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Stomach Upset verses Anxiety

Posted , 3 users are following.

lee93794
lee93794

For about 10 days now I've had a sick feeling in my stomach. I don't think I will actually be sick but it feels uncomfortable and sometimes it feels like I could be. Antacid tablets don't seem to help. I have no problems eating but it is almost constantly uncomfortable.

I have been feeling like this for about 10 days now and had initially thought it was just because of visitng the gym the previous day. On the morning I first felt the symptoms though I had a lot of problems at work which have since led to having to get the HR department involved and heated arguments with my manager.

I think I felt better over the weekend but the later it got on Sunday night the worse the discomfort got - which is what makes me wonder if it is anxiety/stress rather than a stomach muscle problem, virus or hernia or something.

I do get very anxious and stressed and find it hard to relax. I often work myself up to the point where I will feel ill.

I have a doctors appointment but it is not for another 8 days (as this was the first appointment they had).

Has anyone experienced this sort of stomach discomfort before? Is it likely to be a mental problem or a phyical issue with my stomach?

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • christine46281
    christine46281 lee93794

    Posted

    Hi Lee.

    I have suffered from anxiety and had a very stressful job for years. I have had ongoing problems with my stomach and bowels for years and this is definately connected to stress and diet.

    Thats a long time to have to wait to see a GP. 

    I do not think that you have a mental health problem we are all made differently and some of us handle stress better thano thers.

    Make sure you eat regularly and look after your self.

     

  • g75183
    g75183 lee93794

    Posted

    Hi Lee,

    Yes, simply put....

    For 3 months, I have had numerous feelings and discomforts in my stomach....more my abdoman...I have had numerous doctors appointments and hospital visits, blood tests, ultrasound and endoscopy, to get a diagnosis of IBS and Anxiety related stomach issues.

    Nothing wrong with me but the fear of those physical yet harmless symptoms....

    I am on a road to recovery, and with all roads of progress, 2 steps forward, 1 step back is the way it works...a long and hard recovery and the stress the physical symptoms has caused has really caused issues, questioning what might happen in the future, questioinng how long I have left and too many questions about the future that cannot be answered in the present and it makes me forget to live life....

    Be careful, understand that anxiety has a very real physical side to it.....although normally nothing dangerous, the symptoms can be debilitating if you allow them to get to you.

    think positive, be positive and eat healthy.

    • christine46281
      christine46281 g75183

      Posted

      A helpful reply and I of course agree with you.

      Two steps forward sometimes one step back.

      Sometimes the rug goes from beneath you.

      Anxiety and stress have played havoc with my health and immune system and it becomes more of a worry as you get older and you are not able to bounce back from ill health so quickly and efficiently.

    • g75183
      g75183 christine46281

      Posted

      Yep, I am only 29 years young, struggled 12 years ago with huge health anxiety, causing myself all kinds of issues, and although we have been to the doctors, had the diagnosis, it never quite seems to settle that anxiety and the what if questions we tend to ask ourselves....I honestly think people who are anxious just have a very creative mind, and we all can pick up some new hobbies to keep our creative mind doing something productive other than keeping us in a state of unwellness to satisfy our fears
    • christine46281
      christine46281 g75183

      Posted

      I agree with that.

      I have always been creative and love painting and decorating, art, gardening, reading and have often thought I would like to write.

      I was a very sensitive child who grew up in a highly charged house which resulted in me living like a rabbit in headlights, always ready for flight or fight.

      I would love to be able to be more relaxed not to be so much of a perfectionist, not to worry about everything and anything , not to be so worried about my health and mot to be so scared and petrified of death and illness but it goes on and sometimes gets out of control again.

      I am now 62 years old and it becomes scarier.

      I am starting CBT soon so will work hard at that.

       

    • g75183
      g75183 christine46281

      Posted

      I have spent the past 3 months in a personal battle with my own mind....having these symptoms at the beginning after a bad bacterial infection made me visit the doctors non stop..,..several tests later, the latest was only 3-4weeks ago....continued diagnosis from my doctor who states 'there is nothing serious wrong here, I fully understand this is IBS and anxiety and I must find ways to relax and find a way to treat without getting into medication'

      Since, I have done everything to just get to this point, many hardships along the way but I have battled everyday, stomach discomfort and terrible thoughts running through this overactive mind of mine...however, I am accepting I am safe to let go of those fears and find the positives in life again, enjoying the moments each day and getting in better shape, eating more healthy and finding new interests and hobbies that I feel will let me enjoy this life with fulfillment.

    • christine46281
      christine46281 g75183

      Posted

      I wish you all the best and it seems like you really want to get to grips with things.

      Health anxiety is very hard to deal with as are intrusive thoughts.

      It is challenging to remain postive all of the time.

      I lost my mum in January last year and have now lost everyone in my orginal family, my brother died aged 55 9 years ago and my dad 12 years ago.

      What new hobbies have you got?

      I have been trying yoga but most things take place during the day and I am still working full time so it is diffcult to commit to anything.

      I hpe you continue to try and change things for yourself. Chris

    • g75183
      g75183 christine46281

      Posted

      I have started playing guitar again, learning back from the basics, I have started to think about writing a book and started filling my life with more moments....so doing things with my girlfriend, friends and anyone who wants to get out and live.

      I have to admit, the hardest part of getting through it, it has to be those intrusive thoughts that hit when you try to be positive....saying to yourself 'I have an amazing life left to live, so lets start living it' and having those anxiety thoughts saying 'what if something goes wrong or is going wrong, what if these stomach symptoms are something more serious' but then I question my thought, all the tests I have had all resulted in 'I am healthy' and I am starting to accept my IBS diagnosis as the cause of most of my issues and anxiety as the rest.

      I wish you all the best moving forward, it is difficult to find the time to do things, but we do have the time....and sometimes we have to see the things we do, such as Yoga and Tai  Chi that help manage our anxiety as an exciting part of our lives! not everyone does this and we are investing in ourselves!

    • christine46281
      christine46281 g75183

      Posted

      It has been a pleasure to have received your messages and i will try and follow your sensible advice.

      I hope that you too continue to enjoy the precious times and relationships you share with others.

      Take Care Chris

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