Being in the nature, going to a Psychologist, Meditation and Anti Depressants helped me to deal with the anxiety.

Before my diagnosis I lost about 28 lbs in a matter of weeks... & I could not afford to. The pain was so dreadful I could barely sip water let alone eat. The pain & anxiety was horrific. I ended up in quite a state & in hospital.

Then even after diagnosis when I had triple therapy antibiotics for H pylori/ulcers that was the most awful experience. It's such a harsh treatment on the body.
So in terms of coping with where you are now... I can offer my support, understanding & empathy & say you WILL get through this horrible phase & you are not alone. Statistically it's unlikely to be anything more sinister & soon you will know.

I did not cope well with the anxiety & pain at the beginning, but now I know that distraction & immersion works best for me, particularly listening to music, writing projects, films, walking, yoga, meditation. Also getting out. Anywhere. Being with people. Just anything you can focus on wholeheartedly.

Are you taking acid suppression meds? You must. If it probably is gastritis then you don't want it worsening/get ulcers whilst you await diagnosis. This happened to me. You need more than careful diet.

If you're struggling to eat sufficient calories can you try things like the special high calorie drinks. Sorry I don't know the brand names - ensure? Complan?

Is your Dr aware of your pain, weight loss & anxiety? They should help whilst you wait for the gastro.

Also be aware that the gastritis itself can produce anxiety-like symptoms - it's not just the mental/worrying aspect. When the stomach is inflamed the diaphragm muscle above can splint & spasm. This can cause shallow breathing, hyperventilation & symptoms like racing heart.

Deep breathing & meditation can help. Relaxation music, guided meditations are great.

Stay strong. You're not alone.

Thank you so much, 'Smile'

Yesterday was actually a very encouraging day. I started to feel slightly less pain/ill, but today for some reason it's back and it's bad.

Still awaiting my gastro appt. So worried that its stomach cancer.

@Eyesofblue

The anxiety can debilitate you more than the actual problem. It also exacerbates the issue and make the pain worse. Try to get the anxiety under control.

The weight loss can be quite severe... I too lost weight.. a grand total of 28Lbs in about 4-5 weeks.... I couldn't believe it... I am eating somewhat normally and it is very easy for the weight to come back... I am back up about 10Lbs in the last month.... So much that I am now trying to watch what I eat again.

I think you should not worry about the weight loss... just remember that its par the course of the illness and when you get better, I am sure that there will be no issue adding some of the weight back.

You have enough stress that you should worry about the loss in weight.... Just remember that you ARE NOT eating..... If you were eating normally and losing weight, that is a different story.

@eyesofblue... It's highly unlikely to be stomach cancer. It is a very rare cancer. Of course you won't know for sure til you've had your tests, but the likelihood is it won't be cancer & much more likely to be gastritis or ulcers.
I understand your fear because I experienced it myself. A major symptom of mine at the very beginning was breathlessness & racing heart after eating... of course I consulted Dr Google... & diagnosed myself with heart disease!!!!
I also had another major episode of anxiety even after diagnosis by endoscopy when my Gastro surprised me by wanting to do CT scan.... My anxiety was off the scale!!!! It must be cancer I thought!!!!
Stay strong. You are not alone & will feel improvement soon.

Anxiety is not a fun problem to have. You can try some relaxation techniques- like trying to keep your mind and hands busy. A lot of the gut reaction is related to our mind. (Check out the mid-gut connection. It will help explain what I am trying to say).

Take it easy. Deep breaths. Remember you are not alone. And vent. Anytime you need to, there will be people here to support you and listen.

I find that yoga and mediation tapes help with the anxiety. Before I knew what was wrong with me I had major anxiety...having a diagnosis will help so much with the wondering and worrying.

I've started acupuncture. I really think that is helping. I've been feeling a bit better. Baby steps, right?
Thanks so much for responding.