What causes depression, pain and gastric problems?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 25-year-old female, and for a year, I have been totally depressed. My life is getting worse, without friends, family, or hobbies. There is no one to bother about me. I have already seen three gastroenterologists, and I have tried for a half year: Omeprazole, Famotidine, Ursodeoxycholic Acid, Itopride, Mebeverine, Probiotic, Vitamin Z, Vitamin B (all types), Vitamin A, E, and D. Nothing much was of help. My new doctor said to me I have to get rid of all medicaments and start without them, and the pain is caused by lots of stress and lack of sleep. I am in the third week on this medication, and I am in terrible pain every day - no matter what I eat. Please, could you give me some help?

1) Is there any possibility that after you used these medications, my stomach is only trying to recover from some 'shock' without pills? I have to be patient and continue with this process?

2) How to start a new week to heal the stomach pain and get on track with standard meals? (e.g., For one whole week, eat only rice, Gluten-free white bread, potatoes, and after that start to add something).

3) Is it possible that taking lots of vitamins (Vitamin B, Zinc, Omega 3, Magnesium, Yeast, Probiotics) can cause stomach pain or acid reflux? I have a problem with acne, and I know it is from the worst digestion.

4) I love to exercise, but jumping or lying on the floor is sometimes painful - what is the best kind of sport to do with stomach issues?

5) Is it possible that yogurt or milk makes stomach pain even though I was tested for dairy allergy, and everything was fine? I love yogurt.

6) It is possible that being underweight (BMI 15,7) is causing all my problems? (and I have to eat a lot even though I am in pain to get a healthy weight).

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your concerns in detail. I can sense that you are a wonderful lively person who likes exercise and enjoys food. But unfortunately, for various reasons, you are facing a lot of troubles along with health issues, which makes the situation worse. Since you have been seen by three gastroenterologists, who are experts in the field and are treating you on the line of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), the major clue is your drugs.

Now, for me, the most important thing is to fix all issues together. For that, the only person who can do wonders for you is yourself. I am saying it because there is a strong gut and brain relation. Your depression or anxiety needs to be addressed. Why are you feeling low and socially isolated?

I would recommend you to:

1) Please sit with yourself in a calm environment and write down the possible solution to your problems. When you try to find solutions, you can easily kill your problems one by one with different good approaches.

2) Continue light exercise.

3) Practice smiling, even to those you do not know. Just to make yourself happy.

4) Love nature.

This is how your life will take a lovely turn, and you will again start to love yourself. Imagine yourself as a mentally fit and happy person. I would advise you to work on it.

For your pain-related issues, I suggest the following medicines:

1) Tablet Drotaverine 40 mg thrice a day.

2) Tablet Citalopram 10 mg once in the morning.

3) Tablet Clonazepam 0.5 mg once at night.

4) Isabgol husk two teaspoons in a glass of water, keep it for 4 hours, and then take it.

Let me know how you feel after a week.

Thank you.