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Stomach Pressure, Excessive Burping, Numbness
Ok, this is a problem my fiance has been having, I'm starting to get a bit put out with him regarding this so I thought I'd post on here and see if this sounds familiar to anyone.
He has been complaining of a bubble on his left side or stomach pressure, excessive burping after he eats or when he doesn't eat at all, mild nausea (has never vomited and is usually fine a mintue later), he said the pressure is not cramps and is not painful just uncomfortable, a few times he has said there is just a dull ache. Burping and passing gas usually relivies the pressure and he will feel better. He still has a pretty healthy appetitie even when he says he doesn't feel well, he will eat and then complain about his stomach afterwards. His bowel movements are normal and he has lost some weight but nothing dramatic 10 pounds over the last 3 months. Although this may be due to the fact he has stopped eating junkfood and opted for a healthier diet. The newest symptom is he feels a caved in feeling to his stomach on the left side that radiates in one spot and then goes numb for a mintue. I noticed he complains of this when he hasn't eaten anything. He has been to the doctor at least 3-4 times as was told it just a little over production of acid, gas and indigestion and that he should try an over the counter like Gas-X or Prosalic.
I'm getting frustrated because I really belivie this is somewhat psychological than physcial, I've learned he is a bit of a hypocondriact. He is now convinced that he has an ucler even though he was tested for it a year ago and was told that it wasn't. He is going back to the doctor today for yet another appointment. What do you think??
He has been complaining of a bubble on his left side or stomach pressure, excessive burping after he eats or when he doesn't eat at all, mild nausea (has never vomited and is usually fine a mintue later), he said the pressure is not cramps and is not painful just uncomfortable, a few times he has said there is just a dull ache. Burping and passing gas usually relivies the pressure and he will feel better. He still has a pretty healthy appetitie even when he says he doesn't feel well, he will eat and then complain about his stomach afterwards. His bowel movements are normal and he has lost some weight but nothing dramatic 10 pounds over the last 3 months. Although this may be due to the fact he has stopped eating junkfood and opted for a healthier diet. The newest symptom is he feels a caved in feeling to his stomach on the left side that radiates in one spot and then goes numb for a mintue. I noticed he complains of this when he hasn't eaten anything. He has been to the doctor at least 3-4 times as was told it just a little over production of acid, gas and indigestion and that he should try an over the counter like Gas-X or Prosalic.
I'm getting frustrated because I really belivie this is somewhat psychological than physcial, I've learned he is a bit of a hypocondriact. He is now convinced that he has an ucler even though he was tested for it a year ago and was told that it wasn't. He is going back to the doctor today for yet another appointment. What do you think??
My symptoms are excessive burping spasms followed by pressure in my upper stomach it seems to happen when I eat a big meal every few minutes sometimes more often to the point I start to panic can someone help. tums help a little bit
I have had panic attack and depression for years, The panic attack make you feel like everything is wrong and you are going to die at any moment. I have been to doctors and until you decide for yourself that you can and will live with it and take the meds that the Drs. give you no one can really help you. I was having a heart attack worked for it earned it and no Dr. was going to deprive me of it. Never had one. LOL Next it was cancer and on and on. I do remember all the stomach test. Once I made up my mind to take the meds things are a lot lot better. Now it is still mostly stomach. Lot of same symptons you describe Nothing there. The panic attacks seem to change where your pains or death is coming from. I am sure my hubby feels like you do but he can not help me. I have to do that myself. Just support your friend which is what my hubby does. You can not imagine how good that feels when you think you have all these ailments.That is the most important thing you can do for him. Wish you two luck.
Ok, sorry I haven't posted the follow-up on this. Finance finally went and had his CAT scan done. He started having what he thought was skinny stools, not dirrhea but skinny stools and he was concerned because they were floating. I told him don't they normally float, he said not for him. This sent him into all new levels of worry so he scheduled the CAT scan for May 3, but then called up the testing place convinced them it was an emergency and they reschedule for that very Friday.
