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Anxiety / Stress = Gastritis?

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Posted 3/29/2015 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I recently had a colonoscopy and endoscopy. I was told that I have chronic inflammation (mild gastritis). I was also told that all my blood work was normal and my gastritis is a direct result of my severe anxiety and stress. I don't want to believe that anxiety or stress can do this to my body. Anyone else deal with this? I do have IBS according to the GI doctor. And without a doubt I do suffer with SEVERE amounts of anxiety which I guess would lead to stress??????
Posted 3/29/2015 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
Oh yeah it can. Unfortunately, digestive system is the first one to get effected by stress.

As a person whose entire family suffers from different digestive issues (including peptic ulcer, gastritis, colitis and IBS) I know very well how anxiety/stress can cause (and also aggravate) those conditions.
Digestive distress + anxiety is the nastiest vicious cycle for us all. The more you have anxiety, the more digestive issues you will have = more stress :( Goes on and on and on...

Though, it's easy to manage. Gastritis my mom have had all her life (alongside peptic ulcer). She found out exercise and eating light meals helps her a lot. Even her peptic ulcer healed over years. Now she is totally symptom free. Such conditions are totally reversible, no worries.

Try to focus on exercise and other things. I know it's very hard. But you can reverse that cycle. It is possible to break it.
If only we could just do it with a snap of fingers.

We are here for you!
Posted 3/30/2015 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
BT,

Sorry to hear of this dissapointing dx.:( I am sure that it is not what you wanted to hear...

...however as Rrakkma posted, it is a mangable issue.

Do you by any chance have a group health care type insurance? I know that Kaiser for instance offers stress reduction and management classes for those who suffer stress related issues such as ulcers...

Maybe this is something that you can look into?

If not, then continuing (starting again/increasing) your coping skills and therapy work would be a good next step to take.

This could end up being a diguised blessings in that you might be more in need of really keeping up with a strict regimen of stress relieving activities. (not to say that you weren't previously, but this could be a real motivator for daily practice.)

I hope that you can work out a plan to feel your best. Ask your doctor about all that he/she recommends, and feel good about the positive results for all of your other health test results.:)

Keep us posted as to your progress!

S.C.
Posted 3/30/2015 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
I'm really not sure what I would do without this support group - thanks so much! I am going to look into the healthcare.
Posted 3/30/2015 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
There is definitely a correlation between gastritis and anxiety//depression. Anxiety and stress can do some crazy things to the body. Take care of yourself as much as you can to keep the symtpoms minimal'
Posted 3/30/2015 9:59 AM (GMT 0)
Oh yes, I definitely have digestive issues related to anxiety and have all my life on and off. As many of you know, I have been in a period of severe anxiety for quite a few months (alot of outside stressors brought it on) and now my stomach/intestines are acting up big time. Everything I eat seems to bother my stomach and intestines. I get bloated and have constant gas and gas pains so of course, being a hypochondriac too, I am sure I have colon cancer. I have had these bouts in previous years only to have them subside after my anxiety lessens but sometimes they last for weeks and months! It's so distressing because I'm constantly feeling sick and/or uncomfortable, worrying that I have a bowel blockage or ulcers, or gall bladder disease or, as I said, the big C. I noticed the other night when I went out with my 7 girlfriends since high school (more like sisters) I ate everything and felt just fine ..... because I was actually relaxed, which I hardly ever feel, and for the next day or so I was just fine...only to have it return when the old anxiety started creeping in again. I think for alot of us our guts react severely to anxiety and I'm certainly one of them. I hope you can find some relief. I try to eat very light after 6pm and follow a strict diet when I'm going through this. However i will say that you should eat something, as sometimes an empty stomach can cause gastritis too. I feel for you because I know how much this can exaggerate your anxiety.
Posted 3/30/2015 12:06 PM (GMT 0)
I agree Andwes!
I started to believe more and more that one should eat meals in a calm/relaxed attitude, happy and all :)
It really makes a difference.
Posted 4/4/2015 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
Right now I'm dealing with a symptom that doctors are telling me are due to stress/anxiety. After certain foods I get extremely anxious and I feel off balance like I'm going to faint. After going #2 bathroom the symptoms go away...... I was told IBS / Vasal vagal response.... it's just so strange and I didn't always have this reaction.
Posted 4/4/2015 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Not really...symptoms can come on at any time...and even come and go/morph.

My IBS issues are really transient. I can be fine for the longest time, and then...out of the blue, they are back. Never a dull moment, lol!!

Working on your anxiety management and keeping a record of trigger foods should help to keep your symptoms to a minimum.

Peace and progress!

S.C.
Posted 7/20/2015 12:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi have any of you experienced depressed/anxious feeling only when symptoms of gastritis occur? When symptoms dies down the anxiety and depression goes away? :/
Posted 7/20/2015 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Sildasher, I'm happy you found us, but sorry to hear you are going thru gastritis and anxiety. This is a caring community that understand living with anxiety and the physical symptoms it creates.

