Not sure what this is? Help.

[mikech91]

For the past few days now, I've been having apparent digestive problems. I went to the doctors on Friday and got checked up because I thought I could be having a heart attack since I had chest pains, fullness/tightness, shortness of breath, etc. Had EKG, x-ray, and blood tests done but everything came back great (my blood they said was "immaculate"). Then I was diagnosed with anxiety (which I do suffer mildly from) and assumed most of it was from that. I also had very high blood pressure but they were pretty sure it was because of my extreme anxiety I had that day. (I pretty much had it the entire day up until leaving the hospital). Still might make an appointment this week for my high blood pressure though to make sure it was just that.

I felt fine after leaving the hospital but after I ate that day, I noticed I kept feeling like I had to burp. And when I did I would feel fine until my stomach would start acting up and I'd feel nauseous.

The the next morning, I was laying in bed and noticed a sore feeling around the upper portion of my abdomen and on the sides of my lower abdomen. My back was hurting too, as was my shoulders. Then I started feeling shortness of breath and felt very weird. Everytime I would burp or pass gas, I would feel better until the next episode occurred.

Basically I think I have a severe case of trapped gas (that causes thing like temporary chest pain that last for a few seconds, chest fullness, constant feeling like I have to pass gas or use the bathroom - even when I don't, etc) and digestive problems.

But I'm not sure if it's that severe or if it will go away in a few days or so. I don't have heartburn from it and my stool is normal when I do use the bathroom. I haven't been that hungry lately, but I think that's from fear of eating because I fear another episode coming on. I have been dizzy (like I'm on a boat), but that could be do to anxiety, though I have it even when I'm not anxious.

I do drink a pop whenever I do eat, which right now it only about 2 meals a day, if that. So it could be that.

But another thing is, while at the doctors, they suggested I could be dehydrated. While getting my EKG, my leg got a cramp and the doctor mentioned it could be dehydration. My urine was dark and the doctor mentioned that could be dehydration. I didn't really think much more of it at the time (and just wanted to go home) so we didn't do anything more. Could dehydration be the root of these problems? And is it a case of needing more water, etc?

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  A lot of this could be due to anxiety which can cause you to swallow lots of air, causing the trapped gas feeling.  I would recommend eating smaller more frequent meals throughout the day and drinking lots of fluids (soda doesn't count and try to avoid it).

[mikech91]

And I should mention I did have those problems before going to the doctors. It just wasn't as noticeable.