Usually I am so distraught that I cant really drink or eat anything..... And also I think i would be afraid to drink water because I already have a large tendency to swallow air.... and I burp loudly after just a few drinks of water.... but I mean if i were to drink water, i fear i would swallow more air, and stomach would bloat up even MORE (it already gets full of air). But I mean, I can certainly try it the next time "it" happens.
I have just been really frustrated because even among those with digestive problems, most cant seem to relate to what it is that I experience, the trouble breathing thing. Unless yes, I experience trouble breathing but then my nerves and anxiety kick in more severely than other people's and make me feel like I cant breathe... but I reallyd ont know. I was about to call 911 several different times... that is how much distress I was in. But i always take Klonopin, then I calm down, and I am pretty ok or somewhat Ok. Waiting for the medication to kick in is tough though.... I am struggling to breathe and scared the whole time. ALso my chest muscles start to feel tight but i guess that too, is anxiety? I never cough or wheeze so I dont think its asthma at all and taking an anti-anxiety med wouldnt stop a true asthma atttack I dont think...
Thanks for posting. I feel pretty alone in this, with no solid answers yet.
No, well, I know I have GERD and Gastroparesis and I suspect very strongly a hiatal hernia and maybe some IBS too....?
Try using a *straw* when drinking your liquid which cuts down on the amount of air you swallow when drinking / eating...amazing the amount of air that we swallow when drinking / eating .
I have many times almost called 911 or driven to a nearby hospital ER's ; but if I had done that , my conditions would have been alleviated by the time I got there . And it would have been a long wait to see a doctor , sitting in the waiting room.
I saw an allergist 2 months ago , he did not think it was asthma. I had no coughing or wheezing either . I had normal chest X-ray . Been trying to quit smoking : down to only a few cigarettes a day from a pack a day one year ago !
I just want to say that I have my BA in psychology, and what you are describing does sound like anxiety to me. I also have generalized anxiety disorder, and it can sometimes feel like a heart attack, pains, many weird things that are scary. I would have a nice long talk with your doctor, and admit that you think it may be anxiety, but also demand that they do medical tests also. I do bet it's the anxiety myself, but because many anxiety systems can cause real physical symptoms, it is always safest to rule out the medical stuff first.
Your posts have sounded anxious to me. It seems like the fears surrounding your physical probmems are causing you undue stress. I understand that, it happens to me too. Most of my anxiety presents itself as back pain and tension, and diarrhea. We all manifest it differently. Just do me a favor and make sure the doctor takes this seriously and excludes all medical possibilities. And don't feel discouraged. Anxiety can cause a whole host of symptoms. My best friend had severe chest pains and thought she was having a heart attack. It ended up being anxiety. Have you tried any relaxation techniques? You could do a search for some online. Also, meditation CDs may help. I've struggled with this for years, and it can be so hard. Just be sure they rule out anything medical, ok? Hugs honey. I hope it gets better.
Try using a *straw* when drinking your liquid which cuts down on the amount of air you swallow when drinking /
I thought I read that the opposite is true, but I don't recall. If I'm wrong I apologize, but I'd double check online first. I don't mean to say you're wrong, please don't take it that way. Just for some reason in my mind it sticks out not to use a straw. I hope I'm wrong!
Well, I had many anxiety disorders.... I am very well-versed in them now at age 34. I suffered with severe panic attacks from around age 19-25 or so. Also had generalized anixety disorder and man I hate labels, but i had most anxiety issues that exist out there. And I know I have a tendency to worry too much, period. But, this is all getting to me so much because I do know/am familar with fear and anxiety symptoms and their physical manifestations, and what Ive been experiencing is different from any of the wide myriad of troubling symptoms Ive had to deal with on and off since I would say childhood.
There is defnitely something amiss..... I think it surely medical and I know I already have Gastroparesis, GERD and a hiatal hernia. What I am not sure of is how much secondary anxiety is contributing to and/or worsening the primary symptoms and root issues. It does not help that I have always had an overactive nervous system it seems but I do want all medical problems ruled out, at the very least for my own peace of mind. BUt I KNOW this isnt all anxiety.... I would not go to the ER or feel to call 911 for severe anxiety. Beleive me, I have lived thru some really hellacious times with fear and panic over the course of my life and this all is something altogether different. And I think thats why Im so troubled. Im like, what the???!!? Its really shaken me.
