Severe upper GI pain

[gg12]

I became severely sick one evening in September 2007, I was vomitting, severe stomach cramps, chills, etc. I thought I had a bad case of the flu.  This continued for a week and I finally went to the ER.  They did blood work but did not "find" anything.  I continued for a month of stomach cramping, body aches, nausea, and lost 15lbs in 2 weeks (I am tall, thin, and athletic).  I saw my GI specialist and he has conducted the following over the course of 5 months: blood panels for parasites (negative), H.Pylori,my AST/ALT were in the 100's (which later dropped to "normal"), I had an Endoscopy - indication of malnutrition and some Gastritis....I had severe body/joint aching during January, so my GI Dr. suggested an Auto-Immune panel - again the outcome was fine.

I continue to have severe tightness and discomfort in my upper diaphragm, (painful to the touch), it is painful to eat due to the indigestion and extreme discomfort, I experience both constipation and loose stools on occasion, my diaphgragm can at times become so irritated and tight I have difficulty breathing...one may think they are having a heartattack.  Lastly, I have done a 21 day detox day which eliminates common food intolerances, I felt a little better - but not great...(I do not drink caffeine, alcohol, spicey foods, etc).....

I am seeing my another GI physician this week and I feel that because blood work comes back o.k. - they think I am o.k.  Any suggestions?  It has been 7 months of pain, and feeling hopeless.  

Thank you!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the upper endoscopy, which would rule out many of the major upper GI disorders.

If non-revealing, you can consider an esophageal motility study, 24-hr pH study or gastric emptying scan.  These specialized tests can exclude dysmotility, GERD or gastroparesis.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician or gastroenterologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[gg12]

I wanted to add, that after I eat is typically when I experience more pain and discomfort and the nausea.  I wake-up some evenings with such extreme nausea I feel as if I have the flu.  Lastly, the diaphragm pain does radiate the back of my shoulder blades....

Any thoughts, feedback from the above comments I have posted?  

Thanks...exhausted and frustrated