I have an appt with a new doctor on Friday. I finally had it with my old GP. Everytime I went in he wanted to put me on anxiety meds (once when I was having stomach pain and again when my lips were swollen from an allergic reaction). Granted both times I was under stress (the stomach problem was just after my nephew died and the lips were 3 weeks before my wedding). But, I do not think I was stressed enought to need medication. Also his receptionists are very rude.
So, anyway, I have been having stomach problems for a month and a half and they are getting worse. I will randomly get horrible gas-like pain and my stomach will swell up (I look like I am pregnant). I am so nervous but hoping for an answer. Thanks for listening!
Re: Nervous about Dr appt...
good luck at the dr.
have they ever tested you for celiac's disease, my mom used to have gas pains like that and she wound up having celiacs
I am sorry you are in so much pain. I totally understand where you are coming from... I have major stomach issues myself-- Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I have had stomach issues off and on for a long time. I attribute my problems to hormones and stress. Wedding planning, as much as I loved it, kicked it into high gear. Add stress from work... I was sick every few days last fall. It was horrible. My doc told me that your body just knows stress-- it can't tell if it is good stress or bad stress. Now that wedding planning is done, my attacks have lessened quite a bit, but I still have problems.
Based on what you said, it sounds like your GP just wants to do a quick fix... anxiety meds and is not listening to you. You know your body and they should be listening to what you have to say. I think you should stand your ground.
If it were me, I would go in tomorrow and ask for a referral to a Gastroenterologist. It might very well be stress related, as mine is, but they will work with you to find a solution so you are not in pain. Certain GI disorders have food triggers-- they may have you eliminate things from your diet. They may have you try out a med to help before the pain starts. I have a med that stops my cramping and it has a little something extra in it to help relax me. You have tons of options. A GI doc will really help you.
Hope this helps and good luck!
I have inflammatory bowel disease (like IBS)... stress and anxiety definitely exasperates it. When my doctor recommended anti-anxiety meds I was pretty hesitant about it... I didn't want to be labeled as the psychologist with anxiety or depression. I tried going on a bowel spasm medicine, but it made me high as a kite!
BUT, I was finally tired of missing work and school and being miserable all the time AND not knowing where I was going to have an attack.... I went on a super low dose of lexapro, an anti-anxiety/depression medicine. It was the BEST decision I've ever made. It took the edge off of my stress, but I still felt like me. My stomach was in better shape than it had been in years!
I really do encourage you ladies not to discount medicines like that because it did wonders for me!
Glutens are celiacs but people react differently, my mom doesnt have an issue with it on her skin, its her intestines that cant handle it. A girl she knows cant eat or have it touch her skin, its crazy. Whatever it is I hope they can help you! You shouldn't have to be uncomfortable.
Have you already tried to eliminate gluten from your diet?
I hope the doctor can find the issue for you so it can be addressed.
that's one of the first things they had me do... eliminate gluten and dairy.