Also I am versed in medicine from years of chronic illness.... and a natural affinity for all things medical... and am now a nursing student actually. But this whole trouble breathing thing.... I mean, Ive never experienced anything quite like it before. The stomach bloats up like a balloon, then it is impossible to take a deep breath... then I am not sure, if its my chest muscles tightening... or what, but Just feel I have to struggle for every breath (when these "episodes" occur I mean. Thank God its not a 24/7 or I would be in the hospital for sure!).
But yes, I do think I am focusing too much on all this... I am already quite depressed over it all, worrying about an episode happening if i am out. It is already unbearable to deal with when it happens while I am at home and I would hate to have a severe bout in public. Its just weird.... not a lot of rhyme or reason to it.
Thanks for listening. I tend to get very focused on one thing and then stay fixated on it but in this case, I dont think its good for me. I will keep praying and asking GOd to heal all of this completely.
Well you just answered my concerns, to be honest. You say you know your body, you know your anxiety, and what you feel now is different. The best thing you can do then is to push your doctor(s) to get to the bottom of this. We know our bodies and when something is wrong. We know our minds and when something is wrong, you know? If you know this is your body then it's your body. I would not be surprised regardless if the anxiety is making it worse, also.
In the meantime, try to do as much as you can to keep your anxiety at bay. Are you taking Klonopin as needed or do you have a script where you could take it daily? What if you could take a Klonopin each night at bed time. After a few days the cululative effect on your system would keep your baseline anxiety lower. I used to take Xanax at night. After a week or so I didn't have panic attacks anymore. My baseline was lowered. Do you think this could help you? I know you don't like to take the meds, that's why I suggest doing so at night. In today's world with modern medicine, I do not see a need for you to suffer, when there does exist something that could help you a little. It is of course a personal opinion, and we all feel differently. I tend to believe though that if I can medicate it, do. Dealing with mental and physical symptoms at the same time can be overwhelming. I really would love to see you feeling better.
I wish there was some easy answer for you. Keep after those docs to get to the bottom of this. If you feel something is wrong, go to the ER. Don't feel foolish. You know your body, and if you feel like something is wrong, seek treatment. Hugs and good luck. This sounds so stressful.
Thank u for your caring reply.... I really needed that
Yes, it is very stressful, all of this, and its been affecting all areas of my life. I cant concentrate at work, I cant focus in school (I attend college part time and work full-time).... at home I am just miserable, laying around the house. I tried to eat dinner tonight but I was in so much discomfort I could only take down a few bites. It was a good dinner too.
I am doing all I know to do to get better.... treating self with herbal and vitamin remedies I know of, not eating junk foods and cutting way down on beer (I admit i used to drink, a LOT).... I also started exercising after literally a couple years since last doing so. You can see that this problem is causing me to do anything I think I can to feel better.
As for the Klonopin.... .oh...... See, the thing is, I was in the process of tapering off it when all this "stuff" started happening. I had tapered from 1 mg to .50, then stopped the taper. A year later, I started up again and went from .50 down to .17 or so. I figured I would be off by Christmas. I wanted off daily use of a benzo like Klonopin because longer use than a few weeks or so, and a person gradually starts changing... losing their very personality and ability feel..... also other symptoms creep in... all so slowly and insidiiously that the benzo is never pinpointed as the problem. I know all this..... from experience.... I was actually on and tapered off Klonopin once before (it is very very hard to get off of once u take it daily for awhile).
So it was killing me to have to ruin the taper that took me many months to do BUT I also was in so much distress I felt I absolutely had to take the Klonopin to relax myself or off I wouod be going to the ER every single time I had an "episode".... and who wants that? ANd also yes, why suffer if something can help u...? (Though I am a huge believer in getting to the root cause of things and treating that, not symptoms... but as such, I do not know the root causes.... yet....).
So that is why I am so reluctant to reach for the mild tranquilizer that is Klonopin. BUT... by now, I have had to take it so often that my taper is completely blown. I would guess my body needs a tleast almost 1 mg. by now to avoid having withdrawal. So that in itself, that my taper was ruined, was upsetting me And causing me stress....
i guess i need to accept that, for now and until I get some more answers, I will need to take the Klonopin as needed (I do take it daily now, to keep a level or somewhat level amount in my system).... That I dont really have much of a choice here, other than to suffer greatly and go to the hospital.... May as well just take the K and be able to function somewhat.
