Shoe in stomach

Doc:

I have the following symptoms and I would like a possible diagnosis(-es) --

Constipation
Very full stomach all the time (feels like a shoe is in my stomach)
Limited appetite (varies, but currently, hard to eat anything)
Headaches during exercise (possibly unrelated to the above)

Please let me know what you think and what tests, if any, I should have performed. Cheers.  

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There can be a variety of conditions leading to the symptoms.

Various upper GI disorders, such as gastroparesis, a mass, GERD, or inflammation can lead to fullness and limited appetite.  An upper GI series or upper endoscopy would be a reasonable place to start.

Other tests to consider if the initial evaluation is non-revealing would be abdominal imaging with an ultrasound or CT scan, or more specialized tests like a 24-hr pH study or gastric emptying scan.

Regarding the headaches, you can start with head imaging, with a CT scan or MRI, as well as a referral to a neurologist.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a gastroenterologist or neurologist.

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 Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd