nerve pain associated to gastric???

[ade31070177]

Question... does anyone know if there is there a link between gastric problems and nerve pain, especially lft side chest/arm?

Latest developments are that my doctor has put me on 4 week course of citalopram 10mg, and reluctantly diagnosed me with IBS. I'm not 100% convinced. Had adverse reaction to meds within first 2 weeks. Couldn't take nausea feeling after week 3 so stopped taking. Nausea was and still is consistent whilst taking citalopram or not.

Chest pains feel they are related to nerve pain? Can feel sharp tingley pain similar to that of a pinched nerve in lft arm... runs down to fingers/knuckles and seems to radiate into chest. Throat is tight and hard to swallow. Have deep hacking chesty cough, makes 'nervy' pain worse. Feeling very nauseated, drowsey and dizzy. Getting worse.

[ade31070177]

Oh and I have also developed an ulcerated backpassage, from having constipated/irregular and sharp/solid stools for a considerable amount of time. When passing motions, this tends to rip my passage making me bleed quite heavily. This cutting over a prolonged period has now left me with small ulcers/pollops which is quite painful each time I pass motion. Thankfully, and for some strange reason, my stools are more frequent than they have been in the past, and not so sharp/solid, which has made passing a lot more comfortable. But I still bleed, especially when it catches me.

[ade31070177]

Hi CalGal, thanks for your postings :-)
I think I am just going to pluck up the courage and go for the 24 hr tests, even though it completely freaks me out!..... I'm thinking better that than what I have to suffer everyday, right!?
Regarding foods, I can't say I have noticed any real pattern... it really depends on what I can stomach at the time. Like most mornings I can't tolerate cereals, yoghurts or anything too sweet or diary (especially if I know I am going out to work!). But I CAN eat this later on in the evening at about an hour before bed, or in the mornings at the weekend... or when I know I am not going out! I know I definately can't cope too much with caffine or spicey/greasey foods (like tea/coffee during the day is no go, but I can have one cup in the evening!). Drinking water has absolutely no benefit or positive effect - I can't seem to tolerate drinking water neat or even with juice. In fact my stomach reacts by producing MORE acid/reflux! Certain combinations of foods can effect me from time to time - on one occasion if I have a certain food combo it really reacts on me, then on other occasions I am fine. Keeping a food diary has been a nightmare, as there just doesn't appear to be any form of pattern. I keep video, voice and written diaries.
The most distressing of all this is the central squeezing chest pains. It comes on in waves, is really intense and makes me feel really unwell at any time - whether I have eaten of not. I have told my GP about this time and time again, but I just get the feeling they don't know what else to do or have ran out of options.

[CalGal]

Ade, if the 24 hr test looks for both acid and alkaline levels, then yes it may be worth it. I kow how miserable it can be, but it may be the only way to get to the bottom of what's going on.

In addition, make sure they consider NERD - non-errosive reflux disease. NERD often shows all is normal - when it isn't. It's something akin to a person reacting to their normal levels of acid as if it's too much.

Do any foods bother you more than others? Have they checked out your gallbladder? On the off-chance, is there any history of food intolerances in your family?

[ade31070177]

Update = It is a year later and I my symptoms are worse than before.

Am taking: amitriptyline 10mg daily, domperidone 10mg (as/when needed for nausea - which has now subsided but lightheadedness increased), ranitidine 150mg (one daily) and it was suggested I try taking vitamin B6 and B12 to help with stress and nervous system - taking Holland/Barrett Mega B-50 Vitamin B Complex.

Daily I feel tight/squeezing pains in central chest area just under/around sternum, lightheadedness, nervy pain down left arm/shoulder (like trapped nerve?), nausea which is subsiding. There seems to be no pattern - its bad when I don't eat, very bad when I do eat! Sometimes it feels like my body releases a sudden burst of toxins into my chest, which floods my neck, shoulders and back, then runs down into my torso and legs/arms. It feels like I have been sedated - can't really move much, concentrate or focus on anything. The anxiety symptoms I can relate to and identify which doesn't alarm me any more, its just this constant/daily pain and feeling of unwell which is driving me mad!

I have had countless tests including manometry test to test my eausophagus, but haven't had the 24 hr ph test yet. I hated the manometry test, couldn't tolerate the blasted tube in my nose/throat. Do you think it is worth me having 24 hr test though? I'm worried it will show 'nothing' again when clearly I am not well!!

[ade31070177]

I really dont feel like I can cope any more with this its driving me mad!! I am supposed to be leaving today to go on hols, yet I feel so unwell. Dont want to let family down. Have been waiting for this vacation for over 5 months now!

Will go see Dr this morning and express my concerns. Will take on board your comments. Keep your ideas and comments coming please....

[CalGal]

Chest pains could be due to esophageal spasms, but you need to make sure that all possible problems associated with the heart are ruled out. If that has been done, then yes, the arm pain could be related to GERD/esophageal spasms. The pain can also be felt into the jaw in some people.

Make sure your doc also checks the state of your gallbladder since nausea and dizziness can be related to gallbladder function, and pain might also be related to bile reflux. You may want to discuss a gallbladder ultrasound and HIDA scan with CCK injection with your doc.