Well, the tests came back last Monday and showed absolutely nothing, no uclers no nothing. Fiance was happy but a little disappointed to. The doctor told him it was just gas and maybe a little acid and urged him to just take some over the counter medicine if it became bad. This calmed him for about 2 days.
Then he had more skinny stools and called the doctor up to ask him was he sure the test scanned his entire stomach and told him of this new problem. He then explained to me that he thought he had some sort of intestional blockage and if it became bad he would need to go the emergency room for surgery. Well, I told my mother this who is a nurse and she said he definitely does not have any blockages because he would know right away if he did, it's not something that develops and he would be extremely sick and in intense pain by now. The doctor told him to eat more fiber take some gas-x and if it doesn't clear up in 3 weeks then let him know.
All of this has been a little hard to take for him. He is starting to come to the realization that he does have some aniexty and he is being a bit obessive with health issues. He is trying not to worry about it so much.
Jodi :0)
Well, the tests came back last Monday and showed absolutely nothing, no uclers no nothing. Fiance was happy but a little disappointed to. The doctor told him it was just gas and maybe a little acid and urged him to just take some over the counter medicine if it became bad. This calmed him for about 2 days.
Then he had more skinny stools and called the doctor up to ask him was he sure the test scanned his entire stomach and told him of this new problem. He then explained to me that he thought he had some sort of intestional blockage and if it became bad he would need to go the emergency room for surgery. Well, I told my mother this who is a nurse and she said he definitely does not have any blockages because he would know right away if he did, it's not something that develops and he would be extremely sick and in intense pain by now. The doctor told him to eat more fiber take some gas-x and if it doesn't clear up in 3 weeks then let him know.
All of this has been a little hard to take for him. He is starting to come to the realization that he does have some aniexty and he is being a bit obessive with health issues. He is trying not to worry about it so much.
Jodi :0)
Hi,
Ok, sorry I haven't posted in awhile. Well, that CAT scan that Fiance was suppose to have he canceled the day before. I talked to him the weekend before and told him if he is that worried about it then go ahead and have the test done, I also asked him if he ever considered that some of his problem could just be his aniexty. He thought about it and deceided that maybe I could be right and canceled the test. The thought of spending $5,000 on one test was a huge deterrant as well.
Since this time he has been very upbeat he wasn't worrying about things and all was well. In fact he said the problem went away entirely and that he was feeling better than he has in a long time. That was until 2 days ago. He had a gassier day than usual and that sent him back into worrying about it again. He called up the clinic and had them reschedule the CAT scan and it was set for May 3. Then after lunch yesterday he was a little constipated and this really sent him over the edge . He called the clinic again convinced them it was an emergency and they upped the CAT scan to this Friday. Now we are back on death's doorstep once again.
This entire thing has really been trying my patience. I felt bad that I actually became angry at Fiance yesterday. He is just so convinced that he has something and will not rest until he finds it. He has already diagnosed himself with Stomach Cancer, IBS, Acid Reflux, Gallbladder problems, Liver Problems and Lactose Intorelance only to be disappointed when then doctor's told him no. Ahhhh!
Jodi :0)
Ok, sorry I haven't posted in awhile. Well, that CAT scan that Fiance was suppose to have he canceled the day before. I talked to him the weekend before and told him if he is that worried about it then go ahead and have the test done, I also asked him if he ever considered that some of his problem could just be his aniexty. He thought about it and deceided that maybe I could be right and canceled the test. The thought of spending $5,000 on one test was a huge deterrant as well.
Since this time he has been very upbeat he wasn't worrying about things and all was well. In fact he said the problem went away entirely and that he was feeling better than he has in a long time. That was until 2 days ago. He had a gassier day than usual and that sent him back into worrying about it again. He called up the clinic and had them reschedule the CAT scan and it was set for May 3. Then after lunch yesterday he was a little constipated and this really sent him over the edge . He called the clinic again convinced them it was an emergency and they upped the CAT scan to this Friday. Now we are back on death's doorstep once again.
