Nausea,vomiting and diarrhea. I am new here.

[India50]

My husband died 4 years ago. We were incredibly close. We were joined at the hip for 40 years. He had Dementia with Lewy Bodies and I was his sole caregiver for his last 7 years. I live alone. Family on the other coast. After he died I starting having anxiety attacks and would start vomiting and having diarrhea at the same time. It would always happen when I flew to visit my children. It lasts about 6 hours. I have passed out. I saw a psychologist after the first year, and he was wonderful. I had an endoscopy and colonoscopy. Nothing was found. I only take Xanax when I travel and only sparingly. Do not want to become addicted. I also take an anti-nausea drug, Ondansetron. If I take it at the very first whiff of nausea, it stops the natural progression. I meditate. I go to Yoga. I take deep breaths. When I travel, I plug into my IPod touch, listening to meditations and classical music, which helps a lot. I carry a plastic bag, just in case. All of this helps. I have not seen my psychologist in over a year. He felt that I was self-aware and knew what to do, so he cut me loose. I have lovely friends and decided to take the pain of grief and use it to help others so became a volunteer chaplain. The nausea happens often when I have ordered food at a restaurant, and the first whiff tells me not to eat it. It is a daily struggle.

[Wrinkledpetals]

i havent been able to eat properly and have a constant bloated feling, accompanies by nausea, Im nearly postive this is anxiety.

I have lost so much weight in the past few months because my stomach wont allow me to eat normally

I feel for you, I hope you get better soon

[Hidden in reply to Wrinkledpetals]

Awwww a feel for you you've had it tuff we're here to be friends and support each other, a wish u well xxx

[India50 in reply to Wrinkledpetals]

Thank you for your kind words. So very sorry that your stomach is causing you so much trouble with anxiety/nausea and bloated feeling. Are you able to see a psychologist who may be able to help you? Or family and friends you can draw support from?

There are meds which can help with the nausea.

Keep in touch.

[Angep Star]

Hello India, I'm really sorry to hear about your husband. It must be so hard for you. I'm not surprised you have anxiety now. I know your family live away but do you have anyone at all close by you? Who can offer you any support?

[India50 in reply to Angep]

I am lucky to have good friends, other widows and other chaplains who are good at listening. In the end, getting through grief is hard work. I expect that getting through anxiety is hard work too. I am still searching for the best ways to deal with anxiety involving meditation, reading, distractions, walking, Yoga, and especially placing my thoughts in a place of gratefulness. Thanks for your reply.

[Angep Star in reply to India50]

I'm pleased you have that support for yourself🙏🏻Grief is a long painful process and in no particular order do you feel the different parts of it because we are all different.one day at a time as they say.Hopefully one day you will smile again when you think of your lovely husband because it's not so painful. God bless you and keep you strong x

[Agora1]

India50, I am so sorry for your loss. How blessed you both were to have each other as well as the closeness you shared. I can understand all the symptoms you are going through but admire your strength in becoming a volunteer chaplain to help others going through the emotional pain of life. It does sound like a daily struggle, but you have found a reason and a purpose for your life now. I wish you continued strength. x

[India50 in reply to Agora1]

I do indeed feel very blessed to have had such a deep love for 40 years. Of course, the deeper the love, the deeper the pain but you are right, it was worth it. Drawing from this love which does not die when the beloved dies, is what I am able to use to have compassion for all the patients I see. It is a small thing, but I hope to make a little difference for the better. In the end, my husband is no longer here so I feel that I must enjoy life as much as possible and for two now. Thanks so much for your concern.

[Agora1 in reply to India50]

India50, may peace fill your heart. x