Diagnose me?

[Anonymous]

Background: Had Diep Flap mastectomy a few years ago and since then, I've had some numbness and discomfort in the abdomen. I expected some of this but it's not gotten better. I had some significant nerve pain issues that just haven't gone way. I've had CT scans that haven't really shown anything (scans a couple years ago).

After the mastectomy, I went on a health check binge (had a colonoscopy/endoscopy, full body skin check, had a heart workup due to some low BP issues). All were normal but GI tract (upper and lower) had some non-cancerous polyps and other red patches (no cancer).

I'm also experiencing and am in therapy for some significant anxiety (and likely depression) for health related PTSD, some personal issues, and upcoming life changes. This is manifesting physically (lack of sleep, panic attacks, restlessness, crying, etc.)

Lately, I have had some stomach discomfort (though stools normal, no blood, no nausea). I have noticed, however, I am getting the feeling of fullness after eating more easily. And ofc now I've diagnosed myself with stomach cancer (see: anxiety above). I do have a scheduled physical with my PCP in May or June. And I have an appt. with the dr. for anxiety meds. BUT, does anyone think that the anxiety could be causing the appetite issues? Or should I ask for another colonoscopy? It was only 2 years ago.

Any thoughts or opinions? Please be kind as i'm freaking out.

[Anonymous]

Could there be scar tissue or adhesions from your previous surgery causing digestive challenges? My spouse had abdominal surgery about 6 months ago and the scar tissue has caused digestive issues that sound similar to yours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could there be scar tissue or adhesions from your previous surgery causing digestive challenges? My spouse had abdominal surgery about 6 months ago and the scar tissue has caused digestive issues that sound similar to yours.

Wouldn’t those be visible on the CT scan and in the colonoscopy??

[Anonymous]

Go out and volunteer, you are spending a lot of time thinking about your health.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Could there be scar tissue or adhesions from your previous surgery causing digestive challenges? My spouse had abdominal surgery about 6 months ago and the scar tissue has caused digestive issues that sound similar to yours.

Wouldn’t those be visible on the CT scan and in the colonoscopy??

The colonoscopy typically won't since it's only an evaluation of the inside of the colon. Many of these adhesions that result from abdominal surgery are around the outside of the loops of the small bowel or the outside of other digestive organs. A CT scan may not show the adhesion itself, but may show a dilation of the bowel loops or some other anomaly in the way the small bowel or other organs are sitting in the abdominal cavity.

[Anonymous]

I can't eat when I'm experiencing an acute level of anxiety and have had periods where I've dropped 10 lbs in a matter of a few weeks. I've had to force myself to eat and could eat very little. So while your doctor should rule out any physical issues, in my experience anxiety can cause these kinds of symptoms.

[Anonymous]

How old are you?
Some of the symptoms maybe normal perimenpausal symptoms, but are exacerbated by your anxiety, poor eating (I'm guessing your no appetite means minimal nutrition, for example), poor sleep, etc.

Are you on medication (SSRI ?) for anxiety and PTSD? Check the side effects. Things you described sound very much like side effects from SSRI.

Could there be other explanations for your symptoms - certain food triggering your gut, for example?

Have you tried anything to bring relief- Culturelle for GI issues, acupressure for nerve pain, and the like.

Also, take a multivitamin so at the very least youre covered nutrionally at the end of the day no matter how bad /sickly you feel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Could there be scar tissue or adhesions from your previous surgery causing digestive challenges? My spouse had abdominal surgery about 6 months ago and the scar tissue has caused digestive issues that sound similar to yours.

Wouldn’t those be visible on the CT scan and in the colonoscopy??

At least in the endoscopy. Feeling of fullness I'd ask OBGYN.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old are you?
Some of the symptoms maybe normal perimenpausal symptoms, but are exacerbated by your anxiety, poor eating (I'm guessing your no appetite means minimal nutrition, for example), poor sleep, etc.

Are you on medication (SSRI ?) for anxiety and PTSD? Check the side effects. Things you described sound very much like side effects from SSRI.

Could there be other explanations for your symptoms - certain food triggering your gut, for example?

Have you tried anything to bring relief- Culturelle for GI issues, acupressure for nerve pain, and the like.

Also, take a multivitamin so at the very least youre covered nutrionally at the end of the day no matter how bad /sickly you feel.

51. Part of what I'm meeting with PCP is symptoms of menopause/hormones. As well as anxiety and I expect I'll be on a low dose something asap. I'm not celiac (though gluten intolerant) and have not known food allergies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go out and volunteer, you are spending a lot of time thinking about your health.

I admit as much. But I have good reason for it. I'm working on that aspect of it in therapy.