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.

[Lu8Lu8]

I’m so sorry that you are going through this and I can promise you that you are not alone. I’m currently in the same sort of way. I’m constantly busy, stressed and anxious and I have severe gut issues. I have tried so many things from elimination diets, to prebiotics and probiotics, to those spammy supplements that you see online (Don’t do it, they mess you up). I’ve seen several doctors who have said that everything is fine even when it is clearly not. I’m currently on the IBS elimination diet and have seen some better results from not eating certain foods but it’s really hard for me to sustain especially when I have the tendency to stress eat. 
I know this might not be helpful but I just wanted you to know that you’re not alone. 

[GoldenBlossom]

I'm sorry this is something you're going through. 
I know it is especially frustrating when you experience those physical & gastrointestinal symptoms of anxiety when you don't feel consciously anxious - which in turn makes you get anxious about why it's happening.  
This is definitely something worth seeking medical help for, whether that be meeting with a psychologist to try and develop strategies to manage your anxiety, or a naturopath to try some herbal remedies if you aren't satisfied with your GP's approach. 
Good luck OP.

[Smilingbutnumb]

Hey there Lovely,

Thankyou for sharing such a personal post x 😕 

I am so sorry you are experiencing this and really hope you can find some relief x

I have also experienced very similar issues (and still do), and notice they get much worse if my anxiety is 10/10, especially if for a prolonged period of time x

For me- I get the nausea, weird chest/stomach feelings, tension and the worst pains in my muscles all over.  It can last for weeks. It is........ debilitating. 

I have found that for the nausea- peppermint tea works really well? Theres a really nice one called tummy tea from T2. Ginger in tea helps me too x There is also tablets that GPs can prescribe for really bad nausea x

I have read some of the other comments here and 100% agree- there seems to be a lot of studies on the gut and brain connection, so if we are anxious or fight/flight...... the gut can play up. I think from what I've read (I'm not a professional in this area at all, so please take with a grain of salt)... stress chronically can cause inflammation. And I think inflammation can cause lots of flare ups in the body (skin issues, tummy issues, cognitive issues, aches/pains etc). I think I have read that Fish Oil (good quality) can assist with inflammation? (I take Fish oil and it does seem to help me).

Also probiotics were recommended to me to help improve my gut flora- as another member has suggested and I believe too.... a lot of serotonin is made in our gut. If we have been under chronic stress, the probiotics (I think) can help repair our "good bacteria" and assist the body with this production of "happy hormones".

There's a great book called "The Gut Book"- its really well written and easy to understand too. I found it fascinating.

The only other thing I will mention is gentle movement and breathing exercises. (only as these help me, so hoping they may help others too x). I know that when I feel really ill like what you have described- movement is the last thing I feel like doing! However, gentle exercise (walks, yoga, swimming, dancing (my favourite x))- these all really help me to calm a little bit and also loosen up my tight really sore muscles. And slow long breathing exercises work well too for me x The exhale seems to be the main part of the breathe work that makes a big difference (slower exhaling). (There is also a fantastic book called "The Breath Book"- highly recommended!). 

Hope something here may help lovely and Im so sorry you are struggling. It is the worst feeling and I really hope you find some relief from all this pain and nausea asap x

Anxiety is the worst isn't it!? 😕

xx