Anxiety & Digestive disorders

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum.

Anyone suffers from Digestive problems because of anxiety? I have had recurrent bouts of gastritis since 1999 which makes me depressed. I started having real depression after the birth of my second son in 2009. Then in 2011 I took up a real stressful job and started suffering with anxiety and since 2014, I end up with what they call nervous dyspepsia (nervous stomach) after the gastritis clears up and it is a very painful and debilitating condition. I start having paresthesia or pins and needles in my stomach that escalates to full blown nerve pain. Lately I started having panic attacks every morning, because it seems like my nervous system is really active on mornings and the feeling in my stomach makes me feel anxiety. I never know what to eat because it seems like what's good one time starts bothering me the next time. It's so frustrating.

I've been to the G.I. specialist for the stomach but they don't know how to treat with the dyspepsia, they only continue to prescribe the Nexium for the stomach acid, but this doesn't help this problem.

My doctor referred me to the Psychiatrist. I went to two different ones because one apparently doesn't believe in using medicine but is doing psychotherapy because anxiety starts in the mind. The other thinks that alone cannot help when one reaches to this point of having physical ailments or psychosomatic disorders. So now I'm on a short course of Lexotan for the anxiety & Valdoxan for depression.

Does anyone have any experience or suggestions on how to avoid this or deal with Dyspepsia, not just Gastritis or GERD.

I am currently going through what has been the worst bout I've ever experienced.

From what I've gathered from different medical persons is that the digestive system and anxiety do tend to go hand in hand for some people. I've had anxiety since I was a child, and IBS too. I was in labor with my first child with contractions every 3 min. (he was born just over an hr. later) before I realized I was in labor and not just having a normal attack caused by anxiety. It's gotten worse as my anxiety has evolved into other gut issues.

I really don't know much about dyspepsia, so not help there. But, when I'm in pain as far as the digestive system goes I try my hardest to deep breath and relax. I consciously work toward relaxing my muscles because it helps take my mind off of what's going on. And, because it hurts less it brings my anxiety down.

Actually, I recently read and article or a video or...I can be forgetful but somewhere that says that the brain and gut have a link to each other and that they communicate. They are saying the gut is basically like another brain. It was interesting but for me the jury is out until more evidence.

MFW,

Yes, have a look and give a go at anything that looks helpful for you. The 'Stress Relieving Exercises' link is full of good stuff.

Post with us anytime for sharing and support!

S.C.