Seeking Advice for Anxiety and Digestive Issues
Hello, everyone! I’m a 25-year-old mother of two. After having my gallbladder removed due to previous complications, I’m now on a daily regimen of 40mg of omeprazole, which I take in the morning. I’ve consulted with my primary care doctor and an ENT specialist, who performed a nasal endoscopy and diagnosed me with LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux) and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The challenging part of this journey has been the unpredictable nature of my symptoms. On some days, I feel perfectly normal; I experience no burning sensations, coughing, or any typical signs associated with acid reflux. However, there are other times—sometimes spanning a few days to weeks—when I start to feel unwell. During those periods, my throat feels fuzzy, I occasionally experience discomfort in my chest, and I’ve also noticed heart palpitations. In addition, I go through phases where my stomach feels anxious, though I don’t have any pain. Mentally, I feel off, and I find myself frequently needing to use the restroom. While it’s not diarrhea, my stools are soft and quick, leading to frequent trips to the bathroom. This aspect has been particularly tough lately, and I’m in search of some relief. I’ve tried remedies such as Pepto-Bismol, Gaviscon, Tums, and Pepcid, but none seem to provide any positive effect. I’m curious if any of you have experienced similar symptoms or if you can relate to this last issue I mentioned. What do you do to cope? Do you take any specific medications, or have you received a diagnosis that could shed some light on what I’m facing? I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 12:50:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're navigating a complex situation with both anxiety and digestive issues, particularly following your gallbladder removal and subsequent diagnosis of LPR and GERD. The unpredictable nature of your symptoms is understandably concerning, and it’s great that you’re seeking support and information.
Summary of Main Points:
- Digestive Symptoms: You have fluctuations in your digestive symptoms, including throat discomfort and soft stools.
- Anxiety Connection: Your anxiety may be contributing to your digestive issues.
- Medications Tried: Various over-the-counter remedies haven’t provided relief.
Explanation:
After gallbladder removal, some individuals can experience changes in digestion due to alterations in fat processing, which could contribute to your symptoms. Additionally, LPR and GERD can cause discomfort in the throat and chest. Stress and anxiety are known to exacerbate digestive symptoms included in the gut-brain connection, potentially explaining your soft stools and feelings of anxiety.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Track Symptoms: Begin a diary to monitor your symptoms, noting patterns related to food intake, stress levels, and bowel movements. This can help identify triggers.
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Dietary Adjustments: Focus on a low-fat diet to manage your digestion post-gallbladder. Eating smaller meals more frequently and avoiding known trigger foods (spicy, acidic, or fatty foods) is advisable. Additionally, consider keeping a food diary to find specific foods that might irritate your stomach or throat.
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Stress Management Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness, which can help reduce anxiety and subsequently improve your digestive symptoms. Even short daily practices can make a difference.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you're drinking plenty of water, which aids digestion and can help moderate bowel movements.
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Evaluate Medications: Since you’re on omeprazole, consult with your healthcare provider about the continuous need for that dosage, and whether any changes could help. Discuss other potential medications or approaches specifically for the management of anxiety.
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Gentle Exercise: Engage in gentle exercise like walking or yoga, which can help relieve tension and support digestive health.
If your symptoms worsen or you experience new severe symptoms, it’s crucial to seek further medical attention. You're not alone in this, and taking these steps can help improve your comfort and manage your symptoms more effectively. Remember, gradual changes can have a significant impact.
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