GI doctor

[rgarza3895]

Finally made an appointment to see a GI doctor. I have barely been eating for the past few weeks. I haven’t been hungry at all. I have to force myself to eat. I feel weak and lightheaded a lot. My stomach always feels so uncomfortable and sometimes it hurts a lot. I’m hoping I will get some answers soon. My anxiety really affects my stomach and when my stomach acts up I get more anxious. I know it won’t hurt me but it’s super uncomfortable. I eat pretty well when I do eat. Just plain things. Trying to figure out where to get nutrients. I’m nervous about driving to the doctor as well. And just having to sit there while he runs tests. I guess it needs to be done though.

[Hb2003]

That has happened to me a lot I literally forceMyself to eat food when I am sick even though it’s bad

[rgarza3895 in reply to Hb2003]

Yeah I’m kind of concerned with how little I am eating. But there’s not much I can even stomach. Most everything makes me bloated nauseous and gassy

[Hb2003 in reply to rgarza3895]

I’m so sorry about that 😞 I have sometimes bad acid reflex and other stuff it’s horrible to live with sometimes

[Hidden in reply to Hb2003]

I agree, Hb, it really can be horrible. I have tried so many elimination diets, such as gluten free, dairy free, meat free, you name it. Nothing helped, it is due to my GAD. I now know this, finally.

[rgarza3895 in reply to Hidden]

Snowdaze what have you done that has helped? I’ve always had stomach issues but since my anxiety and panic has gotten so bad, it’s gotten a lot worse.

[Hidden in reply to rgarza3895]

Okay, you asked, lol! I think if I mention Claire Weekes one more time on this forum everyone is going to roll their eyes and think, "oh no, not again." ☺️

Seriously, once I read the book and discovered just how much our anxiety can affect our digestion, it was like an "aha" moment for me. The churning stomach is mentioned more than once in the book and it was an eye-opener for sure.

So, now that I am aware of how much of a role GAD played in my digestive distress, it has magically become less of an issue in the last several days. Go figure. 😉

I am able to face and accept this now and am no longer worried that I have some sort of physical problem or health issue that will be the end of me. Instead, I am now confident that as time passes and I apply the techniques that are spelled out in the book, these digestive issues will begin to subside even more. There is not a problem with my stomach at all, it's all about the anxiety. Rid myself of the anxiety and bye bye digestive issues.

Now, all of that said, I have been to the doctor/doctors so many times about my stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, cramping, etc, etc. and have been given a clean bill of health each and every time. Sorry, nothing is wrong, that we can find???

It is important to rule out any real physical cause of our issues. 👍

[rgarza3895 in reply to Hidden]

I made a post about that book a few days ago! I just got it and have barely started reading it. I’m still trying to get used to looking at my stomach pain differently. I’m just in the beginning stages.

[Hidden in reply to rgarza3895]

Yes, I saw and responded to your post, at least I think I did. 🙃 My memory plays tricks sometimes. ☺️

Once you have read the book, maybe even twice, which is what I am doing now, you will begin to see what I mean. I hope it helps you like it has helped me, this would be wonderful.🙏🏻

[rgarza3895 in reply to Hidden]

That would be great

[rgarza3895 in reply to Hidden]

I am still going to the doctor for the peace of mind though. I’m assuming it is just anxiety but every now and then I get lost in the negative thoughts so I figured it would just put those thoughts to rest.

[Hidden in reply to rgarza3895]

Absolutely! Keep that appointment. I wish you the best.

[Hb2003 in reply to Hidden]

I’ve tried gluten free diet for a few days it didn’t help at all

[Hidden in reply to rgarza3895]

Oh how I can identify. 😕

[Hidden]

I sympathize with you, rgarza.💗

My anxiety causes the exact symptoms that you describe. It can be pretty awful. It is always about my stomach/digestive system. Anxiety affects so many of us this way.

