Stomach & abdominal discomfort

[mel717]

Since July I have been losing my appetite. But recently, in the past month and a half, It has gotten worse. I have had trouble even swallowing food. Fluids are no problem.  I have been drinking lots of fluids and really have to force myself to eat food. I have lost about 5 to 10 pounds. Am concerned that I could lose more weight if I don't get to the bottom of this. Thought It might be stress at first but not so sure anymore; i'm sure stress could be adding to the problem though. It has lasted a while. I am always tired. I get constipated often which causes really bad abdominal discomfort. When I eat I get full really fast and my stomach muscles seem to tense up in the middle just below my ribs and hurt some on the mid to lower left side and really all over my lower abdomen. I have been to the doctor twice regarding this. They thought i may have had a thyroid problem, ran  a blood test and those came out fine. They gave me some depression medicine which made me feel bad, so I opted to not take that.  Went back and they gave me protonix for my acid reflux which was somewhat of an issue causing me discomfort in my chest, that now feels better since I have been taking that medication.  Though I still feel this trouble eating (swallowing food) and pain in my side.  Could this pain and trouble eating be due to constipation or IBS? Should I go back for further tests or maybe get on some sort of diet to get me back to eating normal again.

[mel717]

on protonix right now, been taking it for about a week and half - was given to me by my doctor as samples. It works great for my acid reflux, no problems with that anymore.  I contacted my insurance company and unfortunately protonix is not on their preferred drug list. Acephex & Nexium are. Are these drugs comparable to Protonix? I have taken protonix and have had no side effects yet - just curious if, since I will have to switch to one of these, there is any reason to choose one (Aciphex or Nexium) over the other to switch to?

[wanttofeelgoodagain]

oops sorry, I think the spelling is gastroparesis.

[wanttofeelgoodagain]

Look up gastroparaesis on line.  Some of your symptoms sound very similar to my own.  Just a thought.

[mel717]

Thanks. No, I wasn't referred to a GI specialist. I am a little suprised, I guess this happens to many people, my doctor did not order any other tests for me. She thinks it is stress. I do have alot to be stressed about, however my "stressors" aren't THAT bad and I have had more stressful times than this and had no problem.    I havent been to a gyn in a really long time.  I am 26 and I haven't been since i was in high school. That's bad.  I have never had any problems & no insurance until recently.  I have been meaning to go, but since all this has been happening to me, it was put on the back burner.  I will do that.  

[cirella]

Hi, were you referred to a GI specialist?  You may want to call them.  Also, I'd call your GYN.  I was experiencing the same type of symptoms as you and called my GYN for a thyroid test.  When he heard about the feeling full thing he had me come in for an ultrasound to check for ovarian cysts etc.  But, I also saw a GI Dr to make sure it wasn't my stomach.  Still working on finding out what it is but I know it's not my stomach b/c all those tests have come back OK.

Take care