Does anyone else have these digestive problems?

[betty72]

Hi I'm a new member here because I have had so many problems lately it's making me worry a lot. Sorry this is going to be quite long! I've been pretty healthy all my life (I'm 37) but since someone I knew very well took his own life last February I haven't been the same. At first I got quite a few panic attacks which subsided over the months and I thought things were better. Then I started having irregular heartbeats (skipped - sometimes once a week, sometimes every 4 seconds). Since then I have been diagnosed with an ectopic heart but nothing that needs medication. Then in November I started having sharp pain in my left breast and under my ribs which didn't go away and I went to the hospital. They said I'd pulled a muscle and my hormones were causing breast pain but I wasn't convinced. Another doc thought it was pleurisy. The heart specialist I saw after all this to get my heart results actually said I probably had a cocksackie virus causing the pain in my rib and chest muscles. (Bornholm's Disease?). The pain in my rib subsided after 2 months but then I developed a lump feeling in my throat and found it hard to swallow. The doctor said it was either stress or GERD and gave me Omeprozol? which cured it. I finished the tabs a few weeks ago and felt fine but the past week I've been having more digestive problems. Symptoms were burning in lower stomach, bloating a couple of hours after eating, gurling and wind, irregular bowels which have improved, popping sensation under my rib (which had before but went), sore left rib muscle again, acidic taste in my mouth and sometimes up my nose. No burning in my food pipe apart from one spot to the right near my breast which is occasional. Some of the symptoms have calmed down (bloating and acid taste) but since yesterday I've been feeling constantly sick but not actually sick so I posted a question on "Answers" and someone said they had exactly the same symptoms and have cancer so I'm in a real state. My doctor gave me Lansoprazole a few days ago which I haven't yet taken as I'm not keen on pumping my body with pills. She said my body's probably producing excess gas but has booked me in for an endoscopy which I have no idea when will happen. My nan died of stomach cancer in her 60's but she smoked and I'm petrified I have the same. Is excess acid the same as GERD and does anyone else have these problems? I don't smoke and rarely drank before I took my medication but am overweight (size 18) although lost a couple of stone due to not eating much. Please help. I'm constantly anxious at the moment. Thanks.:weep:

[betty72]

I meant to mention that my first symptom a week ago was breathlessness.

[MOJO]

I had bad ectopics for a few years and had lots of tests. They finally said I had mild mitral valve prolapse which needed no further treatment. nor any medication. :ohmy: However, I have been free of ectopics for about a year now and think that they were prbably far more to do with my anxiety than a heart problem, otherwise I don't think they would have gone away for that length of time.
I also suffer from loads of digestive problems. Excess wind, pain in my lower left abdomen, pain in my stmach, bloating, nausea, sometimes the pain above the left side of my ribs, an embarrassing amount of gurgling and rumbling lol! I was also interested to hear about the burning you felt in one spot on the right hand of your windpipe as I get exactly that sometimes and have never heard of anyone else with it. I have had tests and the docs have found nothing wrong. They have just put it all down to IBS, which can also be a symtom and very much aggravated by anxiety.
I was so sorry to hear that you had lost someone close to you in the way that you did and I have to say that all your symtoms sound very much like they are anxiety related. It wouldn't be surprising after what you have been through.
I'm sure if the doctors were that concerned they would have got you in immediately for tests. I'm sure that when you get your tests done they will all be clear.
Try not to worry too much. I know it's hard, but lots of us do have the same symtoms and have no major illness.

Judy.:hugs:

[betty72]

Thanks for your advice Judy. I never knew how much anxiety can take a hold and it doesn't help getting advice from people who say its cancer! Saying that though I won't be happy until I've had further investigation. I had a blood test for Helicobapter which was negative but in some ways I wish it was so that I know whats wrong with me! This morning I have a tummy ache and feel sick but again it could be anxiety. I keep putting off taking my prescription hoping it will go away by itself. Do you take Lansoprazole? My ectopics have eased off too the last few weeks but now its my digestive system. Very annoying. Anyway thanks again for your support. :yesyes:

[MOJO]

I am not on any prescribed medication at the moment, although I have had omeprazole in the past which I found quite good. I do take Boots prebiotic and probiotic capsules (All in the same capsule) which are natural and have definately stopped the severe attacks of pain that I suffered from. My sister has a dodgy stomach, irregular bowels etc. and I told her about them. She has been taking them for a month and says she has seen a big improvement.
Judy.:)

[betty72]

Will definitely give them a try. I don't think its good to take tabs that stop your body producing acid as it can't be good for you. I've heard they play havoc with your bowels. Thanks again. I feel a bit more calm knowing other people experience the same. :) x