I dont belive this is Gerd

For the past almost five months i have had discomfort in my stomach. thing is that no matter what i eat the pain still comes everyday 3-6* more in the last two weeks. i cannot tolerate alcohol caffiene or much sugar or heavy fats. the alcohol especially leaves me with a pinch in the middle left of my stomach area. it feels as if it has been coming to a point. rather than staying in the upper middle or left of the stomach under the ribcage its as if i can feel my whole digestive tract ache and pulsate in pain. i feel full all of the time but i crave food. Also about 5 months ago there was an out break of Norwalk virus which i got but with no diarrhea just puking. After one day of nausea and a little feeling of high, i have had no day to which i could say i actually felt even near ok. i sometimes have saliva in the mouth that makes me feel as though i will puke but i have not. i went to the doctor about 4 weeks ago and they tested me for both an ulcer and h pylori bacteria with negative results. i dont have diarrhea or heartburn ever. ive noticed stiffness and pain in my joints and the RA test came out negative. There also was a shooting pain like a thick lightning strike up the whole right side of my back that siezed for 10-15 seconds and then slowly dimmed off. when i exercise my left upper stomach will pain me. i usually walk to work 3-5 times a week up a severely steep hill with little or no problem but one day i simply couldnt do it any more and its been about 3 weeks where if i just simply walk a coulple blocks no terrain i will have pain. i work a bit, really hard, usually but right now i barely work as hard and i will break a sweat and will feel heat in the whole torso and head i will start to have a headache. i have terrible resentment towards my loved ones and have almost no patiance. i am depressed because this has gone on soooo long and i have not felt a bit of relief. i am a very positive person and i want this to stop. i want to know whats going on and i want the pain gone. If you have any kind of opinion on this it would be very helpful,
Thankyou very much for your time,
Yo-Yo

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are several things that can cause chronic epigastric pain.  This would include GERD, an ulcer, inflammation of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine, or gallbladder or liver disease.  You stated that your physician tested you for an ulcer and H Pylori - both were negative.  

The best step for evaluation would be an upper endoscopy - this would comprehensively rule out most of the upper digestive disorders.

If this was done, you can consider an ultrasound to evaluate the liver and gallbladder.  

If this was negative, further specialized testing can be considered.  This may include a 24-hr pH study and motility study to evaluate for GERD as well as esophageal motility disorders.

I would suggest a referral to a gastroenterologist to discuss these options.    

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Varv]

Have you ever been tested for Lyme disease???