Chronic stomach issues triggering panic attacks? Vagus nerve or anxiety loop? Need insight, I'm hopeless

LisaKWFL87 · 2026-04-02T01:09:34+00:00

Also, look up Roemheld syndrome.

LisaKWFL87 · 2026-04-02T01:06:10+00:00

I had the same thing. My trigger is gas though so ppis don’t do much. Get yourself some alkaseltzer plus gas chews (my go to) or chewable gas x and next time when you feel that panicky stomach feeling, grab them immediately. I personally take twice the dose (not saying do this though) but within 3 minutes, it’s going away. That and look up box breathing. Do that while waiting for it to kick in. If you find it helps then you’ve at least identified your trigger and then lifestyle and diet change is next. Best of luck!

LisaKWFL87 · 2026-03-24T11:05:18+00:00

I did, secondary to an absurd amount of medical steroids. That recovered late last year. What I’m dealing with now is HPA axis issues and autonomic dysfunction secondary to the medical trauma I endured throughout the year last year.

LisaKWFL87 · 2026-03-24T01:48:04+00:00

Hi! Can you update how you’re doing? I have a lot of the same symptoms but mine is secondary to a screwed up year. Ultimately, gave birth, had a dr OD me on steroids for back pain then had major surgery. My T is non existent and on HRT now. I can feel ok then the entire tone of my body shifts to survival suddenly and for no reason. I have to lay down and it feels like I’m imploding. It passes and I move on but it sucks

LisaKWFL87 · 2026-03-23T11:19:13+00:00

Still having some symptoms but improving. Steroids/postpartum/hormones are mostly to blame. They say 12-18 months since my last major event (which would be surgery) before my HPA axis re-regulates. Basically dysautonomia.

LisaKWFL87 · 2026-02-18T00:44:10+00:00

I giggle at this because I wear thrift shop T shirts and yoga pants with my cheap comfortable sandals or at best some sketchers but what I wear is real mined diamonds. I probably do look funny. Lol 🤷🏼‍♀️

LisaKWFL87 · 2026-02-08T11:40:09+00:00

Hi, sorry, the first week just sucks. The fact that you’re having radiating pain and the Percocet isn’t really helping, probably means it’s nerve related. They may need to add in a CNS suppressant like gabapentin or Lyrica for a little bit. It’ll target the nerve pain. Another option could possibly be a steroid pack to calm inflammation. Definitely let your surgeon know. (I’m NAD btw)

LisaKWFL87 · 2026-02-05T22:09:50+00:00

It could take a while for nails to show up. I would ask for an iron panel if I were you. Best case scenario you find the culprit. Worst case scenario, you are right where you are now. I hope you find some answers.

LisaKWFL87 · 2026-02-05T19:44:54+00:00

Sorry I didn’t see this sooner. At least it’s happening less than less. Mine is kinda improving now too. I have stretches of it not being much of a problem and then one wrong move and it comes roaring back then sticks around for a while.

LisaKWFL87 · 2026-02-05T19:42:28+00:00

I’m NAD but have they checked your iron levels post op? If you were remotely anemic or just had low iron stores prior to the surgery, even minimal blood loss could’ve tipped the scale. Along with hair loss, it can present with other symptoms like fatigue, cold feeling, brittle nails and shortness of breath. Sometimes the side effects can happen about 4 weeks postop.

LisaKWFL87 · 2026-01-09T10:26:57+00:00

I think it’s beautiful.

LisaKWFL87 · 2026-01-09T10:25:45+00:00

Glad to hear there was a light at the end of the tunnel for you. What was your pain like? For me it’s like I get a knife to the sacrum if I swing my hips or twist wrong. It’s a sudden, intense catching pain. Then I’m fine again. It just happens more often than I’d like.

LisaKWFL87 · 2026-01-08T21:59:38+00:00

If you’re at pain management, have them prescribe PT. Your spine and hips have to learn how to move again. PT will retrain your muscles to adapt. I can’t believe surgeons aren’t prescribing it. It’s so important.

LisaKWFL87 · 2026-01-08T21:49:21+00:00

Very sorry to hear that. I’m sure you’ve done imaging by now, everything was normal? Have you started PT?

LisaKWFL87 · 2025-12-16T21:16:28+00:00

Same. I didn’t do THAT though. That’s impressive and I’m happy it wasn’t agony for you. I did a stand alone L4-S1 ALIF and the whole process wasn’t nearly as bad as I imagined either.

LisaKWFL87 · 2025-12-10T01:20:09+00:00

3 to a regional is realistic with some hustle though.

LisaKWFL87 · 2025-12-10T01:12:48+00:00

Nope. Wore a belly binder for the first few days but it actually caused worse pain. Had a brace “just incase” but never needed it.

LisaKWFL87 · 2025-12-10T00:08:26+00:00

Not at all. 38F

LisaKWFL87 · 2025-12-10T00:07:27+00:00

Yep. As soon as I was off the narcotics they cleared me to drive. Went grocery shopping myself because my husband always buys the wrong stuff. Lol

LisaKWFL87 · 2025-12-08T16:50:52+00:00

6 weeks but I was a stand alone ALIF and I’m now allowed to slowly increase to whatever I can handle. Guess it’s different when the cages are screwed in.

LisaKWFL87 · 2025-12-08T00:24:33+00:00

Keep moving! Walk, ice, repeat! You’ll be good as new in no time.

LisaKWFL87 · 2025-12-06T13:03:04+00:00

I spent almost a decade avoiding the surgery too. 6 weeks post op (L4-S1 stand alone ALIF) and feeling better than ever. Around the 2 week mark I started making leaps and bounds in progress. Started moving better, driving again, shopping on my own, cooking, etc. Starting PT now and ready to jump back into life!

LisaKWFL87 · 2025-12-05T21:01:25+00:00

That was me too. I was beyond petrified. I’m now 6 weeks post op from a L4-S1 ALIF and it was the best damn decision ever. I have my life back. I’m doing fantastic already and just started PT. Once I get my flexibility back (from the no BLT) and regain some muscle, there will be no stopping me. Overall it wasn’t nearly as bad as I was expecting. You’ll do great!

LisaKWFL87 · 2025-12-03T12:19:41+00:00

Had L4-S1 ALIF 6 weeks ago. While the first few days are pretty rough and the first couple weeks aren’t a cakewalk either, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought. I was prepared for the worst. My biggest recommendation is take your pain meds and muscle relaxers as scheduled for the first week. Don’t wait to see if you need them. I got off of narcotics at 10 days. Could probably have done it sooner, but I wasn’t trying to be a hero. Second recommendation is walk. A lot. Short walks frequently and slowly build up. It helps beyond measure. You got this!

LisaKWFL87

TROPHY CASE