Cptsd and somatic illness

[Ar1992]

Hi everyone,
I've been sick for four weeks. Unable to eat, hardly able to drink, miserable, exhausted.
I went to get IV fluids four times in these past four weeks and spent a night in the hospital getting every test done on my stomach - and of course, the doctors found nothing organically wrong.
I'm coming to accept that this is my body attacking itself in a way, as a result of repeated trauma throughout my life.
I'm frustrated. And I'm sick, and feel so tired right now I'm not able to work - getting out of the house just to do grocery shopping drains everything out of me and causes anxiety. Food is causing me anxiety. Everything is causing anxiety.
Does anyone else suffer with functional stomach problems? Any ideas or solutions? I think I've done all the anti-stress coping skills I know but maybe I'm missing something.
I'm a survivor and I'm not one to give up.
But I'm tired.
Thanks for listening.

 

[shimmerz]

There is lots of information on the gut/brain connection. The two are more tied than one may think. Just one of a boatload of articles/books etc for you.

Gut Feelings–the "Second Brain" in Our Gastrointestinal Systems [Excerpt]

 

[BlueOrange]

Yeah, my guts can play merry hell with me, and it's usually caused by the PTSD. Ginger is good for an upset stomach - look for ginger beer that lists ginger as an ingredient. (It's a mild stimulant, so consider reducing other stimulants.) When the pain is severe, I find that compressing my abdomen somehow can help.

 

[Ar1992]

Thanks for the help guys :)
I've taken a few days off work, and I"m super frustrated about not feeling well.
But being patient with myself. I've found that's the only way to make things better.
I appreciate the support

 

[anonymous]

I don't as much now, but I would get so stressed that I couldn't eat. That leads to more problems. Probably not the best solution, but eventually I started having a drink or two to help me relax enough to be able to eat.

 

[EveHarrington]

Have you had a recent major stressor?

 

[LuckiLee]

My guy is always nauseous when he wakes up and more often than not he also vomits.

*thanks for the info @shimmerz :)

 

[Finding Maeve]

Hi everyone,
I've been sick for four weeks. Unable to eat, hardly able to drink, miserable, exhausted....

YES! I lost 30 pounds over a few months because of GI problems, bottoming out at 96 pounds. I read that severe anxiety can cause the digestive track to tighten. Read 'The Body Keeps the Score' if you can. I finally found a psychiatrist who specializes in trauma who also used to be a general practitioner. I thought he was nuts when he told me to eat only Saltines and liquids for one day because my "fibers" had been destroyed and needed to grow back. I don't really know what he was talking about, but it did actually help a lot, and every so often I repeat his advice when I'm spending half my days in the bathroom again. Although I had to tackle the anxiety (and depression) that was causing the problem at the same time, which I do with a combination of medication, therapy, deep belly breathing, and other "survival skills". As for exhaustion, your brain and body need to rest more than usual. If you can (and I know many can't), give in for a while. It will help in the long run. Drink Ensure if you have to (and if you can). If you are suffering, take care of yourself as if you were your own child, or the child inside you still hurting, or whatever works for you. Have compassion for, and be kind to, yourself. If you don't have one, find a good therapist. Fighting the illness, or hoping it will go away on its own, will only make it worse. These are just things I've learned that have helped me. Everyone is different.