Upper ab pain and burning

[Mis]

I have been having for about a week now upper abdominal pain with on/off burning in the middle. The pain somtimes goes into my back. Its not a constant pain it comes and goes. Its better now then what it was, but its still their on and off. Also a week ago I had the "flu" for 24 hours diarreaha and really bad stomach pains. my question is could this be just left over flu symptoms or somthing else?

[HFHSm.D.-Gastro-rf]

Dear Darleme,
It is impossible to answer your question whether ypour current symptoms are re;lated to your flu.  In general terms, flus ymptoms can last for several days.  Peristent pain, after the other symptoms are gone, should raise the possibility of other possible causes.

[Darlene]

I also wanted to note, I have been burping quite frequently and it has a "weird" taste

[chris]

I have been having similar pain. I'm 34 yr old male. Doubled over in the office a few months ago when I was under alot of stress. Pain came suddenly and sharply right below where my ribcage begins in the center of my chest below the breast. It came and went and felt like someone was sticking a knife in me. I have Mitral valve prolapse and worried this might be heart related, but the doctor said it didn't sound cardiac, and I have had extensive cardiac tests because I have alot of PVC's. The other day I was in the supermarket and the same thing happened. Sudden pain in the same place, severe, kept coming and going. My girlfriend took me to the ER and by the time they took a look the pain went away. They did an ECG which was normal. The doctor said didn't sound cardiac, but more like upper GI problem, gallstones or ulcer. I had an upper GI test about 10 months ago with normal results. Does anyone out there have any answers that might ease my mind, or suggestions for tests? Could this be gas. Seems to severe for that. I hadn't eaten anything for quite a while before this, so don't think it is food related, but I used to get pvc's after eating in the past. Anty ideas?

[Carol D. to Chris]

It sounds similar to what I've experienced with reflux (GERD):  sharp stabbing pain (like sticking a knife in and turning it) right below where the breastbone meets in the center.  Your esophagus is probably spasming when you feel the pain. Stress definitely contributes.  If you do some research on GERD on the internet you'll find out what kinds of things to avoid and other suggestions.

[Lynn]

Sounds very familar...think gallstones or hianal hernia, or esophagus sphinter muscle, or GERDs, or a number of other possibilities centering around the beginning of your intestinal track.  Also get your doctor to stop thinking heart, and start thinking gut.  Ultrasound, Hida-scan, and other test can determine the cause.  I speak from experience, not as a doctor.

[Sherri]

I have been having the exact same symptoms as Darlene, right down to the 24hr flu previous to the symptoms.  Is there any explaination and will it ever go away?

[wendell]

Sounds like these problems could be associated with digestive tract disorders, acid reflux, etc. I have an excellent booklet on the subject if anyone wishes to e-mail me at ->  < ***@**** >

Let me know if I can help.

Regards,

Wendell

[kelly]

I have been seeing a gastoenterologist for 2.5 years.  He did my second endoscopy and told me I have reflux and an irritable bowel.  Recently I thought I had the flu or a virus but the sever stomach pain ended me up in the emergency room.  I had my third endoscopy and the doctor told me I have a hiatal hernia, reflux and esophagitis.  It can be very painful.  I have the burning and spasms.  They can come and go but when they come it is very painful.  Any questions, please e mail me at ***@****.  I would enjoy talking to someone with similar problems.

[nancy]

I have GERD and have been on prilosec for the last couple of months.  Is anyone else on this drug and if so, is it safe to take for a lengthy period of time?  Thanks

[Terry G.]

Man!  Can somebody tell me what's causing all this upper right rib pain and itching?  Yes, itching around my rib cage.  The pain radiates from a sharp pain just below my right rib cage, like you get after running sometimes, to a severe ache/pain almost under my right arm in my rib cage?  These pains are accompanied by itching.  There's no visible rash, I'm not under any stress, except for the stress of this pain. Like the knife-like pain that Chris talks about.

[Terry G.]

