Worrying causing stomach irritation?
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| Tue, 05-03-2005 - 5:51pm |
Hello everyone! This is my first post. About 2 months ago, I went to the doctor complaining of a burning in my upper abdomen. I have been on Toprol XL for about a year now, because of my fast heart rate (tachycardia.) When my doctor increased me to 50 mg of it in November, I developed stomach problems that would bother me every now and then a month or two later. Anyways, I went to the doctor for it 2 months ago and I told her the problem. I told her I believed it was the Toprol bothering my stomach and she agreed. She prescribed me a prescription of Prevacid to take every morning. I noticed relief right away. The intense burning is no longer a problem. But, it seems like I'll go a month without feeling any problems, then I'll eat something that flares it up again a bit for about a week or so, then it'll stop and go away for another month or two. The burning is no one near the intensity as it was before I got put on Prevacid. My dad has had an ulcer before and his flares up every now and then, as well.
I really think I have symptoms of being a hypochondriac. :\ Any sort of feeling in my stomach worries me, thus making it feel worse. My question is: can stress really worsen stomach irritation?
I'll go a long time without thinking of my stomach and the moment I do, that's when it seems to flare up. :\
arggh. Anyone have any suggestions on how to relieve anxiety? Thanks for reading this. :)_

Hi and Welcome
I am no doctor just some one who can suggest things.
Ok to your question
Hi!
First off, I just want to thank you for taking the time to respond to my post. I really appreciate it.
I will definitely look into those vitamins. I'm 23 years old and I don't really lead a highly stressful life, but I DO worry excessively. I don't even know why. Looking up symptoms online has really increased my anxiety. Whenever I get a symptom, I try to diagnose myself and I end up with the worst case scenario. It's crazy.
I'm going to try helping myself. I'm looking into stress-relievers and I may even try yoga. If I don't see improvement in the next month or two, I think I'll talk about it with my doctor.
Now, that I know stress is a cause of stomach problems, I guess the first step is to get rid of the stress, then my stomach will clear up, as well.
Thanks again for the advice.
~ April
Hi April
Thanks very much.
For the past few days, I've been diving into art projects and things to really focus on in my free time and listening to soothing music in the evenings. I'm feeling like myself again. For me, the hardest part of getting out of a rut - is actually the first day of the new routine. After the first day, it's smooth sailing from then on.
I'm feeling alot better.
Thank you for the advice.
Always
Hi April,
Welcome aboard.
I just wanted to let you know I identify with the stress = stomach upset. The best advice I ever got for it was: When you feel yourself getting anxiety, just let it come. Don't try to fight it. Tell yourself, "I'm anxious and that's ok. I will not fight it. Soon, this will pass." Also, take deep, relaxing breaths, in all the way, and out slowly... with each breath count backwards from 100. I always feel better around 75 or so! Exercise does wonders too. Try walking a mile or so on a treadmill or around the park. Sometimes it makes you too tired to be nervous! I hope I have helped a little, just know that you are not alone, and you ARE in control!