Many PVCs and abdominal pain after eating with neck pain, dizziness, and headache

[gismatrix]

Thanks so much for this service.  Here is some history...I am 33 year old male...6'4" and 238 pounds.  I have had 2 ablations for AVNRT SVT tachycardia last year, May and July at UPMC.  After the second procedure I developed a PE.  I was on warfarin for 6 months and then in Jan 07 I went to a hemotologist and had many tests that were ok, so I stopped warfarin.  At the same time, due to daily aspirin and severe anxiety from heart issues, I developed gastric and duodenal ulcers.  I went on protonix and was fine in a few weeks.  In October 06 I had more abdominal symptoms, had upper GI to reveal small ulcer.  I took more protonix and was ok again.  I was put on Klonopin for anxiety around that time as well.  I also have PVCs, but cardiologist says heart is fine otherwise.  Had gastric emptying study which was normal.  Had ultrasound for gall bladder/pancreas which was unremarkable.

In late December, early January I started having headaches all day and dizziness blurry vision at the end of the day also.  I started noticing a sore neck. Neurologist gave me gabopentin which I am unsure if it helps.  In the last couple weeks I have started having terrible abdominal pain and chest pressure after eating.  The pain/pressure is mainly at the center of my chest.  The dizziness, neck pain, etc.. are worse also.  I belch alot and it feels like there is a brick where my stomach should be.  I had another upper GI today that showed no problems...other than a small hiatal hernia all is healed.  Please give me some ideas as to what could be wrong...I feel such anxiety from this?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the workup thus far.  

At this time, an upper endoscopy can be considered.  This is a more comprehensive test than an upper GI series, and can look more definitively for ulcers, inflammation, or anatomical abnormalities.  

Blood tests looking for H Pylori can be considered as well.  This is a bacteria associated with ulcers and inflammation.

If the tests remain negative, more specialized evaluation can be considered.  This can include a 24-hr pH study with esophageal motility testing.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a GI evaluation.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

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

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[gismatrix]

I also forgot to mention that the PVCs are terrible after eating as well...that is my most distressing symptom.  Also, I had an MRI/MRA that was normal in Jan 07.  I just want to be able to live my life and eat without all this distress.  Thank you for your valuable time.

[gismatrix]

I had an endo as well in the last week.  They said everything was fine, and have small hiatal hernia.

Perhaps the other tests, but I think the gastro doc is pretty confident that I don't have esoghogus or stomach issues.

[Mozartcowgirl]

wow!! i used to have that ALL the time!!  I HATED to eat... i mean seriously.. i didnt want to eat.. when i was much younger.. i wouldnt eat.. i was 80 pounds.. no one would listen to me.. everytime i would eat .. there goes my heart.. beating faster... irregular..   i would get dizzy... wow.. it was a nightmare..
i got so tired of people telling me it was all in my head.  

after many years of suffering.. i  finally took matters into my own hands..

you HAVE to be aggressive.. this is YOUR life.. YOUR body.. and YOUR sanity.  

turned out.. I have Hypothyroidism....  a hiatal hernia...  and digestive problems..   everytime i ate.. it would just sit in my gut.. and my body didnt like it.. i would become bloated... my heart rate would go sky high.. and everything came after that.

you need to get a endoscopy.... make sure that all is well in that area..

try a digestive aid... see if that helps.. sometimes... you can be allergic to a food you have been eating all your life.. and not know it.. but in subtle and sometimes scary ways.. your body can be trying to tell you somethng.

there are times when the hernia bothers me.. and .. it FEELS like its my heart.. it FLUTTERS>. and its scary!! and then again.. there are times when it IS my heart... sometimes the flap doesnt properly close.. and it is such a strange feeling!! scary!!

youve got to try the easy things first!! change your diet.... try a digestive aid.. get that endo done...

i was a wreck.. i thought my life was over..

now.. i am sooo much better.. you can do it!!

[Mozartcowgirl]

sorry i just read that you have had an endo..lol..

ok then.. try the digestive aids... believe me.. i had a bunch of the same tests that you had.. everyone said i was fine.. .

BUT.. when it worked.... and i was pain /bloat/no high heart rate free... and i could eat a WHOLE meal.. well..there was no denying it.  my body wasnt digesting the food.

i can give you the names of the things i now take... they are all over th counter.. and have saved my sanity and my life..

ps.. i have pvcs as well. premature beats.... and all kinds of stuff.. if you want.. i can talk to you about it all... just let me know.

[gismatrix]

Thanks so much for taking the time to tell me your story.

I am very much interested in hearing about what you have taken.  You can email me at ***@****

I look forward to hearing from you.  thanks so much!

P.S. do you still have the palps (pvcs or whatever) after you eat or just a few here and there scattered about?  

[razn]

I have these EXACT same symptoms, and I have had six tests done and they all have come back clean. I hope you get this so you can help me and tell me what medications you take that have helped you. I hate being sick and it has been going on almost every day for the last 8 months.Hope to hear from you soon. You can email me at amackey3(at)cox.net if that is easier. Thanks so much.

Kevin