This entire thing has really been trying my patience. I felt bad that I actually became angry at Fiance yesterday. He is just so convinced that he has something and will not rest until he finds it. He has already diagnosed himself with Stomach Cancer, IBS, Acid Reflux, Gallbladder problems, Liver Problems and Lactose Intorelance only to be disappointed when then doctor's told him no. Ahhhh!
Jodi :0)
I've been diagnosed with gastroparesis. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. My fiance is (well was) the same with me (impatient), but on my bad days he knows I'm in pain.... I've had these symptoms since October and none of the medicine really helps. I do not have any other stomach issues like acid reflux, etc.
Did he have an endoscopy? I had that done first, which is how I was diagnosed. I've also had the CAT scan, but they found nothing. Next up is a colonoscopy (my request) to see if maybe I've a blockage in my intestines that is causing the problem.
The only thing I find that is helping the pain is to stay away from vegetables and fruit (which upsets me because I really like them!) and not to over-stuff myself. I have not lost my appetite at all with this (unfortunately). The doctor did suggest to eat five to six small meals a day, which I don't have time for, so I drink a Slimfast for breakfast and have one of their bars later in the day. I still eat lunch and dinner, but lunch is my major meal. I only eat a little at dinner so that my food will be a little more settled in my stomach before I go to bed. I find that if I eat too close to bedtime, the next morning is horrific! (I didn't realize that when we sleep, so does our stomach. I found out the hard way... besides the fact the doctor told me that... lol!)
I hope your fiance starts feeling better. I wish I was able to help, but there really isn't a rhyme or reason to when or why the pain comes and goes, no matter how hard you try to find a pattern to it... Best wishes to you both! Hang in there!
Did he have an endoscopy? I had that done first, which is how I was diagnosed. I've also had the CAT scan, but they found nothing. Next up is a colonoscopy (my request) to see if maybe I've a blockage in my intestines that is causing the problem.
The only thing I find that is helping the pain is to stay away from vegetables and fruit (which upsets me because I really like them!) and not to over-stuff myself. I have not lost my appetite at all with this (unfortunately). The doctor did suggest to eat five to six small meals a day, which I don't have time for, so I drink a Slimfast for breakfast and have one of their bars later in the day. I still eat lunch and dinner, but lunch is my major meal. I only eat a little at dinner so that my food will be a little more settled in my stomach before I go to bed. I find that if I eat too close to bedtime, the next morning is horrific! (I didn't realize that when we sleep, so does our stomach. I found out the hard way... besides the fact the doctor told me that... lol!)
I hope your fiance starts feeling better. I wish I was able to help, but there really isn't a rhyme or reason to when or why the pain comes and goes, no matter how hard you try to find a pattern to it... Best wishes to you both! Hang in there!
Well, just to update. Fiance is going for his CAT scan Wednesday. He has been alot happier since his doctors appointment and alot more relaxed, in fact his issue hasn't seem to cause him any problems since last week. Fiance doesn't have any health insurance and when he found out the cost of a CAT scan he almost canceled it. This has also made him reconsider any future tests. I don't think he expected things to cost so much. I told him to go ahead and have the CAT scan, if for nothing else than some piece of mind. However, I also said if the CAT scan doesn't show anything them maybe he should wait until he can get health insurance before having anymore tests done. As it is we are are looking at a $5,000 bill with just the CAT scan, if he went ahead with everything else we would be looking at $20,000 out of pocket. He didn't like that idea.
Although his attitude is much improved now he thinks it's his gallbladder instead of an ucler. I think because the doctor didn't seem to agree with the ucler idea. I wish I could keep him off of WedMD, he keeps trying to diagnose himself all the time. Ahhh, this is very frustrating. Well, I won't know anything more until we get the test results back.
Although his attitude is much improved now he thinks it's his gallbladder instead of an ucler. I think because the doctor didn't seem to agree with the ucler idea. I wish I could keep him off of WedMD, he keeps trying to diagnose himself all the time. Ahhh, this is very frustrating. Well, I won't know anything more until we get the test results back.
Well, these things can take a long time to diagnose. See if you can go with him to the doctor, and mention anxiety. Maybe they'll prescribe a minor tranq just to see what happens. If it works, then it's almost certainly anxiety and they can keep him on the benzo or change to something else.
