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anxiety/ gastritis again!!!

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Posted 10/19/2016 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
I have had health anxiety or just anxiety in general starting at 26 years old, I'm now 42.
I commented on another thread about my long struggle with stomach issues and anxiety which many gastro's will tell you cant happen.
For me, anxiety has caused semi - continual gastro issues for about 16 years or more. I've had probably 6-7 endoscopies/ colonoscopies that have only showed max - mild to moderate gastritis and esophagitis and sometimes I had pain but normal scopes. I've also had MRI's, CT's, ERCP... You name it i've had the test.
Over the years I developed LPR and it just isn't fun.
Now, after months of anxiety, my stomach is hurting again. Not a good combo for a health anxious person.
You would think after this long I would have stuff under control but the mind is a powerful thing. all it took was noticing irritation in my mouth from reflux and it just kept getting worse. Its stupid because my wife gets LPR for other reasons and I still freak and obsess.
Today I got strict with my diet finally and I hope things calm down. My 2 most irritating things are a pain just above my belly button which my gastro has always said is to low to be my stomach and the other is LPR(reflux into throat and mouth).
I've never had heartburn or any typical symptoms.
I'm stressed to say the least and my mind keeps going in wrong directions.
Posted 10/19/2016 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi German and welcome back...

...although I am sorry it is due to returning gastro issues.:( I think just about everyone here can tell you that you are not alone...and there is a definite connection between the mind and the gut!!

It is good that you are seeking to make dietary adjustments. Be sure and keep a journal, so you know your safe vs. trigger foods. Also, do you take a daily pro-biotic? This helped me when I was having stomach issues caused by anxiety.

What is your current anxiety management regimen? If you don't currently have one, I would encourage you to check out our Resources here and start working through the self help suggestions there. If you would like me to post some of my favorites for you directly here in this thread...just let me know, and I'll be happy to do so.

If you find you need more help with your treatment plan, talking with your doctor about medication and/or a therapy referral would be the next move.

There is help and hope...best wishes on taking these steps to find your best strategy for feeling your best.:)

Scaredy Cat
Posted 10/19/2016 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
As much as I admit fully that I have anxiety issues I was raised to "drink a cup of coffee, man up and go to work". I don't fit the bill of a typical anxiety case. I say this after treating patients with anxiety while being fire/ medic for 10 years. I do take some meds and practice my religious beliefs to get by. Most people I'm close to have no idea I struggle.
Posted 10/20/2016 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
So sorry you're having an anxiety and gastro flare up. They two can be very related!

You should for sure go talk to your doctor about how you're feeling - specifically the anxiety. Maybe a medication adjustment or a therapy referral would be helpful. There are a multitude of options out there for you.

Strength to you!
Posted 10/20/2016 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
I am the same way...if I tell someone about my anxiety struggles...they are pretty shocked...

Part of recovery is finding that balance of when to push through the challenges...

...and when to pull back, and give ourselves permission to 'circle the wagons'.

It's a process, and a continuous journey to find our healthiest and happiest state. Keep up the good work.:)

S.C.
Posted 10/20/2016 8:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi German
Sorry your struggling...
Stomach.. anxiety... stomach.. Oh my i always think its like the chicken and the egg.. Which came first?
I have pro biotic yogurt at least 2x daily to help my gut.
And neither can i eat too much bread.
A recent flare up of gall stones set my anxiety levels off the scales and it was my own fault chocolate, cakes, fats etc:
I managed to get the gall stones under control by diet (and lose a stone) the anxiety not so easy ☹

Good luck and i hope you find some respite x
Posted 10/21/2016 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
German I totally feel your pain. I just logged in here to see if others were feeling what I am and here's your post!
I'm sorry to hear how you're feeling.
Like Gilly says, not sure which comes first, anxiety or stomach issues.
I've recently started drinking Kefir and it's helped a lot with my reflux. Loads of probiotics in it.
Meditation is another helpful tool. Be well.
Posted 10/23/2016 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
my stomach seemed to calm down a little but I had a soda and some "stomach unfriendly stuff" plus ran out of H2 blocker I use with PPI when things are intensifying and I feel it rebounding just a bit. No heartburn, like I said, I just get stomach pain and regurgitation( irritates my tongue and mouth).
pain seems to be moving around in there a bit so i'm feeling more that it is gastritis and overall irritation again. My symptoms are pretty consistant with how i've gotten flares in the past. I either get regurgitation for a while until I notice stomach pain or I notice it all at the same time. Stress seems to be a consistant precursor as well.
Its crazy how you forget how you've felt in the past and the same exact pain can mess with your mind and having you thinking " uh-oh, it's never felt like this before". I'm not even under the impression it should feel the same but seems hypo's always try to make things match up. I guess it's a coping mechanism.
I'm thinking i'm going to need to be a good compliant boy for a few weeks pertaining to my diet to get things to calm down back to what I experience as normal. Feedback is always appreciated. Thanks for the comments thus far.
Posted 10/23/2016 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi german,anxiety and gastro problems do go hand in hand.
Posted 10/24/2016 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
G.,

I am hoping that between your meds, careful eating and overall stress reducing skills...that you will get back to a good place soon!

Keep us updated, and we'll keep you encouraged. :)

S.C.
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