Health Anxiety

[emma1semrad]

I've recently been struggling a lot with health anxiety. For me, it specifically occurs when I am out in public spaces and my stomach begins to hurt. I begin to panic and stress as I'm in an unpredictable and uncomfortable environment. I don't have anyone to rely on, I'm surrounded by people I don't know and I don't know a place where I can go to feel sick or get rid of my stress that enhances my pain. It's like a cycle. Now every time I have to step out of my house I feel nervous in case I get a flare-up or I get a flare-up because I am stressed. I don't know how to get out of this cycle, because I am always having weird bodily reactions and a sharp pain in my right lower abdomen that never goes away. It's been ongoing for months now and my anxiety is simply getting worse. It also doesn't help that I've witnessed past slightly traumatic events with being sick that all piled up and fuel my anxiety as of now. I just wish to get rid of the pain and regain the control I once had.

[RMJ]

Reading your other posts, some anxiety about your situation sounds reasonable!  It’s just gotten away from you.  Your recognizing that it is a cycle is a great first step to breaking that cycle.  Can you perhaps talk to a therapist to help with that?  Possibly even get some anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication to help just until you’ve gotten out of the cycle?

My digestive system definitely reacts to anxiety - I was discussing that with my gastroenterologist just last week! If I get upset about something - instant stomach pain. There’s a strong connection between the brain and the gut.

Anxiety can also be a symptom of celiac disease. I know you’ve been gluten free for a while, but if your system hasn’t completely healed yet that could be adding to the anxiety.

I hope others can weigh in with more advice.

[Kate333]

I can SO relate!  Diagnosed with celiac disease in late 2019.  Went on strict gluten-free diet. Finally got my blood tests to normal range.  But with all that has happened in the world (Covid fears) and my life (job loss and inability to find any work since 2022, dwindling life savings while I search), my physical and mental health has also been badly affected by that seemingly endless trap of "gut/brain" or "panic-stress" cycle--despite being gluten-free and celiac disease blood test numbers consistently in the low normal range for the past 2+ years.   Public spaces/noise/crowds also scare me--esp. with so many people refusing to mask despite an ongoing pandemic, and I'm claustrophobic.

RMJ's advice is spot on!  Ask your primary care doc for the celiac disease blood test (or an updated one).  If it's positive, she or he should refer you a gastro doc.  Also, ask your primary doc for a referral to a good MH counselor and a trial of anti-anxiety or antidepressant meds.  That can certainly help with your PTSD/anxiety.  

Best of luck!

 

[Mari]

Hi Emma - I just wanted to share some information I learned after a Dr suggested that I had gluten intolerance and I began researching this problem. It seems that when a person begins to react to gluten grains that the reaction starts at the lower part of the small intestine just above the ileo-Cecal Valve. This is a small sphincter muscle on the right side of your abdomen that allows or stops the contents of the small intestine from passing into the large intestine. This small muscle can get cramped open or shut. I learned from a Nurse Practitioner how to do a gentle massage to relax that muscle. If that small muscle is not functioning properly it can cause problems and when I relax that muscle I usually notice that I burp and pass gas which means that food is going through my gut more normally. There is often a little soreness in that area but no intense pain unless I have been glutened. I do become anxious when food I've eaten is not passing through my gut properly. 

Have you considered doing an elimination diet to find out if you are reacting to other foods?I found one online that had me start with just rice and lamb. Over the years I have had to go back to rice and lamg but could add some summer squash and a few other veggies what I  had learned that I did not react to. This last year I found I was reacting to any amount of hot peppers. Amazing how many commercially prepared products have small amounts of this spice in them. I have substituted tarter sauce for mayonaise.

Good luck to you as you learn to live with gluten intolerance.

[Rebeccaj]

On 1/28/2024 at 8:52 AM, emma1semrad said:

I've recently been struggling a lot with health anxiety. For me, it specifically occurs when I am out in public spaces and my stomach begins to hurt. I begin to panic and stress as I'm in an unpredictable and uncomfortable environment. I don't have anyone to rely on, I'm surrounded by people I don't know and I don't know a place where I can go to feel sick or get rid of my stress that enhances my pain. It's like a cycle. Now every time I have to step out of my house I feel nervous in case I get a flare-up or I get a flare-up because I am stressed. I don't know how to get out of this cycle, because I am always having weird bodily reactions and a sharp pain in my right lower abdomen that never goes away. It's been ongoing for months now and my anxiety is simply getting worse. It also doesn't help that I've witnessed past slightly traumatic events with being sick that all piled up and fuel my anxiety as of now. I just wish to get rid of the pain and regain the control I once had.

Fexofenadine and inhaler for when in environments avoid flour all together 12-24 hours. Also does your throat close over or breathing hard to breath and virtigo ?

[emma1semrad]

23 minutes ago, Rebeccaj said:

Fexofenadine and inhaler for when in environments avoid flour all together 12-24 hours. Also does your throat close over or breathing hard to breath and virtigo ?

Yes, sometimes I feel like I can't breathe properly, but I haven't taken it really seriously. It just feels as if I'm not inhaling/exhaling the right amount and it just feels tight/pressure. But I don't know what the reason for this is.

