Dealing with Chronic Stomach Issues and Panic Attacks
Content Warning: Discussion of self-harm Greetings, I'm a 27-year-old male, and I’m reaching out in hopes of finding some understanding or guidance. I’ll share quite a bit about my situation, as it’s complex and has left me feeling quite desperate. For the past decade, I have been struggling with persistent discomfort in my abdomen. The sensation isn’t exactly pain, but it manifests as cramps, tingling, and bloating. It primarily occurs below my ribcage on the right and middle areas of my stomach. This feeling intensifies significantly when pressure is applied, becoming more pronounced at times, and often triggers panic attacks. Historically, doctors have dismissed my symptoms as psychogenic, attributing them to anxiety. However, I’ve recently begun to wonder if there might actually be a physical condition at play since I can distinctly pinpoint the area of discomfort and it reacts to pressure. These symptoms seem to correlate with my diet and my stress levels but can also occur unexpectedly. Unfortunately, medications for stomach issues and diazepam have had no effect. Initially, I feel gassy, which transitions into bloating, and eventually culminates in cramps along with a combination of these sensations. This also leads to episodes of vomiting and frequent bowel movements, where the expelled matter resembles a foamy substance—quite unpleasant, to say the least. The intensity of these feelings is so overwhelming that it often results in anxiety attacks. In my attempts to cope, I’ve developed a worrying habit of self-harm, finding that physical pain offers me a temporary distraction from the relentless abdominal discomfort. I’ve harmed my hands, breaking knuckles and fingers from punching walls. This ongoing battle impacts many aspects of my life, both personally and professionally. I’ve become unable to eat outside my own home due to the fear of triggering a panic attack. This has led to instability in my job, as I frequently miss work when the cramps and anxiety strike. Just thinking about food can set it off, leading me to avoid eating or drinking during the day altogether. Although this results in dehydration and fatigue, it spares me from the panic attacks. I recognize that this is a significant amount to share, but I’ve kept this to myself for far too long without finding a constructive way to address it. I welcome any advice or thoughts you may have, and I appreciate you taking the time to read my post. Thank you.
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 10:02:17 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience; it sounds truly challenging and distressing. Your symptoms, including the abdominal discomfort and panic attacks, seem to be deeply interconnected. It's commendable that you're seeking support and understanding in addressing these issues.
Main Points:
- Persistent abdominal discomfort and panic attacks may have both physical and psychological components.
- It's crucial to explore dietary and stress-related triggers while implementing immediate self-care strategies.
- Consider alternative coping mechanisms to self-harm for managing anxiety and discomfort.
Explanation
Your symptoms suggest a complex interplay between physical sensations and anxiety. It's possible that conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), food intolerances, or even stress-related gastrointestinal issues could be contributing. Given that medical interventions so far have been ineffective, further exploration of your symptoms might be necessary.
Your mention of self-harm raises significant concern. While it may provide temporary relief, it's important to recognize that this isn't a healthy coping mechanism. Finding replacement strategies is essential as you navigate this distress.
Next Steps
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms alongside your food intake, stress levels, and any emotional triggers. This can help identify patterns and potential dietary triggers.
-
Dietary Considerations: Pay attention to foods that exacerbate your symptoms, such as high-fat, spicy, or sugary foods. Consider a gradual elimination diet to find what works best for you. Fiber-rich foods, small meals, and avoiding carbonated drinks may help reduce bloating.
-
Self-Care Techniques: Incorporate stress-reduction practices like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or gentle yoga. These can help manage anxiety and potentially ease your physical symptoms.
-
Professional Support: While self-help strategies are critical, I encourage you to connect with a mental health professional who can provide strategies for coping with anxiety and explore healthier ways to manage distress. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective.
-
Hydration: As you're avoiding eating and drinking, make sure to prioritize hydration. Sipping water throughout the day can help alleviate dehydration while avoiding large meals that may trigger discomfort.
-
Explore Alternative Treatments: Consider discussing other treatment options with a healthcare provider, such as a nutritionist or gastroenterologist, who may offer alternative remedies or therapies tailored to your experiences.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Seeking support from professionals can significantly improve your quality of life and help you find effective ways to manage both your physical and emotional health. If you need further guidance, please feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Concerns About Nighttime Bowel Movements
I am a 33-year-old man experiencing seasonal allergies and anxiety regarding my health. I do not smoke or consume alcohol. Although I have not been formally diagnosed, I suspect I may be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea tendencies. I have a moderate sensitivity to dairy products, greasy meals, and an overindulgence in bread. Additionally, my sleep schedule has been shifted, often staying up until about 12:00 to 1:30 AM, and typically, I find myself needing to use the bathroom around 11 PM. Over the years, I have consistently had between one to three bowel movements daily, with some tending towards the looser side. My routine involves having a movement in the morning and also late at night; however, if I skip the late trip, I often wake up feeling the urgency to go. Recently, over the last seven weeks, I've encountered four instances where I needed to have a bowel movement during the night. Two of these incidents occurred within a single week after consuming similar meals. One of the other occurrences happened following a variety of foods that I suspect might have triggered my symptoms. I woke with some cramping and felt compelled to go. Throughout this past week, I experienced two additional nighttime visits to the bathroom, typically after drinking a considerable amount of water before bed; I found no pain associated with these urges. Interestingly, three of the four instances took place after dinners that featured a sizable steak. I’m unsure if this is relevant to my condition. I am curious about the implications of these occurrences, especially regarding the possibility of bowel cancer. During my last physical in March, my doctor assured me that there is no significant cause for concern, mentioning that loose stools are not commonly indicative of bowel cancer. However, I still wish to understand whether my nighttime bowel movements should be taken seriously.
