Stomach Healing Support

[[De...]]

I’ve had constipation for ten months, also, I had, bloating, and heartburn, these two last symptoms are gone, but the constipation is better, but not totally gone, it’s been a roller coaster. I’m talking one tablespoon of psyllium with two glasses of water and a probiotic every day. Also, a capsule of flaxseed oil a day. I was put on a diet for IBS, and lost 15 pounds, that I didn’t need to, so I’m very skinny went from a size medium to an extra small...I have stopped the diet, I’m eating healthy no msg no nitrates and have very slowly gained two pounds. No alcohol, I had a glass of prosseco and felt terrible the next day, lots of tachycardia. Oh, well, just so you know that you are not alone out there.

Better times will come.🌸

[[Ul...]]

I’ve had constipation for ten months, also, I had, bloating, and heartburn, these two last symptoms are gone, but the constipation is better, but not totally gone, it’s been a roller coaster. I’m talking one tablespoon of psyllium with two glasses of water and a probiotic every day. Also, a capsule of flaxseed oil a day. I was put on a diet for IBS, and lost 15 pounds, that I didn’t need to, so I’m very skinny went from a size medium to an extra small...I have stopped the diet, I’m eating healthy no msg no nitrates and have very slowly gained two pounds. No alcohol, I had a glass of prosseco and felt terrible the next day, lots of tachycardia. Oh, well, just so you know that you are not alone out there.

Better times will come.🌸

 

I get it...I have diarrhea Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, then constipation sets in really fast on Thursdays and lasts until late on Sunday nights. It's insane, but I'm sure that my killer and stressful job has a ton to do with it. It's a horrible job with a really nasty "supervisor". A really bad work environment. I've been trying to find something else, but it's really tough in a small town. I've talked to quite a few other people who go back and forth frequently between constipation and diarrhea during their taper. Hoping for better days!!

 

Bless you,

 

Jeff

[[De...]]

Stress doesn’t help, but give psyllium a try, it helps with both constipation and diarrhea, if it helped me, I had tried almost everything, it can help you.

One teaspoon in a glass of water you can add a bit of sugar to make it more palatable and another glass of water afterwards. The sugar helps, so don’t forget to add it, half a teaspoon is enough. Also, take a good probiotic capsule every day for a good while.

Good luck and may your symptoms improve soon.

🦋

[[So...]]

Hi, I am back. It's been a year since I started this post I believe. I am glad a few people posted recently. As we all know, having GI issues can make everything else so much harder. My benzo belly, gastritis, IBS-C, and gerd were the worst. I am glad to say that since February of this year all my GI have gotten so much better, in fact I can say right now that I am healed or maybe in remission. Last July I had an endoscopy and the specialist confirmed the gastritis, gerd, and something new, a small hiatal hernia. Before then I had tried some ppi over the counter, but I had a setback from it because my system was super sensitive to any meds; so I discontinued. However, this doc encouraged me again to go back to Omeprazole and a reasonable diet. I did and slowly but surely I started healing and have gained all the weight lost. I was on it for about six months and then I weaned myself off it. I also tried carafate for two months and this really helped me healed better. Things that I believe helped in the healing process were L-glutamine, slippery elm teas, aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar (Bragg's), ginger, chlorophyll complesx from Standard Process,and chamomile tea). During this process I had to resort to Miralax and Magnesium for regularity. Since February I have been able to add more fiber and now I can eat just anything, no more gerd, no more bloating, nor pain, and most importantly no more constipation. When I could eat more and drink more water, I started eating one apple a day (usually in the afternoon) and drink more than 4 glasses of water; having some coffee in the morning; then I started adding more fiber from natural veggies, and shakes with flax seeds, coconut oil. I have never been so regular in my life and it feels great.

 

I truly believe that my GI became dysregulated from the gaba receptors there that caused me some of the symptoms; but the gastritis was my fault for overdoing ibuprofen. Well, I am not doing that either because I am pain free as well. So basically all my physical symptoms since my jump have been healed except the mental ones. I am still struggling with broken sleep but nothing from the zero hours I had at the beginning. I am working with a naturopath now to deal with these issues which are basically my baseline ones for which I was prescribed the benzos in the first place. This time no more benzos for me. Also, my depression and anxiety are so much better now since I started taking Rhodiola a month ago. This miracle plant is a Godsend for me since I was going through a very difficult time in my personal life, and I plan to continue taking it as long as I need. I also started taking Valerian on and off and it helps me with sleep; but I am also working on a lot of sleep hygiene, meditation, and yoga. I am 16 months off my jump, and I have decided not to wait for more time to heal my mental issues without any aids. I feel that I am making the right choices for me as long as I am not taking any benzos unless I am having surgery.

