Scared of my symptoms!!! - Digestive Disorders Message Board

ShazzaUk · 03-25-2009, 09:22 AM

Hi everyone, i am 38 years old and suffered about 3 years ago with gastritis (doctor presumed i had this although i never had any tests done on my stomach). I also suffer on and off with anxiety (mostly health anxiety and fear of dying).

For the past few weeks i haven't felt well. I have been getting stomach aches and nausea everyday. I am also getting the burning sensation in my stomach. I haven't been to the doctors yet because i was hoping it was just a virus which would pass. It doesn't seem to be getting any better and i am starting to get my anxiety back thinking that something awful is wrong with me.

Maybe is my gastritis returning. Any advice would be welcome? Does anyone else have these symptoms and know what the problem is??

Regards
ShazzaUk

anxiousagain · 03-26-2009, 08:06 AM

Anxiety can irritate existing gastrointestianl problems. It's called the mind/gut reaction. Don't, however, let doctors convince you that it's all in your head. If you feel something isn't right, it probably isn't. I let doctors assure me for three years that my stomach issues were stress-related and just acid reflux. Meanwhile, they did not go away and in fact have gotten worse. There's no reason to needlessly suffer. The burning could be gastritis or it could be an ulcer. Are you feeling the pain in any specific region? Best of luck!

goingcrazy8 · 03-26-2009, 08:45 AM

Check my post called Anxiety or intestinal issues...... I'm going through the same thing. Started with an anxiety attack and my stomach has been a disaster for 2+ months now. I had a CT scan done this morning. They have been unable to diagnose me yet either, but I will be sure to pass along anything they say. I have the same nausea and stomach aches every morning. Are you anxiety meds? I only ask, because after I had my first ever panic attack they put me on Xanax, which could be causing the stomach problems, although I doubt it.

ShazzaUk · 03-26-2009, 12:10 PM

Thanks for your replies, the stomach ache is generally in the middle of my stomach with the burning at the top of my stomach.

I am no longer on anxiety meds, came off them about 6 months ago. I was on escitalopram 10mg which worked wonders for my anxiety.

I think the stress and anxiety i have had recently has flared whatever my stomach problem is up again.

anxiousagain · 03-26-2009, 01:59 PM

Have you had your gallbladder checked? I have gallstones and I suspect they're starting to act up. However, my pain isn't always in the upper right quadrant as is typical with gallbladder attacks. It usually starts as severe burning behind my breastbone and then spreads across my chest until it's full-blown indigestion. It feels like a vice is wrapped around me. I'm still waiting for further testing as I refuse to get my gallbladder out solely on the basis of stones. At the same time, I'm scared one of those suckers has gotten trapped in a bile duct. Keep me posted on what you find out!