Crampy pain below front left ribs.

[shellybelly13]

I'm hoping someone can help me.  I'm a 40 yr old wife and mother of 2.  I've had GERD for years and years. Ever since I got pregnant with my oldest child he's 12.   About 3 yrs ago I was off nexium and all meds and I started getting a crampy ache right below my left ribs, toward the middle of stomach area. almost to where that bone sticks down kwim?    I went to the Dr and he put me back on Nexium and said the ache was due to acid reflux.   It went away but about 1 yr ago it came back.  Up until about 6 months ago it would come and go with little problems.  but then it started happening more.   It doesn't Hurt so much as annoying kind of pain.  It really feels like a cramp.   Like when you get a stitch in your side from Running.     I have noticed that I get a Lot of Gas during this too.  I have no idea What this could be.  My Dr wants to refer me to a Gastroenterolgist and have a Scope done to make sure that No damage has been done due to the GERD.  I'm all for it But my problem is that I can Not afford it right now.   I checked our insurance and Our part of the procedure would be at Least $600.00!   I am without a job right now so there is No way we can swing that at all.  
Does anyone have any ideas as to what this could be?  Thanks!

[shellybelly13]

Thanks Liz!  I am definetly planning on having it done.  Especially since i've had GERD for so many years.  I am planning on calling my Dr again monday and seeing if he can schedule it for me and then call the outpatient office about payments.  There is just no way we can afford to pay anything out of pocket right now.   I've noticed things that bother my stomach more and i'm trying to stay away from them.  lol  
I'll update when I know more.  Thanks!!

[LizDragoon2002]

I hope you go forward with the referral to a gastroenterologist and follow through with the recomendations.  A gastroscopy can be not only a health-saver but also a life-saving procedure.  

My reflux was confirmed by two gastric pH studies.  My husband's gastric problems included growths in his esophagus, Barrett's epitelial growths, that had to be removed.  His father died of gastric cancer when my husband was eleven, so he was willing to do what needed to be done.  

I have a foam wedge to elevate my upper body which helps.  Elevating the head of the bed works if you have a foot board on the bed to keep you from sliding right down the mattress and onto the floor. My sleep apnea has been complicated by reflux and postnatal drip.  I'm using a dental sleep device now which pulls my lower jaw forward and nose drops in the morning and  at bedtime to dry up the sinuses and the "hose-nose".  I've learned to not eat or drink anything at least three hours before bedtime.

If the GI practice does the gastroscopy in their own surgery suite, you might arrange for payments regarding the co-pay with the specialist's business office.  

If the gastroscopy needs to be done at a hospital, the patient services office can discuss a financial plan for you.  

Some County Medical Societies provide health care services for people with no insurance or who are under-insured.  The coordinator might be able to advise you of a less expensive way to get the medical services you need.

My life philosophy includes a proverb: If you never ask your question, you probably won't get any answers ever.  Questions are good!

[shellybelly13]

Thanks for commenting CalGal!  I've been Checked for H Pylori about 100 times lol.  Ok maybe not that many but a Lot.  They checked both my blood for it and also a stool sample.   I'll be honest i've really not changed my diet all that much.  I know I should but really no dr has Ever told me that I needed to.  but I know that it will help if I do.  Thanks for the website info.  I'll for sure check it out.  
Is it pretty normal to get really Gassy with this too?  

[CalGal]

It does sound like it could be acid related. Have you been checked for H. pylori? Have you changed your diet to a GERD friendly one? Meds may not make a dent in the condition all by themselves and changes in diet may be necessary. You can find a representative GERD diet at gicare.com as well as a number of other sites.

That pain under the xiphoid process is found often in those with GERD.