 

Well, I haven't written my success story yet because of those other issues; but most definitely this is my GI success story. I hope you all find relief and the wisdom to make the right choices for your healing. Praying has been a part of my life all my life, but this benzo experience has truly made me stronger in my faith. I realized that I am much stronger than I thought I was and so are you.

 

Wish you much healing your way,

 

Love, Solyluna

[[Ul...]]

Hi, I am back. It's been a year since I started this post I believe. I am glad a few people posted recently. As we all know, having GI issues can make everything else so much harder. My benzo belly, gastritis, IBS-C, and gerd were the worst. I am glad to say that since February of this year all my GI have gotten so much better, in fact I can say right now that I am healed or maybe in remission. Last July I had an endoscopy and the specialist confirmed the gastritis, gerd, and something new, a small hiatal hernia. Before then I had tried some ppi over the counter, but I had a setback from it because my system was super sensitive to any meds; so I discontinued. However, this doc encouraged me again to go back to Omeprazole and a reasonable diet. I did and slowly but surely I started healing and have gained all the weight lost. I was on it for about six months and then I weaned myself off it. I also tried carafate for two months and this really helped me healed better. Things that I believe helped in the healing process were L-glutamine, slippery elm teas, aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar (Bragg's), ginger, chlorophyll complesx from Standard Process,and chamomile tea). During this process I had to resort to Miralax and Magnesium for regularity. Since February I have been able to add more fiber and now I can eat just anything, no more gerd, no more bloating, nor pain, and most importantly no more constipation. When I could eat more and drink more water, I started eating one apple a day (usually in the afternoon) and drink more than 4 glasses of water; having some coffee in the morning; then I started adding more fiber from natural veggies, and shakes with flax seeds, coconut oil. I have never been so regular in my life and it feels great.

 

I truly believe that my GI became dysregulated from the gaba receptors there that caused me some of the symptoms; but the gastritis was my fault for overdoing ibuprofen. Well, I am not doing that either because I am pain free as well. So basically all my physical symptoms since my jump have been healed except the mental ones. I am still struggling with broken sleep but nothing from the zero hours I had at the beginning. I am working with a naturopath now to deal with these issues which are basically my baseline ones for which I was prescribed the benzos in the first place. This time no more benzos for me. Also, my depression and anxiety are so much better now since I started taking Rhodiola a month ago. This miracle plant is a Godsend for me since I was going through a very difficult time in my personal life, and I plan to continue taking it as long as I need. I also started taking Valerian on and off and it helps me with sleep; but I am also working on a lot of sleep hygiene, meditation, and yoga. I am 16 months off my jump, and I have decided not to wait for more time to heal my mental issues without any aids. I feel that I am making the right choices for me as long as I am not taking any benzos unless I am having surgery.

 

Well, I haven't written my success story yet because of those other issues; but most definitely this is my GI success story. I hope you all find relief and the wisdom to make the right choices for your healing. Praying has been a part of my life all my life, but this benzo experience has truly made me stronger in my faith. I realized that I am much stronger than I thought I was and so are you.

 

Wish you much healing your way,

 

Love, Solyluna

 

Bless your heart!!! I can relate to so many of your symptoms and I'm glad you're free. You've had a crazy journey, but most of it now is in the rear view mirror. And thank God...no more constipation for you!!! That's been a big pain for me. I've got a long way to go as far as the taper. It's already been four really long years, but I'll get there.

 

Have a super summer

 

Jeff

[[Mo...]]

Thank you for coming back on here and updating, Solyluna.  I've been having a lot of GI issues...first gastritis (possibly ulcer), then reflux, issues with PPIs, and now off PPIs, a more screwy CNS.  Dealing with nausea, bloating, constipation and/or loose stools.  Down to 105 pounds.  Still have .5 mg of K to taper.  Am really watching what I eat - things seem inconsistent

 

It's great to know what helped you and your GI symptoms.

[[Th...]]

Hi there! Sorry to SHang Hai this post, but I am wondering if anyone can help.

