Dealing with Anxiety After 5 Years with a Colostomy

I had an ileostomy for 3 years. It was reversed, and now I have a colostomy. After 5 years, I've started getting panic and anxiety attacks where I cannot stand having the bag and two-piece system stuck to my skin. I have no idea where it's come from. No other issues have changed in my life. Does anyone have any hints on how to help lessen this? I've tried walking my dog, riding a recumbent bike, and eating Popsicles. Doctors have prescribed a mild medicine that hasn't helped. I don't want to try stronger meds. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'll try anything!!!!!

If it were me, I'd try counseling and/or hypnotherapy.

When I first got my ostomies, I was very uncomfortable with them; it felt like they were trying to pull off of me. I spent all my time trying to hold the bags whenever I stood or walked. A support belt cleared that up for me.

But that was a different fear than the one you are struggling with. I can't think of an alternative approach besides counseling.

I agree you don't want to be taking strong drugs to deal with a permanent condition.

This happened to me after my blockage surgery last November. I've been an ileostomate since 2015, but it was like a brand new problem for me. My stoma is fine now, but it wouldn't stand up, and I was having leak issues. Even now, a little, I hate the thought of the maintenance of it.

However, I learned to take it day by day. I have a very supportive husband. I pray hope it's OK I mentioned that. And I just really am sticking to exercise and small things I enjoy. It's truly a mindset for me, and I have to focus on it every day.

I agree with Susan - counseling. I've never done it, but I think it's smart. My doctor prescribed lorazepam for me, but I refuse to take it. I have to beat it mentally; I have to.

Use whatever you can to get support and fight your way through this because you deserve it.

Jalrein, it could be a symptom of OCD, which could come out as anything all of a sudden, and therapy/meds (not the one you're on but maybe another one) can help.

Good idea! Some antidepressants can help with this; they are not strong or habit-forming. There might be other acceptable treatments, but I was hoping this would put the OP's mind at ease.

My Ostomy Journey: Keyla | Hollister

Are you taking any new meds that might be causing this problem? jb

Nope. Nothing has changed in life. It just happened one afternoon. I just couldn't stand having it stuck to me. I've tried a mild Rx from my doctor. It didn't help. It's gotten worse as the weeks go on. My sleep has gotten worse and worse. It never bothered me having this, and then bam, I can't stand it. I've spoken to a therapist for the past 5 weeks. I just don't understand why this happens now. 😕 😔 😟 🙁 😥 😞

Give hypnotherapy a try. It sounds like your mind just clicked out of line for a time.

Regards, IGGIE

There isn't necessarily a reason. These types of things can just bubble up to the surface for no reason. It's probably been sitting just below the surface for a while.

I actually think eefyjig nailed it as a symptom of OCD. Some doctors believe OCD is the result of a brain chemistry imbalance. Many people have mild OCD that doesn't require treatment. You've developed an obsession about things attached to your body, and with a stoma, that's not livable. You're going to need help to relieve this reaction. Ask your therapist if she agrees. It will give shape to your treatment plan.

Actually, hypnotherapy is effective for OCD if you want to avoid antidepressants.

Besides seeing a counselor, I try to avoid long-term pharmaceutical use, so I personally use and would recommend a combination of THC and CBD, and also look into Ashwagandha.

Hi Jalrein,

Try this radical approach. Prepare yourself. Put the bag on. Feel and experience the immense sensations of the panic attack. It will subside. Your autonomic nervous system will kick in, and you have experienced the fear and (hopefully) will not return.

I encourage you to find a psychologist or other therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders using cognitive-behavioral therapy. They should have the expertise to help you overcome your problem. If you're in the US, here's a link to find a CBT therapist by location: https://services.abct.org/i4a/memberDirectory/index.cfm?directory_id=3&pageID=3282

Anxiety tends to be very treatable by learning new ways to cope. What's been learned can be unlearned. Good luck!

Focus on how to move forward. Others have given very good advice. You can do this.

Not sure if this will help or not, but I think of my bag as a safety net.

I fully agree that it's not natural or pleasant to have something stuck to your body all the time, but I try to visualize how I'd get along without it and can't imagine what it would be like.