Hello I had a colectomy in 2006. I have had very few issues other than passing gas. My problem is severe anxiety. I love in a very small town that is very isolated. We do not have any doctor specialists anywhere near me. The doctors here know so little and I have little to no support when facing issues. I have severe anxiety about getting sick and having anyone touch me that shouldn’t be. I was misdiagnosis here and their treatments nearly killed me. I have no faith in their knowledge or experience with my condition. It has been nearly impossible to get an appointment with a specialist and I am unable to see the GI that did my surgery. I realize COVID has made it very difficult to find a doctor or travel. What helps everyone with anxiety? Does anyone know of a good GI in British Columbia Canada? Thank you
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I have anxiety too. What helps me: Exercising, staying in the moment and not thinking about the future. Deep breathing exercises. Thinking the words in my head: I am stronger than this, you will not beat me Satan", saying those things really work for me! And also, saying out loud the things that I am grateful for and thankful for, those things help me with my anxiety, especially anxiety from getting "ghosted".
Hope my tips help you 
Thank you Lauren. It does. 😊
@happymom posted:Thank you Lauren. It does. 😊
Your welcome! Forgot to say, sometimes I also say: you will not get inside my head Satan" That helps me a lot too!
It sounds like if you can find a good specialist, that might alleviate a good deal of your anxiety. I know how difficult it can be to find a good doctor. A lot of doctors are now offering telehealth visits, so even if you found someone a little ways away, maybe they would at least let you consult with them virtually if it is not something you need to have a physical exam for. I think it's understandable to feel anxious in your position.
Thank you Sara14. I really appreciate your response 😊
Hi Happymom,
Firstly, I am sorry you suffer from anxiety. You have gone through a lot it’s understandable. Anxiety can be treated. Have you connected with a therapist or a psychiatrist? I have been seeing a psychiatrist for 19 years every three weeks. He keeps me grounded. Seek some therapy, and there are also excellent medicines if you decide to go that route. Separately, when I am anxious, I write down what is causing me anxiety and it stays in the pad. When I get anxious about the topic I say to myself it’s in the pad - don’t obsess over it. Also, on the GI topic, a colectomy, in the realm of healthcare is reasonably common. Lots of GI doc can handle it. Possibly call a teaching hospital and ask for a GI, and try for a virtual meeting. Once you have a GI on board, your anxiety may moderate because now you have a plan.
Amazing advice Doug K! Thank you so much for your advice and suggestions. I helps so much to read these responses and advice. So glad I reached out ♥️
@Doug K posted:Hi Happymom,
Firstly, I am sorry you suffer from anxiety. You have gone through a lot it’s understandable. Anxiety can be treated. Have you connected with a therapist or a psychiatrist? I have been seeing a psychiatrist for 19 years every three weeks. He keeps me grounded. Seek some therapy, and there are also excellent medicines if you decide to go that route. Separately, when I am anxious, I write down what is causing me anxiety and it stays in the pad. When I get anxious about the topic I say to myself it’s in the pad - don’t obsess over it. Also, on the GI topic, a colectomy, in the realm of healthcare is reasonably common. Lots of GI doc can handle it. Possibly call a teaching hospital and ask for a GI, and try for a virtual meeting. Once you have a GI on board, your anxiety may moderate because now you have a plan.
Do you take medicine for anxiety Doug?
At different times I have taken Zoloft and Paxil and it helped me. I am not on anything right now.
@Doug K posted:At different times I have taken Zoloft and Paxil and it helped me. I am not on anything right now.
Glad your doing well, hope your home now