 

I am suffering from this dull gnawing pain under my right breastbone that radiates to the centre. It is driving me nuts, its all I can think about. Stress makes it considerably worse. I feel nauseated, but mostly in the mornings. I also feel short of breath.

 

It first started on Easter after a stressful day and I woke up with tachardia in the middle of the night and stomach pain.

 

After Easter I had a lot of trouble sleeping as everytime I fell asleep my heart started racing. Everything worsened after I took gabapentin for sleep. I mean at first there was a muscle I could feel relax and spasm after I took the gabapentin and I felt much better, tightness was gone and I felt I could breathe again.

 

Then a day after my stomach felt like it was on fire and my breathing got so bad I went to the ER, I could only shallow breathe and it hurt. I also felt very nauseated after the gabapentin and my stomach was so noisy. They did a bunch of tests at the ER but couldnt find anything, so frustrating.

 

My family doc also just chalks it up to anxiety, which I think she is only partly right. As I mentioned stress makes it sooo much worse.

 

Right now the only thing I am taking is DGL. My hand is constantly on the spot that hurts. At times it feels like a pinched nerve and other times, just deep dull pain.

 

I used to love going for walks, but now I am so short of breath I can't get far..

 

I thought maybe an ulcer? I just thought ulcers came with acid reflux which I don't have. Gaviscon doesn't really help, so I am stumped. I started taking the DGL because I thought it wouldn't hurt?

 

Any insight appreciated, I am getting desperate!!

 

 

[[Mo...]]

If it's on the right, that could be your gallbladder.  Did they check that?  Stomach issues for me are under the left rib.  But I will say that I believe Gabapentin irritated my stomach.  I had slight gastritis already, though, and a very sensitive stomach.  No gallbladder. 

[[Th...]]

If it's on the right, that could be your gallbladder.  Did they check that?  Stomach issues for me are under the left rib.  But I will say that I believe Gabapentin irritated my stomach.  I had slight gastritis already, though, and a very sensitive stomach.  No gallbladder.

 

They did an ultrasound of all the organs, a chest and stomach xray and blood work and nothing came up.

Maybe it is just anxiety? Its just when I left an anxious situation the pain would go away, but now it lingers. I am so hypersensitive right now, I panic at the drop of a hat. I thought 6 months off valium I would be great, I seem to be more sensitive than when I jumped!

 

My stomach was upset within 15 mins of taking the gabapentin. I tried it a few more times to make sure I wasn't just being a hypochondriac and it got worse each time - that wasn't a smart thing to do as my stomach was very angry by the end of it.

[[ja...]]

Hi The Optimist, I came off a over 2 year taper from Valium over 5 years ago. I started having right sided pain all around my right side and under my ribs. I don’t have a Gallbladder. It feels like it’s squeezing tight off and on. At 2 1/2 years off I got really sick and couldn’t eat any solid foods. I ended up in the hospital and had just about every GI test there is. I even was moved to the Mayo Clinic Hospital and no test showed anything wrong even though I had lost 70 pounds during that time. Present time, this is why I ended up back on a benzo and on Remeron. I am now 31 months free from the benzodiazepine and tapering Remeron. I’m still having some stomach issues, tightening under ribs and it feels like I have something that knots up in my abdomen yet they found nothing. I can’t help but think it’s damage from benzodiazepines but how can I know for sure. Your not alone.

 

Jackie  :smitten:

[[Th...]]

Hi The Optimist, I came off a over 2 year taper from Valium over 5 years ago. I started having right sided pain all around my right side and under my ribs. I don’t have a Gallbladder. It feels like it’s squeezing tight off and on. At 2 1/2 years off I got really sick and couldn’t eat any solid foods. I ended up in the hospital and had just about every GI test there is. I even was moved to the Mayo Clinic Hospital and no test showed anything wrong even though I had lost 70 pounds during that time. Present time, this is why I ended up back on a benzo and on Remeron. I am now 31 months free from the benzodiazepine and tapering Remeron. I’m still having some stomach issues, tightening under ribs and it feels like I have something that knots up in my abdomen yet they found nothing. I can’t help but think it’s damage from benzodiazepines but how can I know for sure. Your not alone.

 

Hi Jackie, thanks for the reply - did you suffer from anxiety too? My pain is a lot worse with anxiety. Did you find the remeron really helped? I have trouble tolerating SSRIs because of the initial anxiety they give.

