Hi everyone. I have had some issues in the past few months that I am trying to get some answers to and sorted out. After several trips to my primary DR who I feel is not listening to me, I took matters into my own hands. It's frustrating because I have had my doctor for 10 years, and he knows I DO NOT come unless I HAVE to. I am not looking for anything but answers! Sorry if this is long, please bare with me!
Anyways, sorry for the rant. Here is the problems:
Starting in January I started getting anxiety issues, due to health concerns I started to have. I am a 27 year old female, no past medical history with the exception to anxiety and depression. My appetite seemed to decrease, but I was attributing that to my nerves. I had one bout of heartburn, but went away. Then in February, one day I couldn't keep any food down, and ended up in ER. Slight fever, slightly elevated WBC'S, ER DR said I probably had a stomach bug. It did feel better within 24 hours after, no more throwing up. However, a week or so after, I started having heartburn again. And also still some occasional nausea on and off. Or at least I think it is heartburn. I have never had it before these past couple of months. I do not get the burning in the chest or epigastric area, I get burning in my throat. Sometimes it responds to antacids like Tums and Maalox, sometimes it doesn't. But it does go away eventually. It is not constant, but I seem to have it in bouts. On and off for a few days. Then a couple of weeks without (knock on wood, I don't want it to come back!). I told my MD that. Also problems that I have had for a few months along with this, is on and off constipation, every few days...straining to move bowels, which NEVER was a problem for me. i would go everyday, no issues. Totally a new problem. And a SLIGHT pain in my mid upper abdomen, not right under the xiphoid process, but a couple of inches lower, between epigastric area and belly button. A slight pain, ususally lasting seconds, and goes away. The other things that bother me, is I have trouble belching now. I feel like I have to, but can't. And when I CAN get a belch out, sometimes I HAVE had the acidy taste in the back of my throat with it. NONE of these issues prior to the beginning of the year, all new to me. Actually, the past year I have had excessive flatulence for me, but since these problems have started, it has gone way down. Along with this, I have bloating issues at times. The ONLY epigastric discomfort I get has only happened a few times. Not burning or pain, but it would happen after I ate. Like a hunger pain, gnawing maybe?? Although I just ate! I don't feel hungry, but the sensation in the epigastric area feels empty, like I need to put food on it, and that's the last thing I want to do, because I'm so scared of the heartburn or bloating issues!
I have an appt with a GI on April 9th....but was maybe looking for some advice until then or anyone else can share their similar problems :) I'm not sure what to expect with the visit, but I do know the DR, I used to work at the hospital he goes to, very nice guy. When talking with the nurse the 1st time when I called, she said he may just want to do a scope right off the bat, without an office visit, but then decided we'd do an office visit first. My primary just said "welcome to the club, it's acid reflex, don't eat before bed". I am an RN, I know the lifestyle modifications, but I am TELLING HIM, this is all NEW, and it worries me because it's a cluster of symptoms, not just reflux (in my throat, not chest). I have almost been tempted to play actress, and go to an urgi care and say it's much worse than what it really is just so I can have a test done! To give me peace of mind! But now that I have this appointment, I wouldn't do that, just looking for some info. Sorry sooo long!