I am a 32 year old female. I am 5 feet 4 inches, and weigh 148 lbs. I have been diagnosed with hypertension for 11 years now, it is controlled with medication. I also suffer from anxiety and have panic attacks. A week ago today I began to experience indigestion, burping and pain in the upper middle abdomen just under the breast bone. I have never been one to experience indigestion except when I was pregnant (I have a 9 month old daughter). Over the weekend I took Rolaids, which seemed to help somewhat. However, 5 days ago I began to have the belching constantly and had no relief from the antacids. I went to the doctor 4 days ago and he put me on Protonix, thinking it may be GERD, and if not then my gallbladder. I began to take the medication 3 days ago. The pain in my abdomen has subsided but the belching is still present. Two nights ago I had a sudden onset of pain in my upper left back. It was so painful that I ended up in the ER where they ran tests on my urine and blood. Both came back negative for an obstruction in my gallbladder and kidney stones, they found nothing to suggest any problems basically. The weird thing was that by the time I saw the doctor at the ER, about 2 hours after the pain inthe back began, the pain was gone and I felt fine, except the belching. About 7 months ago my doctor suggested that I may have IBS because I was experiencing pain in my lower abdomen and having problems with my stools. I had three 'attacks' if you will that no one could explain, therefore the doctor suggested the IBS diagnosis. However, I have not had any problems since then, until now. I was extremley worried that the belching and pain were related to my heart, however all the facts seem to suggest otherwise (I can't help but worry). I had a stress test 3 years ago that was normal, I had an EKG just 2 months ago, so I know it probably isn't my heart. Therefore I was wondering if the belching could be related to the IBS; and if so, what is the duration of the synptoms usually? I have no other symptoms at the moment, other then the anxiety of not knowing what is going on. My eating habits have not changed recently. The only thing that has changed at all is that although I am usually only a social drinker, I have drank more alcohol (mostly beer) in the last few weeks then I usually do. I am a smoker (16 years) about a pack to a pack 1/2 a day (it helps to calm the nerves and anxiety). I have cut out the alcohol and I still am experiencing the belching. It seems better, not as frequent, but it is still there. Is this common in IBS patients?
Thank you in advance for any information