Acid Reflux, Bloating, and now a stomach protrusion?

[kiyomi]

I've been having acid reflux like symptoms off and on for the past 8-9 months I'd say. It started with the burning in the throat, and the heartburn. By February, my stomach started seeming to bloat really bad after meals. I went to see an Urgent Care doctor and they prescribed me with Prevacid, as well as trying to order some xrays, a barium swallow, etc. But I followed up with my primary doctor and she told me that I should just take the Prevacid and not worry about the xrays and such. That acid reflux is "normal" and Prevacid will help it.

And it did. Or maybe I was thinking it was.

Until I ran out of it about 3 weeks ago.

The bloat has been back with a vengeance, and today something different has been happening. My stomach/abdomen started hurting in the lower right area, coupled with gas pains. Then I noticed that my stomach seems to protrude a bit in the bottom right. Like a few inches above the belly button area.

I'm going to see my doctor tomorrow, but any ideas? Could I have a hernia? I'm certain I'm not constipated or have a blockage because I've been able to use the bathroom. Although I did have diarrhea about 3 days ago, and haven't gone again until yesterday (just a little) and again tonight (again, just a little).

I'm just getting worried. I'm only 20 years old and this stuff is driving me nuts and making me really uncomfortable. I want to eat, but I'm afraid I'll be bloating or get more gas pains! And then when I do eat, this sort of stuff happens! SCARY!

[Ratnakar Kini]

Hi kiyomi,
You are having dyspeptic symptoms.
You need to undergo tests like upper GI endoscopy and ultrasound scan of abdomen.
PPI and prokinetics will provide you with symptomatic relief.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[kazwoo]

I'm no expert but it sounds like there is some kind of inflammation or blockage.  Maybe even a problem in the gall bladder area which is also sensitive to acidic or fatty foods, which the prevacid might have helped with.  The gall bladder is on the right side and when inflamed it can be felt just below the ribcage.  Otherwise it could be an area of the stomach which has become inflamed and when agitated, flares up.  I think you should definitely go through with any tests suggested by the doctor.  XRays and barium swallow at the very least.  And monitor what you eat to see what might be agitating things.  I had a lot of bloating from food containing gluten (bread, pasta, etc) although I came up negative for caeliac disease in a blood test - the symptoms were very similar to caeliac so I followed a diet with hardly any gluten.  Much better now.  Good luck!