Think we're just MORE sensitive?

[NaiveAndTrue]

Do you ever wonder if a lot of us developed these phobias because we're overly-sensitive to our digestive functions? I know as far back as I can remember (and further - my mom insisted I never ate more than 2 oz at a time as an infant), that I HATED feeling full. Even before my emet developed, as a kid I never would eat to the point of feeling 'stuffed' or 'full'.
Just needing to use the bathroom on a regular day usually starts w/ me feeling sick and dizzy, even when I'm not sick or having and d*. Once I go, I'm fine. Do you think being more aware of things like this cause us to develop the phobias?

[Grace47]

For me personally, no, but I can see where you're coming from. I have noticed what you are talking about around the site.

[jennjt]

I totally relate. I feel like I can feel every movement, contraction, etc in my stomach. Eve when I meditate, it's so hard because I can feel my stomach. Ugh. I definitely think that's part of it for me.

[chris_alice]

I wasn't always emetophobic. My digestive system didn't become "sensitive" until AFTER emetophobia. I personally think all the stress and worry causes most, if not all, our digestive issues. Obviously there are some emetophobic people who have digestive disorders completely separate from emet but I'm talking in general.

[emet-ana]

I think this could be the case for some emetophobes.

I definitely hate (more than other people) having stomach pains, even aside from v*, but I was okay about being full, eating too much etc when I was little- even though I ate so much at a party when I was 4 that I v*.

I imagine my phobia is a combination of seeing very ill people v* and choke (not on v*, just separately), having bad experiences of v* with very nasty infections and disliking any pain in my stomach but I don't think I'm overly sensitive to pain but who knows!

[Mama76]

i think it is coincidental for me, or the anxiety leads to me think too much about how i feel. what i see with my own kids is my oldest son has always been hyper-aware of his body. he doesnt get anxious about how he feels, but we all hear about every sensation he has from an itch to n*, easy to potty train, and tends to panic if he sees or hears someone v*. my other son is not aware of his body, took forever to potty train, blows it all off, including v* - to the point where he will eat anything i will allow when s*.

[Erica1649]

It definitely depends. I know sometimes if I'm nauseous and havent gone in a few days, then I feel better know that is the likely cause. My emet is weird because it goes in waves sometimes. There are definitely days and weeks that are better than others while there are times when I could care less about what's happening. Guessing it depends on how "distracted" I am? Hard to explain

[gumdropper1]

Most of us became emet because we didn't vomit very often. Now as emetophobic adults, we vomit even less. We're not emet because we're more sensitive. We're sensitive to stomach movements because we're emet. Doug

[Evee]

It's an interesting theory! I'm going to have to say I think we're just hyper aware of our digestive functions because they are a source of anxiety for us.

[nagisa]

I think anxiety often leads to stomach issues. Anxiety and stress breaks down our immune system and can also make us feel what we are afraid of such as n*.

For me I've always had problems with my digestive system but I often find myself overeating, not starving. I know a lady with quite bad IBS, and even with all her stomach problems she remains emet-free!

[emet-ana]

Most of us became emet because we didn't vomit very often. Now as emetophobic adults, we vomit even less. We're not emet because we're more sensitive. We're sensitive to stomach movements because we're emet. Doug

I guess 'most' but not all. I think I had slightly more cases of rota/noro than most non-emets or at least about the same number. I agree that emet can lead to stomach awareness. I don't have any stomach symptoms usually. Cramping can be caused by severe anxiety and acid can cause stomach ulcers etc

[I'm Haley]

well, anytime we talk about the digestive symtem or stomach in science at school I just cringe! One time, we were studying V* in school! NOT FAIR WTH!!!!!! So I went to the restroom when I couldn't bear to hear anymore.