Continuing digestive problems with no real diagnosis

[Lillye]

I got really nauseated in 2011 and it lasted for months....my gall bladder was removed because of a HIDA scan with an ejection of 30 ( no stones). I didn't get better and went from 118 lbs. to 92 lbs. I had many tests:2abdomial CTs, a colonoscopy, an endoscopy, a small bowel study, a gastric emptying test, an MRI, numerous x-rays and bloodwork --all was normal except I did show some gastritis on endoscopy and my GES was in high normal range..Removing my gallbladder didn't help my nausea at all..I was put on Carafate, Protonix and Zantac which never really helped very much...eventually, I got better and gained the weight back but every few months I get a flare up where I get pain under left shoulder and left front abdomen, chest pain and some burning...I just had a stress test, a nuclear stress test, an echo and blood work....the cardiologist says everything looked great--perfect stress tests and excellent blood work so he says go back to gastro doctor which I did..I am on Protonix and Zantac again but feel even worse...not sure where to turn...do I have something terrible which can't be diagnosed---what should I do next???

[Lillye]

Thanks for the great advice...

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, your symptoms of chest pain/burning and abdominal burning  could all be attributed to GERD, (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease), where the acid contents of the stomach come up into the esophagus. Since medications don't seem to be helping much why don't you try lifestyle measures? Take frequent small meals. Eat dinner about two hours before sleeping. Elevate the head end of the bed. Keep a food diary and note down what aggravates your symptoms and avoid them. Ensure to maintain optimum weight by regular exercise. Avoid non steroidal  anti inflammatory medications NSAIDs, quit smoking, eliminate alcohol and reduce stress levels. These measures need to be practiced long term for results. Hope this helps!!