GERD, other GI issues and Anxiety

Hey Guys and Girls! Haven't been around in awhile because.....I haven't had a major problem with my GERD since about November. Still not sure if the Gallbladder surgery helped ease it or if it is the dietary changes...perhaps a combination of both along with what my compound pharmacist thought could be an underlying issue.

Since I was one of those folks that found this group probably in the middle of the night, exhausted, frustrated and completely drained from GI issues, felt like it was only fair that I come back and post with some of my results and findings to maybe help someone else out.

Many of us suffer with the anxiety terribly during our illness(es) and if anything like myself, that is one of the worst problems because you can't seem to stop it. So if you are having this issue (even if you aren't it is worth checking) after a long bout of gastro issues, surgeries etc please get yourself a 4 times a day saliva test and have your cortisol checked. The stress alone from battling these medical issues can really tax the adrenal system. I found out my cortisol was pumping out in mad ratios 24 hours a day (sometimes called Wilson's Syndrome). This in turn caused a thyroid hormone RT3 to jump up, which will cause one to feel like they are in a hypothyroid state. If the adrenal glands continue to function like this, the scale will eventually tip and you will then go into low cortisol levels and this is more difficult to recover from. All of this is known as Adrenal Fatigue. A good hollistic Doctor will know where to point you as far as treatment but you can also order your own saliva test without a script if you are concerned this might be a problem and then present it to your own GP. Also make sure your Gastro or GP checks your various mineral levels. Gastro issues will deplete your minerals very quickly and to add to that we change our diets so dramatically we might be missing out on those key minerals. My zinc was nearly nill back in October!

That saliva test was the best $120 I have spent through this mess. Now about 2 months into a treatment program and it is the most normal I have felt in YEARS! Done all of this with vitamins, minerals and natural supplements. The stress is minimal now, the anxiety is nearly gone, the gastro issues have greatly improved due to lack of stress no doubt. As we all know, stress is a huge key in our tummy issues and our tummy issues cause us more stress. Never ending cycle once it starts!

Don't get me wrong, when I slip up and eat something I shouldn't, can still get that familiar burn but it is short lived and treated easily with a DGL chewable or a pepcid. Still having some issues from the GB removal but think it is scarring, left over stone or constricted/blocked duct work. Also not saying this is what causes Gastro issue but more possibly a precursor, aggravator, or result of GI issues.

Know that everyone might not have this issue but just wonder how many of us have this going on as we battle on. If I help one person, then it is worth sharing my story.

There is a lot of information on adrenal fatigue/RT3 issues over on Stop The Thyroid Madness website. She also has the STTM adrenal group on FB. There is a Yahoo adrenal group and RT3 group. Dr Lowe has a good website on this too. Not sure if there is an Adrenal fatigue forum here or not, will have to look.

Again, hopefully my story can help one person if not more. Good health to you all!

Bethanie

hi, this is a very good info to look into for people like myself with chronic anxiety issues!

thanks.

Interesting info.  I am wondering how and if  medications would effect the testing especially for people taking the SSRIs for anxiety and depression ?

Also body temperature depends on metabolism which includes the effects of your surroundings, your nutrition, exercise and hormonal chemistry. Some variation is normal; wide swings are not. If your temperature is  fluctuating by .2 to .3 degrees is this a dependable indicator that something is wrong ? Women also have a fluctuation in temperature during their monthly cycle; how would you factor in these fluctuations ? 

Just asking as this whole theory is new to me and I always like to learn new things. Thanks for posting. I appreciate your bringing new info to the forum and sharing your personal stories as I am sure all the members do.

Kindly,

Kitt