I’m going to go out on a vulnerability limb here and disclose that I’ve had tummy problems for quite a while. In 2018, I finally went to see a gastroenterologist about it, and I was told I had IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and acid reflux. I got an upper endoscopy to find out the extent of the damage and was surprised to hear it all looked pretty good. My doctor told me to take a daily acid reducer (like Zantac, until it was yanked off the shelf--a huge blow to anyone with a nervous belly) and heavily restrict my diet. He told me that I should eat small amounts of approved foods every few hours. For example, for lunch I could have half a sandwich and then two hours later I could eat the other half. When I remarked that living this way seemed incredibly difficult, he laughed and said, “Yeah, I couldn’t do it!”
I really appreciate that, thank you. Your article really hit a nerve. Don't get me started on the shabby health care extended to women as they age past 40.
So true! Sometimes we don't even know we need the validation. I recently described to my sister what my anxiety can feel like in social situations and she said "wow that sounds exhausting" and I felt a wave of relief knowing that she understood. I hope the SIBO book and doctor help!
I’m reading this while nursing a similar stomachache. At times I look 4 months pregnant...not a good look. Mine started after I began my career of writing about food and getting food poisoning at least twice a month. But I’ve had doctors take one look at my list of mental health meds and have said my stomach pains go with being depressed or manic and, bizarrely, a woman. So thank you for this. I got something to throw back at them.
Thank you Allison, I feel that this popped into my inbox as a sign to push to see somebody about this. I don’t burp a lot but definitely experience other things, a lot.
I really appreciate that, thank you. Your article really hit a nerve. Don't get me started on the shabby health care extended to women as they age past 40.
So true! Sometimes we don't even know we need the validation. I recently described to my sister what my anxiety can feel like in social situations and she said "wow that sounds exhausting" and I felt a wave of relief knowing that she understood. I hope the SIBO book and doctor help!
Such a good point!! And thank you!! xo A
I’m reading this while nursing a similar stomachache. At times I look 4 months pregnant...not a good look. Mine started after I began my career of writing about food and getting food poisoning at least twice a month. But I’ve had doctors take one look at my list of mental health meds and have said my stomach pains go with being depressed or manic and, bizarrely, a woman. So thank you for this. I got something to throw back at them.
sending so much love as you continue to do the exhausting work of advocating for yourself! xoxo A
Thank you Allison, I feel that this popped into my inbox as a sign to push to see somebody about this. I don’t burp a lot but definitely experience other things, a lot.
I don't believe in meant to be but this was a v good coincidence!! xoxo A
the last lines are so powerful!
thank you!! xoxo A
Love this!!!
also tummy trubs suck, hope your symptoms improve!!
Thank you so much!! xox A
Thanks for sharing this story!
Thanks for reading!! xoxo A
Oh dear. This looks like a typical result of stress.
Half a sandwich at a time would only stress me more.
This may help your head to heal your body:
https://youtu.be/IoppxgDTzUU