Stomach issues and anxiety go hand in hand and it isn't abnormal to have stomach issues when you are having anxiety, or stomach issue cause the anxiety. I don't have gastritis but maybe some other members that do well weigh in.

In the meantime take a look at our resource thread on the top of the forum for links to self help coping skills and other information on anxiety. Also please feel free to start your own thread by clicking on the Post New Topic button on the upper left side. Just tell us about yourself and your life with anxiety that way more people will see your post and be able to welcome you.
Posted 7/20/2015 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi BT. As you already know from the other posts, yes, anxiety can cause or aggrevate IBS and GERD. I also had an upper endoscopy done a couple of years ago was diagnosed with stress induced gastritis. Stress and anxiety can definitely cause and/or aggravate those conditions.
Posted 7/20/2015 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
The problem is before this I don't have anxiety or major stress issues. Its so frustrating sometimes I just want to sleep and not wake up. Does this means I have to be on both gastritis and anxiety medication? I'm exhausted Idk what to do
Posted 7/20/2015 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately, anxiety and stress can do a lot to the body and cause gastritis; GERD, IBS and all kinds of disorders and diseases. In fact, anxiety and stress is the root cause to most disorders and diseases. My gastritis and GERD is stress related. The diagnosis however increased my anxiety to panic disorder level and unfortunately my GERD has progressed and now also includes IBS (but I've been told IBS is really hard to exactly pinpoint) - it's been a real challenge to start regulating myself again. Some days are okay and some are pretty miserable; but I'll get there. I'm now on a third prescription of gastritis/GERD medication as I grew out of the first one and the second one made me very very sick.

I am also now on anti-anxiety meds as well.

Your condition is common. The cause of it is common. We are all here to support eachother.

Have a good day!
Posted 7/21/2015 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
Sildasher,

Have you talked to your doctor regarding how you feel? This would be a first good step toward answering your question.

It sounds to me like you would rather not add another Rx to your regimen. ..

...so have you considered therapy for gain the tools to manage your anxiety regarding the physical issues?

I would recommend looking into this option if you've not done so already. It could be just what you need to help you feel your best body and mind!

Keep talking with us,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 7/21/2015 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Scaredy Cat. I have appointment with gastro this September. I truly believe the anxiety is a side effect of the inflammation/gastritis. I've never experienced this before. I thought I was depressed when it's actually just gastritis. I usually go to sleep when I start to feel anxious. Thank you for the support I really need it. I hope after healing this the thoughts would go away
Posted 7/21/2015 4:39 AM (GMT 0)
Well...you are not alone...many suffer with situational anxiety/depression as a result of their CI. (chronic illness)

I am glad to hear you have an upcoming appointment. You can discuss a treatment plan at this time...

...as well as inquiring about a possible group that might be meeting for support for those with CI and A/D.

S.C.
Posted 3/13/2016 11:46 PM (GMT 0)

BTurc said...
Right now I'm dealing with a symptom that doctors are telling me are due to stress/anxiety. After certain foods I get extremely anxious and I feel off balance like I'm going to faint. After going #2 bathroom the symptoms go away...... I was told IBS / Vasal vagal response.... it's just so strange and I didn't always have this reaction.


I just wanted to let you know that my buddy had the same exact feeling of dizziness and off balance. I've dealt with anxiety for 16 years which has caused gastritis, esophagitis, bowel urges, acidic bowel movements, etc... So he asked me what I thought when his doctors told him vagal response. I explained that after my 3rd endoscopy and only showing mild gastritis, I asked my gastro if stress could cause this? I was told no. After 16 years and speaking to literally hundreds of folks with anxiety that about 80% have a gastro issue with their anxiety.
Doctors also have a different view point about anxiety induced gastrointestinal issues.
Heck, I remember when gastros told people probiotics were BS.
Anyway, just wanted to let you know that others experience that same vagal response.
Posted 3/14/2016 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi german and welcome!

Thanks for your response on this thread.:) I agree that some professionals unfortunately miss the link between these issues...

Please post with us anytime for anxiety sharing/support!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 3/14/2016 2:28 AM (GMT 0)
I'm definitely one of those with a connection between dizziness / anxiety and gastro issues. I've found that when my anxiety and vertigo gets bad, a Nexium really helps. Not sure why except perhaps it's toning down my stomach acid which in turn settles inflammation. Funny thing is that my stomach isn't noticeably upset or irritated when I get these spells but something is amiss down there, lol...
Posted 7/20/2016 11:12 AM (GMT 0)

Sildasher said...
Hi have any of you experienced depressed/anxious feeling only when symptoms of gastritis occur? When symptoms dies down the anxiety and depression goes away? :/

Hi sildasher, for the past 8 weeks I have developed exactly the same thing. My stomach starts and I immediately started feeling depressed. That went on for 3 weeks before the dr put me on anti anxiety/depression tablets. So I've been on them nearly 5 weeks. They do seem to have helped but I still get feelings of depression and anxiety when my stomach starts or I have a bout of diarrhoea and I simply cannot control it. It's like a natural reaction. Like a wire going from stomach to brain that simply can't be stopped. My dr seems to think it's anxiety causing bad stomachs, but I think it's the other way round. And all I'm hoping is that once the anti depressants get up to full working order it will stop me getting depressed altogether.