I think it is important to eat small meals when you do get an appetite. Getting some fluids can be helpful, something like vegetable soup broth can actually give you some nutrients, without making you feel full. Eating too much, even when I am hungry, can work against me. I am sure you know how this is.

Do keep us up to date after your appointment. I hope there is something the doctor can advise to help you feel better. 🌸

[Agora1]

Hi rgarza, I'm glad you have made an appointment with th eGI doctor.

If you are not eating and getting the nourishment your body needs, you will

continue to feel weak/dizzyheaded. A good nutrient supplement might be

Boost or Ensure. Good Luck at your appointment. Let us know when you've been there. xx

[Broken1971 in reply to Agora1]

I was going to say this. I take a protein shake or an ensure when I have stomach troubles. They go down easy.

[Agora1]

Many years ago when my anxiety had become so overwhelming causing stomach

bloating and discomfort, I too saw a GI specialist. The first thing he asked me is

how much gum I chew every day. I thought that was an odd first question. He continued to explain that severe anxiety causes us to swallow a lot of air throughout the day. Even when

not eating. The constant swallowing can cause these stomach issues that really don't have

an organic cause.

Just a thought to share. xx

[rgarza3895 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you! I actually haven’t chewed gum in about 2 years. I may be swallowing a lot of air since I have allergies and am sniffling a lot. I’ve heard to try boost or ensure but those both have dairy I’m pretty sure and I try not to eat dairy. Is there any other substitute?

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

I remember burping a lot when I had high anxiety.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Also high anxiety can cause gastritis which isn't serious most of the time can be cured by eating better foods.

[rgarza3895 in reply to Hidden]

Yeah I burp a lot lol

[Funkyfaerie in reply to rgarza3895]

Just a thought...When I was suffering from bloating, stomach issues and burping a lot, I did a bit of research and came across "Aerophagia" I had never heard of this before, but it fitted all my symptoms, it is just... Swallowing too much air! And apparently people with anxiety suffer it a lot, its harmless, but can cause many symptoms, it's about control...

Google Aerophagia and have a read.

[Hidden]

I wish you well I wouldn't worry too much you know how we who are anxious always think it's going to be the worst. Just out of curiosity if you eat fatty foods does your stomach freak out? Or does it happen with most anything you eat.

[rgarza3895 in reply to Hidden]

It happens with most anything I eat. It either hurts bc I’m hungry or it hurts bc I ate. When I eat chicken noodle soup my stomach is okay but that’s almost all I’ve been eating and I’m tired of it

[Hidden]

When my gallbladder went south I had a lot of stomach issues when I ate anything that had fat in it. Also many times my poop was either a bright green color or black. Sorry I know that's kind of gross.

[rgarza3895 in reply to Hidden]

No it’s fine. I’ve just had a bunch of diarrhea. Nothing really solid for the past week

[Midori in reply to Hidden]

I remember the gall bladder problem; had it out and much better, apart from Herman the Hernia where the scar herniated!

[FrenchyfromPA]

Well, I don't have any loss of appetite like you but sometimes when I have to much anxiety I get very bad acid reflux and with a hiatal hernia it's even worse.. Try to avoid anything spicy but eat a lot of food rich in fiber unless it gives you diarrhea of course!

[rgarza3895 in reply to FrenchyfromPA]

Thank you!

[TassiliMar]

Good for you for getting the courage to make an appointment!In my case, all the stomach problems are caused by gastroparesis- where the pyloric sphincter is not working properly to send my dinner on its merry way through my intestines. It can be associated with diabetes. I occasionally wake up in the middle of the night to vomit up the dinner I had eaten 8 hours prior.

Im not sure of this but I surmised the gas /belching nasty flavors / pain was caused by the food in my stomach starting to decay?

What helps with me is eating well-chewed soups/stews/oatmeal, more liquid foods with a beverage at meal time.

Also, just for fun, after eating I’ll dance/ jiggle/bounce around to let gravity help get the food down. Heavy Metal works best. Lol

Cheers, Tass