 

Jackie  :smitten:

[[ja...]]

The Remeron did help a lot but now I’m tapering it. I’m cutting 5% a month. I had anxiety also. The stomach issues were really bad.

 

Jackie  :smitten:

[[Th...]]

The Remeron did help a lot but now I’m tapering it. I’m cutting 5% a month. I had anxiety also. The stomach issues were really bad.

 

Jackie  :smitten:

 

did you find there was side effects with Remeron or weight gain? Sorry for all the questions!

[[Ul...]]

Hi there! Sorry to SHang Hai this post, but I am wondering if anyone can help.

 

I am suffering from this dull gnawing pain under my right breastbone that radiates to the centre. It is driving me nuts, its all I can think about. Stress makes it considerably worse. I feel nauseated, but mostly in the mornings. I also feel short of breath.

 

It first started on Easter after a stressful day and I woke up with tachardia in the middle of the night and stomach pain.

 

After Easter I had a lot of trouble sleeping as everytime I fell asleep my heart started racing. Everything worsened after I took gabapentin for sleep. I mean at first there was a muscle I could feel relax and spasm after I took the gabapentin and I felt much better, tightness was gone and I felt I could breathe again.

 

Then a day after my stomach felt like it was on fire and my breathing got so bad I went to the ER, I could only shallow breathe and it hurt. I also felt very nauseated after the gabapentin and my stomach was so noisy. They did a bunch of tests at the ER but couldnt find anything, so frustrating.

 

My family doc also just chalks it up to anxiety, which I think she is only partly right. As I mentioned stress makes it sooo much worse.

 

Right now the only thing I am taking is DGL. My hand is constantly on the spot that hurts. At times it feels like a pinched nerve and other times, just deep dull pain.

 

I used to love going for walks, but now I am so short of breath I can't get far..

 

I thought maybe an ulcer? I just thought ulcers came with acid reflux which I don't have. Gaviscon doesn't really help, so I am stumped. I started taking the DGL because I thought it wouldn't hurt?

 

Any insight appreciated, I am getting desperate!!

 

Well, mine was a similar situation but not as extreme as yours. My "pain" got/gets much more significant soon after eating. I can't remember now, but did your signature say you jumped at .25mg? If so, that seems pretty high for a jump, but I'm no expert. Long story, but I ended up having a colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, and all the ultrasounds. Nothing. Stress definitely makes things worse for me, but I just muddle through. Bless your heart!

 

Jeff

[[ja...]]

Hi Optimist, I gained a lot of weight but not to bad of other side affects. I really had no choice at the time. It was either that or a feeding tube. The Remeron worked a little too good. I still even while tapering sleep pretty decent but time will tell. Some really struggle to get off from it. My fingers are crossed.

 

Jackie  :smitten:

[[No...]]

Hi everyone, it's sort of reassuring, but worrying to read about people's stomach issues. I'm currently experiencing gastro issues after jumping from Valium a couple of months ago. For the past 3 days I've had what I thought was a stomach bug. I've felt nauseous but not sick, stomach pain like it's burning, some indigestion, dizziness and generally feeling unwell. I thought I would be better by now. All I've been eating is some toast and the odd yoghurt.

 

I know it's early days for me in recovery but I've also begun to taper off Mirtazipine/Remeron. I'm going to taper very slowly. I just want to be off everything but the WD can be really hard. I'm sick of the side effects of meds. I feel so much better mentally since coming off Valium, but physically is another story. As my mood is much better I feel more positively able to cope with the crap that these drugs throw at me.

[[NJ...]]

Tapering off the remeron is likely causing you the stomach issues.

[[Ne...]]

Hi buddies! I’m almost 3 years off k. Why have I had a return of irritable bowel? :'(

My stomach was bad a few years ago. Then it seemed to settle down. Last year I had a colonoscopy, and all was ok. The last few months have been horrible. I do have a return of high anxiety, so I think it’s showing up in my stomach. Anyone else have gurgling after eating and feeling like you have to run to the bathroom?

New Girl

[[NJ...]]

High anxiety will cause stomach issues.

 

When my anxiety comes into play I can immediately have diarrhea. I don't even understand how quickly it can happen. Often have stomach gurgling at times. Mind and tummy are definitely connected.

[[Ca...]]

High anxiety will cause stomach issues.