Thank you very much for your care and concern. I have felt so alone in this. Noone really understands or beyond that, seems to care all that much, what I am going thru with this. Its like the worst physical torture Ive ever experienced and believe me, Ive been thru the ringer (20 years of misdiagnosed late-state Lyme Disease.... that was a total NIGHTMARE...... too long to get into here....).
I have read through the history of posts here and wanted to share some interesting similarities. To make a long story short, I had been taking Klonopin (1 mg at bedtime) for panic disorder for about 12 years...and it took care of the problem. It did slow me down at times...so my doc suggested trying a few other drugs. Over time of tapering off and trying others, I ended up not taking anything. (beginning about 1 year ago.) I found that my panic disorder had gone away.
Interesting enough, however, I developed severe stomach bloating about 4 months after stopping...and I have been working to resolve the problem ever since (for about 8 months now). BTW, along with the severe bloating, I have had trouble breathing and swallowing at times...much like you describe.
I have had CT Scans, Ultrasounds, colonoscopy, stool testing, blood testing, etc. I am even going in for an upper endoscopy today!
I thought I found the solution about a month ago -- a doctor suggested that my stomach may not be making enough acid (which is more common than you might think). So I started taking HCI (Hydrochloric Acid) capsules before eating...and it really did seem to help...and still does, but hasn't completely solved the problem. So...you might give this a try...there's tons of info about it on the web...you can even do a simple test by drinking a baking soda solution in the morning and seeing if you burp. I didn't, which means not enough acid in the stomach.
I find it very interesting that you have anxiety history...have taken Klonopin...have quit taking it...and have developed stomach problems. It is very much like my history. VERY much indeed.
As I mentioned, I have an upper colonoscopy today...but I suspect they will not find anything...or, if they do, it will be symptom-related rather than problem-related.
For the 12+ years I was taking Klonopin, I would often try to taper off...just like you...not wanting to be dependent on drugs. Each time...though...it didn't work. I eventually came to accept that I needed it...and it didn't bother me anymore...in fact, I began thinking about it no different than brushing my teeth at night--just something you do, no big deal. So, interestingly, it wasn't until I had reached this state of acceptance that I was able to quit taking it...it's been about a year now.
But, then, there's this bloating issue...interesting.
I have come to believe the mind and the gut are very much connected...more so than we probably know. Think about it...how many times have you thought about something bad, and instantly gotten a stomach ache?!
So, I think the root problem is very likely my mind...that chemical imbalance that causes panic and anxiety. I believe my anxiety has manifested itself now into this physical problem with my gut. Yes, I am jumping to a conclusion here...but one I will test. And one you might want to test as well.
Again, assuming my upper endo shows nothing...I am going to go back on the klonopin and see what happens. I will probably start with .5 mg at bedtime for a couple of weeks. If after two weeks, my stomach issues haven't changed, I'll go up to 1 mg at bedtime for a couple of weeks. After 1 month, at least I'll know for sure.
And, if taking 1 Klonopin at bedtime resolves these depressing stomach issues...that is about the simplest solution in the world...that would be super! Much better than changing diet, trying different pills, going to doctors, researching my problems on the internet, being constantly depressed...well, you get the picture! You know...we've got lives to live! Time to put these problems behind us, right!
Anyway, I wish you all the best...and would simply suggest that you accept that you have anxiety/panic problems. Accept it. No...SURRENDER to it so that you can move on and live. It really is no big deal...I think something like 3 out of 5 people in the US have some type of mental illness these days. So what. Take a pill. Move on with your life.
Sounds like I'm being tough...I know...but only because I know from first-hand experience that sometimes that's what's needed. I got this speech from my step-mom 12 years ago when I wouldn't start taking Klonopin...only to find it pretty much saved me from ruining my life...and every now and then, from my wife has to give me a little of this tough love, too!
Oh, and one more thing...you might also pick up a copy of The Power of Now by Ekhart Tolle. It is a truly fascinating book...I have found it very helpful in understanding how to keep your Self separate from the mind, which is always looking to destroy. I am still learning, but it is powerful stuff to know that you are NOT your mind...and once you learn to not let your mind rule you...you are free.
