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Upper and lower stomach gurgling, is it Anxiety?
Why am I here? Anxiety? I think it may be. You see in the second half of '07 I changed jobs and entered the training field. This was way outside my confort zone but it was something I wanted to do. Put myself out there, help me grow as a person. Which I have :) Now in December 07 I got married. For those of you that have done this, you know what type of stress I'm talking about here..lol Anyways I went to the Doc just before the wedding and told him about the knotted feeling in the centre of my chest that I had had for a few days( just after my bachelor party actually ) and he prescribed me Losec ( PPI ) It helped. But maybe getting the wedding out of the wayand a 4 week honeymoon away from the pressure of work helped as well.
So come Jan08 I was diagnosed with a SCC skin cancer on my hand. Now this sun spot had been there for about 3-4 years and because of this I started stressing out fully. Crying worrying that it had spread ( as it can ) and that I was going to die. Even after the biopsy results came back that it hadn't spread. Didn't matter, I wasn't going to stop worrying about until it was cut out 2 months later. A long time to be fully stressing out about it. So who knows what damage I was doing to myself.
A finally had the cancer removed and started to come good as the results showed it all removed with no spreading. But by then the stomach conditions started and associated every little symptom with cancer.
Stomach gurgling all the way down to the lower bowel, chest tightness, back pain etc.
So I went back to the doctor with my symptoms. He sent me to a GI specialist to get an endoscopy. ( camera down my throat ) The result of this was a mild case of gastritis and evidence of a small hiatus hernia. The doc explained that most of the symptoms I had been suffering were consistant with the gastritis. So he put me back on Losec 5 weeks ago and has said that it will take 6-8 weeks to recover. I asked how did I get it. He said it was possibly alcohol related and made worse by the stress and anxiety I was going through. Now I'm not a big drinker with just the odd big night out once every 2 - 3 weeks.
Just this week I thought I was getting on top of it. I had cut out most fatty and acidic foods, no caffiene and only the odd drink here and there. No more than 1 or 2 drinks a week. ( if that ) cut out most dairy as well.
Until yesterday. I had one cup of teain the morning, and one glass of OJ at lunch and my stomach was a grumbling mess for the rest of the day.
Funny thing is though, I have no real pain from my stomach.. Just really over active all the way down. No problem sleeping and my stomach is fine until about 2 hours after waking. This is when I start thinking and worrying about it. I dont have breakfast until i get to work except for aloe vera and manuke honey juice whch is suppose to be great for your digestive system when taken on a empty stomach. ( 6 weeks on that )
You can probably tell that I'm very confused about the whole thing. I'm really looking for some feedback and maybe another couple of aussies who have the same thing to chat to and about the condition etc.
Hope this wasn't to long .. sorry
Dooges
So come Jan08 I was diagnosed with a SCC skin cancer on my hand. Now this sun spot had been there for about 3-4 years and because of this I started stressing out fully. Crying worrying that it had spread ( as it can ) and that I was going to die. Even after the biopsy results came back that it hadn't spread. Didn't matter, I wasn't going to stop worrying about until it was cut out 2 months later. A long time to be fully stressing out about it. So who knows what damage I was doing to myself.
A finally had the cancer removed and started to come good as the results showed it all removed with no spreading. But by then the stomach conditions started and associated every little symptom with cancer.
Stomach gurgling all the way down to the lower bowel, chest tightness, back pain etc.
So I went back to the doctor with my symptoms. He sent me to a GI specialist to get an endoscopy. ( camera down my throat ) The result of this was a mild case of gastritis and evidence of a small hiatus hernia. The doc explained that most of the symptoms I had been suffering were consistant with the gastritis. So he put me back on Losec 5 weeks ago and has said that it will take 6-8 weeks to recover. I asked how did I get it. He said it was possibly alcohol related and made worse by the stress and anxiety I was going through. Now I'm not a big drinker with just the odd big night out once every 2 - 3 weeks.
Just this week I thought I was getting on top of it. I had cut out most fatty and acidic foods, no caffiene and only the odd drink here and there. No more than 1 or 2 drinks a week. ( if that ) cut out most dairy as well.
