New symptoms?

[Hardy524]

Hi everyone, I'm not really new here but I haven't even looked at this site in just over 3 years. I have suffered anxiety, OCD and depression on and off for 20 years. I have been absoloutley fine for 3 years but unfortunately I'm back here (no offence) and dealing with anxiety/panic attacks again. Anxiety used to cause symptoms like headaches, heartburn and nausea, however this time around my problem seems to be acid reflux, mild stomach pain and occasional diarrhea. I should say that my whole anxiety thing revolves around health, especially vomiting and diarrhea.I'm not sure if the physical symptoms started the anxiety or if the anxiety started the physical symptoms but it feels like I'm going insane trying to work it out. I talked to my doctor but she was more concerned with my anxiety (as I was in tears) so didn't really address the bowel issue. Can physical symptoms change over time or with age?

[blondguy]

Hello Hardy524

Good on you for posting

Anxiety can come back and its symptoms do change unfortunately.

I understand where you are coming from as I have had acute anxiety and then depression from 1983.

The digestive system does have a direct link with the anxiety as when our adrenaline starts pumping our muscles tighten and often our stomach and bowels are constricted too thus the diarrhea and nausea occurring. The acid reflux also has a direct link with anxiety...fear etc. I take Gaviscon tablets form the supermarket which works wonders.

You have done well to have 3 clear years without any problems 🙂 Usually some basic counselling and re-assurance (a tune up) is a bonus especially as you have had this for so long you would be aware of the various coping techniques.

Good on you for crying with you doc....always a good vent/healer but usually a sign that some more counseling would be a positive move for your health. I had six months of weekly appointments with a community mental health worker (free) who had me crying my eyes out for the first couple of visits.

My acid reflux started at 30...and still comes back..thus the Gaviscon tabs.

The digestive system is the most sympathetic towards anxiety....the less anxiety, the less symptoms you will have.

You doc is spot on, the anxiety is the primary issue than needs addressing.

I really hope you have some peace soon Hardy,

my kind thoughts for you

Paul

[Expatboy]

Hi, I have been a longtime suffer of anxiety, depression and have several elements of bipolar. Currently on medication for depression, but anxiety has been quite bad lately as with my ideation. Usually my anxiety is more focused on stomach cramps and chest pain, but now has morphed into severe nausea and diarrhea, especially during the night when I'm up at least 4 -6 times. Also found the need to urinate even though the bladder is quite empty. My Psychiatrist believes my physical symptoms are anxiety triggered. I'm of to a gastroenterologist tomorrow to get checked out to see if nausea and diarrhea is being caused by something else. The other thing I'm about to start is two weeks of intensive somatic/sensorimotor psychology which has helped me a lot in the past. By the sounds of other posts my symptoms could be caused by anxiety, but they are so different from what I experienced in the past.

[Hardy524]

Hi, I am feeling the same way almost three months on. I still can't determine if I have IBS or worse, or if it's just my anxiety. I feel a mess. I am having weekly visits at the psychologists but I guess it's yet to kick in. My over all mood had improved quite a lot over the past two weeks but yesterday I had a bit of a tummy ache followed by a loose stool so I feel like I took one step forward and three steps back. Is it likely that I have IBS symptoms because that's my main concern? I am not worried at all about headaches or heart attacks and never get symptoms associated with the head or chest, it just always seems to be constipation with the occasional loose stool. In saying that my doctor thinks the occasional loose stool is probably caused by the constipation. I don't know what to think, or what to do. I would say I just want to be normal but I'm not sure what that is anymore.

[blondguy]

Hello Hardy

I suffer the same as yourself with 'possible' IBS. If it is its a very common digestive tract issue.

Sometimes you can tell if its anxiety related especially if the IBS symptoms occur during times of even mild to medium stress. The anxiety problem then can trigger symptoms similar to IBS

I understand your last sentence. Ive thrown the 'normal' word into the trash as even a person who doesnt have any anxiety isnt normal anyway as we all have our own varying idiosyncrasies.

Great to have you on the forums Hardy

my kind thoughts for you

Paul