I had my endoscopy last Tuesday (7th) and it revealed that I had a severely irritated stomach and it almost starting to bleed in some spots. He took biopsies and also tested for H Pylori. The gastro doctor is convinced that was causing my severe nausea and loss of appetite. He put me on Protonix which I take once a day in the morning. So far, my stomach seems to be healing slowly and my appetite has come back also. Even some of the abdominal pain, gnawing, aching feeling has slowly started to diminish. In addition, I visited my PCP this past Friday (10th) and told her about my anxiety that I have been dealing with since the surgery. I haven't been able to sleep, I've been pacing constantly, and also having extreme heart palpitations. She said that I am experiencing anxiety and panic from both of my recent surgeries (gall bladder in Feb. and tonsillectomy in Aug 05). I've also been dealing with my Father's recent death last year, a miscarriage and a few other issues. She apparently saw all of this coming and hitting it's peak as I progressively got sicker and more worked up over my health issues. She put me on Klonipin for now to calm me down. I take one pill at night which allows me to get a good night sleep and a 1/2 in the morning to get me through the day. I have felt some relief already. At least I can get a good night sleep and also eat again without the extreme nausea. I believe the anxiety is a big part of my stomach issues........constant worry about not feeling well and whether they would find anything wrong or not. It's like a vicious cycle. I go back to my gastro doctor on the 21st to see what he has to say. I will ask him about the bile reflux then. The PCP received his report and it does not reveal that I have H. Pylori bacteria which is a good thing. The gastro wants me to stay off of caffeine and chocolate until the tummy heals.

The PCP also suggested that I talk to someone about my anxiety issues. She is sending me to someone in the city which is about an hour away, but she claims she is awesome. My PCP said many of the local therapists are not very sensitive to the anxiety issues and basically blow you off and medicate you. I'll be making an apointment this week so I can get started with my therapy.

I also developed a UTI during this time, probably due to stress. I was tested last week for it, having the burning, vaginal irritation syptoms. I knew something didn't feel right so I had my PCP send out my urine for a culture. I'm glad I did, because even though my white blood cell count was good in the office, the culture revealed bacteria. I started taking tetracycline yesterday since I am severely allergic to macrobid. I am hoping that does the trick.

My PCP said anxiety usually hits your gastrointestinal area, then your bladder which is what is happening to me. I've always had bladder issues and been to the urologist many times over the years. They've found nothing, but claim that I am prone to the UTI's. My PCP also agreed that accupuncture might be a good outlet for my anxiety and stress. She has heard many success stories about it and it's definitely worth a try. Once my tummy heals and UTI clears up, I will need to investigate that route.

Well I wanted to update everyone on my progress. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone and hope that you are healing daily too. Take care and please reply when you get a chance.