[bllauben]

For the last few days, I've been getting a very very sour stomach. I attributed it to a migraine. Today, it hurt so bad that all I could do is eat plain oatmeal. The manager where I work and I were talking. She pointed out that I did not have a migraine and told me that it sounded like I had acid reflux (GERD). Then she asked me if I had a headache today. I thought about it for a moment and realized that for the last 2 days, I have been battling a stress and tension headache. While talking to her, I realized that I've been a bit grumpy because I am having a hard time sleeping, waking up with acid in my throat. This is my forth time getting a bad flare of acid reflux in the last 7 years. The first three times, I was also under a great deal of stress (the doctor told me to chill out the first two times).

I don't get it. The more I try to relax, the more I am anxious that I am not relaxing. I am getting married in 11 days. The carnival is in town where I work (thankfully today is their last day) and it is chaotic in our store. Now I'm upset that I cannot eat anything. I am hungry. I want my coffee. Right now, the only thing that seems to be agreeing with me, besides Mylanta, Gavison and Priolec, is very bland starchy foods and mints.

Hmphh.... I wonder if icecream would agree with me.

Anyways, if you have any ideas that might help, I'm listening...

--Beth

PS: I do not have health insurance (Joe adds--the best guy I've ever had the privilledge of calling mine, "For the next two weeks anyways...")

[Secretum]

I'm sorry that you are experiencing such distress. : ( Anxiety really sucks...

Take deep breathes and listen to calming music. Cuddle with your cats (or your fiancé) and try to allow yourself to feel safe. You are going to be okay. You really are.

If you are religious, pray. Remember that your God loves you, and would not allow permanent harm to come to you. He wants you to feel better.

Eat as much as you can handle, but don't push it. I think your ice cream idea is brilliant. You are going through something really difficult and stressful; you deserve to treat yourself now and then!

If the anxiety does not improve noticeably, and/or if this has been a problem for you in the past, I would urge you to seek professional help. Soon you'll be insured; there is no reason for you to suffer...

And congratulations on the wedding!

[BatsAndButterflies]

Hi Beth! Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!!! That is very exciting and probably extremely nerve wracking... one thing that may help is, rather than trying to battle the anxiety, just accept that it is going to happen. The anxiety of having anxiety just makes the whole situation worse.

Also, if you feel anxiety coming on, stop, close your eyes, and take a deep breathe. Don't let the stress of moving into the next stage of your life be negative it is a very happy occasion. Let the stress become excitement! Let the bats become butterflies
(excuse the cheesy use of my username)

[bllauben]

Thank you guys. I think I'm just going to let things be. Treat the acid reflux. Barely slept last night. Had a coupon for a free pizza. Figured that since everything else is upsetting my stomach, what the heck. Ate a couple of mints afterwards and drank a tall glass of milk (ick).

Patches was adorable. She brought me my "mood" necklace and started playing with it. Gotta love her for that.

After we get married, I am going to ask the doctor about antidepressants or something. Something to treat both my anxiety and my migraines. I know that there are medications that can be used to treat both. This is the longest I've had anxiety this bad. I wake up anxious and get anxious in bed when I cannot relax.

Thanks!
--Beth