Stomach Issues

[LS26]

Does anyone else have constant stomach issues with health anxiety? I have constant loud noises from my stomach and a kind if bubbling sensation all the time...I have also noticed I have to go to the toilet quite a lot. I had blood tests at doctors and came back normal but they couldn't tell me what was causing my stomach issues. I am also losing weight, a small amount but worries me as I am eating.

Thank You

[Bluebird123]

Yes - all the time! As soon as I get an anxious thought I immediately feel it in my stomach, the two are very connected. Completely normal and common but very annoying.

[fruitandnutlover]

Me too, my stomach and bowels always seem grumpy! Growling, gurgling, churning, popping and windy. It’s like a science project going on in there, it drives me to distraction. The more I worry about it, the worse it gets, vicious cycle!

[budgie1979]

Yes, definitely. Mine tends to come in waves. I'll feel terrible for a week or two, and then feel relatively normal for a week, and then the cycle starts all over again. What I've found is that the more I focus on it, the worse it seems. Now, I try to just carry on with life and not worry too much about it. Some days I have to practically force myself to eat. I've had endoscopy, colonoscopy and plenty of blood work that showed nothing dreadful is going on. My GI doctor wants me to try the FODMAP diet, but that just looks so difficult and unpleasant that I haven't attempted it yet. My suspicion is that most of my problems are due to anxiety anyway, possibly with a bit of hormonal issues since it flares up badly around menstruation.

[nomorepanic]

Hi

This is just a courtesy reply to let you know that your post was moved from its original place to a sub-forum that is more relevant to your issue.

This is nothing personal - it just enables us to keep posts about the same problems in the relevant forums so other members with any experience with the issues can find them more easily.

Please also read this post:

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=213239

[LS26]

I cannot carry on like this....spend all my time on google with symptoms I have. I have aches everywhere from my back to my legs...stomach issues (loose stools constantly) not sleeping properly, and I feel like there is no one to help me. OnC CBT waiting list but this could take another six weeks u till I can see someone. I am so drained from all this and feel alone

[jrcoleman]

It sounds like a lot and feels like a lot, but you can handle it. First step is to get off of google. All symptoms from the simplest nose drip to the worst stomach cramp can be a sign of something terrible, but 90 percent of the time it isn't. It sounds like you may be giving your symptoms more power by worrying and researching them. The body has an amazing ability to heal and repair itself. Sometimes you just need to slow down and let it do its job. Eat healthy, exercise within moderation (try soft stretches) and if you have to be on the internet, go to youtube and find some relaxation videos to watch. Go to the doctor, be tested, and accept the tests. If they find nothing, it could be your mind manifesting your beliefs.

[LS26]

Thank You for your reply. I know I need to stop googling as I know it makes me so much worse. I have been to doctors and had full blood test which came back normal but there’s always that voice in my head telling me that the test wouldn’t show what I have. It’s just a vicious circle

[jrcoleman]

Trust in yourself. Trust in a higher power to look after you. Trust in your body and mind. It is like any other possession, take care of it and it will take care of you. Tell the voice in your head to hush. If it isn't working for you replace it with a new one. I always tell myself, what is the worst that can happen? I can die. Well, so have Billions of people before me. I can choose to worry about death and not live or I can choose to live and let death worry about itself.

[gflanagan86]

I know your pain all too well!

First if I can give you some advice given to me by my CBT therapist. Every time you have the urge to google- pause, and do deep breathing. by this i mean picture your belly button is your nose and deep breath into your belly for 1-2 min.

Next get a journal- every time you have the urge to google write down your negative thoughts physically get them out and onto paper. On the page next to your negative thoughts write down things you are grateful for/accomplishes you have made today. It can be as simple as stopping yourself from googling, or not thinking about a fear for 3 minutes. LOG YOUR WINS!!!! Even the tiny tiny ones, give them credit.

We are soon used to focusing on all our negatives we give zero credit to our positives..start small.

If you are anything like me my anxiety starts the moment my eyes open. I do a 5 min meditation from the App Simple Habits before i get out of bed. Its no a cure all but it does help!!