Man!  Can somebody tell me what's causing all this upper right rib pain and itching?  Yes, itching around my rib cage.  The pain radiates from a sharp pain just below my right rib cage, like you get after running sometimes, to a severe ache/pain almost under my right arm in my rib cage?  These pains are accompanied by itching.  There's no visible rash, I'm not under any stress, except for the stress of this pain. Like the knife-like pain that Chris talks about.

[Vicki OBrien]

Yes I too have had pain in middle of ribs thats starts slowly and builds to excrutiating pain. I have had ultra sound baruim meal and went under so doctor could put camera down my throat to inspect. All test including blood test came back normal. I was hospitalised with this pain and when it gets really bad I vomit.
It seems only to happen at night and certainly not every night.
I have had about three four attacks so far in about 2 months.
I am 8 stone and 37 years old . Help Im scared of the night!!!
Why cant they find the problem with all these expensive tests

[Valerie Priester]

I've had the same problems since November.  Nausea, vomiting, and a burning sort of pain, sometimes feels like it starts at the back, but seems to be dead center under the sternum.  When it gets really bad, I vomit.  I've had two ultrasounds, a HIDA scan, a CT scan, several rounds of bloodwork, a gastroscope, urine test, a pair of rectal exams... everything normal except some bloodwork right after an attack (real high billirubin), when I was at the ER.  Mine were worse at night, but then it started up in the daytime too.  I reached the point in December where I couldn't hold down dry toast and ginger ale, and eventually all I could keep down was jello.  I changed doctors when my doctor's receptionist told me I shouldn't have had the toast.  I lost 20 lbs. when I couldn't hold down food.  After all the tests, all that's shown up is some gastritis, and a bit of acid reflux, but even my doctor admits acid reflux shouldn't cause that.  I've been on prilosec since the end of Decmeber,  and haven't vomited or had serious pain since, but was off for nearly two weeks when I had the gastroscope run.  The pain was the worst it had been since January, so I'm back on prilosec.  It seems to keep it to a minor pain that I can ignore if I have to, though I still feel it.  The full-fledged pain is debilitating.  I am unable to function, and it HURTS.  It's worse if I'm laying down than sitting up, and sitting down seems to be better than standing/pacing with it.  I've also started having sharp jabbing pains on the right side, under the rib, that only last a few seconds each.  They're thinking billiary colic now.

[Lynn]

Valerie,
   I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV <G>, however, I've been in extreme pain under the lower part of my ribs for 10 months now (3 before gall bladder was removed and ever since).  Has your doctor ruled out esophagus sphinter muscle dysfunction?  (Sorry, the test includes, yet another scope down throat, and this time, while awake.  Not too bad once they get past your nose!)  Also, and this one you want to read up on on the Web first, because the side effects are frightening, it could be Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.
    I know for sure I have the esophagus problem, and I'm pretty sure I have the Oddi Sphincter problem.  Because of the side effects of the doctors even testing that one (25-37% possibility of getting pancretitus, with the same percentages for each procedure done afterwards to maybe relieve the problem), I've been checking around for alternative ways of relaxing those two muscles.  Today I was told by an acupunturists, who is also a doctor, that she can probably relax them.  
     Just some ideas for you, that took my GI the longest time to consider.

[stacy]

I have been having periodic spells of nausea and lightheadedness over the past 6 months. I saw my Doctor on monday, and all the tests came back as normal. My liver is functioning normal, no H. Pylori bacteria (which causes ulcers) everything she tested for came back as normal. I'm really scared as to what this could be. I feel a little better today after taking pepcid twice a day for three days along with about 9 tums per day. I still feel a little faint, and slightly queezy but not as bad as it has been. Does anyone know what this could be??? Anyone had similar expiriences as me. If so, please e mail me at ***@****


Thanks

[Bobbi]

I have had upper ab pains for 8 days now and cant function properly. Its a burning kinda feeling that shoots down the side to my back. Lots of gas and indigestion also. I can almost feel something rolling under my right rib cage. Im dizzy and feel like Im going to vomit all the time. No appetite, cant even stand taking a drink, feels like Im going to vomit. The doctor did a ultrasound and came back normal. can someone please help me , Im ready to snap, cant sleep at night afraid to go to bed.

