Emetophobia with IBS and Anxiety

[AnnaElizabeth]

Hey y'all. This is my first post ever. I'm Anna, and I'm 17 years old. I have IBS-C as well as emetophobia. Right now I have a sinus infection/cold. I have post-nasal drip year round, but when I'm sick, and it goes into my stomach, it triggers my IBS as well as my acid reflux. So currently, I'm not feeling too well. I'm constantly scared of having a sv, because I had one in May and now I'm terrified even more. Any advice? I've already taken 3 tums tonight but I still don't feel well. (It doesn't help that I'm nervous, either. I have a flu shot tomorrow, and I'm scared of needles.)

[canonguy]

if you don't feel well i wouldn't suggest getting a flu shot! as for the stomach, i always suggest some warm water and lemon to settle it. good luck and welcome
1

[jkl81]

Canonguy is right. If you have any infection severe enough to cause a fever you should wait on the flu shot. It's marginally early for one anyway, as they typically only provide about 6 months of protection. I try to get mine in October or November as Influenza is usually all but gone from Florida by April 1, and doesn't ordinarily show up until around Thanksgiving at the earliest.

[MichelleS]

Around here they won't give a flu shot unless you are well. I would get the sinus infection treated and the post nasal drip. I have problems with that also all year round. It can really make you feel yucky. You might need something stronger than Tums. Make sure your diet isn't containing a lot of caffeine and greasy foods. Those can irritate not just iBS but reflux. As for worrying about a sv protect yourself the best you can with washing your hands for twenty seconds and keeping your hands away from your face. You will be fine.