And as for your question, well yesterday morning was the perfect example. Ate breakfast and shortly afterwards got the same twinge in my stomach and I was in despair in bed for a good 2 hours. My stomach then digested and I was able to tell myself that everything's gonna be ok. It's so weird how it's all beyond my control.

I never thought of it as possible gastritis till I read this thread, possibly cause by overuse of NSAIDs. Have a colonoscopy coming up so hopefully that will tell me something.
Posted 7/20/2016 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dave and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of these confusing and uncomfortable symptoms/physical/mental(?) issues...

It can be frustrating trying to pinpoint where a physical ailment and a mental challenge begin and end. At times they are comorbid...and can't even by distinguished from one another.

So going about it as you are...in a two pronged approach, and treating both issues is a good plan.

Continue to rule out gastro trouble, as you also use stress management techniques to get the best all around treatment.

Please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material. Practicing these coping skills daily will help you keep the anxiety as low as possible.

Post with us anytime for understanding and support.:)

Scaredy Cat
Posted 7/20/2016 5:48 PM (GMT 0)

Scaredy Cat said...
Hi Dave and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of these confusing and uncomfortable symptoms/physical/mental(?) issues...

It can be frustrating trying to pinpoint where a physical ailment and a mental challenge begin and end. At times they are comorbid...and can't even by distinguished from one another.

So going about it as you are...in a two pronged approach, and treating both issues is a good plan.

Continue to rule out gastro trouble, as you also use stress management techniques to get the best all around treatment.

Please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material. Practicing these coping skills daily will help you keep the anxiety as low as possible.

Post with us anytime for understanding and support.:)

Scaredy Cat

Hi and thanks for the response. It's always reassuring to hear advice from people who know. I actually had a colonoscopy booked for this week but stupidly, I had a great week last week and thought I was cured, this is my 1st time on anti depressants and didn't know how they work, and so cancelled the op. And lo and behold, within half an hour of cancelling I get what I can only imagine was an anxiety attack, my stomach started, and I think it was due to me starting to worry whether cancelling the op was a bad decision or not. Which certainly suggests anxiety is causing my upset stomachs. And vice versa as well at times. Now I have to wait probably another month to rearrange that causing more stress. I'm 4 weeks into taking citalopram and haven't had any anxiety since the 1st week so I'm hoping it's just the tablets levelling themselves out as I understand it can take a lot longer than 4 weeks to take full effect. And it could be that this week is just a bit of a comedown after my high of last week. I've read that citalopram are really good if you just stick with it and be patient and ride out the bad times so I hope it's the same with me.
Posted 7/20/2016 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Dave,

Oh gosh...wouldn't you know it...what timing, right?

Well, glad to hear you have another appointment set up...and you will get some answers soon.

Great that you are feeling quick relief from your Rx. I am sure you will continue to do well...and if your gastro issues do (or do not) make a change for the better as a result of taking your med...then that will be indicative...and should give you a clearer direction to take in treatment...either way!

Peace, progress and keep posting if you find it helpful.:)

S.C.
Posted 8/3/2016 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
I am new to this forum. I started experiencing gastritis issues since about June or July 2015, it as a mild stitch to an annoying burn to constant. I went to the doc, they told me pancreatitis, enzymes normal. Then they said ulcer - prescribed omeprezole, took them for a while, had an H Pylori test done (the omeprezole can interfere with the test). Negative on Pylori, negative on the endoscopy. I was drinking, smoking and living in a really stressful part of Philadelphis (I'm not a city person) was struggling to make ends meet while my gf finished school.

Shortly after moving back home the issues started and continued. One day I woke up and started having bad anxiety, feelings of impending doom. They got pretty bad and was put on Lexapro - it helps most the time. I never thought that stress and anxiety could cause gastritis I always thought it was the other way around. But I have been chatting with several people and lots of them say the stress and anxiety came first. I also just recently lost my grandmother, and this whole cycle of not knowing what is wrong or happening has definitely made it into a vicious cycle.

Im trying to stay hopeful and reduce my stress levels. I am having another H Pylori test done soon.

Any thoughts or suggestions? I am taking Slippery Elm for the burning pain but not sure what to take for the nausea.
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