Anxiety because of health issue? Please respond!

[Father of 2]

Hey, everyone. I'm a 26 year old female that had been in good health up until about 8 months ago. Okay, so I've been battling some stomach issues during that time. Actually found out that I had a gallstone in November and had my gallbladder removed in December. Prior to this I'd never had any medical issues except basic stuff (strep throat and ear infection) and hadn't been to a doctor in probably 6 years. In fact, I had made it 25 years and never even had blood drawn, seriously! Never had any broken bones, stitches, never been to the hospital except when I was born.

I've always had a fear of going to doctors. Even over basic stuff I was always afraid they would find something wrong with me and it would be incurable. Crazy and irrational, I know. Well, I had 3 gallbladder attacks in less than a month and I knew I had to do something about it because the pain was so severe I thought I was doing to die.

Now on to my present problems. It's been almost 4 months since my surgery and I'm still having problems. Abdominal tenderness, burping, hiccups are a few symptoms. Plus, I'm getting somewhat severe upper abdomen and back pain after consuming alcohol. I know there is still something going on with my health and I'm very scared and worried. Went back to the surgeon that removed my gallbladder a couple months ago and he said my symptoms sound like acid reflux and a hiatal hernia. Haven't had any tests done to confirm this.

The thing is now my health is ALL I can think about 24/7. I'm having difficulty focusing on my job and much of anything else. When people are talking to me I'm looking at them but not really hearing what they are saying. I've always loved watching sports but I don't even find that enjoyable anymore. Also, I've been online doing research on what all could possibly be wrong with me and that is stressing me out. Now I don't know if the symptoms I have are really real or I'm only feeling it because it's something I read. For the last couple months I'm having a really difficult time sleeping which I've never had before.

I do have an appointment with a gastroenterologist in 2 weeks but I get so nervous I don't feel as though I do a good job adressing my symptoms or asking questions. While I'm afraid that they'll find something seriously wrong, I'm equally afraid that nothing will be found and everyone will think I'm crazy. Does that make any sense?

Does this sound like anxiety? If so, what should I do to help get it under control. Please, someone respond! I just really need someone to talk to who may have experienced something similar to this before. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[hawaiianbrandee]

First, as having read your entire writing, I agree with you as to Anxiety' theory, even though you sound like never been in psycho. doc.

Most mental issues, i.e., depression, anxiety and the others have some 'triggers' like major surgery or death in the family. In your case, surgery that frightened you significantly and still lingering your fear.

Also, some medications trigger depression along with anxiety. If you're on some medication, you need to talk to the doc. who has some knowledge in mental issues, as well.

However, without a good doc. intervention, either family doc. or psycho. doc., your symptoms can NOT be diagnosed appropriately. Since any mental issues need clear and truthful explanation for properly dx., if possible, you need someone is able to explain your everyday's life, good and bad to the doctor.

 

[Mister Sister]

To control anxiety, take slow deep breaths and slow exhales several times during the day and see if it helps. Breathe in through the nose and exhale out mouth.

Sit idle for a few minutes off and on during the day thinking of nothing and saying a simple word or a letter over and over until nothing creeps into your mind. A great way to clear your mind.

After my gallbladder surgery the internist had me to take Citracel to help with burping, bloating, etc. I also started taking probiotics (PB8) found at the VitaminShop.

Hope you feel well soon.

Remember it takes a while for your body to adjust without a gallbladder, treat it gently and probably a good idea to omit alcohol.