Stomach issues anxiety related?

[Wxman]

About a month ago right when we were going into lockdown I started having some bloating and general stomach pain despite my anxiety level remaining about the same. After a few weeks of this I called my Dr. and he diagnosed me with diverticulitis and put me on an antibiotic. After a week no improvement so he sent me for Bloodwork and a CT scan. Everything ends up being normal yet here I am still having stomach and back pain. I've been fearing the worst and here I'm told its nothing serious probably just anxiety. Therapist says same thing. To me though the pain just doesn't feel like it's related to anxiety but a physical problem. Has anyone experienced something similar? I feel like I should see a gastroenterologist to be on the safe side.

[Agora1]

I would suggest a GI doctor as well Wxman. There is a strong connection

between the Gut and the Mind. Anxiety can affect the stomach and back

with IBS. A GI doctor is the way to go. Good Luck Wxman. xx

[Wxman in reply to Agora1]

Its weird though because its not IBS its pain in the stomach that radiates to the back. The pain is pretty continuous but it can be better at some times than others. I've also had anxiety for a while and know what that knot in the stomach feeling feels like and this is very different

[Agora1 in reply to Wxman]

I still feel that the GI doctor is the one who can address this issue. I hope you find

some answers and start feeling better. Wish you well. xx

[Hidden]

Yeah. I think you should see another doctor too. My SO had similar symptoms and he went to an urgent care and they said he was just really stopped up and had been taking too many antacids. It could be anything though. Good luck. (SO still has stomach problems and hasn't gone back to a doctor since.) I am not a doctor nor do I claim to know about this stuff. Just wanted to share.

[guynfl2chat]

I just came back from my doctor last week from having stomach/heartburn issues. It starts in the stomach and then causes some discomfort in my chest and sometimes back area. She did an EKG to rule out heart issues. We discussed IBS and she recommend IB Guard. It seems to really work for me. (its over the counter). She also prescribed a low dosage acid reducer that is better the the over the counter meds but I havent had to take it. I also have anxiety and I think it just makes my stomach situation worse when I dont take of it. I am on day 3 of gaviscon and IB guard. I do always recommend seeing a doctor, but sometimes its good to share issues with each other to try. Good luck!

[Hidden]

Anxiety and depression most definitely are related to stomach issues most often irritable bowel syndrome which can bring on bloating, gas intermittent diarrhea/constipation, acid reflux, nausea, pain in your belly,. I'm thinking Irritable Bowel Syndrome which there is no test for however you should see a Gastroenterologist for further consult. I have this myself.

Make sure you're taking a good digestive probiotic and add in a fiber supplement like metamucil if you don't already get enough from the foods you eat. Certainly discuss the possibility of IBS with your physician. There is no test to tell if you have IBS because it's a cluster of related symptoms but I'd keep a close journal daily and if you feel you need to see a Gastroenterologist then I think you should follow your gut and do so but please talk with your physician about Irritable Bowel Syndrome. ( IBS and irritable bowel disease are different so please note that)

There are medications that can ease your suffering. I have had IBS since I was 19 & I'm now 56. It's not fatal and doesn't get worse than what it is. A bland diet helps and exercise such as walking and lots of water. Please don't substitute my suggestion's for your doctor. You should consult with a Gastroenterologist as opposed to a Gastrologist. The first is more in depth.

As I said though talk to your physician first about this and keep a daily journal.

Feel better!

Gia7

[Sandieandie]

Yes you should absolutely be referred to a gastroenterologist to investigate the problem. Do not always accept what your Dr says as they are not specialized in any specific area. Good Luck

[Dinogirl89]

I have stomach problems. I too thought something was horribly wrong. I ended up seeing my family doctor and she ran tests and everything came back normal. I asked her if my anxiety could be causing this and she said possibly. After we discussed it, we agreed to raise the dose and since we did, I no longer have stomach problems

Good luck!