Digestive Concerns and Anxiety
Greetings! I’m a 28-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds. I have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues coupled with anxiety. To provide some context, I had my gallbladder removed in 2018. Additionally, I engage in vaping. Currently, I am on medications such as Zofran to manage nausea, Colestipol for bile acid issues, and Omeprazole to address related concerns. My discomfort has persisted for the past five months. It all began while I was enjoying some buffalo sauce, when suddenly I felt an intense wave of heat, anxiety, and nausea, although I didn’t end up vomiting. Since that incident, I have been plagued by constant nausea, persistent bloating, a gnawing sensation in my upper abdomen, an early feeling of fullness, diminished appetite, and food aversions. This has led to a weight loss of 29 pounds up to this point. I have a GI consultation scheduled for next week, and I am undergoing an H. pylori stool test and thyroid panel at the health department tomorrow. My anxiety levels have been significant recently, particularly due to the ongoing physical symptoms. I wonder if my heightened anxiety is subconsciously exacerbating these problems, especially since my distress began with feelings of heat, panic, and nausea. I also struggle with emetophobia, which may contribute to my overall predicament. It feels as though my upper abdomen is inflamed, and practically anything I consume triggers that gnawing feeling. Unfortunately, over-the-counter remedies like Gas-X have not alleviated my bloating. This situation has left me feeling miserable and fearful, and the issues seem to escalate alongside my anxiety. 🙃
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 10:40:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with your gastrointestinal issues and anxiety. It sounds very distressing, especially with your symptoms escalating like this. It’s important to address both the physical and emotional aspects of what you’re experiencing.
Main Points:
- Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms can be triggered by a variety of factors, including anxiety.
- With your gallbladder removal and medications, digestive changes are possible and require assessment.
- You have an upcoming GI consultation, which is a crucial step for a clearer diagnosis and treatment plan.
Explanation:
Your symptoms—nausea, bloating, and discomfort—may indeed be interconnected with your anxiety, especially given the onset after your distressing experience with the buffalo sauce. The medications you are taking, notably for bile acid issues and stomach acid management, can influence digestion. Additionally, anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms, leading to a cycle of discomfort and increased distress. This might be contributing to your emetophobia, where the fear of nausea triggers more anxiety, worsening your symptoms.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a diary of your symptoms and any food intake. Note what foods trigger discomfort and any related anxiety experiences. This will be helpful for your GI consultation.
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Anxiety Management: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or gentle yoga to help manage your anxiety daily. Consider speaking with a therapist who can address your emetophobia and anxiety comprehensively.
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Diet Adjustments: Try to consume small, bland meals that are easier on your stomach. Foods such as rice, bananas, and toast (the BRAT diet) may help. Avoid spicy, fatty, or rich foods until you've had a chance to assess your triggers with your GI specialist.
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Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, as nausea can lead to dehydration. Sip clear fluids or electrolyte solutions if you can tolerate them, especially if your appetite remains low.
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Medication Review: Once you receive your H. pylori test results and meet with your GI doctor, discuss your current medications and their effects. They may want to optimize your treatment based on your symptoms and test results.
Taking these steps can help you manage your current discomfort and prepare for a more productive discussion with your healthcare provider next week. You're taking proactive steps by seeking help, which is encouraging. Remember to be gentle with yourself during this time, and I wish you the best with your upcoming consultations!
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