Reflux, Nausea, Weight Loss... Anxiety?

[bkitch09]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to these forums and just wanted to get a second opinion from everyone. I'm 21 years old and for the past 2 years have been struggling with weight loss, nausea every time I eat, and bad acid reflux. I started going to a GI doctor because it was initially thought it was an ulcer. Needless to say, 2 different GI doctors later, numerous blood tests, and every possible test for any sort of GI problem, and they've found nothing. My current GI doctor said last week that from his point of view, there's nothing wrong with me and nothing they can test me for. He put me on a mild antidepressant (Remeron, 15 mg, 1/2 of a tablet at night) to help stimulate my appetite and take advantage of what others would consider the most negative side effect - weight gain. The last time I went to the GI doctor, he told me that he believes all my problems are a result of anxiety, and now wants to put me on Celexa, along with Prozac as an 'emergency' medication, since he said the first 2 weeks of Celexa are notoriously bad for side effects.

I've been thinking a lot about the idea that all of this is related to anxiety and trying to see if it makes sense. I've always been a nervous person and always had a nervous stomach - getting nauseous before big events, vacations, job interviews, etc. Also, about 4 years ago I had a panic attack that ended up with a night in the hospital. I always thought it was a one time thing, and never really noticed any troubles with anxiety, but recently I've definitely been noticing it. I always get nauseous before going out with frienRAB, and this results in me dreading going out, and in turn, getting even more nauseous. I've also been noticing a large amount of dizziness - I get to the point where I feel like I'm going to pass out, almost like a severe drop in blood sugar. I think very pessimistically, get easily distracted, and have a lot of problems getting to sleep and staying asleep.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is whether or not anyone else has experienced these symptoms relating just to anxiety - the reflux and nausea are my main concerns... I know I'm an anxious person, but I never really thought it was the cause of all the problems I've been having for the past 2 years. Also, since I've been on the Remeron, I've noticed I get extremely frustrated - I feel like I just want to punch something and I start jiggling my leg as if I'm on a major caffeine high (haven't had any caffeine since the start of my problems 2 years ago). Is this a common symptom others experience? It's definitely working for the weight gain - I've put on about 10 pounRAB since starting it a month ago (which for me is a good thing - I'm 6 foot and now weigh 145 pounRAB, up from 135).

My GI doctor recommended I see a psychiatrist to manage the medications and my anxiety. I'm holding off on taking the Celexa for now, since it's about to be finals in school and I don't want to experience bad side effects right around all my exams. Has anyone had these same problems related to anxiety? I'd appreciate any and all opinions, so I can decide what to do about going to see a psychiatrist and taking the anti-depressants.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Katcarcat]

I definitely know what you mean when it comes to nausea and dizziness due to anxiety. Both are known to spawn from anxiety and can be very distracting in every day life. I think you should talk to a psychiatrist, just to see whats out there and maybe taking some medication thats right for you. But have you tried seeing a psychologist? Try talking through your issues first maybe or trying out natural ways to reduce your anxiety, I know vitimin B complex pills have helped me out a ton lately and exercise is a great way to release natural endorphins that can calm you down. I hope everything works out well for you

 

[moms2]

Hi there:

I suffer from anxiety and now reflux. I think they are related because the anxiety adRAB stress and this in turn effects your stomach. I currently do not take any prescription drugs for my anxiety. I am trying to cure it naturally, very difficult. I have forun that cranial sacral work alleviates it, it just takes time and monrey. Good luck

 

[RLJones]

BKITCH09, your story sounRAB like mine! Just like I wrote it! So I have had the same stomach pains/ reflux since Christmas. I thought I had an ulcer too, so after numerous trips to the ER, the dr finally ordered an stomach scope. Nothing out of the ordinary. All blood work fine, ultrasound normal, etc etc. Like you, I'm not convinced that there is nothing wrong, so I have an appointment to see an internal medicine specialist next month. I am on a "ppi" drug to stop the excess stomach aciRAB (Pantoloc), which helps very much too. Sooo, nothing left now but to think of a different cause. My family doctor is convinced it is from the stress in my life. (husband lost job & is now re-training in college).The anxiety attacks I get are really bad too, one day when someone told me some distressing news, my eyes went all dark and my husband said I swayed forward like I was going to pass out. My doctor prescribed Celexa and for a few weeks I didn't take them, I was afraid of the side effects. But after much soul searching, I decided that I was going to wreck my health if I DIDN"T take them. Stress on your body is a powerfully negative influence. The first week of Celexa was fairly tough. He prescribed only 10mg / day to start. Mostly symptoms were grogginess, sleepy, and just like you are walking around in a haze. After that week ended, it really started to get better. I'm on week 2 now and I still get some anxious moments, which may be a side effect of the Celexa my doctor said, they should pass too. He also gave me Ativan for the really bad moments. Just a 1/2 mg tiny pill that you melt under your toungue, and it works almost instantly. I hate taking all of this medication, but it's not forever and it beats the alternative, which is to suffer. Hope my story helps you because I know from my experience the last couple of weeks it has helped me to know others are having the same problem.