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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
GERD/GALLSTONES?- please help!!
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
GERD/GALLSTONES?- please help!!
by magenta1, Jul 13, 2005 12:00AM
I am a 31 year old female. Over the past few years I had experienced general ill health which was diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. After making lifestyle changes - cutting back on alcohol etc - my symptoms have improved. But more and more regularly I am having relapses - these are now accompanied by specific physical symptoms:
Most mornings I awake with abdominal pain - usually in the area of the gap in between where the lower ribs join - it often radiates to my mid-back and is slightly on inhaling. I used to get it mildly in the past and put it down to smoking - which I've now stopped. The pain is a kind of knawing, stretching ache and is accompanied by stomach gurguling and wind. Everytime I awake in this condition, I tend to feel weak for the rest of the day - this usually starts after passing a stool - which is usually normal. Also, the room where I've been sleeping smells a little sour and musty. The pain seems to sometimes be relieved by taking antacids though this seems to be less reliable now. Last night I tried sleeping with my upper body elevated - yet awoke with pain, lower in my body than usual but more intense than ever. Spicy foods make the symptoms worse - yet I don't experience any actual abdominal pain in the daytime. I also don't experience any regurgitation, belching and rarely nausea.
My h-pylori test came back negative and in the past I've been tested for many things including lung disorders. The only thing that ever came back positive was a test for anemia. I want to urge my doctor (I'm in the UK) to test me for stomach disorders but here it is not easy to get seen to. Are there any specific tests I should ask for or things I should rule out? I was thinking my symptoms may justify testing for GERD or even Gallstones. What are the differences as far as symptoms are concerned? Are there any self-help measures I could try?
Most mornings I awake with abdominal pain - usually in the area of the gap in between where the lower ribs join - it often radiates to my mid-back and is slightly on inhaling. I used to get it mildly in the past and put it down to smoking - which I've now stopped. The pain is a kind of knawing, stretching ache and is accompanied by stomach gurguling and wind. Everytime I awake in this condition, I tend to feel weak for the rest of the day - this usually starts after passing a stool - which is usually normal. Also, the room where I've been sleeping smells a little sour and musty. The pain seems to sometimes be relieved by taking antacids though this seems to be less reliable now. Last night I tried sleeping with my upper body elevated - yet awoke with pain, lower in my body than usual but more intense than ever. Spicy foods make the symptoms worse - yet I don't experience any actual abdominal pain in the daytime. I also don't experience any regurgitation, belching and rarely nausea.
My h-pylori test came back negative and in the past I've been tested for many things including lung disorders. The only thing that ever came back positive was a test for anemia. I want to urge my doctor (I'm in the UK) to test me for stomach disorders but here it is not easy to get seen to. Are there any specific tests I should ask for or things I should rule out? I was thinking my symptoms may justify testing for GERD or even Gallstones. What are the differences as far as symptoms are concerned? Are there any self-help measures I could try?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jul 15, 2005 12:00AM
, Jul 15, 2005 12:00AM
Various tests for dyspepsia should be considered. The H pylori test is reasonable but a negative test does not rule out ulcers or inflammation in the upper Gi tract.
Further testing can include an upper GI series or upper endoscopy. These can evaluate the upper GI tract for ulcers, inflammation or GERD.
If gallstones are a consideration, you can consider an abdominal ultrasound for further evaluation.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
Further testing can include an upper GI series or upper endoscopy. These can evaluate the upper GI tract for ulcers, inflammation or GERD.
If gallstones are a consideration, you can consider an abdominal ultrasound for further evaluation.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
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