Until yesterday. I had one cup of teain the morning, and one glass of OJ at lunch and my stomach was a grumbling mess for the rest of the day.
Funny thing is though, I have no real pain from my stomach.. Just really over active all the way down. No problem sleeping and my stomach is fine until about 2 hours after waking. This is when I start thinking and worrying about it. I dont have breakfast until i get to work except for aloe vera and manuke honey juice whch is suppose to be great for your digestive system when taken on a empty stomach. ( 6 weeks on that )
You can probably tell that I'm very confused about the whole thing. I'm really looking for some feedback and maybe another couple of aussies who have the same thing to chat to and about the condition etc.
Hope this wasn't to long .. sorry
Dooges
Have you been checked for celiac disease? I have a friend that was really sick and kept losing weight because she was running to the bathroom almost every time she ate. Doctors kept saying they couldn't find what was wrong and told her to eat pasta and carbs to get some weight back. Big mistake. She had gotten down to 75 pounds and felt like she was dying. She finally went to a new doctor who heard her story and said he thought he knew what was wrong with her. After testing her, he confirmed what he thought. Celiac disease, which means she is intolerant to gluten. (wheat products) Worth looking into. Marty
I wanted to post my story on here in hopes other who experience similar symptoms can shed some light on what might be going on.
For approximately 3+ years I have been experiening these "Attacks" as I call them.
I find it hard to explain but basically it seems like I have pressure built up in my entire digestive system and it wont release. Burps sound tight and distorted, I become gassy and when I have it I do not sleep as the pressure keeps me up and a typical night involves getting up 4-5 time to vomit - although the vomit doesnt usually produce anything but thick flem/saliva.
When this first all happened I visited emergency numerous time where they would treat the pain with morohine or Demerol. Once I lost 45 pounds I was hospitalized for 2 weeks where I went through all the tests: Barium swallow, MRI/Cat scan, 2 Endoscopies, 2 motility tests and there is probably more I cant think of at the moment but basically the doctors said everything is impecable....healthy!!
To date I have been un-diagnosed and have been prescribed probably over 50 medications over this time period to no avail. Currently they have me on Lyrica, Clamazopam (spelling?) for the anxiety and Tylenol 3's for the pain.
I am hoping someone can relate to this and help me determine the cause. I feel it is stress and axiety as it all started after a divorce and I have 2 young children which I have primary care of.
Thanks.....Dean
For approximately 3+ years I have been experiening these "Attacks" as I call them.
I find it hard to explain but basically it seems like I have pressure built up in my entire digestive system and it wont release. Burps sound tight and distorted, I become gassy and when I have it I do not sleep as the pressure keeps me up and a typical night involves getting up 4-5 time to vomit - although the vomit doesnt usually produce anything but thick flem/saliva.
When this first all happened I visited emergency numerous time where they would treat the pain with morohine or Demerol. Once I lost 45 pounds I was hospitalized for 2 weeks where I went through all the tests: Barium swallow, MRI/Cat scan, 2 Endoscopies, 2 motility tests and there is probably more I cant think of at the moment but basically the doctors said everything is impecable....healthy!!
To date I have been un-diagnosed and have been prescribed probably over 50 medications over this time period to no avail. Currently they have me on Lyrica, Clamazopam (spelling?) for the anxiety and Tylenol 3's for the pain.
I am hoping someone can relate to this and help me determine the cause. I feel it is stress and axiety as it all started after a divorce and I have 2 young children which I have primary care of.
Thanks.....Dean
Update,
Seems like the dull pain under my/around my back right rib area is muscle related. I go to the chiropractor on a monthly basis and she told me yesterday that I was very tight around the lower back area which would contribute to the feeling in the rib area mentioned.
My stomach is still the same. A few little aches and pains on a intermittent basis and still the gassy grumbling noise and feelings right through my system, but i'm not stressing as much over it now.