Thanks for taking the time for such a long and thorough reply! (shag).
I am about to go to bed but quickly wanted to address this and can continue tomorrow/today....
I still take Klonopin... I went off it before, over a period of many months as you must taper very gradually to safely get off a benzo. But I am still on it. I will start tapering as soon as my stomach stabilizes.
Yes, I am familar with low stomach acid, which I suspect many people have, versus too much, yet still be given Rxs to stop the acid such as Nexium, Prevacid and others (at one time I was on all of them pretty much, one at a time I mean though).
I believe I have Candida (yeast overgrowth) and that that is causing/contributing to my abnormal bloating. I have started probiotics and also was taking Apple Cider Vinegar in an effort to balance out the acid/alkaline levels in my body (baking soda can do this too, yes).
Actually I do have a problem with taking a pill, especially one in the class that Klonopin is in. Taking benzos over a period of time eventually turns one into a mild - moderate zombie. These meds dull the personality and blunt the emotions but it happens over such a slow, gradual period of time that the user hardly notices it (but those close to them do). Benzos are, in my opinion, poison -- and I dont care how well they help anxiety, either -- and I will be tapering off as soon as my breathing/stomach issues have settled down some more as I said.
I hope you will reconsider taking Klonopin for long-term... you will become physically dependent on it (anyone will) and then you will experience very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you miss a dose(s).... but wait, you said u were on it a long time and did get off successfully? How did you taper off? I am just curious, because many people dont know they cant just abruptly stop taking a medication/poison like Klonopin and get very, very ill and dont know why... I have heard horror stories like u wouldnt believe.
It took me around 7-9 months to gradually wean myself off around a 1 mg. a day dosage back in 2002 or so. And once i was completely off, I was really jumpy and sensitive to light (along with some other symptoms) for a month or so. I had been on it seven (7) years or so prior.
Im very into alternative medicine and there are a lot of herbs that can help anxiety that one wont become dependent on, plus my diet has changed considerably and I am starting to workout daily as well. In addition, I am a Christian and believe Jesus will work out all things concerning me and the issues ive been suffering with re: stomach/bloating/breathing. I believe He has shown me it is a combo of things but an imbalance of acid/alkaline in my body being one and the Candida yeast overgrowth iin my gut (which I have actually had before, i guess just never this severely symptoms-wise).
Please rethink being on Klonopin, esp because you say u got off it! I wouldnt be shocked to learn the bloating is from withdrawal.... if u went off too quickly. I have heard some unusual withdrawal symptoms that many never connect to being from Klonopin withdrawal. Even if your bloating is not a withdrawal symptom --and I hope it isnt -- check into Candida. Mainly because it sounds like youve had every test under the sun and I can you that no MD will take Candida seriously or test for it. Please consider a naturopathic doctor and a chiropractor.
THere is a ton of info on the 'Net about Candida, too. Do you have any other symptoms aside from the bloating??
I accept that I tend to get a little anxious, but I do not accept that i need a pill to help me. Years ago, I did.... but not today, not where I am now. Seriously consider what i have shared about benzos (benzos = benzodiazpines, i.e. Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, etc). It WILL blunt you and also can cause other side effects that take time to develop. I so strongly urge you to seek out the root cause(s) of your stomach problem and get it treated... and hope it isnt Klonopin withdrawal. But well, if it is, just re-instate your dose and then gradually taper off. I would tell u exactly how to do it so u would not get withdrawal but for some reason site admins seem to delete info like that.... I dont know why.... I know what im talking about and there is a certain way to go about it but... ok.
I need to go but PLEASE consider what Ive said. I think it is a big mistake to take Klonopin.... for a stomach problem... and to plan to keep taking it.... no.
Consider finding an alternative med doctor/professional to rule out Candida....
Do searches on how to safely taper off Klonopin if u do go back on.... how quickly did u go off it?
I wish u the best, I do.......... thanks for your concern in replying to my post! THe Apple Cider Vinegar helped a lot, just not completely.... now im on Probiotics, eating even healthier than i was and getting physical exercise.
