Well here goes...I have had a problem since Dec...was ill and Dr. put me on antiobiotics...as soon as I was put on these meds...I began having shortness of breath...had ekg..chest xray..and was ok...now I hve been getting heartburn, and this funny feeling like the food is not going down really well..when I eat..along with that I have pain in upper back between my shoulders..and still the shortness of breath...it actually feels like I have hot air when I breath...anyway..I have tried acidopholisis (sorry spelling) digestive enzimes, and they really made me feel worse..also..aloe vera juice (which makes it feel a little better)...but It seems if I do a "backwards belch" I feel a little better..for just a while..and another thing I have noticed lately..is after I have a bowel movement...I feel almost 100% better..I would really appreciate your advise here..and yes I should go to a Gastro...but to be honest...Im just too scared...thank you Jeanne

A Gastro doc would be able to help ya. Most of them are really nice and very helpful. I would most defenitly go see one if you have any major concerns. All I can tell ya is to cut down on any greasy foods, processed foods, caffeine, chocolate, and dairy foods and see how ya feel. IF you have ne nausea, try Ginger. Anywho aloe vera juice is really good for ya so that is a good thing. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif GL and keep us updated.
~Shanny

Antibiotics upset your digestive system, sometimes quite badly. They kill the good bacteria. That can result in bad wind for example. If you get relief after you go to the toilet, that seems to indicate that you have simple problem in the colon area of your intestines which links up with the antibiotics. The problem tends to go away by itself provided you exercise a little common sense. But you can help by taking probiotics which puts back the good bacteria. Aloe vera acts as a laxative and it might help you temporarily but it can also rid your system of the good bacteria. I would try not to take it long term as with anything that is a laxative. You could end up being dependant on them, for example. The heavy breathing is natural - your body is distressed and until you relieve yourself your body is trying to get more oxygen into it.
My advice in summary is to:
- avoid laxatives, watch your diet
- increase fiber gradually (note)
- keep up your fluids (some recomment 3 pints of water a day - not coffee or tea which dehydrate you)
- get some probiotics and tke them until your system recovers (not necessarily until you think you are better).

thank you both for your advise...I really appreciate it....Jeanne