[Jim L]

HELP...I cant seem to ever post a freaking question here and I have been trying every day for a MONTH!!!.  I am a 23 alcoholic
who stoped drinking 5 months ago due to a pulsing pain in the lower/middle right side of my body. At first it did radiate to the left side and to my back. I have had blood tests and even an ultrasound and they turn out normal. My physician thinks its Fatty Liver but im not convinced. I have been abstanant from booze for 5 months and still suffer the pain. I recently took some Roxicet pills and had a complete relapse, the pain was terrible  and I belive it could be related to the pill. Im sick of suffering and would like some positive diagnosis. I need to feel like my absitinance from alcohol is worthwhlile and the pain has only caused me depression and frustration.  HELP

[DENISE]

This coment is for Valerie and Lynn.
Unfortunalley what you both are talking about sounds all to familier. I started 3 years ago with the stabbing pain in my right upper abdomen which sometimes moves to the middle. The horrible pain comes at night most of the time. I couldn't eat for a long time and at one point had lost 45 lbs. within a one year period. I had every test in the book, had my gallbladder removed (it was normal) only to feel worse. I have been referred to all of the "specialists" in the area. Last year my GI doctor finally started doing blood work 2 to 6 hours after I would have an attack. He checked my liver and pancreatic function. Every time my levels were elevated which means that there was a temporary blockage of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. He diagnosed me with Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction and di a sphincterotomy. Well, my pain was finally relieved. That was in December. Last week my pain returned so now I am looking into the possibility of a Pancreatic Sphincterotomy.
I am tellin you all this because it took me three years to get where I am and it sounds as if you might just be starting. Part of my problem with the diagnosis was that I would get the blood work  done to soon after an attack so it would not show up.
The ERCP tests that the doctors have to do in order to diagnose this disorder are not without risk. First, they are not always reliable. Mine came back normal. Second, the threat of pancreatitis is real. I have been hospitalized with it after the tests. However, the thought of living constantly with this is scarier. I am not an expert in this by any means, but I have experienced alot of what I am talking about. Maybe I can be of some help. Most important is to remember...even if all the "tests" are "normal" , don't let people tell you to "not worry about it". What you are feeling is real

[Randy]

I see a lot of similiar symptoms to what I've been experiencing of late.  Never been much to visit the doc unless on the verge of death but this pain is almost unbearable and seems to be sticking around.  Has the traits of common heartburn, originating in the upper right stomach, involving the chest but also includes severe back pain & nausea.  Makes it near impossible to sleep or function in any way resembling normal.

Don't care much for guesswork & hospitals so I'll probably ride the storm out and hope my body can heal itself.

[pam doyle]

I have a burning in the lower right side and I had a liver test that showed the AsT level to be 93 two weeks later it was 74 the doctor said not to worry should i be concern. thand you

[loui799241]

I have stabbing pains in my stomach. Iget spasms of the stomach. Had all the test and they can't find out whats wrong.  The pains are so strong that I want to bang on walls and the pain in my back is getting worse.

[Alissa]

     If you haven't already- get an upper GI done, it might tell you alot.  It did for me, and your pain sounds like mine.

[Sandy in FL]

I have been experiencing a dull but pulsating pain on the upper left side of my stomach.  It is below my rib cage, to the left.  I have also had  a whole lot of reflux and gas pain, with loose bm's.  I am really scared and I dont know what the cause of all this may be.  A lot of you talk about pain on the right.  Has anyone experienced pain on the left side below the rib cage?  I have a blood test this Friday and a Gastroenterologist visit this coming Monday.  Thanks in advance.

[Jim....]

I too have had pain in my left side of my stomach.... my chest burns.. i feel tightnest  around my chest and when I burp or pass gas I am reliefed of pain for a few..... this happened to me ayear ago and has'nt returned until last week when I visited Checkers fast food drive thur resturaunt... I think I'm going to give up on hamburgers!.....Jim