Stomach Ulcer? Opinion?

I am a 30 year old male, 6' 0" and 137lb (tall and slender runs in my family, but I'm probably the skinniest male).  I've had stomach problems for about 9 years which I have just over the past few years attributed to high anxiety.  After my first son was born (3 years ago) I vowed to find out what was going on with my stomach problems.  I went to a Gastroenterologist and he ordered the gambit of tests.  I did the stool sample first --- negative.  Then I did a barium swallow / CT scan --- negative.  The barium made me very sick (vomiting) and pretty much made me not want to do any further testing then.

It's been nearly 3 years, I now have a 6 week old daughter, and my stomach problems are back in full force.  Symptoms include: bloating after eating (sometimes), upset stomach (often, especially after coffee), stomach pain pretty much right between the breastbone and navel, heartburn (frequently but not always), lack of appetite (sometimes), and belching (frequently).  Sometimes the pain is relieved by eating, sometimes it's made worse.  Over the past 3-4 months I've had two episodes of burping acid back into my mouth but I don't know if that's related or not.

What prompted my post was that I was reading about peptic ulcers and the potential for bleeding as well as the symptoms.  Recently I've had one episode of nearly passing out upon standing and another where (at lunch time) I was shaking, sweaty, dizzy --- I just assumed I was really hungry --- but am now curious if my stomach problems haven't made an ulcer that's getting worse and causing anemia???  What are your thoughts and would the symptoms be more pronounced?  Symptoms listed on the web are not very detailed.  I assume that I need to get an endoscopy done, but wanted an opinion before moving forward with any further expensive testing.

Thanks in advance!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree that an upper endoscopy needs to be performed.  This is a more sensitive test than the barium test, and may find diseases that may have been missed.

Ulcers or inflammation of the upper digestive tract are possible causes for the symptoms.  Stress or anxiety can exacerbate these disorders.

I would also obtain blood tests to exclude the bacteria H Pylori, which is associated with ulcers or inflammation.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[TiredOfThis]

Thanks again for any feedback and help - I just want to ensure that I am healthy for my children and am to be there for them as a Dad should.  My father was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Rectal cancer which he could have prevented by having tests run earlier --- he was aware that something was wrong 8 months before he went to see a doctor.  I don't want to be in that same boat... but at the same time, I don't have unlimited financial resources for extensive testing.

[mike1971]

I have these same symptoms.  My symptoms were so bad on Friday during lunch I thought I was going to pass out as well.    My doctor ran blood tests last week and I am waiting for them to come back.      

She did start treating I think under the notion I have H pylori.  I am on antibiotics and probiotics.     Still after 5 days feeling pretty lousy.    I did just take tagamed and that has reduced the bloating significantly.

I have read that  if it is H pylori, it is hard to get rid of.

[mike1971]

forgot to mention the treatment.   she has me on antibiotic and probiotic.