in many ways, and unfortunatley, in this day and age is a constant problem. I don't know the medical reasons as to why we get sick from stress, but I do know that it can cause a multitude of physical responses in our bodies. I usually react to stress with a huge headache and extreme fatigue.
As a solution, I find quiet, spa type relaxing music soothes me but I don't suggest that for driving, Lori, because it tends to put you to sleep or slows your reactions so not a good combination when driving on the freeway. (hahaha). At any rate, try to find things that relieve stress like taking an hour out of the day and doing something to pamper yourself. Quiet music, a nice cuppa camomille tea, a walk where it's quiet or anything else that you like to do just for you.
I did an exercise for about a year free writing 3 pages in the morning before I did anything else. There's a book on it but I'll have to look it up because I can't remember the title right now. You just sit down and write without thinking about what you're going to write and just get all your frustrations, good or bad feelings out for three pages and then just put it away. After about 2 months you go back and read the first pages and remarkably will find that situation or situations that bothered you so much then has resloved themselves and it does make you feel better. I'll try to look the title up when I have time. (I know, I should make time for the important things).
Anyway, I certainly know that work can be stressful, having been in a very stressful job when I was working. There are ways to get around that, though, by taking the time in your off hours to do stuff to make yourself feel better when you're not working and it will help you cope better with the times when you have no choice but to be in a stressful situation.
Well, enough of that lecture - hope some of my suggestions help.

Here's a cyber hub from Momster (((((((((((((((M)))))))))))))))

[starfire]

GREAT avatar picture, Momster

Love, Shirley

[Polly]

Momstar and Peg,

Love the photo of the two pretty Canuck redheads!

Love,

Polly

[barbaranoela]

M~~~~~~ greetings---

lemme tell U that if I run into any stressful situations that *triggers* my inners to start the *rumba* and then I am off to the *throne*

its such a hard thing to try NOT to let stress grab hole of U but unfortunatly it does----

I am learning how to control my stress----maybe cus its been the same stress for about 3 years--- and I am to the point of --
dont know if this is good or bad ---in a way I think it might be my *help*-

We recently had another stressful episode and I have to say I handled it much better---even amazed myself---

So hang in----
luv Barbara

[m]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I guess I'm not alone. The thing is, I can usually handle stress but there is one kind that I just can't cope with. You see, one of my cats is sick and is having exploratory surgery in 2 weeks. It looks like she might have liver cancer. I know it sounds stupid and that I should get a grip but I'm having such a hard time dealing with this. There is something about animals and particularly injured or sick animals that I don't seem to be able to be strong about. It's hard to explain. I'm embarrassed about my inability to control my emotions on this subject. And I'm perplexed as to why I have such strong feelings that it causes me intestinal troubles as well.
m

[Mars]

You shouldn't feel embarrased when you are referring to your

Animal lovers become so attached to their furry friends and consider them "children" or at least an important member of the family.

Good wishes to kitty!

[Umber]

You don't have to get a grip on your emotions, let the tears flow if you have too.

I never understood animal lovers until I got my first dog 2 years ago. OMG, she is one of my kids. I fret over her all the time.

Its a special person that loves animals and children! You don't have to apologize for loving your pet. I am sorry you have to go through this

Hugs

Lori

[Sally]

Absolutely not. Do not be embarrassed or even perplexed. Our animals treat us better than our humans in so many ways. Unconditional love, for one. When I had to have my Marmalade ( ) put down, I almost died. Thank goodness I brought home another cat, Abby, to help me through the mourning process. To cry over the pain of an animal takes a special kind of person. Let the tears flow.

Lots of love,

Sally