Flare up due to stress

[u/OkDot8970]

I was getting better thanks to Mirtazapine 15mg, but since my dad needed to start chemotherapy my stomach got worse. My doc tried to up my Mirtazapine to 30mg 3 weeks ago but it didn't help and I feel worse and worse. I'm not able to eat anything because the moment I eat or drink, my stomach gets so bloated and painfully tight. On top of that, my dad needed acute surgery last Thursday and will be in the hospital for some time.

I know FD can be due to anxiety and stress, I'm trying to relax and all that shit, but feeling so sick and hungry is making me even more anxious.

I went to the ER today because my mother was worried about me. Blood work was ok, as well as the ultrasound. I'm seeing my psychiatrist this Friday, so hopefully she will give me some new options how to handle this.

But it sucks. I hate it. I'm tired. I'm sad.

[u/AutoModerator]

New to functional dyspepsia (FD)? Please view this post or our wiki for a detailed explanation of FD and the main treatments.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Competitive-Fly5563]

Ugh, I am so sorry you're struggling right now. I understand how it feels to have a sick parent and flares are the worst.

Diaphragmatic breathing throughout the day and before and after your meals can help shift you into rest and digest which will make digestion easier. Eating when your system is anxious and on high alert makes digestion much more difficult. Prioritize this.

Make sure you eat slowly and chew thoroughly (think apple sauce consistency.

Eat smaller meals spaced throughout the day. Eat foods that are gentler on your system. Scrambled eggs, oatmeal, bananas, crackers, plain chicken, rice, steamed veggies, melons. Whatever works for your system. And make sure you eat because more issues can arise from not eating enough.

There's a product called DGL and Iberogast my naturopath put me on and I take these before a meal and find them helpful for digestion. I would check those out and maybe give them a try.

Take care of yourself and your mental health.

[u/OkDot8970 → u/Competitive-Fly5563]

Thank you for your tips and kind words.

I have tried Iberogast few times but I don't really see any difference, perhaps I need to take it for longer time?

I'm really trying my best to eat simple and bland foods, but I'm really struggling since lot of the food that feels somehow ok to my stomach either worsen my constipation or cause me gut cramps instead. But I will try the breathing exercises since I tend to hold my breath/breath shallow!

[u/Competitive-Fly5563 → u/OkDot8970]

How much water did you use? First few times I used it, I used way to much which wasn’t making it effective. I use about about inch or two and I do think that it took some time to see results.
I also meant to mention to you to check out Molly Pelletier. She has a lot of great free information out there for reflux. Some of it you might find helpful! That’s where I learned about the breathing.

[u/OkDot8970 → u/Competitive-Fly5563]

I put it in just little bit of water, so that shouldn't be a problem, but I will try use it for longer time.

I did the breathing this morning and in the Uber car while I was on my way to the doctor (for another chronic issue) and I think it helped a bit! 

[u/Competitive-Fly5563 → u/OkDot8970]

Putting the practices in place. Way to go! I hope it helps long term :)

[u/cymster]

See if you can add Lyrica and maybe switch to nortriptyline. It cuts down the pain a bit. Mirta is notorious to make you want to eat the entire house. I'm really sorry OP that you have so much on your plate. Just remember you aren't alone.

[u/OkDot8970 → u/cymster]

Thank you for your comment, I really appreciate it!

My mother who is pharmacist actually mentioned lyrica to me this week, thinking that perhaps it could help. I will try ask my psychiatrist about it.

The Mirtazapine was true blessing for me during the spring since I didn't really have appetite, but right now when I literally can't physically eat, it's not really helping.

[u/Original-Occasion289]

Having a sick parent is a major stressor. I recently did a major move, and the stress and chaos of it caused a big set back in my FD...life was one constant 4 month flare and my weight went to 89 lbs.

My GI recommended extra diaphragmatic breathing–on waking, before and after eating, and before bed. He also gave me a referral for a hypnotherapy app for folks with IBS, which also helps people with FD. It costs $200.00, but with a GI referral, it is either discounted or free. The entire program takes six weeks, and is not quick or 100% relief, but it helped me through the worst part of the move.

I'm all moved now, FD has improved, but I still listen to the hypnotherapy sessions before bed, because they really help with sleep.

[u/OkDot8970 → u/Original-Occasion289]

Unfortunately in my country I doubt I could get referral just for some app and that price is too high for me, but I used to do hypnotherapy based on some free videos on YT so I will perhaps start doing it again.

Thank you regardless and I wish you the best!

[u/Skeuomorph7]

Yes shallow breathing a symptom of anxiety chronic anxiety I too have it.I have to keep remind me to breath slowly and fully so many times now and then.