Severe Bloating, Chest Pain, Back Pain

[Ferrish]

This is very long but its a very complex problem.  Please read this if you think you can help or have similar symptoms as listed below.

-----------------------

Hello,

I've been searching the internet for the last year about my problem and can't find any answeres.  I've been seeing a doctor for the last year or so and have been on Aciphex (which worked for awhile, and cost me $150/mo), and Nexium (now has no effect).  I tried Prilosec, Zantac and other OTCs which I get migraines from and have no effect.  

This started out as happening about once every 3-4 months (4 years ago) and has increased to happing 3-4 times a week, with the most frequent time a month ago with 7 days back-to-back-to-back.

If any of you have taken a bad fall (like being thrown off a horse onto the rocks, and on bedrest for a week), I equate my pain on almost every episode to 3 times that amount.

Symptoms:

- Severe Bloating -- Stomach bulges 8 inches on average
- Moderate abdominal pain on both sides
- Moderate Mid-back pain along the spine
- Severe pain underneath the left shoulderblade
- Back stiffens as hard as a rock -- like a charlie horse in my back
- Sometimes accompanied by severe chest pain
- Severe weight gain (60+ lbs) in the last year, withotu change to diet or normal routine
- Episode onset typically occurs in the late evening, regardless of time I eat dinner (even if I don't eat dinner)
- Episode is sporradic, there is no pattern as to when it happens based on activity or diet.
- Episodes seem to happen more frequently if I drink regular coffee (2-3 cups) on more than 2 days in a row.

Relief:

- After burping nearly nonstop for 2-3 hours bloating starts to decline
- Doctor has prescribed Baclofen (muscle relaxor) and Vicodin (Hydrocodone/narcotic)

Per episode I take 15-30MG of Hydrocodone and 20-40MG of Baclofen

I start out with 10MG hydrocodone and add 10MG per hour until I reach a maximum of 30 MG, and start out with 20MG of baclofen and add 10MG per hour until I reach a maximum of 40MG.  I do not take more for safety concerns.  This typically lowers my pain level from a 10 to an 7.

Other Important Notes:

- I am a smoker, quit for a while yet still had episodes as frequently
- I drink no more than 2 beers a week (if any), no hard liquor
- Episodes are now happening at least 3 times a week (once a week if I don't have any caffine for at least 7 days)
- I am a 23 year old male
- I now weight 300 pounds
- I usually eat three meals a day, totalling no more than 1750 calories per day
- My father has this problem, although it has lessened over the years to once-monthly
- My newborn son is showing similar symptoms (distension, stiff back) but it is relieved by constant burping for about an hour
- I have seen a doctor about this and been to several ERs a number of times and all have assured me this is not life threatening.

I know there are other people out there that suffer from this.  If you are one of those people, talk to your doctor about a prescription for Vicodin + Baclofen as it does help manage the pain.  

This is not simple GERD, IBS or any commonly diagnosed problem.  My doctor has never heard, seen, or learned anything involving all these symptoms.

If anyone knows how to fix this or even what this is please, PLEASE help!

[David99999]

Your symptoms seem somewhat like those that I (still a novice in this area) have just been studying on websites on hiatal hernias that can, rarely, involve the spleen and other organs.  But I hope you found the right answer long ago.  

[Ferrish]

It took a long time to diagnose but it turned out to be Acute Intermittent Porphyria. As for a home remedy when I have a bad attack I eat a LOT of sugar (sugar cubes, tea with honey, etc) and that knocks the pain down considerably. There's a genetic test you can get for it but insurance often doesn't cover it. Look up the symptoms of AIP and see if they fit you.

[Ferrish]

Oh, I might add that my triggers are prolonged exposure to sunlight and fatty red meat. I rarely touch beef these days and tend to get low on iron so I crave red meat! If you have these triggers, welcome to the "vampire disease" club!

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hi there.  Can you tell us a bit ore about your personal situation maybe even starting your own post and we will try to help you?

[SarahB16323]

I am a 33 year old female going through the same thing with additional symtoms....so far no answer.   Seem to think no body believes me. Please if you come up with any type of answer please post.

thank you

Sarah