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anxiety with nausea

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Posted 3/22/2011 4:15 AM (GMT 0)
Around christmas eve i got the stomach flu, i threw up once but never again. I've had constant severe nausea since then. It has been 3 months now and doctors dont know what is going on with me. My family doctor sent me for for a heidiscan, ultrasound, and an upper GI with a small bowel. I'm not pregnant. I've had a lot of blood work as well. My doctor ended up sending me to a stomach doctor who doesnt know what could be going on with me because the symptoms dont match up. I also have a fear of throwing up.. I know everyone says that but its very difficult for me to even talk about it. This nausea is taking over my life and is even effecting my job now. I've been calling off because i dont want to move out of my house. I've tried almost every over the counter products for nausea. Should I go to the emergency room or will they just laugh in my face? I just need something so i can get rid of this nausea.
Posted 3/22/2011 6:49 AM (GMT 0)

It sounds like you have a kind of post traumatic stress problem related to your vomiting episode on Christmas eve. You said you have a fear of vomiting and can't even discuss it, so the nausea could well be psycological. If that's the case, you should see a psychologist/psychiatrist for help getting over your fear of vomiting. Anxiety itself can cause nausea also. I would ask your primary doctor to refer you to a psychiatrist. 

God bless!!!!

                                       Tom

Posted 3/22/2011 6:50 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, that is a long time to be nauseated. Could you list any medications, over the counter minerals, supplements, or treatments you are taking? There so many physical and emotional causes for nausea, I can understand why you have been having a tough time pinning it down.
My nausea is caused by a mild allergy reaction to a prescription medicine that I must take. It took three er visits before we figured it out. When it gets bad, I use a cold cloth on the back of my neck, antihistamine and phenergan. Have there been any changes in your environment during that time? New carpet, furniture, animal, anything?
Any changes in your life that might be causing an increase in anxiety? I also get nausea when I am worried. Let us know as much as possible.
Call your doctor before going to the er. I don't know enough about you to feel confident advising you. You can get prescription phenergan at a 24 hour pharmacy. It would at least get you through the night.
Please keep in touch.
SZm
Posted 3/22/2011 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
my doctor prescribed me ativan and zofran for the nausea.. the zofran didnt work and the ativan only worked for 2 days.. as far as over the counter goes, you can walk into a drug store look at the nausea section and i have tried everything. i've tried ginger tea to sea bands, to dramamine and bonine to emetrol and even nauzene chewable tablets.. i've tried the traditional gingerale, cola syrup, just eating bland foods and nothing worked.. im just worried that my doctor is getting annoyed with me because im calling him every other day and hes not doing anything for me.. thats why i asked if i should just go to the emergency room.
Posted 3/22/2011 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi emho and welcome. I am sorry that you are having a rough time with this right now. It is miserable to be nauseous! I have also struggled with this problem, and for me I believe it is two-fold.

I believe that when I'm stressed/anxious, my stomach over-produces acid, which in turns causes nausea, which causes more anxiety....you get the pattern. Have you tried treating for GERD/heartburn? Sometimes the only symptom you may have is nausea. Not everyone get the acid reflux/heartburn feeling. I treated mine with probiotics. Acidolphilos, Keifer, Yakult are a few to try. They also sell probiotic capsules, which are super easy to use. This should help restore balance to your whole digestive system.

Other that the ideas that you have been given here, I can only suggest looking into therapy to help you deal with the anxiety and emetophobia. These are very treatable, and you may find that the nausea subsides quickly and permanently!

Good luck and let us know how it goes. Post anytime!
Scaredy Cat
Posted 3/22/2011 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi emho and welcome to HealingWell.

I am sorry you are having such a tough time.  I am wondering if your Dr. has ever suggested you see a therapist as it feels to me like your episode at Christmas set off a "what if ?" reaction.  Everyday you get nausea and then the anxiety kicks in because you fear vomiting.  It does sound like you have an anixiety disorder known as emetophobia - a fear of vomiting.

Strange as it may sound, this fear is common.  Very few “normal” people understand what it’s like to contend with this. Since panic attacks/anxiety often give us that nauseous “butterflies in your stomach” feeling, the fear of feeling nauseous makes us nauseous.

I agree you may want to see one more physician, a  gastroenterologist to check you out for GERD.

Again a warm welcome to you and keep on talking with us.

Kindly,

Kitt



 

Posted 3/23/2011 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
so do you think i should go to the emergency room if its the night time and i cant sleep because the nausea is so overwhelming?
Posted 3/23/2011 3:17 AM (GMT 0)
I deal with this also. My drs thought it was from reflux but I've had surgery 3 times and every med possible and nothing helps. It hits way worse whenever I leave the house. I've tried Zoloft and Prozac for anxiety and they didn't help. I can't eat or drink without feeling nauseous. It's gotten to the point where I sit in the bathroom for hours until I start to fall asleep. I really wish I had an answer but I'm in the same boat.
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