Stomach pain

[sky2]

Hi, I posted this question in the "Ask a Doctor" forum, but I am also looking for people's advice.

About two weeks ago, I started experiencing lower abdominal cramps. They were more of a discomfort than painful. My doctor prescribed Belladonna Alkaloids tablets, which seemed to relieve the lower abdominal cramps, however the pain migrated to the stomach area.

This pain was coming and going and was more of a burning type. When the pain peaked, I felt somewhat nauseous. This pain originated in the center of the upper abdomen (which was tender). Somestimes, it migrated up to where the esophagus ends. I did not have diarrhea, or a fever. I ate normally!

I also felt bloated in the stomach and the side of the chest, especially when seating down. It felt like the area was being compressed and tensed. The pain went away after I started eating.

The doctor believed that it could be excessive acid in the stomach and gave me Protonix (40mg). That seemed to alleviate the intensity of the burning pain. I still experienced those coming and going burning sensations, but not as intense.

Yesterday, my whole body started feeling weak. I felt nauseous more times than before. However, I did not feel that upper abdominal pain, unless I purposely pressed down on the stomach. This morning I also feel weak, my temperature is 99.8 degree. I still feel bit bloated over the stomach area and the sides of the chest, but no pain radiating, UNLESS I press down on the stomach.

I am wondering if this nauseous feeling and headache I experienced this morning could possibly be a side-effect of Protonix. I was contemplating going to the hospital today, but I opted not to. I will see how I feel on Sunday.

Thank you for any comments/suggestions!

[bip]

I took  protonix  before and it didn't make me feel any better I had headaches and I did feel nausea  or you can just have a viral infection.  I hope I helped.

[Jaybay]

You sound a great deal like my husband and my boss - both of whom were diagnosed with severe GERD (reflux).  Protonix and nexium don't help my hubby, but aciphex is his little miracle pill.  

Have you had an endoscopy done yet?  That would probably be the next logical step, so you need a referral to a gastroenterologist.  Have you been checked for an H. Pylori infection yet?  That's another thing (among many) to look at.  Bottom line: get yourself to a gastro doc.

[sky2]

Thank you for the replies. I am going to get a referral to see a specialist.

After doing some research, I do have some symptoms of GERD, but the pain is typically characterized as severe and going up the chest, into the throat and towards the neck. I can't say I have experienced that...my pain has been fairly localized to the center and upper abdomen, and to the sides of the chest.

I will definitely schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist though. Today I feel fine 9still feel somewhat swollen/bloated in the upper abdomen, but no stomach pain.

Thank you!