AlcoholicAnxiet

I am an alcoholic. I quit drinking on June 17th - 7-weeks ago. My loss of appetite started two weeks before that date. Two weeks prior to the 17th, I set the date in my mind when I wanted to quit and enrolled in an intensive outpatient program. I was stressed and am stressed today. My stress is the result of quitting alcohol and financial worries that are very much real. That being said, my anxiety and stress have grown tremendously since quitting drinking. I have experienced a huge hypochondria stigma where I self diagnose every little ailment - ailments that are likely all tied to anxiety, stress and depression. My bowel habits changed three weeks ago and my doctor has me on Miralax once daily - - - and I convinced myself I have colon cancer. My doctor did extensive blood work and said that everything is fine and not to worry. I have had a loss of appetite and a feeling of nausea at times. I am now taking an acid reflux medicine and it has helped a little. Now, I am convinced I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - which grows worse under stress. I am seeing the doctor today about getting some anxiety meds. I am just so stressed and I am sure that is why I am feeling this way. It will get better. This will pass is what I am telling myself. Heck, I have only been sober for 7-weeks. That is the second longest time I have been sober since I was 14. I am now 36. I just need to relax - somehow.