Stomach Upset In Morning

[EvenStrongerNow]

Does PTSD cause this from stress? Does anxiety do this? Does anyone else get this in the morning? It isn't every single morning, but most mornings. My stomach just feels upset. Like, I'm hungry and I really need to eat something but my stomach feels sick.

Not like your normal flu type nausea. It just feels ick. I just ate a banana because it's the only thing that seemed good. I'm not sure if it isn't just a somatic experience due to talking about some hard things last night.

What do you do for it?

 

[Powder]

Sorry. It could be any number of things.

I've had that as "morning sickness" when pregnant (the first time, when it was my first clue I was preggers).

Then, I've had it from esophageal spasm, which I now have as a side effect of 30 years of PTSD's wear and tear on my body. I take Lorazapam (Ativan) now for the PTSD anxiety. Ironically, I have learned to live with the mental aspects of complex trauma and PTSD, but I need the meds to stop the E.S. from ruining my health and worsening my symptoms. Mind-body connection says it all.

Recently, I read that our digestive system produces more serotonin than our brain does. The "stomach" is the 2nd brain, is a new claim. I guess having digestive problems from PTSD and losing drastic weight, is not small thing, because it took my PTSD to new levels that had never been breached (ringing ears, racing heart, etc.)

I say take it seriously and get it treated so you don't lose weight rapidly like I did and find out how bad PTSD can be.

I'd ask your therapist and/or doctor about it, do the tests, and ensure it's not dangerous. If, like me, its not, then it could just be PTSD.

I hope it passes and is a food thing.

Take care, Muse

 

[franciemarnie]

I get somatic pain in my tummy, and also strictly acidic discomfort.

I felt since a kid sick to my stomach or nauseous most of the time. It makes sense given there was neglect and terror there, and there it stayed for decades.

When I wake up, I always have a half teaspoon of baking soda and water and if it's just acid I am experiencing, that takes care of that.

If it is emotional energy, that's a different ball game. Sometimes it's as simple as I need to say something to someone (it's sticking in my gut) and talking it out will help.

I have GI tract problems historically so changing my diet helped somewhat.

But when the discomfort turned to outright chronic unbearable pain (and the doctor saw no organic reason for this), I went to an energy healer. That was in the Fall. I have had no stomach pain since. Fingers crossed!

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

I have been tested before while I was in the midst of my trauma over 3 years ago. They did find inflammation in my colon upon scan, and inflammatory markers in blood, and there was inflammation on colonoscopy.

But, I never got to follow up on it because at the time, I lost work and health insurance due to what was going on. They just thought it was Colitis and didn't know which type. There are things I can never eat again.

I just notice that when I'm eating healthy and eating foods I can eat, I am fine most of the time......but when PTSD and stress is at it's peak, my stomach upset seems to be related. I'm trying to calm it down. I just had a flashback from reading someone's post on the forum a little while ago.

I have read that our stomachs are our 2nd brain. I think most of the body's seratonin is stored there too. Baking soda is a great idea. I forgot I took that a lot in hot shots of water back then. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[Ryn]

I have this too. I nearly always skip breakfast as I feel extremely nauseated in the mornings and can't stop gagging and retching. Supposedly I have acid reflux and have been told this is somehow part of it, but who knows anymore. Usually I just wait it out and eat later once I feel better. :confused:

I had significant stomach troubles all throughout childhood and whenever I am stressed my stomach is the first to react. You're definitely not alone. It sucks, though! So sorry to hear. I wonder if there are any certain foods that might help? Certainly staying away from citrus, spicy, greasy foods is probably a good idea. I have heard both good and bad things about dairy but something with probiotics like yogurt has helped me before.

 

[franciemarnie]

Man, what a bummer with all the inflammation. The baking soda is anti-inflammatory so though it may not cure what ails you, every little bit helps.

I also drink an anti-inflammatory drink every day with delish anti-inflammatory spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. along with the juice of a lemon and three tbs. apple cider vinegar plus maple syrup to make it tastier.

They are saying now that inflammation is the source of all bodily ills.

For sure our stomachs are our second brain. I feel it there when someone is lying or something isn't right, etc.

I sure hope your tummy gets better soon. That's an awful way to wake up. We don't need that!

 

[FindingMyself88]

I get this when I am really anxious. Got it really bad every morning before school when I was in grade school. Still get it sometimes, to the point of actually throwing up. Its not a typical symptom of anxiety is what I've been told, but it is a symptom.

Hope you feel better! I know it is no fun. Take care of yourself! ((hugs if wanted))

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

Thanks ladies :)

(((Findingmyself))) I will take every hug I can get. I love hugs :D Thank you.

My stomach has calmed down for the most part. I took a hot bath, drank cold water and have just been laying here tuning out and watching the Super Bowl.

Thanks so much for relating to me and giving me tips.

 

[a3a2]

My daughter struggled with this due to GAD. Your stomach responds to anxiety by making more acid. She started taking a low dose of prozac, and is doing much better.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

When I was in high school I used to feel sick every morning before school, just at the thought of going to school. I didn't realize that there was a word for it; social anxiety. I still will get anxiety based on what I am doing. Sometimes before therapy if I know the topic will be difficult. School, grocery store etc.

I wish I had clear advice for you. I think having break times if possible between anxiety helps becasue then I know I will get time to relax.

 

[Barconian]

I have a nervous stomach, where if I get anxious or worry too much, the acid builds up and I start gagging. I take Zantac to ease the acid or it stops when I stop stressing.

 

[Powder]

Lots of good ideas here. Thanks StrongerNow for sharing this thread.

For mine, none of the Zantac or Rx acid stuff helped me. I did endoscopy, even though symptoms tracked downward. I was put on Lorazapam for PTSD and interestingly, it prevents my stomach problems. If I forget a pill, the pesky pain, bloating, and "attacks" come right back. I also have taken muscle relaxers, and they work a charm to stop an attack.

Mine is severe stabbing chest/rib pain (acute, like ER!) followed by gurgling intestines, gas, and a distended abdomen. These lower GI syptoms are secondary and occur in the hours and DAYS following the Esophageal spasm; this spasm radiates to the jam, shoulder, and ribs. It can go all the way down GI tract to the "exit" causing all GI symptoms. So prevention is key. Hence, I'm religious now about taking my Ativan, which is cheap and preventative.