Originally posted by Soulstinger:

May need to address your playstyle and what kind of foods youre using. Too much stamina food and your block meter craps out. Too much HP/block food and your stamina craps out. Best to go for a balanced approach.

Also; like they said, try to make your way carefully. Take enemies out by getting a solid sneakshot with the bow and letting them come to you rather than wading in amd attracting several groups at once.

The swamp has a much different playstyle than the Black Forest on purpose, and the subsequent zone all play differently too.

Good luck!

What should I be taking then? I'm rocking 117 health and 110 something stamina with a full meal. I feel like I should be stealthing the swamp, but my stealth skills are terrible and they don't help when the draugr come 3 - 5 at a time and kill in 2 hits.

Also, upgraded Bronze Buckler does well for abominations. They're probably the least dangerous enemy (other than Leeches. I don't think I've even been hit by leeches yet) that I've fought.