Whats wrong with me? - Digestive Disorders Message Board

08-19-2002, 03:12 AM

First just a little bit about myself I am a 19 year old male who dosen't drink, dosen't smoke, and dosen't do any drugs. Ever since I was little I was constantly having problems with my digestive system. I also have the tendency to worry myself sick.

I started to get really sick around early June, I was having headaches, stomach pain, severe nausea, and difficulty eating, and I got about 12 hours sleep over the course of two weeks. Things were so bad that I felt like I was going to die, I thought I had cancer and was terrified of going to the doctor. So I just put it off, eventually things calmed down alot the nausea became much less severe, my appetite came back, and I was starting to sleep normally again.

Though I have still been having problems, my symptoms include some what frequent moderate pain in the upper left part of my abdomen, a strange burning and itching sensation below my sternum, and some lower back pain. The pain isn't so severe that it affects my everday activity, but it is bad enough to affect my quality of life. I went to the doctor about a month ago and the blood tests and what not came back normal. Previously I had problems with heartburn and I could frequently feel the stomach acid creeping up my esophagus and into my throat. I would also get really intense heart after taking anti-depresants (It was either Prozac or Wellbutrtin) Its gotten to the point where I wonder if I will ever be well again.

Does anyone have any idea of what could be going on?

08-19-2002, 03:18 AM

just to elaborate a bit further

Eating/Drinking seems dosen't seem to make anyting worse. Even irritants like soda, coffee, and tea seem to have little or no effect.

I also sometimes get Diarrhea, but for the most part my stools seem alright.

I don't have difficulty swalloing or anything like that

And even when I was having bouts with the severe nausea I didn't vomit

Katie G · 08-19-2002, 02:28 PM

It's hard to determine from your description (although it's very thorough!!) exactly what might be the problem. However, reflux can cause nausea, and stress/anxiety can worsen reflux. Have you had an endoscopy done to actually look at the esophagus and stomach to check for inflamation/ulcers? Blood tests are not going to always give you an answer. Keep going to the doctor to get results, especially if you're feeling worried/stressed about your symptoms. No need to continue sufffering.

Good luck,
Katie G

LibraryLynn · 08-19-2002, 06:13 PM

I'm with Katie on getting an endoscopy to see what's going on. The pain and itching below your sternum is a little like what I experienced with my reflux. Sometimes you have to keep after them; you're way too young to be having these issues, so I'd suggest you talk with a doctor again to see if they can further investigate.

Take care,
Lynn

Broadwaygirl03 · 08-19-2002, 09:41 PM

I have reflux, and it makes me horribly nausiated. So nausiated that the doctor precribed a antinausia drug only used in chemo patients, works like a charm. Anyways I was sick for so long before they figured out what was wrong with me- one thing that caught my eye is that you have trouble eating and nausea. In my case, bial had backed up into my stomach. It made me horribly nausiated but at the same time made my stomach full so I wasnt hungrey. Id recomend getting an endoscopy done. Ive had two or three, they'll be able to tell if its bial and other things like how the lining of your stomach is, mine was burnt.