 

When my anxiety comes into play I can immediately have diarrhea. I don't even understand how quickly it can happen. Often have stomach gurgling at times. Mind and tummy are definitely connected.

Hey NJ..

loving reading your general posting on BB..

 

As you know, Im a C, not a D person.. But yes, with the much stronger physical/chemical anxiety of late, an added chunk of stress sure takes its toll on me too.. Sadly not with a softer BM or increased transit.. -Just plain old suffering..

 

***

What I was wondering is if this is the thread people have mentioned Aloe Vera juice (anyone)..??

 

I started about a week ago, and it is making a big difference, no doubt, but I also have had a hell of a week at times due to other SX.. There have been other changes that could well account for this, so I was just wondering if anyone has noticed an initiation issue as things change post Aloe..??

Incidently, my physical brain SX have dropped right off now, including the screaming T..

 

Bit of a needle in the haystack thing at this point, A Vitamin B complex, with calcium in it (not B12) could have been the cause of suffering too..? I see on the SA site Vit B6 can be problematic...

-Or it could be the new chilli seaweed..?? Lol

 

-never been good at one change at a time.. -slow learner..

 

Also paw paw seems to be good stuff..

 

Anyways, -if any bells ring..??

 

My heart goes out to all the GI sufferers.. Have hope..

-I have come from a non benzo initiated (opiates) 36 day transit time, to several good BM’s per day atm..!! -ok, so it took a few yrs, but my last gastro was wanting to remove my lower bowel and bag me..!!

Benzos did NOT help the matter at all, -same, same..

 

 

 

 

 

[[NJ...]]

Cant,

 

Chili seaweed? Yikes, I would never go there.

 

I don't know about the supplements or aloe vera but I agree that it is best to change one thing at a time.

 

Yes, I am back more even though I feel I shouldn't be as I am not tapering now. But I do feel that my life has never been the same since I tried to start tapering. I have never regained the same stability, the stomach issues are better but still troublesome, have had to totally limit my diet to avoid bad situations.

 

Hope you figure it all out.

[[Ca...]]

Cant,

 

Chili seaweed? Yikes, I would never go there.

 

I don't know about the supplements or aloe vera but I agree that it is best to change one thing at a time.

 

Yes, I am back more even though I feel I shouldn't be as I am not tapering now. But I do feel that my life has never been the same since I tried to start tapering. I have never regained the same stability, the stomach issues are better but still troublesome, have had to totally limit my diet to avoid bad situations.

 

Hope you figure it all out.

lol, I will be off and done by the time I work anything out..!!

 

Chilli has an endorphine connection, so its an opiate thing for me...

 

Personally, I think your posting and perspective is very important around here, -There are many paths..

Not to mention the support you give, and also need or deserve.. Never forget the silent readers you help too..

 

Hope you both keep seeing improvement...

 

 

[[NJ...]]

Cant,

 

Thanks for your kind words. I am hoping that now that my son's medical conditions seems more stable, I am hoping to continue to hold through the spring and then contemplate a very, very slow taper. But it's too early to know if long term the medication he is on will work. I also need to adjust to the new job I am starting next month ...

 

This year has beat me up. I wish you continued luck on all that you are facing.

[[Ca...]]

Cant,

 

Thanks for your kind words. I am hoping that now that my son's medical conditions seems more stable, I am hoping to continue to hold through the spring and then contemplate a very, very slow taper. But it's too early to know if long term the medication he is on will work. I also need to adjust to the new job I am starting next month ...

 

This year has beat me up. I wish you continued luck on all that you are facing.

Thanks NJ,

Yes, get your feet back under you and your son as best possible..

 

My best to both of you..

 

[[Th...]]

The Remeron did help a lot but now I’m tapering it. I’m cutting 5% a month. I had anxiety also. The stomach issues were really bad.

 

Jackie  :smitten:

 

I have a bad habit of checking posts, meaning to reply then remembering waayyy later - I went to see a psych today and she prescribed Remeron as some SSRIs I was having trouble with.

 

I suffer from panic attacks, did you find this med worked? I have a hard time leaving my house, when the anxiety gets bad the pain in my stomach (right side under ribs) is unbelievable.

 

Does Remeron make gastrointestinal  issues worse or help? How is the tapering going?

 

Did Remeron make you gain weight? I am just starting to lose weight after benzos so I dont want to gain!!