Stomach & chest pain

Hi there.

I'm wondering if anyone out there might be able to help me out. I've never sufferend from indigestion before, but several weeks ago I started to get it really badly. Even ant-acids didn't really have any effect. Then I started getting some medium-level stomach pains and very occasional light chest pains at the same time. I can't seem to find any type of link between say, eating anything in particular (apart from drinking white wine) which also brings it on. Sometimes it stays with me for a week or so. I've never had any problem with white wine before. Even if I don't drink white wine I still feel this way sometimes. It's not overly painful, but it's uncomfortable, and the pain sometimes keeps me awake at night. I'm not sure if all these things could be tied into something minor possibly due to my diet (maybe a new random allergy to something like certain preservatives), or whether anyone thinks it might be part of a larger problem. I'm concerned because I didn't used to have indigestion or chest pains at all.

I'm female, 31 and on the unfit side, although I do exercise several times a week & play sports. My diet is moderately healthy - I eat junk food about once a fortnight. Im generally well.

Any ideas?

[Sheilathatsme]

Is the pain in your upper abdomen to the right under your right breast? Does the pain go all the way through to your back at its worst? Do you have boughs of diarrhea and constipation? Acid reflux with indigestion? If any of these sound like you it could be gallstones and should be checked asap. Gallstones are more predominant in women who may be overweight, and have had children. You can be tested by a simple ultrasound. Go to your doctor and get this checked. If the pain gets severe go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital at once. Gallstones can become very dangerous if they cause an infection or a blockage much like appendicitis. If you need your gallbladder removed in most cases it can be done Laproscopically. But be aware that after removal you can develop sudden cases of diarrhea due to your liver constantly releasing bile into your digestive tract. Staying on a low fat, high fiber diet and eat three to six small meals each day can reduce your chances of developing this problem. If you do develop the diarrhea problem after surgery you may need to take Cholestyramine to bind with the bile and stop the diarrhea. If you must take this medication be aware that it can block the absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K and that you will need to take supplements to avoid a deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is most common with this medication. Good luck and get that Gallbladder checked! Your symptoms sound like mine before I had my Gallbladder removed. Good luck and God bless!