I'm finding the more I talk about it at work and with friends etc the more I find people with the same or similar digestive complaints and I have found two that are on the same meds as well. I didn't even have a clue. So there is a life with gastritis. Just have to get use to it. Harder done than said right .. :)
Seems like the dull pain under my/around my back right rib area is muscle related. I go to the chiropractor on a monthly basis and she told me yesterday that I was very tight around the lower back area which would contribute to the feeling in the rib area mentioned.
My stomach is still the same. A few little aches and pains on a intermittent basis and still the gassy grumbling noise and feelings right through my system, but i'm not stressing as much over it now.
I'm finding the more I talk about it at work and with friends etc the more I find people with the same or similar digestive complaints and I have found two that are on the same meds as well. I didn't even have a clue. So there is a life with gastritis. Just have to get use to it. Harder done than said right .. :)
I haven't read all the responses so apologies if I am repeating someone else's comments.
What you described above sounds a bit like hemmorhoids although I know you have more complicated problems than that.
The gurgling sound usually happens to me when I'm in a place where everyone is quiet and can hear the gurgling. It was explained to me that the sound is "good" and means food is being digested. The feeling in your lower back could be a combination of anxiety and gas. When that happens to me, I take Zantac.
This is probably an oversimplification based on what you said in your original post and if it is, just disregard what I said. Anxiety has always effected me by manifesting itself in my stomach and by giving me headaches. There is a relationship between mind and body and it's incredible how depression and anxiety can effect our bodies - and make us more anxious.
Hope you are feeling better = )
What you described above sounds a bit like hemmorhoids although I know you have more complicated problems than that.
The gurgling sound usually happens to me when I'm in a place where everyone is quiet and can hear the gurgling. It was explained to me that the sound is "good" and means food is being digested. The feeling in your lower back could be a combination of anxiety and gas. When that happens to me, I take Zantac.
This is probably an oversimplification based on what you said in your original post and if it is, just disregard what I said. Anxiety has always effected me by manifesting itself in my stomach and by giving me headaches. There is a relationship between mind and body and it's incredible how depression and anxiety can effect our bodies - and make us more anxious.
Hope you are feeling better = )
My update
In the last week I felt like I was suffering from constipation. I would go to the toilet for a bowel movement and only a little would come out. Then I would get the feeling to go on the third day and it felt like I would completely empty. And now that has reversed with me going twice yesterday and 3 times today.
I also have this feeling under my lower back right ribs that is slighlty uncomfortable but only really noticeable when I'm standing. Not sure wether it's from a pulled muscle or wether it's gastitis or anxiety related. I'll go back to the doctor if it's still around next week. All this and i'm still getting the gassy gurgling feelings in my upper stomach and lower stomach/abdomin.
Very frustrated at the moment...
In the last week I felt like I was suffering from constipation. I would go to the toilet for a bowel movement and only a little would come out. Then I would get the feeling to go on the third day and it felt like I would completely empty. And now that has reversed with me going twice yesterday and 3 times today.
I also have this feeling under my lower back right ribs that is slighlty uncomfortable but only really noticeable when I'm standing. Not sure wether it's from a pulled muscle or wether it's gastitis or anxiety related. I'll go back to the doctor if it's still around next week. All this and i'm still getting the gassy gurgling feelings in my upper stomach and lower stomach/abdomin.
Very frustrated at the moment...
