Gastritis or something else?

Posted By Alisa on May 29, 1998 at 22:24:20:







I'm a 32 year old female.  For a number of years, I've had intermittant trouble with irritable bowel syndrome, particulary under times of stress.  Last summer and fall, I began experiencing something like anxiety or panic attacks, during which I experienced palpitations, tightness in my chest, as well as stomach upset.  The heart and chest sensations have improved, but I have over the past six months or so noticed an increase in my GI symptoms.  
The symptoms are perplexing to me:  I feel a gurgling or gassy or gnawing sensation on my left side from under my ribcage and down.  Sometimes I feel the urge to burp; sometimes I feel the urge to pass gas...sometimes both.  The discomfort is worse at night; it used to be worst at night when I'd lay down, but now I notice it throughout the afternoon and evening.  It's as though I coudl trace the food or gas or whatever bubbling from that point under my ribs downward.  It's generally not painful, just uncomfortable.  My abdomen is tender in that area--left sidejust below ribcage and slightly toward the center.  Loosening my clothes helps a little with the pressure.  I feel hungry all the time, and nibble a lot.  I've gained 5 or 6 pounds over the last few months.
My doctor said it's gastritis, and prescribed cymetidine two weeks ago.  I've been taking that, and have also cut down on chocolate and sodas (a coke or a snack maybe once a day).  The symptoms don't seem any better.
What is this?  Does it make sense that I feel both the burping and flatulence symptoms?  Do I need a different medicine, or more dietary changes, or more tests?  Is it stress related?
Thanks.