Hi

I have been having heartburn, nausesa, stomach pain, hunger pain and extreme wind from both ends on and off for over a year. I am 31 years old, female normally very slim but gaining weight, even though I workout about 5 x a week.

Today I went to the hospital to see a doctor there and she has booked me in for some sort of scope to look for inflmation of the stomach and also took a load of blood tests.

I am now so worried, I always worry and I am going on holiday next week and am worried.

Can anyone please help me stop worrying by maybe telling me about their experience that didn't turn out to be a life threatening illness??

:(

I know how you feel! We tend to think the worst when we're not feeling well, especially when something has been going on so long. Since I've gotten older ( I am only 41 but it seems that the body starts taking a beating sooner than we think!) I've been having more health problems and have undergone many tests and procedures. From my experience things have always turned out much better than I thought. Nothing too serious so far! I think if you read some of the posts here you will find that many of us suffer from the same symptoms you describe and it usually turns out to be some kind of acid reflux. Still, it's good that you're having some diagnostic tests to be sure. I always feel better if the dr. orders tests rather than diagnose from my symptoms and a routine office visit.

Good luck and post when you get results.

More likely than not, all they will find through the scope is that you have gastritis and/or inflamation of your esophagus from reflux. It is protocol in the UK to scope anyone who needs PPI's for longer than a certain length of time (I believe 3 months, but don't quote me on that).

In other words, this is fairly routine. Try not to panic.

Let us know what you find out!

Me too Mellyuk, I'm 51 now, and have had reflux for years off and on. Every few years the doctors do a routine test and it has always been good. Sometimes it doesn't even show the reflux or the inflammation, even though it is definitely caused by that.
And I'm always so glad that I have the test, because I think I'm not worried until after it's over, and I've got the all clear again, and I feel like I have my life back.
I used to get every symptom checked out, because I was such a worrier that half the time I'd have a minor bout of reflux, worry about it for weeks, and by doing that, I was actually making it worse.
Do you know what I read the other day on the internet, that has really helped me overcome that scary apprehension about health.? I'll try to explain and hope it helps you a little too.
It said there are 2 types of people. Most people who have a balanced perception of situations, and then people like us who are STRESSORS in a major way. They did a test on 2 types of people. Put a multiple type question in front of them... Like: If you feel a lump on your shin, it means
1] you have bumped it
2] you have been bitten by something
3] you have a malignant tumour of the leg

Guess which one our eyes go to first. Apparently most people just see the first one and accept that as being the probable truth. People like me go straight to "DEATH".
I know that is a rather simplistic view of it, but it just described me so well, that I try to use that to control my anxiety.
Truly, I know of people who have been told they have terminal illness, and they always seemed to be the ones who didn't worry until they found out about it.
And all my life, every symptom I've had has been terminal for sure, and I'm still around.
I'm not making light of your anxiety at all, I just relate to it so well, I wish I could reassure every other worrier, because I know how it can just eat away at your peace and well being.
And I have to convince myself as well, because the doctor has ordered me to have heart tests done next week, just to rule out heart disease because of my symptoms. That is routine too, in the case of reflux like I've been getting because they so closely mimic each other. I know I have reflux going on, but of course, I am convinced now that I also have serious heart disease as well. even though the odds are strongly against it!
Sorry for the long post. And let us know when you get those good results.
Another thing, I'm not a doctor, but I would think if you've had these symptoms for a year, and are gaining weight, it isn't likely to be anything really scary, or you'd have developed other things by now, and it sounds more like your system is out of balance in some way. It still pays to check it all out though, even if the biggest benefit is peace of mind and finding a way to improve your health.

Let us know how you get on and remember there's lots of us worriers out here, and we've been around a long while too.
Kind regards and best wishes
Lily