I suspect that anxiety is a last-case diagnosis usually made by elimination, but the thing is, it's very common. It would be easy to see if that's the cause. Even if he feels better on the med they can continue to run tests if they like, looking for physical causes.
Good luck.
I suspect that anxiety is a last-case diagnosis usually made by elimination, but the thing is, it's very common. It would be easy to see if that's the cause. Even if he feels better on the med they can continue to run tests if they like, looking for physical causes.
Good luck.
Good luck. I hope that he is just fine. Maybe take his mind off of it and go somewhere nice this upcoming weekend? I posted something simular to this last week for my hubby. He was complaining about a few of these things. I told him about all the really bad things that it could be and he got better faster. I also got him some activia and it seemed to help his stomach. Might try that. Hope he gets better. I know they are hard to live with when something is wrong. At least he is seeing the doctor and you can be comforted that he is ok. This just might be the way he likes to deal with illness. Something you might have to get use too??? Mine wouldn't see on and that bothered me. We have it at each end - yours worries too much and mine is not worried and in denial of his problem. We have been married 10 years and I have had to push him to the doctor with each major illness.
Well, he just came back from the doctors office and the doctor said he didn't feel any masses in his stomach and that he really doesn't know what it is. So he scheduled him for a CAT Scan for his abdomen and will also run a bunch of blood tests, to rule all possiblities out. It kinda of sounded like this doctor was also getting frustrated.
As far as canned ravoili that's just the thing, it went down fine it usually does and since fiance has been freaked out all afternoon by this tingling sensation all other pressure issues have suddenly disappeared. He is happy now that a test has been ordered.
In regards to the Prevacid, he told him that he has a slight over production of acid but not serious enough to call it Acid Reflux. He gave him some samples of Prevacid but would not give him a prescription and told him to just take Gas-X and another over-the-counter antacid when he needs to. Fiance never complains of burning, regerdtation or stomach acid or anything like that. He only complains of this bubble and a bloated feeling and burping. He never seems to be in pain and I've point blank asked him are you pain does it hurt? No, it's just uncomfortable is his answer. I guess we can only wait for the tests to comeback to know for sure?
As far as canned ravoili that's just the thing, it went down fine it usually does and since fiance has been freaked out all afternoon by this tingling sensation all other pressure issues have suddenly disappeared. He is happy now that a test has been ordered.
In regards to the Prevacid, he told him that he has a slight over production of acid but not serious enough to call it Acid Reflux. He gave him some samples of Prevacid but would not give him a prescription and told him to just take Gas-X and another over-the-counter antacid when he needs to. Fiance never complains of burning, regerdtation or stomach acid or anything like that. He only complains of this bubble and a bloated feeling and burping. He never seems to be in pain and I've point blank asked him are you pain does it hurt? No, it's just uncomfortable is his answer. I guess we can only wait for the tests to comeback to know for sure?
Oh, and if someone has stomach problems, don't let them eat canned ravioli. Bad stuff.
Well, GERD is acid reflux, basically. You said he's tried Prevacid and it helps, yet the doctors have ruled out reflux. I'm NOT a doctor but that doesn't make any sense at all to me.
If he feels better when acid is reduced, then there's a problem with acid I would think.
But the problem could very well be anxiety. My story can be found on this message board somewhere, but I'll repeat a short version.
I did feel like I was deathly sick for a long time. After months and months, they finally decided I needed my gallbladder out, so I had surgery. The symptoms got a little better, but were definitely still there and enough so that it was debilitating at times. Last year I got fed up and went to a teaching hospital where I saw numerous doctors. They had copies of my old tests and ran new ones. Nothing was found. The GI said my problems could be "atypical panic attacks" and the doctor at the diagnostic clinic (House MD type guy) agreed. For whatever reason (and I'll never understand this) they didn't give me any medicine. My stomach would get better when my anxiety got better, they said. Then I asked about my anxiety and they said it would get better when my stomach got better. I'm not kidding.
Well, I did a little better after that. At first I didn't believe their diagnosis but after thinking about it for a few days it started making sense, and with that knowledge alone, I guess, I was able to do better for a time.
