weird ulcer/vagal symptoms??

[badgirl888]

Am a healthy, fit 47 yr. old woman, 120 lbs. 5' 4" (no kids, single, work full-time) who's been experiencing incredibly weird symptoms after eating (ongoing 2 yrs. now and worsening). Approx. 1/2 hr. after eating anything (even drinking water), I frequently get an olfactory hallucination (a few seconds of smelling something chemically strong), followed immediately by a "sense of doom", knee weakness and light-headedness. Even more weird is a sense of deja vu (am able to tell what the next words will be out of someone's mouth if a person or tv is present). Also, at the end of these episodes, I can feel my bowels moving slightly. This goes on for several seconds and throws me off. Takes me a full minute to gather my senses and is very disturbing. Happens several times a day and has taken a toll on my sanity. I've developed some paranoia and fear over this unfortunately. Also, if I make the mistake of eating anything less than 2 hrs. prior to bedtime, I inevitably awaken with palpitations within one hour of sleep, which are only relieved on walking around for long stretches (30 min. to an hour).

The good news is...I started taking pepcid AC twice a day (I take no meds whatsoever), and this has greatly diminished the weird episodes. They've cut down to 1 or 2 a day...still not ideal but far better than previously. Question...possibly an ulcer? And is it irritating the vagus nerve? I've not consulted an M.D. (rarely see one) because were I to describe these symptoms they'd probably just roll their eyes and dismiss me or they'd have me go through all sorts of testing unrelated to the problem (just because I still have a uterus and ovaries). As it is, I'll remain on the pepcid for a few weeks to see if the "ulcer" will heal but I just want some feedback on this without someone thinking I've lost all my marbles.

So far as past med hx...only discovered recently that I have HHT (minor problem) and some uterine fibroids found on a CT scan (accidentally while invest. HHT).

[ninnin]

Hi!
I'd just like to make a comment.  My friend recently started presenting with something similar to what you are describing.  She was diagnosed with seizure disorder.  The olfactory symptoms and 'bowel movement' feelings do often accompany seizures.  Let me know how you made out.

[manyquestions288]

HHT can result in bleeding telangectasia in the stomach and small intestine.  Common in your 5th decade of life.  You may want to consider getting a scope at some point to determine if you are manifesting this problem.  Anemia can result from the bleeding.  The feeling is like an ulcer.  Lasering the bleeding spots can alleviate the ulcer like pain.  

As for your sense of doom, possible your body is in distress (from bleeding) resulting in a rush of cortisol and adrenaline.  This is just speculation on my part.  Good luck

[badgirl888]

"I am not aware of a disease that would give you the hallucinations and 'sense of doom' after you eat."

Exactly. Which is precisely why I've not approached an M.D. on this, since no doubt no one else has a clue either. Hopefully the pepcid will work as I'm almost 100% certain it's an ulcer. If not, I'll find some doc and hope he/she will follow your advice and get this resolved. Haven't much faith in the medical profession (I work in it as well) as have not seen much good come of it in the very rare situations where I was forced to use it.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say without evaluation.  

I would evaluate the upper digestive tract for an ulcer, GERD or inflammation.  An upper endoscopy would be a comprehensive and appropriate test at this point.

I am not aware of a disease that would give you the hallucinations and "sense of doom" after you eat.  

More specialized tests can include a gastric emptying scan (to exclude gastroparesis) or a motility study.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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