subconcious stress = stomach pains

[Wellthen]

Over the last few years I've been getting very painful stomach cramps at seemingly random times, sometimes over a year apart, sometime only a few months. They last for anything from a day to several days.

It didn't take me long to work out that this was probably anxiety related - I had them for a week when I first started unit and a few years later when I started a new job.

I have also occasionally (prob only 3 times) vomited with no other symptoms or reason and suspect this is also related to anxiety.

Last week, due to anxiety about work, I had stomach pains first thing in the morning and last thing at night as well as loose poo.

The trouble is I never get them when I actually feel stressed - job interviews, Ofsted, big work load - I get them and then think 'oh, I must have been quite stressed about this'.

In the past I know I have pushed some feelings aside and tried to pretend I'm not anxious and I have recognised that I need to express my anxiety more. But sometimes, such as last week, I am genuinely taken by surprise by my own emotions. Last week we reached an important deadline at work which I was hugely looking forward to and I had bad dreams and stomach pains all week! I genuinely didn't feel worried at all.

So, I'm concerned by two things. One is that it seems to be getting worse. I previously only had cramps, now I have bad cramps, tummy trouble and vomiting (none last week though). Secondly, it seems to be coming at times when I'm not just anxious but also, excited. Perhaps excited isn't the right word - things that are very present in my mind.

The point of my post is, if you get similar symptoms or find you suffer from subconscious anxiety - how do you manage this? How do you reduce the anxiety to stop the pains in the first place? I try to relax and communicate but if I dont know I'm anxious this is impossible! Also, ibs or similar sufferers - how do I manage the pain and bloating? Any good over the counter meds?

Thanks for reading if you got this far!

I have IBS but never with vomiting. It is somewhat stress related but also diet related. It may be worth having a look at an IBS website to check for trigger foods. I don't take any meds for the cramps and bloating but I swear by pro-biotic tablets to keep everything moving down there.
Unfortunately IBS is incurable and unpredictable. Be aware that many IBS symptoms could also be other things. Speak to your doctor if you are worrried.

PS.. hot water bottle on my tummy during attack helps me

could be ibs but im never actually sick with mine.
could be abdominal migraines?

Thanks gualsa, might look in to getting some tablets or those probiotic drinks in. I don't think its diet related - I do eat more cheese now than I did but I go for months with no problems. Does this make it less likely to be ibs?

Wfrances I've googled abdominal migraines and agree they sound very similar. Thanks

Wellthen- IBS covers a range of different symptoms. My husband was actually misdiagnosed as IBS sufferer for 7 years before they realised he had progressive Chrones Disease so just be aware of that. But yes its common for IBS to come and go. I have IBS free years and other years are hell. It does seem to be somewhat stress related.

By the way- the probiotic drinks are really only a gimmick. There are not enough bacteria in them to really do any good as your stomach acid kills them before they reach your gut. The tablets are much better.

DP gets something a bit like this - doctor said his stress/anxiety was causing him to produce more stomach acid, which was causing the cramps, bloating and ibs type symptoms - he's doesn't get sick though.

The dr gave him some strong anti acids to take initially but told him to tackle the anxiety and stress. Since then he has had some success with managing the physical symptoms with peppermint oil and charcoal tablets, when they arise, but the key thing has been tackling his mindset and what is causing the stress, even if as you say, he doesnt feel stressed or isn't aware of anything bothering him particularly.

He has focused on improving his general well being - getting enough sleep, exercise, eating well and drinking water and taking time to relax - as well as an awareness of how he is feeling and so when he is feeling anxious to try and stop it before it gets a hold if that makes sense. I dont think im explaining it very well but it seems to have helped him a lot.