Then I got bad again. Really bad. I went to my GP and he had all the records from the hospital and every other test I've had during the last couple years. He prescribed Klonopin for anxiety/panic.
I filled that prescription but was afraid to take it. Last week, I decided that my Prevacid could be causing some of my problems. I quit it, and elected to treat the reflux with Maalox. Then, just this last Sunday, I decided to finally take the Klonopin.
I won't say I've been perfect, but there's been marked improvement. Something really surprising happened...my acid reflux is just about gone. I'm no longer on any medicine for that, yet it's gone. Anxiety, I guess. Now, my bloating is still a problem, but thank God it's no longer tied to nausea. I'm not sure what to do about the bloating but the point it I've made some real progress.
Your man might not be like me. He may have something completely different going on. But I thought my story might help you. The stomach and the mind are very closely related, apparently. And doctors take FOREVER to diagnose GI issues.
Anyway, I do not like the term "hypochondriac". It's misunderstood and as a result has negative connotations. If he indeed has anxiety, his physical problems are VERY real. Believe me.
Good luck getting better treatment. I wish you the best.
If he feels better when acid is reduced, then there's a problem with acid I would think.
But the problem could very well be anxiety. My story can be found on this message board somewhere, but I'll repeat a short version.
I did feel like I was deathly sick for a long time. After months and months, they finally decided I needed my gallbladder out, so I had surgery. The symptoms got a little better, but were definitely still there and enough so that it was debilitating at times. Last year I got fed up and went to a teaching hospital where I saw numerous doctors. They had copies of my old tests and ran new ones. Nothing was found. The GI said my problems could be "atypical panic attacks" and the doctor at the diagnostic clinic (House MD type guy) agreed. For whatever reason (and I'll never understand this) they didn't give me any medicine. My stomach would get better when my anxiety got better, they said. Then I asked about my anxiety and they said it would get better when my stomach got better. I'm not kidding.
Well, I did a little better after that. At first I didn't believe their diagnosis but after thinking about it for a few days it started making sense, and with that knowledge alone, I guess, I was able to do better for a time.
Then I got bad again. Really bad. I went to my GP and he had all the records from the hospital and every other test I've had during the last couple years. He prescribed Klonopin for anxiety/panic.
I filled that prescription but was afraid to take it. Last week, I decided that my Prevacid could be causing some of my problems. I quit it, and elected to treat the reflux with Maalox. Then, just this last Sunday, I decided to finally take the Klonopin.
I won't say I've been perfect, but there's been marked improvement. Something really surprising happened...my acid reflux is just about gone. I'm no longer on any medicine for that, yet it's gone. Anxiety, I guess. Now, my bloating is still a problem, but thank God it's no longer tied to nausea. I'm not sure what to do about the bloating but the point it I've made some real progress.
Your man might not be like me. He may have something completely different going on. But I thought my story might help you. The stomach and the mind are very closely related, apparently. And doctors take FOREVER to diagnose GI issues.
Anyway, I do not like the term "hypochondriac". It's misunderstood and as a result has negative connotations. If he indeed has anxiety, his physical problems are VERY real. Believe me.
Good luck getting better treatment. I wish you the best.
Well, I won't know anything more until after he comes back from the doctor today. I have a feeling they are going to tell him the same thing they've told him the past 3 visits. He has had these problems for the last 5 years or so. He has also developed a few phobias to eating etc., but it hasn't really changed his appetite. He has sworn off junk food and that helped for a little while but it eventually came back again. Then he was told to put more fiber in his diet, and that helped for awhile but then came back again. This last time he took Prevacid and that did help, but he ran out and it came back again. The tingling in the one spot is a new thing that has started the past month or so. It's not constant but has happened a few times for a mintue or so. It has him really scared. It happened on lunch today and he was almost in tears with worry. I asked him if it hurt, he said no there's no pain, it just freaked him out. So much so, he almost rushed off to the emergency room again and wasn't going to eat lunch. I told him to hold off until he goes to his doctors appointment and insisted he eat some lunch. He calmed down a bit and then downed a whole can of ravoili just fine. I just hope that his aniexty is factored into his symptoms.