hey
if u are now having problems with your digestion as with your anxiety rem your doc diagnosed u with gastritis which until it settles down may cause u trouble with your bowels.our emotions can have a effect on our bowels while anxiety will speed things up other emotions will slow it down.you have been through a very stressful time with your cancer fear and that certaintly and naturally is going to have an effect on your emotions.i have been through the same and it wacked me out for months
take your time when u eat --do not eat under stress rather de stress and then enjoy your meal-----stick to a more alkaline based diet for a while.stress affects all parts of the digestive tract and it also affects the nervous system for example when we are stressed or anxious ,the adrenal glands pump out adrenaline ,this will increase your heartrate and bp but will decrease peristalsis--thereby slowing the movement of food along the intestines---while adrenaline will also shift blood away from the intestine wall thus impairing and slowing digestion and absorption mix all that up with anxiety for whatever reason and u can see how it effects the bowels.just rem u have been through the worst of it and maybe now u can look forward to feeling more secure about yourself again.if u still are having trouble talk to your doc
the gastroenterology forum is good also for tips
G-DAY
keep posted
if u are now having problems with your digestion as with your anxiety rem your doc diagnosed u with gastritis which until it settles down may cause u trouble with your bowels.our emotions can have a effect on our bowels while anxiety will speed things up other emotions will slow it down.you have been through a very stressful time with your cancer fear and that certaintly and naturally is going to have an effect on your emotions.i have been through the same and it wacked me out for months
take your time when u eat --do not eat under stress rather de stress and then enjoy your meal-----stick to a more alkaline based diet for a while.stress affects all parts of the digestive tract and it also affects the nervous system for example when we are stressed or anxious ,the adrenal glands pump out adrenaline ,this will increase your heartrate and bp but will decrease peristalsis--thereby slowing the movement of food along the intestines---while adrenaline will also shift blood away from the intestine wall thus impairing and slowing digestion and absorption mix all that up with anxiety for whatever reason and u can see how it effects the bowels.just rem u have been through the worst of it and maybe now u can look forward to feeling more secure about yourself again.if u still are having trouble talk to your doc
the gastroenterology forum is good also for tips
G-DAY
keep posted
Well first off i wouldn't drink OJ on an empty stomach!! that always makes my stomach grumble.. all OJ is; is acid.. and if you worry alot that too will make your tummy rumble.. trust me..
anxiety, as i said before can cause so many problems. stomach problems are so common as well as intestinal problems. my daughter goes through the back and forth thing with her bowels. she takes aloe vera juice which helps somewhat to calm the stomach and keep things in order. eating yogurt every day can help regulate you also. i read in your post that you drank tea, i would get a decaf ginger tea and see if that helps. also, i take pepcid ac when my stomach is upset, which is most of the time! if you except that this could very well be anxiety and everything else has been ruled out then you can go on from there with treatment, some therapy and maybe medication for awhile. try to stay on a bland diet, which it sounds like your doing now, low acid, no spicy foods, low fat, nothing greasy and no caffeine. i really hope you start feeling better. try to keep your stress level down, which i know is hard. let me know , i'm here everyday. take care. remar
Is your nausea persistant? mine is pretty much everyday most of the Drs i have seen say this is very unusual and one even told me that she didn't believe me and thought i was just trying to get time off work.
It's very frustating.
It's very frustating.
Thanks for your reply. The replies so far are helping me to understand and accept what is happening to me.
I have one question. DO you get some milf constipation with your anxiety caused stomach problems. I usually go once a day but of late with my problems i might still go once a day but the movement is very small and then on the third day it will all come out at once..A little unusual for me. And secondly, does constipation cause pain and if so what does it usually feel like and where. I might go looking or the answer elsewhere in MedHelp..
Thanks
Dooges
I have one question. DO you get some milf constipation with your anxiety caused stomach problems. I usually go once a day but of late with my problems i might still go once a day but the movement is very small and then on the third day it will all come out at once..A little unusual for me. And secondly, does constipation cause pain and if so what does it usually feel like and where. I might go looking or the answer elsewhere in MedHelp..
Thanks
Dooges
yes, anxiety can cause stomach problems. my daughter and i both have panic disorder and we have stomach problems alot, nausea, pain the gurgling feelings. you do have alot going on right now and i agree with what nursegirl said, even good changes in your life can be stressful. if your dr. has checked you and put you on meds for gastritis then it's not cancer. i'm happy for you that the cancer on your hand had not spread. try to get your stress level down and your stomach should start feeling better. i know when i'm really stressed my stomach gets very out of control. take care. remar
Thanks for the reply guys :) and Lagoya it's pronounced "G'day" :)
I'm not sure I'm still feeling the anxiety. I now believe that the symptoms i'm feeling are not cancer related. This has been the case really i suppose since I had the endoxopy done which diagnosed the MILD gastritis. My doctor said it would take 6-8 weeks to gt over it and that I didn't really have to worry about my diet in that time. This strikes me as a little weird considering what I have read on the net. He said alcohol was ok as long as i didn't do it on a empty stomach.
