Digestive Issues

[osu1925]

I have been having digestive issues the last couple of years.  I don't know if it all started 4-5 years ago as I started developing issues with gas and pain when I ate avocados and raw pineapple.  I am a 41 year old male 5'9" 180lbs.  Here is what I have currently been dealing with.

About 2.5 years ago, I started to have pain develop under my left armpit.  It was just kind of a nagging pain, but I now believe it was some type of gas pain.  It went on for several months until I ended up in the ER with pain and shortness of breath.  They sent me home saying I was in good health.  The "gas" pain continued so I went to my doctor and they prescribed me medicine for acid reflux.  It didn't do anything to help and I haven't been back to the doctor since.  I have tried to manage it on my own.  Currently and for some time, I have dull pain under my ribs on my left side accompanied by gas and bloating.  This is pretty constant although some days are better than others.  On days when it is real bad, the gas pain goes from my left arm thru my left abdomen down to my left foot. My stools almost always float.  I haven't had any issues with blood in my stool, but my bowel movements have been inconsistent to say the least.  I can go every day or I won't go for 4-6 days.  The stools are pretty consistent in size, but can be pretty foul smelling (which my gas is as well on bad days).  I have had no weight loss and have actually gained weight (20lbs in last 2 years).  My appetite is good.  I almost never have diarrhea and have actually not been sick with anything during this time.  I haven't had any issues with vomiting. The pain isn't crippling by any means, more of a nagging issue that is almost always there.

Any ideas on what might be going on, how to treat it, or what type of specialist to see would be greatly appreciated.

[specialmom]

I agree that getting to a gastroenterologist is a good idea.  Not sure about the idea of hernia though and a regular doctor can diagnose that.  I'm more inclined to wonder about your gallbladder. Acid reflux is also well known to affect the left side like that.  There are different treatment options for reflux and perhaps what you were treated with previously wasn't the right one when they an try another. I do think you need to try to get to a gastroenterologist for further testing. I see that you have an appointment and that is excellent!  Let us know how it goes!

[specialmom]

One other thing to mention, I am a big converted fan of probiotics for digestive health.  I saw a major turn around with son after beginning probiotics.  

[SassyLassie]

Hello~I would see a Gastroenterologist, they are a specialist in issues you are having.

From what you have described, I would say there is a possibility of a hiatal hernia, they can cause some of the digestive issues you are having. It also sounds very much like GERD. Again, seeing a Gastroenterologist would be the best way to handle this, in the meantime, try drinking 2 ounces of Aloe Vera Juice and taking a good, high-potency pro-biotic to keep the friendly bacteria in your gut.

I hope you feel better soon.

[osu1925]

Thanks for the response. I haven't seen one already because I live in a rural area with the nearest Gastro dr about 2.5 hrs away.  I am planning on making an appt in the next couple of weeks.