[emma1semrad]

On 1/28/2024 at 3:08 AM, RMJ said:

Reading your other posts, some anxiety about your situation sounds reasonable!  It’s just gotten away from you.  Your recognizing that it is a cycle is a great first step to breaking that cycle.  Can you perhaps talk to a therapist to help with that?  Possibly even get some anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication to help just until you’ve gotten out of the cycle?

My digestive system definitely reacts to anxiety - I was discussing that with my gastroenterologist just last week! If I get upset about something - instant stomach pain. There’s a strong connection between the brain and the gut.

Anxiety can also be a symptom of celiac disease. I know you’ve been gluten free for a while, but if your system hasn’t completely healed yet that could be adding to the anxiety.

I hope others can weigh in with more advice.

Exactly! My stomach responds to the slightest discomfort I feel mentally and depending on the intensity of it it gets worse. The issue is, in the Netherlands they're extreme strict and unwilling to give out antibiotics or strong medicine such as anti-depressants, so I'm now sure how I can manage to get hold of that, unless arguing with my doctors. 

5 hours ago, Mari said:

Hi Emma - I just wanted to share some information I learned after a Dr suggested that I had gluten intolerance and I began researching this problem. It seems that when a person begins to react to gluten grains that the reaction starts at the lower part of the small intestine just above the ileo-Cecal Valve. This is a small sphincter muscle on the right side of your abdomen that allows or stops the contents of the small intestine from passing into the large intestine. This small muscle can get cramped open or shut. I learned from a Nurse Practitioner how to do a gentle massage to relax that muscle. If that small muscle is not functioning properly it can cause problems and when I relax that muscle I usually notice that I burp and pass gas which means that food is going through my gut more normally. There is often a little soreness in that area but no intense pain unless I have been glutened. I do become anxious when food I've eaten is not passing through my gut properly. 

Have you considered doing an elimination diet to find out if you are reacting to other foods?I found one online that had me start with just rice and lamb. Over the years I have had to go back to rice and lamg but could add some summer squash and a few other veggies what I  had learned that I did not react to. This last year I found I was reacting to any amount of hot peppers. Amazing how many commercially prepared products have small amounts of this spice in them. I have substituted tarter sauce for mayonaise.

Good luck to you as you learn to live with gluten intolerance.

I actually do have little pain on this are when I press it, although I may have located it wrong. I was thinking of eliminating other foods, but I haven't taken it up with my doctor yet although I defenitely should. Thank you!

[emma1semrad]

On 1/30/2024 at 1:22 AM, Kate333 said:

I can SO relate!  Diagnosed with celiac disease in late 2019.  Went on strict gluten-free diet. Finally got my blood tests to normal range.  But with all that has happened in the world (Covid fears) and my life (job loss and inability to find any work since 2022, dwindling life savings while I search), my physical and mental health has also been badly affected by that seemingly endless trap of "gut/brain" or "panic-stress" cycle--despite being gluten-free and celiac disease blood test numbers consistently in the low normal range for the past 2+ years.   Public spaces/noise/crowds also scare me--esp. with so many people refusing to mask despite an ongoing pandemic, and I'm claustrophobic.

RMJ's advice is spot on!  Ask your primary care doc for the celiac disease blood test (or an updated one).  If it's positive, she or he should refer you a gastro doc.  Also, ask your primary doc for a referral to a good MH counselor and a trial of anti-anxiety or antidepressant meds.  That can certainly help with your PTSD/anxiety.  

Best of luck!

 

I totally feel you! I'm claustrophobic as well and the public also being a woman has not been the safest space for flare-ups and panicking/anxiety as well as the creeps i sometimes deal with :(. I'll try asking for the meds, although the doctors in the Netherlands aren't as willing to give these out and it'll take a lot of pushing to convince them. 

[knitty kitty]

@emma1semrad,

I've experienced the same things, the anxiety, panic attacks being in public, and more.  (Visit my blog for more of my story.) 

My doctors put me on antidepressants, but they only made everything worse.  Antidepressants can worsen the inflammation and damage in the small intestine.  

What worked better was to correct nutritional deficiencies.  I began supplementing with the eight essential B vitamins, Vitamin D and important minerals like magnesium and zinc.  The absorption of essential nutrients is decreased in Celiac Disease.  By boosting the amount of nutrients available for absorption with supplementation, health will improve.  

We need these eight essential B vitamins every day because we cannot store them.  Insufficiencies in many of the B vitamins will result in anxiety and depression.    

Thiamine in the form Benfotiamine has been the most helpful.  We need more Thiamine when we are physically ill, during emotional trauma, and when physically active.  Running to the bathroom while worrying if you'll get there before having an accident again covers all those bases.  

Thiamine is the vitamin that can become depleted the quickest.  All eight B vitamins work interdependently, so a B Complex and Benfotiamine are very helpful.  Benfotiamine has been shown to promote intestinal healing.  Thiamine (Benfotiamine)  has been shown to work as well as prescription antidepressants at relieving anxiety. 