I'm not getting that tense knotty feeling around or under my sternum since I accepted that it wasn't cancer related.
My question is, how long should or wil it take it get back to normal. Will this have a permanent effect on my digestive system or am I still suffering from anxiety due to work etc. I definately don't fear going to work at the moment but in my current position there is always pressure there that I have never had to deal with in my career.
Most of the pain and symptoms I have mentioned in my previous post has only been intermittent. The stomach and digestive problems are there a lot but differ in a lot of ways and at totally different times.
I'm thinking if it was something medically related that it would be a ongoing common symptom. ( Hope this makes sense )
Some of what I have read states that I should ignore the feelings i'm having and my brain will get used to not worrying about it and things will get better. Kinda hard to do as you should be alert as to what your body is telling you. ventually it may be something serious. But how do you break this cycle between anxiety related problems and actual medical problems. Only thing I can think of is that you gain an attitude of totally not worrying about your mortality and just accept that if it's your time then so be it. So hard to do though.
I have so much on my mind that I need to ask and get out, I'm thankful for this forum and all of you that read and respond to all the posts, Not just mine :)
Thanks
Doogie
I'm not sure I'm still feeling the anxiety. I now believe that the symptoms i'm feeling are not cancer related. This has been the case really i suppose since I had the endoxopy done which diagnosed the MILD gastritis. My doctor said it would take 6-8 weeks to gt over it and that I didn't really have to worry about my diet in that time. This strikes me as a little weird considering what I have read on the net. He said alcohol was ok as long as i didn't do it on a empty stomach.
I'm not getting that tense knotty feeling around or under my sternum since I accepted that it wasn't cancer related.
My question is, how long should or wil it take it get back to normal. Will this have a permanent effect on my digestive system or am I still suffering from anxiety due to work etc. I definately don't fear going to work at the moment but in my current position there is always pressure there that I have never had to deal with in my career.
Most of the pain and symptoms I have mentioned in my previous post has only been intermittent. The stomach and digestive problems are there a lot but differ in a lot of ways and at totally different times.
I'm thinking if it was something medically related that it would be a ongoing common symptom. ( Hope this makes sense )
Some of what I have read states that I should ignore the feelings i'm having and my brain will get used to not worrying about it and things will get better. Kinda hard to do as you should be alert as to what your body is telling you. ventually it may be something serious. But how do you break this cycle between anxiety related problems and actual medical problems. Only thing I can think of is that you gain an attitude of totally not worrying about your mortality and just accept that if it's your time then so be it. So hard to do though.
I have so much on my mind that I need to ask and get out, I'm thankful for this forum and all of you that read and respond to all the posts, Not just mine :)
Thanks
Doogie
HI there! Welcome to the forum! First of all...you've had some HUGE life changes (even GOOD ones cause stress, as you know)...and the skin cancer scare certainly was frightening for you!
No wonder you've had some issues with anxiety lately...it is totally understandable!
Anxiety absolutely wreaks havoc on our systems....in a lot of different ways. If you look in the health pages here under "anxiety"...you will see a HUGE list of ever-growing physical manifestations of anxiety (symptoms). GI disturbances are up there pretty high on the list. Sounds like to me that you are having an overactive bowel tract. What basically happens is....anxiety (especially for any length of time)..increases acid production in the stomach...which can lead to ulcers, heartburn, you name it...and also the peristalsis increases dramatically. This is the movement of the GI tract (intestines) that causes the food to be pushed through and digested. When the peristalsis increases...you end up with a lot of tummy noises and gurgling...and also diarrhea can be common as well.
Basically...once you start working on the anxiety, the other issues will fall into place as well. If you feel you are still having trouble with the anxiety even though most of the stressors are gone (not uncommon)...you may need to seek some professional help to work through it a bit.
In the meantime...eat sensibly...do NOT skip meals...be careful about taking TOO many natural supplements...run them by your doc. The very things that we think are helping us can sometimes be the source of some of our issues. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than sitting down to big meals....that is just overload on your system. Lots of fluid as well. You've cut out the caffeine and alcohol, so that will help as well. Try to not eat things that are harder on the system (nuts, some raw veggies that are difficult to digest)....
