gastritis

[Kimbad1990]

Hello all,

Please anyone with gastritis, I have a few things I need to ask… health anxiety here too!

1. Once you’ve had gastritis, once, does it tend to be a condition that “flares up”? That’s how mine seems and I just want to know if that’s normal, I suppose?

2. If you have flare ups, are these directly linked to stress / anxiety? I’m a highly anxious person and know I’ve been stressed recently (I had shingles last week) and it seems to have come on again since then?

3. I still have PPIs left from when I was suffering a few months ago, should I continue to take these when/if I get a flare up?

Also, I have had h~pylori test and that was negative.

I am currently having CBT for my health anxiety and trying really hard not to think the worst/ constantly phone the GP about the same thing so anyone who relates please do let me know if this seems like a “regular” gastritis issue. I really would appreciate it.

Thank you 😊

[ParkSchool5]

Hi, sorry to hear about your Gastritis and anxiety. I was diagnosed with Gastritis five years ago and it's a case of managing the symptoms as best you can from day to day as it never really goes away. I too suffer from awful anxiety and the two are definitely linked, as stress increases stomach acid production. I take a low dose PPI every day and Gaviscon at night. Diet is a big contributor for making symptoms worse. I can't eat fried food, chocolate, tomatoes, soft fruits (only bananas), no alcohol or fizzy, acidic drinks. It's quite miserable but you soon get used to what to avoid. I hope you find some relief soon. Try some deep breathing exercises and try to be aware of tight stomach muscles from anxiety and relax the muscles when possible. I hope you find some relief soon. Regards.

[SableBandit]

once you’ve had gastritis I believe you will always be prone to it. I know I am. Have had it too many times to count over the last 17 years. Check and see if you have a hiatal hernia. This is a major cause of gastritis.

The stomach lining gets weak and it may repair itself but it will never be like it was before. It will always be weak.

Stress and anxiety are really bad for gastritis.

I wish you wouldn’t take the ppi’s. They are bad news. If you have to take something then try an h2 blocker like Pepcid but this still has its drawbacks. I am currently having acid rebound from Pepcid and let me tell you, this is no joke. Severe depression so I had to quit them. I am using charcoal and slippery elm and Gaviscon to manage. Of course a bland diet is key. You can also use PepZinGI which helps heal the stomach lining. It takes 2 months but it really works and so much safer than ppi’s.

[Curlywurly80]

Hi...I can relate to everything you have mentioned especially with anxiety.I had stomach ulcers over 30 years ago and was prescribed Omeprazole and also told I had Gastritis. At the time I also had to have repeated gastroscopies but the last one I had caused a panic attack and I couldn't breathe which now scares me so much about having another.

I have taken omeprazole daily since then but recently been told I have silent reflux and to increase the omeprazole.

I am so so anxious I cannot describe. I have been referred to talking therapy but I don't think this will help.

We are told the anxiety increases acid which doesn't help but when you are an anxious person it is so difficult.

[Kimbad1990 in reply to Curlywurly80]

I’m so sorry you’re suffering too.

I have now completed CBT it’s helped me abit more logical but as I’m still suffering with on/ off symptoms of gastritis I am still a worrier about this.

I know I don’t always make the right choices with food but I don’t understand my gastritis at all and that’s what causes my anxiety. Sometimes I can go weeks with no symptoms, I can pretty much eat what I like and be normal and then other times I am suffering and feeling sick daily and taking medication.

Its very frustrating and I’d love to take a magic pill and for it all to settle down.

What are you main symptoms?

[Curlywurly80 in reply to Kimbad1990]

Thank you for your reply. My main symptoms are discomfort in my chest and feeling like I have something in my throat. Like you this isn't all the time and weirdly has worsened since seeing the ENT Dr and increasing the omeprazole to 40mg and taking gaviscsn after each meal and at bed time.

I am totally overwhelmed with anxiety an don't understand. I have now got it in my head that there is something seriously wrong and I'm not going to be around much longer.

I know I don't make the right choices with food but thinking enjoy it while I'm here

Wish there was a magic pill that would help.

[Kimbad1990 in reply to Curlywurly80]

I can’t tell you the amount of times a doctor has told me I’m potentially making things worse because stress and anxiety have a direct link to stomach issues and acid. I’m sure that’s what we’re doing but it’s so hard!

reach out anytime x

[Curlywurly80 in reply to Kimbad1990]

Thank you. But I keep thinking they say that but they don't know for definite x

[Louise_86 in reply to Curlywurly80]

Hi I’m having similar symptoms. Are you feeling better?

[Curlywurly80 in reply to Louise_86]

Hi....I've not been too bad lately tbh. Hope you're ok