Stomach bloating and shortness of breath

[shurely]

Can anyone tell me why I get so bloated and short of breath after eating even small meals? No gas, naseau or anything. Have severe mid upper abdomin pain but not daily or regularly and it doesn't seem to be related to eating. Also, I eat very little yet I've gained 15 lbs. since GB removed 9/07! Any ideas? I'm miserable! Thanks

[boron]

Yes, have a speech to your doctor, tell him about all yours and your family symptoms, and procedures you had, and don't let him to interrupt you. This way you both may spare some time.

[shurely]

Thanks alot for all of the information. It will help when I go visit my gastroenterologist. I've taken your advice and written down each and everything I can think of that may or may not be associated with this problem. It's hard to remember stuff when you're in the exam room. I usually think of things after the dr. is gone. I don't know why I let drs. intimidate me. The worst is my foot surgeon! I'm even gonna cancel my last appt. with him because of it.
Thanks again! I appreciate it. I hope you will be here to answer questions after my dr. visit!

[boron]

Nice sample of family you have to help you with diagnosis.

Atherosclerosis (atheroma = calcified plaque on the inside of the arterial wall) is basicaly the same as arteriosclerosis. Sclerosis = hardening.

Atherosclerosis and connective tissue problems may ar may not be related. But you have obviously inherited the predisposition to both. As said, atherosclerosis in intestinal arteries may contribute to your problems. I personally think it's early for this, but atherosclerosis develops with time.

You have mentioned SOD - this may be due to the same tightenning process like your esophagus. This can be checked and repaired - via upper endoscopy (gastroduodenoscopy).  

[shurely]

On my dad's side, everyone had some sort of arthritis or other. He had arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis (are these different?) also. A couple of my brothers have back problems and three of my sisters also have been dx with arthritis in back and knees. I guess you can tell I have a large family! Four brothers and four sisters.

[boron]

Yes. Now you have three more reasons to believe that your problem is with connective tissue.  It is some disorder of the collagen fibers - which are present everywhere - in the skin, bones (your toe joint), nerves (MN), eye (glaucoma), lungs (emphysema), esophagus...and the rest of the bowel. So, connective tissue made of this fibers may be loose, weak or it overgrows after irritation. At this moment I'm not sure, if the common name for all these conditions exist.

So, any other problems with eyes, skin, bowel, joints in your relatives?

[shurely]

My dad had a herniated disc and two of my brothers now have. Is that what you mean? In the back?