I'm willing to bet that once the anxiety starts resolving, so will these symptoms. You've had a LOT going on in your life...and prolly haven't fully "bounced back" as of yet. It may take time....and again...there is no shame in seeking some help working thru it. Good luck...keep in touch!
No wonder you've had some issues with anxiety lately...it is totally understandable!
Anxiety absolutely wreaks havoc on our systems....in a lot of different ways. If you look in the health pages here under "anxiety"...you will see a HUGE list of ever-growing physical manifestations of anxiety (symptoms). GI disturbances are up there pretty high on the list. Sounds like to me that you are having an overactive bowel tract. What basically happens is....anxiety (especially for any length of time)..increases acid production in the stomach...which can lead to ulcers, heartburn, you name it...and also the peristalsis increases dramatically. This is the movement of the GI tract (intestines) that causes the food to be pushed through and digested. When the peristalsis increases...you end up with a lot of tummy noises and gurgling...and also diarrhea can be common as well.
Basically...once you start working on the anxiety, the other issues will fall into place as well. If you feel you are still having trouble with the anxiety even though most of the stressors are gone (not uncommon)...you may need to seek some professional help to work through it a bit.
In the meantime...eat sensibly...do NOT skip meals...be careful about taking TOO many natural supplements...run them by your doc. The very things that we think are helping us can sometimes be the source of some of our issues. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than sitting down to big meals....that is just overload on your system. Lots of fluid as well. You've cut out the caffeine and alcohol, so that will help as well. Try to not eat things that are harder on the system (nuts, some raw veggies that are difficult to digest)....
I'm willing to bet that once the anxiety starts resolving, so will these symptoms. You've had a LOT going on in your life...and prolly haven't fully "bounced back" as of yet. It may take time....and again...there is no shame in seeking some help working thru it. Good luck...keep in touch!
good day mate
sorry i am not an aussie but always wanted to say that
i am no expert on anxiety i suffer from it myself but there are probably loads of more here who will know better ,but i just wanted to say you just had a few difficult few months and the stress of such is showing its face now.it is a worrying period being faced with cancer and im gald for u it turned in your favour .u now need to let that go ,by all means keep an eye on things if u have to but if u keep dwelling on it ----it will cause futher problems down the line.
everybody gets stressed out from time to time for whatever reason and it can play games with our digestion.as can anxiety making all those muscle and nerves tence.a lot of stomach gurling can be from borborygmi the nice medical term for a noisy windy gurlging abdomen
and can be assocciated with gastritis. i would say for stick with what your doc says and stop the alcohol for a bit and give the stomach time to heal.try a more alkaline diet.
i also just would like to say u should make time for your breakfast ,it is the most important meal of the day as in break the fast if u know what i mean ,if u find work stressful that is not the place to be having your first meal ,maybe give yourself more time in the morning if u can to relax and enjoy your meal and give your body a head start.
just an idea
best of luck to you
sorry i am not an aussie but always wanted to say that
i am no expert on anxiety i suffer from it myself but there are probably loads of more here who will know better ,but i just wanted to say you just had a few difficult few months and the stress of such is showing its face now.it is a worrying period being faced with cancer and im gald for u it turned in your favour .u now need to let that go ,by all means keep an eye on things if u have to but if u keep dwelling on it ----it will cause futher problems down the line.
everybody gets stressed out from time to time for whatever reason and it can play games with our digestion.as can anxiety making all those muscle and nerves tence.a lot of stomach gurling can be from borborygmi the nice medical term for a noisy windy gurlging abdomen
and can be assocciated with gastritis. i would say for stick with what your doc says and stop the alcohol for a bit and give the stomach time to heal.try a more alkaline diet.
i also just would like to say u should make time for your breakfast ,it is the most important meal of the day as in break the fast if u know what i mean ,if u find work stressful that is not the place to be having your first meal ,maybe give yourself more time in the morning if u can to relax and enjoy your meal and give your body a head start.
just an idea
best of luck to you
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