Nervousness and Worry

@linh I read you got a gut health kit. I would like to know which one and where to order. I’m always looking for ways to investigate my gut issues. Thanks. Suzanne

@tarmansbks Hi. Suzanne here. You have taken so many of the same steps I’ve taken to relieve my symptoms of chronic constipation that leads to an inability to eat. And weight loss. The FODMAP diet has helped and so has small frequent meals.

Learning how to eat like a bird is more difficult than I thought. We’ve been raised and socialized to eat three substantial meals a day. Ordering a meal when out with friends isn’t possible now. It requires a change of habit that fundamentally goes against the way we/I’ve lived for 70 years. But here I am fine tuning my diet.

A good rice, organic brown, basmati, red, black, I try to vary it so I don’t get sick of rice, is my retreat when I get out of wack.

I have swallowing problems, stomach emptying probs, and constipation. They’re all related. I take citalopram and Wellbutrin for depression and have reluctantly resorted to a weekly use of laxative hoping to give my gut some relief. Or am I doing more harm?

I’m sorry for your chronic nausea. That must be horrible to live with. But it certainly is a help to have a forum where we don’t have to be shy about discussing our issues. I feel nauseous when my stomach can’t take anymore food but I want to eat but I’m unable to.

Another contributing factor in my case is my years with bulimia, which is probably at the root of my issues also.

I hope you find what works for you. And I’ll share anything that might be helpful. For now, wishing you all the best.

Suzanne, do you notice that most food is promoted as a way to lose weight and there is not much out there that is nourishing and palatable to help you gain weight. I knew this was a problem when my husband was post-Whipple surgery for a duodenal tumor and we just couldn't find high calorie foods that were nourishing and didn't turn his stomach. For almost a year he ate a steady diet of spinach quiche which we had to be careful of because of the coumadin INR levels and noodle tetrazzini with chicken broth but not chicken. He was prescribed Marinol after a fight with the insurance company but couldn't take it anyway. I never had bulimia and I don't feel I am depressed but I will admit to GAD. I worked my way back to 119 lbs as of this morning and will keep on track. I got Gala apples at with my grocery curb delivery this morning. Neighbor said to try some peanut butter on it to up the calorie. A friend who had mouth cancer radiation and couldn't swallow kept herself from losing further weight by drinking high test chocolate milk. This does not seem like the road to recovery but if I can reclaim an appetite and some weight maybe the GAD will ease up. I listen to you tube meditations daily re gut/brain and they are soothing. I like rice too but it can be cloying without the nice spices to go with it. LOL! M.E.

Bloodwork, endoscopy, ultrasound all negative for a reason. Having a breath test in November to measure overabundance of bacteria in "gut". Have been prescribed up to 4 zofran a day but it is constipating which is a problem I already have. I think constipation plays a role and because I have no appetite, I can't tolerate foods I unsed to love like vegetables and whole grains. Motility specialist has put in an order for a nutrition consult in the next two weeks. I have been trying to eat more and frequently. I do use Benefiber but all the other "fibers and softeners make me sick" so I have to go with suppositories and "the bag" to get things moving. Can't believe I am talking about this. Ginger does make me feel better and lorazepam takes the anxiety off the worry. I am off gabapentin and ropinirole and I am cutting back the medrol I believe it will take a while until those medications are out of my system. I thought the original classic relief band was discontinued but I will look at Amazon again to see. Thank you for your fine report, I appreciate it.

@tarmansbks I agree. It's always about low-calorie this and that. Nutrition should be a part of every GP's education and not just a "specialty." I will look around for a good gut check kit. My grandmother had a duodenal tumor. I sometimes wonder if I may have that also. How is it seen? Ultrasound? Endoscopy? I love rice with a little butter and salt and that's it. Anyway, thanks for all the info. I will follow up. 🙂

@tarmansbks ,
Do you think discontinuing gabapentin or other meds could be a cause? Have you discussed this possibility with your PCP?
Please let us know about the results of upcoming tests. Hang in there!

Yes, I think discontinuing those meds may have something to do with it. I broke down and took a zofran this afternoon as I am hesitating because of the constipation likelihood. My motiliy guru calls every Friday to see how I am doing and said to take the zofran and deal with the constipation if that's what it takes to get me to eat. Thank you for kind words.

Forgot to ask, if not too intrusive, were you ever diagnosed with a reason for your nausea? No reply necessary if this is too personal. Thank you.

I purchased a Gut Health test kit & learned from it’s report what bacteria were out of wack. One bacteria indicated I needed to make a higher priority out of dental hygiene, so I am using my dentist’s prescription toothpaste & flossing more religiously.

The test results helped guide me on what foods to include in my meals to rebalance. I don’t know if it is the placebo effect or not, an apple a day, etc. seems to help, my nausea has thankfully been tamed.