Gastrointestinal problems from anxiety

[amanita]

Hi there! 

I'm wondering if anyone has been through anything similar or has any advice as I feel lost and I've been trying for so long and just can't get better.

I've had health anxiety for many years, however the last two years I've developed quite bad stomach issues that are chronic now and never go. Which makes it very hard to live day to day life.

I have gord, chronic constipation, bloating/tightness which literally never goes away, its so bad to the point where I can't even breathe properly most of the time, burping, regurgitation, heart palpations, chest tightness, I get all kinds of weird feelings in my chest and stomach, abdominal tension, nausea, terrible digestion. 

I take tablets for the reflux and try so hard to not get anxious but I feel a bit stuck in a loop. My stomach problems are always there and I try not to let it trigger my health anxiety but it's so hard. 

I've talked to my doctor about it many times but she can't find anything wrong with me apart from maybe ibs.

It's debilitating and I feel hopeless at this point.

[Cerberus]

I'm sorry you're going through this - I have a bit of similar experience and it's absolutely awful. I hope you're okay. 

I've had issues with anxiety since I was a little kid, and I used to vomit whenever I got really stressed. I'm actually taking time away from my job currently because my burnout has been so bad I've been struggling with frequent nausea, cramping, vomiting, chest pain and heart palpitations (I have a mild heart condition, but anxiety makes it worse) over the last few months. All to say that, for me personally, anxiety, stomach and cardiac/vascular issues are definitely tied.

I'm not a doctor, but I've been listening to 'The Mind-Gut Connection' by Dr Emeran Mayer (a gastroenterologist), and he talks a lot about the connection between the body and the gut, I'd 100% recommend this - though it is pretty dense.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) has a complex range of interactions including in the gut and brain. 95% of serotonin is produced in the gut and it's one of the main neurotransmitters that people tend to talk about when they discuss anxiety/depression. It's also responsible for a range of gut functions like motility (bowel movement frequency), hunger, vomiting when poisons are discovered in the gastro intestinal tract, etc.  

There's a really good article on just how complex the interactions between serotonin and health throughout the whole body actually are here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5864293/

There's also a lot of research around the anxiety and inflammation relationship, that gut problems are often made worse by inflammatory responses in the body, and that inflammatory responses are also pretty well documented to cause anxiety (even temporarily in otherwise healthy people who receive a vaccine that causes temporary inflammation, for example). 

All to say, that I think it's definitely not just in your head and there's a lot of emerging research around this.   

If you aren't any any antidepressants, it might be worth discussing with your GP - as I understand there's a bit of evidence around SSRI in particular and alleviation of IBS symptoms. 

[Jess_96]

In sorry you're going through this,

I have recently had a very similar experience. I had gastritis for a couple of months where I had burning in my stomach and really bad bloating. It then turned into acid reflux, which sent me into a spiral because the chest pain really alarmed me. My doctor did so many tests and even wrote me a referral to a specialist. She told me she thought I had anxiety but I was in denial and didn't take the antidepressants she prescribed. When I saw the specialist he said the same thing, that I needed to manage my stress. 

I have now started taking the antidepressants (only day 5). My stomach issues have cleared up, I'm still taking the medication to stop stomach acid production for now. I wholeheartedly now believe that they are right and that my stress is what caused the stomach issues. I'm hoping that these antidepressants will kick in soon so that I can begin to better manage my stress and get back on track. 

All the best 

[amanita]

Hi Jess! Thank you so much for your reply! I have been prescribed antidepressants for my anxiety and my doctor and a specialist that I saw both said they would help my anxiety and in turn my stomach issues however I have yet to start taking them as I get quite anxious when trying to new medication. But I do feel more motivated to do it if you feel its helping you!

Stomach problems can be so horrible and debilitating and I don't think people realise until experiencing it themselves! 

[amanita]

Hello there! Thank you so much for your reply. All your information has been very helpful for me. I will definitely look up the mind gut connection.

I also had no idea about about serotonin being produced in the gut and I think that really interesting and definitely glad to have learn that.

I have been persecuted antidepressants however I haven't started taking them yet as I have some fear around starting new medications and side effects etc but I'm definitely feeling motivated to try and put that aside ad give them a go anyways!

[Scott_O]

You are not alone word for aord i deal with this have done for a few years now keep your head up

[Guest_36230970]

Hi Jess, hope this finds you in a lot better space than last year. I had gastritis in Dec, jan and feb now ongoing acid reflux. I’ve had anxiety and depression and IBS-C for a long time. My specialist wants me to reduce and stop acid producing medication. I am so depressed and anxious and on anti depressants. I suppose what I’m asking is has your acid reflux improved? Do you still take the antacid medication.

thankyou for reading 

[Bookgirl]

I often have this especially when i have a panic attack. I have had many and varied physical symptoms including having an EKG in emergency and ultrasounds etc.  I have found your mind has an incredible way of making you feel physical pain etc. It just seems to come with the condition and once you know and understand that it does make it easier.

[Annas1]

Hi fellow travellers,

I too have a very sensitive bowel and am going through a process of getting to the bottom of dietary triggers that contribute to the problem. It is such an inconvenient condition, and one that I probably have shame about. Realising this and trying to find solutions/management is my current path forward. So, it's a combination of acceptance (it's a sensitive gut), knowledge (how to manage my diet) and honesty (forgetting any shame) that I think will be the successful path to living life to the full.

Having a bad gut day today, but want to override the negative feelings that come with it and make the most of my day. Today's mantra - 'care for my guts' (rather than get hopeless and judgemental).

Go well all

[Kylie]

Hi there,

I'm really sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with your health anxiety and chronic stomach issues. It sounds incredibly tough to manage, especially when it impacts your day-to-day life so significantly.

While exploring natural approaches like isotonix can be appealing, especially when considering concerns about medications, it's important to approach this with caution and under medical guidance. It seems like you've already been proactive in seeking medical advice, and that's a positive step. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) can indeed manifest in a variety of symptoms, including those you've described.

Since your doctor hasn't found anything else clinically significant apart from IBS, it might be beneficial to discuss with them the possibility of a referral to a gastroenterologist or a specialist who can provide further evaluation and potentially explore other treatment options or dietary adjustments that could help manage your symptoms.

In addition to medical management, finding ways to manage stress and anxiety, such as through therapy or relaxation techniques, might also provide some relief. Remember, seeking support from healthcare professionals who understand your condition is key to finding effective solutions.

Take care of yourself, and I hope you find relief soon.

Best wishes,