breathing and health anxiety

[Loftytopping]

Hi all. Much like yourselves it’s a long dotted history with IBS. I’m back dealing with a bout following a stomach bug and work stress. My whole system locked up and slowly became almost unbearable. This time it’s feeling as if my breathing is being placed under pressure as I’m so bloated. The odd times it’s lead to a few skipped heartbeats. I’ve had the stool tests again, the gastro noting how being very bloated can place pressure on the vagus nerve etc.

must admit this time it’s leading to quite a lot of health anxiety. I thought I was done with that. Does anyone else have the feeling of pressure on your breathing when bloated? I can tell whether my perception , and thus stomach muscles, is making this worse.

thoughts welcome. Thanks.

[Edgar77]

My heart misses a beat now and then. I have seen it on my blood pressure monitor. I feel it anyway. I wore a monitor for five days and the Doctor was not concerned??

[Loftytopping in reply to Edgar77]

yes I must admit I felt like my GP and gastro brushed this aside, with the latter making reference to the vagus nerve. If it’s quite common then this makes sense but didn’t help my anxiety around it.

[Agelesslass in reply to Edgar77]

I was on Amitriptyline for ins, it gave me palpitations so GP took me of that med,it’s one of its side effects

[Sallybt]

I to get heart arrhythmia particularly when my digestive system isn't working well. I've had it checked out many times including wearing a monitor and all seems OK. It has been more noticeable since having Covid last year.

[Loftytopping in reply to Sallybt]

Thanks for letting me know. The docs were quick to brush this aside as nothing to be urgently looked at. I’ve probably read too much into it but it completely unnerved me.

[RuthBlossom]

Hi there,

Firstly, I want to extend my empathy to you for what sounds like a particularly challenging time with IBS. Dealing with a stomach bug and work stress can really throw a wrench into things, can't it? It's understandable that your symptoms would flare up under such circumstances.

Feeling like your breathing is under pressure due to bloating can be really distressing. It's not uncommon for bloating to affect the diaphragm and chest area, especially when it becomes severe. The connection between bloating and the vagus nerve is something many of us with IBS are familiar with, and it's great that your gastroenterologist is aware of this aspect.

Health anxiety can definitely rear its head when symptoms become intense or unfamiliar. It's a tough battle, but please remember that you've overcome it before, and you can do it again. It's okay to acknowledge the anxiety and seek support for it.

Regarding your question about others experiencing pressure on breathing when bloated, you're not alone. Many in the IBS community have shared similar experiences. It's a delicate balance between the physical sensations and our perception of them, and it's completely understandable to wonder if our own awareness is exacerbating the discomfort.

Please know that you're among friends here, and your thoughts and feelings are valid. Keep reaching out for support, whether it's here or with your healthcare team. You've already shown incredible resilience in navigating this journey, and I have every confidence that you'll continue to find ways to manage and overcome these challenges.

Take care and be gentle with yourself.

Warm regards,

RuthBlossom