I promise you I have the same thing! I wonder if mine is exaggerated by stress? I have a constant leftsided buzzing/discomfort I cant quite call it pain but I know its there and have been there for 3 months...and I might have developed a phobia to eating because of this...and honestly I used to be a trash compactor....I could eat a whole pig fried in grease b4 all of this. I have been to Reg Phy.. chiro and gyno and have yet to have a colonscopy...doc thinks IBS but until I get the colonscopy he cannot confirm. If u get anymore info let me know...he literally has my exact symptoms!! I just don't understand the dull pain in my left side..
Wow,
Thank-you for responding so quickly. Sorry if I seem put out in my post, I guess I'm just losing my patience. He as been to the emergency room twice in the past 1 1/2yr and they did blood tests and x-rays and didn't see the need to go any further. He has been to the doctor 3-4 times in the past year and was given samples of Prevacid from the doctor (which did help) and told to try Gas-X, Proselic or something with Simothlecine in it (I think). He has seen by more than one doctor and they have ruled out Acid Reflux, IBS, Uclers, Stomach Cancer etc. Never heard GERD mentioned so I will have to look into that. I think that it may be somewhat (not all) pyschological just because I have noticed a connection between his aniexty and the onset of his stomach problems. The more he worries suddenly the worse it is, until he goes to the doctor and is reassured there is nothing seriously wrong then it suddenly gets better again.
I don't mean to doubt him, I just get really frustrated with the way he has been behaving lately. He seems to think he is on deaths door step.
Thank-you for responding so quickly. Sorry if I seem put out in my post, I guess I'm just losing my patience. He as been to the emergency room twice in the past 1 1/2yr and they did blood tests and x-rays and didn't see the need to go any further. He has been to the doctor 3-4 times in the past year and was given samples of Prevacid from the doctor (which did help) and told to try Gas-X, Proselic or something with Simothlecine in it (I think). He has seen by more than one doctor and they have ruled out Acid Reflux, IBS, Uclers, Stomach Cancer etc. Never heard GERD mentioned so I will have to look into that. I think that it may be somewhat (not all) pyschological just because I have noticed a connection between his aniexty and the onset of his stomach problems. The more he worries suddenly the worse it is, until he goes to the doctor and is reassured there is nothing seriously wrong then it suddenly gets better again.
I don't mean to doubt him, I just get really frustrated with the way he has been behaving lately. He seems to think he is on deaths door step.
You didn't say what kinds of tests and medicines he's tried.
It could be GERD, you know. The way I understand it, "hypochondria" is a form of anxiety, so you might look into that. But anxiety will often cause real symptoms that need to be treated. GERD is a big one that seems to have a relationship with anxiety.
I've never had the numbness, but I have had extensive pressure and bloating. Burping when I'm LUCKY to relieve it. My gastro said mine were atypical panic attacks, and I just started treatment. Mixed success so far, hoping for improvement during the next few days.
Do some reading about anxiety, and remmeber that GERD often presents with a wide array of odd symptoms. Not everyone experiences it the same way. Not every med works for everyone.
These types of problems can take a while to diagnose and often there isn't just one cause.
Sorry if my notes here are rambling, but I'm a little sedated from meds right now.
It could be GERD, you know. The way I understand it, "hypochondria" is a form of anxiety, so you might look into that. But anxiety will often cause real symptoms that need to be treated. GERD is a big one that seems to have a relationship with anxiety.
I've never had the numbness, but I have had extensive pressure and bloating. Burping when I'm LUCKY to relieve it. My gastro said mine were atypical panic attacks, and I just started treatment. Mixed success so far, hoping for improvement during the next few days.
Do some reading about anxiety, and remmeber that GERD often presents with a wide array of odd symptoms. Not everyone experiences it the same way. Not every med works for everyone.
These types of problems can take a while to diagnose and often there isn't just one cause.
Sorry if my notes here are rambling, but I'm a little sedated from meds right now.
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