Bumps in the Lower Lip: A Distressing Experience
Hello, I’m a 34-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Trigeminal Neuralgia. I’m currently in remission from Type 2 diabetes, having achieved a significant weight loss of 90 pounds. Recently, I’ve encountered a troubling issue: a group of white, fluid-filled lesions has appeared inside my lower lip for the second time. These bumps are causing me discomfort, and despite my research, I can confirm that they do not resemble canker sores. Unlike canker sores, which are generally flat, these lesions are raised, and I also have a slight soreness in my throat. After searching for information, I’ve found mentions of cold sores or mucoceles, but none of these conditions seem to apply to my symptoms. I would appreciate any insights or suggestions as I try to determine the cause of this issue. As part of my routine, I take multivitamins, B12, biotin, Lyrica at a dosage of 50 mg, and Topiramate at 25 mg. Following my doctor’s guidance, I have been avoiding gluten, dairy, and nuts. Interestingly, the only unusual food I consumed yesterday was gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. I initially pondered whether it was an allergic response to almonds, but I have no issues with almond milk. I feel quite puzzled by this situation and am seeking any advice that might offer clarity.
Could Regular Hookah Use Lead to Reddish Urine or Other Health Concerns?
At 22 years old and typically in good health, I've made some recent changes to my habits. After quitting cigarettes, I now find myself smoking hookah nearly every day—about one session daily—for the last couple of weeks. I don’t consume alcohol frequently and make an effort to stay fit. However, I've recently observed that my urine has taken on a slightly reddish hue. While I don’t experience any significant pain or discomfort, it certainly raises some red flags for me. Is it possible that my hookah usage is responsible for this change? Additionally, what other potential health risks should I consider when it comes to daily hookah smoking?
Concerns Following a Cat Scratch
Age: 34, Gender: Female, Height: 165 cm, Weight: 58 kg. On July 21, I experienced a scratch from my cat. Within 48 hours, I noticed swollen lymph nodes, which later diminished. However, about two weeks after the incident, the swelling reappeared more widely. While I do not recall observing any pus at the scratch site, it has healed into a prominent deep red scar, indicating it was quite significant. Fortunately, I did not experience a fever, nor did the scratch become infected. A week following the incident, I began suffering from headaches. Although these have lessened, I now experience a peculiar jerking or vertigo-like sensation in my head, persistent but not visible to others. Initially, I was concerned that I might have a neurological issue and underwent extensive testing, including blood work, a spinal tap, an EEG, and an MRI. All results, according to my healthcare providers, came back normal. I find myself repeatedly thinking about the cat scratch, although my doctors have largely dismissed its relevance. One physician indicated that the likelihood of detecting an issue from such a scratch is quite low, which diminishes its importance in relation to my symptoms. Now, over three weeks after the scratch occurred, I am left wondering if neurological issues would have manifested more severely or be observable to others by this stage. Is it possible that any abnormalities would have appeared in my blood tests, such as my complete blood count, ESR, or CRP? I feel as if my concerns are being attributed to anxiety and mental health, yet my experiences feel undeniably genuine.
Girlfriend's Unusual Nighttime Behavior
The title sums it up fairly well, but to clarify, she’s not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. I'm an 18-year-old female, and my girlfriend is 17; we’ve been together for two years and often fall asleep on FaceTime. However, at approximately 2:30 am this morning, I woke up to the peculiar sound of her conversing with herself. Initially, I believed she was speaking with a family member, but after texting her, it became evident that none of her messages made any sense. She seemed to think she was having a conversation with her boss, then transitioned to speaking to me, and then shifted focus to a friend—while she repeatedly called her sister by my name. Throughout this entire episode, both her mother and I were receiving messages from her that were completely incoherent. Despite our pleas for her to lie down and get some sleep, she stubbornly refused to rest. There’s no prior instance of her talking in her sleep or walking around at night, and she doesn't seem to be asleep either, as her eyes are wide open and she is moderately engaged in conversation with me via FaceTime. From my perspective, her thoughts appeared to be scattered, resulting in a delay in her response to each question, with her replies often lacking clarity. Her texts, on the other hand, were utterly nonsensical. Here’s one example of a text I received: "I jofijtnanxart but then oinlose it somewhere in my house and then mad could elk like wehstsbhenfonnwndo." Anyway, does anyone have any insights into what might be happening? This has been going on for at least four hours now.