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Calming the gut brain
This may seem like a humorous question, but I'm asking in all seriousness, since I have long-standing chronic stressors in my life over and above my current health problems. Given my current situation, those chronic stressors are not susceptible to easy fixes. Hence my interest in the possibility of other strategies.
My major medical situation is that I was diagnosed (then age 73) last year about the end of summer with inoperable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas; probably already with lung mets.
At my most recent medical evaluation 2 days ago, my oncologist was not satisfied with the response of my tumor to gemcitabine - abraxane, so has decided to switch me to a different 2-drug therapy, the details of which I am fuzzy on at this point, other than it involves one oral med and one to be administered via an infusion pump over 46 hours. This new therapy is scheduled to start around 10 days from now.
In the meantime I am feeling abandoned to my own devices - "abandoned" being the key word. Rationally I realize that is not so. But I'm finding that my emotions (anxiety leads the crowd) are not so easily ratcheted down. Hence the question that heads this post.
Additional recent observations leading to my question are:
Learning to switch off negative thought trains, even temporarily, has helped some, particularly when I am preparing to go to sleep for the night.
Unexpectedly, I have discovered that I am much more comfortable physically when I have congenial visitors or can experience some rare tranquility in my life.
This has somehow led me to remember the evidence that we have a larger "brain" in our gut than the one in our heads.
Does anyone have any experience to share that indicates what approaches have worked or not worked?
I'm prejudiced against pharmaceutical approaches since my professional experience in health care indicates that one drug prescription frequently leads to the necessity of prescribing another drug to treat the side effects of the first, which then may need another prescription drug to prevent the new side effects.
On the other hand is there even such a "thing" as talk therapy for the gut-brain? Or anything else that has proven effective?
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I’m not sure what DGIB is, but Yes, I did some deep diving into the brain/gut connection (of course with Mayo which has been my go -to for many years through several severe health issues with my husband and myself as well). And I did find there is definitely that connection after presenting my thoughts and information to my gastroenterologist NP. I also work with a holistic practitioner who has been talking of the great importance of the gut biome to me for years! , I was gene -tested and found that Pristiq works best for my Makeup and body type. That may be your first step. Good luck! And thank you Janelle for the information, too!
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5 ReactionsThank you so much for your comments and good wishes. I will check out Pristiq, and all the best to you.
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3 ReactionsYou should request gene-testing from your doctor before getting a prescription for Pristiq 😊
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1 ReactionHas anyone been diagnosed? I went to Mayo and this is the only thing they could come up with. I have been sick for years and got no answers. I guess it’s kind of a new thing and they are still learning about it.
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1 ReactionI have not been diagnosed with this and appt with a GI doctor is November but I suspect I do. I did research. I take an anti epileptic drug . Had gall bladder removed in October 2014. The so called good bacteria in my GI tract effected by this. I have constipation gas etc. My neurologist reduced the dose of my anti epileptic drug. I added a probiotic supplement earlier this month. Been working on dietary changes as well since January. I am finally better. I do not know to put in my comments the specific journal articles where I find this but they are medical journals. The gut brain axis is linked to depression anxiety and other neurological issues.
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3 ReactionsHave you looked into GABA. Relaxes my mind.
Tai Chi can help with giving you a better way to breathe and concentrate. There are some resources online to try without committing to a group. John Monroe has some good facebook posts.
Hi @hansenshorses. Being sick for so long is difficult. I have been struggling for a while as well, I feel your pain.
Are you saying Mayo Clinic, I assume GI gave you a diagnosis of “Disorder of Gut-Brain interaction“, same as @wishingonastar?
Are you comfortable sharing more about what brought you to Mayo and what they recommended? How is this impacting your day-to-day currently?
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1 Reaction@kb2014, it sounds like you have been dealing with symptoms for a long time and are making progress. A GI appointment sounds like a good idea.
You mention going to a neurologist and making medication/supplement as well as diet changes that are helping.
What are the symptoms you are dealing with? How are deciding what changes to make?
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1 ReactionGas constipation bloating. My anti epilepsy drug lamotrigine can cause this. Dose was reduced 50 percent. Remained seizure free. This was 6 months ago. I added a probiotic supplement. I had been improving till today. I think I made the following mistakes. Too much bread. Then too many servings of beans to relieve the constipation. I take docusate and generic Metamucil. 2 days ago another mistake. Diet pepsi. I also think onions are a no no. Lots of fluids. Water with water flavor packets. AEDs can cause gut dysbiosis. Had cholesytectomy fall 2014 so the bile pouring into my intestines causes gut dysbiosis. I do not take much prescription meds. Don't want to add more. Also. I do better with home made bread.
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