Hi, Ana !! I have been dealing with stress for decades. First, when I was working. I held a pretty intensive job. What I noticed was that I started getting sick all the time. I developed chronic bronchitis, then other lung issues when the stress was a constant.

Then came my kids. Working and taking care of kids really puts a strain on women. It got to the point to where I was working 60 hr weeks and doing dinner, kids baths and homework. I seriously don't know how I made I thru.

I meant it when I said to be kind to yourself ! Try not to dwell too much on drs appts. It's a hard thing to do, but when you start dwelling on it- try thinking about anything else - pleasant family memories and such. I try to change my mind to my Grandma and the private memories I keep stored.

If it makes you feel any better, I had 4 endoscopies in one year. I kept telling my family the dr had a crush on me but I think he just was trying to go to the Bahamas for vacation and needed the money would be closer to the truth. They give you something that knocks you out while they do it so you don't feel anything.

Since I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, I am very familiar with stomach/intestinal issues. But there again, it's emotion based. It almost sounds like you have something similar. Theres Chrones disease and bunch of others that are all based in the stomach and intestines and esophagus. I take Dicyclomine 20 mg for my IBS, 3 times a day. But for intestinal issues it all boils down to not eating foods that cause flare ups and following the FODMAP diet. Might not hurt for you to give it a shot and see if eating differently works for you. You can get info about it by just looking up FODMAP on the web.

From just reading your email, I think you and I might be similar in that we hold our stress inside us. That's where all the other symptoms of mine come from - emotions. And, holding it inside yourself.

I have been taking Prozac in escalating milligrams since my 30's. It has worked for me to keep me from stressing out too much. But that's about all I am taking.

Do you have any hobbies that bring you joy ?? Even setting aside one hour each day to do something that truly makes you happy will make a big difference. I have enjoyed exercizing for forever. When my kids were young, I would tell them I am going to exercise so that was the hour I didn't want to be bothered. They could talk to me anytime but for the time I was exercizing. Any form of exercise is good for you and helps reduce stress levels. It's another way of getting your mind on something other than what's bothering you.

To be honest with you, I was on the same merry-go-round. I would not be doing so good, feel better then back to feeling horrible.

May I ask what you do for a living ? Are you pleased with your job ? And, your family ? Anyone you are close to you can confide in ?

Well, I think my email is turning into a book ! You take care of yourself ! If you would like to email me my email address is (don't laugh ! I was a service engineering coordinator in my job and gave myself the title of goddess) : service_goddess@yahoo.com

Take care, kiddo !!
Amie