Tryptophan, a form of Niacin B 3, is essential in making Serotonin, the feel good neurotransmitter, and in healing the intestines.  Tryptophan is made into Serotonin in the intestines.  Inflammation in the intestines can cause us to make less Serotonin.  Supplementing with Tryptophan, Benfotiamine, magnesium, and the B Complex help us feel better.  

The iliocecal valve between the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen may not operate correctly in Thiamine deficiency disorders.  The pylorus valve between the stomach and small intestine, as well as the esophageal valve between throat and stomach, and other sphincter valves (anus, bladder, heart) can be affected by insufficient thiamine.  When the valves don't have sufficient thiamine, they don't close and open properly. 

A combination of Thiamine, Pyridoxine, and B12 have been shown to alleviate pain as well as over the counter pain relievers.  

Please try boosting your intake of essential vitamins before turning to pharmaceuticals.  Doctors frequently are not well educated in the importance of vitamins.  As a microbiologist, I learned how important vitamins are to cellular functions required for health.  

You are not deficient in pharmaceuticals.  

You are deficient in vitamins and minerals.  

Edited January 31, 2024 by knitty kitty
Typo correction

[emma1semrad]

43 minutes ago, knitty kitty said:

@emma1semrad,

I've experienced the same things, the anxiety, panic attacks being in public, and more.  (Visit my blog for more of my story.) 

My doctors put me on antidepressants, but they only made everything worse.  Antidepressants can worsen the inflammation and damage in the small intestine.  

What worked better was to correct nutritional deficiencies.  I began supplementing with the eight essential B vitamins, Vitamin D and important minerals like magnesium and zinc.  The absorption of essential nutrients is decreased in Celiac Disease.  By boosting the amount of nutrients available for absorption with supplementation, health will improve.  

We need these eight essential B vitamins every day because we cannot store them.  Insufficiencies in many of the B vitamins will result in anxiety and depression.    

Thiamine in the form Benfotiamine has been the most helpful.  We need more Thiamine when we are physically ill, during emotional trauma, and when physically active.  Running to the bathroom while worrying if you'll get there before having an accident again covers all those bases.  

Thiamine is the vitamin that can become depleted the quickest.  All eight B vitamins work interdependently, so a B Complex and Benfotiamine are very helpful.  Benfotiamine has been shown to promote intestinal healing.  Thiamine (Benfotiamine)  has been shown to work as well as prescription antidepressants at relieving anxiety. 

Tryptophan, a form of Niacin B 3, is essential in making Serotonin, the feel good neurotransmitter, and in healing the intestines.  Tryptophan is made into Serotonin in the intestines.  Inflammation in the intestines can cause us to make less Serotonin.  Supplementing with Tryptophan, Benfotiamine, magnesium, and the B Complex help us feel better.  

The iliocecal valve between the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen may not operate correctly in Thiamine deficiency disorders.  The pylorus valve between the stomach and small intestine, as well as the esophageal valve between throat and stomach, and other sphincter valves (anus, bladder, heart) can be affected by insufficient thiamine.  When the valves don't have sufficient thiamine, they don't close and open properly. 

A combination of Thiamine, Pyridoxine, and B12 have been shown to alleviate pain as well as over the counter pain relievers.  

Please try boosting your intake of essential vitamins before turning to pharmaceuticals.  Doctors frequently are not well educated in the importance of vitamins.  As a microbiologist, I learned how important vitamins are to cellular functions required for health.  

You are not deficient in pharmaceuticals.  

You are deficient in vitamins and minerals.  

I had a giant blood test done and I had no deficiencies in anything, except a slight increase in calcium, but besides that all was totally fine, as well as my Thiamine level. So im afraid it might really just be a mental things that's being caused by coeliac, because I haven't had this before at the start when I got diagnosed with it and was deficienct in everything possible! It's something that's been manifesting itself for a while now and the stress has gotten to me. 

[knitty kitty]

Blood tests are NOT accurate in measuring deficiencies.  

Blood is a transport system!  Blood levels of vitamins can reflect how much and which vitamins you absorbed from dinner yesterday.  Blood levels have little to do with the amount of vitamins inside cells of the body where vitamins are actually utilized for cellular and organ functions.  

The World Health Organization says that the best test for vitamin deficiencies is to take vitamins and look for improvement.

The study of vitamins, naturally occurring amines (so not able to be patented), was abandoned in favor of the study of pharmaceutical drugs created in laboratory from petrochemicals and able to be patented, and therefore earn money for the inventor.  

All these articles and more express the inaccuracy of blood testing of vitamins.  

B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4772032/

....B Vitamins: Functions and Uses in Medicine

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9662251/

...The Effect of a High-Dose Vitamin B Multivitamin Supplement on the Relationship between Brain Metabolism and Blood Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress: A Randomized Control Trial

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316433/

Laboratory Evaluation for Vitamin B12 Deficiency: The Case for Cascade Testing

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573090/

Please reconsider trying supplementing.  The B vitamins are water soluble, if you don't need them you pee them out easily.  No harm, no foul.  If you do need them, you will see symptom improvement.

P. S. Please read my blog.  My mental health declined because my doctors did not recognize vitamin deficiencies.  

Edited January 31, 2024 by knitty kitty
Added post script