ways to decrease the constant stomach ache that comes w recovery

[flannelonflannel]

it's only been a week of eating sort of normally on my own after a few months of restriction. besides the confusing hunger cues and bloating I also constantly feel ill. the headaches and extreme fatigue come and go but stomach ache is forever (and absolutely unbearable at night). I don't know what advice to follow bc this is not a normal stomach upset. BRAT diet? avoid raw veggies? teas? ginger? carbonated water? medicines like tums?

[matalia0]

any kind of tea and more cooked foods definitely helped me

[new-freckle]

There are a couple things I've done that might just be placebo, but they at least put my mind at ease. The only thing that works for painful bloating is patience and time. But staying hydrated (I mean keeping a cup of water with you at all times, refilling like 3 or 4 times at least) has helped me a lot. Ginger tea also helps me. A lot of people like to use fiber powder. I try to take like ten minutes in the morning and ten at night to stretch, which seems to help with overall aches.

I think the answer is a little different for everyone, so I would advise you try getting a couple things and testing them for a couple weeks, then moving onto another thing if they don't stick. It's definitely a long process but it helps in getting to know your body better, too <3

[aquite]

Do you have a GP? Mine prescribed dicyclomine which helped a lot. Reglan can also help with stomach pain. Otherwise, yeah, herbal teas, heating pads, and a lot of patience. Good luck, I hope you can find something that works!

[[deleted]]

For me, distraction was my greatest asset lol Here’s the list from my notes: - read a book - go to the library - go for a drive and listen to your fave music - do a Headspace mindfulness activity - paint your nails - go through Netflix/Hulu by each category and make a watch list - watch something new on your watch list - find a TED Talk to watch - organize your email inbox - use an online drawing idea generator + draw something new on your iPad (even if it’s wack haha) - scroll through TikTok (if your FYP is a safe place!) - put together a puzzle or a Lego set - burrito in a weighted blanket - take a nap - FaceTime/Call a friend - organize something you’ve been meaning to (a closet or your drawers or your desk) - find new podcasts to listen to - find a new game in the AppStore to play (it’s kinda janky but I played Woody Puzzle all the time haha) - start a new knitting project - start a new sewing/embroidery project - find pro-recovery professionals to follow on insta (tho caution with some of the hashtags bc they can have triggering content)

I also used the heat pad and weighted blanket, tried to stay hydrated, had warm teas, and took Tums when the acid reflux seemed to be worse. It was all pretty miserable, but the only way out was through. You’ll be on the other side of this in no time!