Published on 12, July, 2020
I get a lot of stomach pain, generally at the top of my stomach though it occurs at the bottom of the abdomen as well. Basically all over though the top of the stomach feels hard and bloated 90% of the time.
In the past I've had bloods and tests and everything came back normal. So I can at least be assured there is nothing life threateningly wrong with me. My GP suggested it be IBS and mostly associated with anxiety as I've got generalised anxiety disorder and am somewhat anxious most of the time.
I get a lot of belching as well and often worry about an ulcer, I have most of the symptoms, trouble is I've had a lot of tests etc and I know that all the symptoms I have are associated with anxiety... But still I worry.
The link between GI disorders and autism is extensive annoying. It stops me getting on in life and it's depressing with it. I don't suppose the continuous sugary drinks I have helps but a lot of it comes down to highly sensitive pain as well.
I miss the times where I used to have no stomach issues whatsoever and now it's more trying to ease any discomfort and stay as calm as possible.
A constant battle. Is this something anyone else relates with and has experienced?
Yes, I've had IBS for many years, it's really unpleasant, I'm sorry you're struggling with it too. I'm doing quite well with it at the moment, it just flares up if I eat something that I shouldn't or if I get really anxious. For me it's affected by both anxiety and diet.
In terms of diet it has been trial and error, I found that I can't eat onions, garlic, artificial sweeteners and beans. Bread and dairy aren't great for me either. It might be worth looking up low-FODMAP diet and discussing it with your GP or asking to see a dietitian. The other thing that I think has really helped me is reducing the amount of processed food and artificial additives in my diet, I swapped low fat margarine for proper butter, low fat yogurt for full fat plain yogurt and fizzy drinks for watered down fruit juice (although I try to avoid sweet drinks anyway). Please remember that I'm not an expert and can only say what worked for me, it was hard work and might not help everyone!
Medication that I've found helpful are peppermint oil capsules or buscopan but I would check with your GP first.
Reducing my anxiety helps too - avoid high sensory environments like shopping centres and busy towns, spend time doing relaxing things, I enjoy yoga, it's really helped me and I do some breathing exercises sometimes too.
Keep talking to your GP and I hope you find something that works for you soon.