Hello there...and thank you for your thoughts! Yes, I was able to taper off of Klonopin successfully...agreed, you need to take it very slow, 1/4 increments...then still expect a few withdrawls...but I got off of it for about 7 months now.
I have had two test for candida, one was an extensive stool analysis...and one was a fairly new breath test...one was ordered by my brother in law who is also a Dr. and a brain surgeon, the other by my gut doc.
I had my upper endoscopy and they found bleeding in my stomach...they took biopsies....still waiting to hear more, but my doc said it could very well be nothing...reaction to the acid pills I've been taking...time will tell.
I hear what you are saying about Klonopin, I'd be interested to learn the details behind your claims about its long-term affects. I've taken it for 15+ years and have had no problems...I am an executive at an advertising agency and my job is to build relationships, make presentations, and lead dynamic creative teams...Klonopin has had no effect on me or my abilities to perform in this role.
Anyway, gotta run...I'll check back in a week or so...take care!
I would suggest doing a search on Klonopin and withdrawal... you will find all kinds of stories..... tons. But, it is a very good thing u were able to be on the med for so long, and then also taper off, w/o any major impairments in your life. Your story is, I think, an exception.... Many, many others are not so fortunate but praise God you were so blessed!
Bleeding in the stomach? Do u have ulcers then> I so urge u to see an alternative doctor.... naturopath, etc. MDs, many, will just throw drugs at you and then surgery, never getting to (or even caring in many instances) the ROOT causes of your symtpms and discomfort. Trust me on this.
I'd avoid the MDs as I said... and go with alternative care and treatment. That route ought to lead you to lasting healing and not some medications (Band-Aids) that yield no real healing.
I have simular stomach issues that the last test with those crystals and berium then xray said it was negetive That's BS I think my Dr that sent me to the her Hospital made the report the way they want it documented Leaving me Untreated.
I Know I have real servere bloating and pain with fullness after eating just a bowl of soup. I know I have Gasteritous and a Hietal Hernia for yrs I have taken Protonix for yrs . This Servere bloating and pain at the top rght of my belly Is Real and my stomach is hard as a rock. I take hand fulls of natural stool softeners , So I am having good bowl movements. But the next Day is like the Movie Ground Hog Day Same thing over and over.
My BP Has been elevated 170/110 even to the point of having lft arm pain just 3 hrs after taking my BP Meds So she increased the BP Meds ,!? Thats not the Answer Now I'm taking 60mg procardia 3 x A Day 50MG Tenormin if anyone can help or reply I would greatly appreciate the input.
M Coriano
I got the bloating tummy, nausea, upper right stomach pain and SOB. Now I got the chest tightness for 2 days. Sometimes, I rolled on the bed and sometimes I sat up...... I wish my breathing and heart will stop at that moment...... so I don't have to suffer. I give up of hope.
Have u had your gallbladder checked? That can cause lots of different symptoms..... including those u listed. Please consider looking into it if u havent already.
What kind of dr or specialist that can check my gallbladder? My gastro dr did the gastroscopy and colonoscopy. She said everything looks normal. She also did the blood tests for Hepatities A, B and C; Liver Funtion Test. All normal except Hepatities A is positive. She left me uncare now.
This morning is so sick. I cry ....... so much. Motilium is not working. Finally too tired and slept until 2:00pm. It seems like my brain is working together with my legs. Other than the tummy pain, headache, few vomitting, I want to sleep, I am very thirsty and tired. Any hopes?
I realize this post has not been replied to in over a month but it fits my problems to a "T".
I have stomach distention and difficulty breathing ALL DAY long. I often feel like I am hyperventilating. I have been to every single specialist (pulmonologist, cardiologist, asthma/allergists, gastroenterologist) and have been diagnosed with the following:
My comment to the 5th one is always "Who wouldn't have severe anxiey if they couldn't breathe". Before my breathing problems started I did notice I had severe anxiety but I also have a nervous stomach.
The first time this started happening they put me on Zoloft which worked after about 3 months. I stayed on it for three years through the pregnancy and birth of my son. Eventually I got off of it but did so cold turkey. That might not have been a good thing.
After working really hard to take the baby weight off they put me on Meridia. It worked but you can only take it for 6 months. In that time frame I got bronchitis REALLY bad twice. After my second bout in February 2007 I noticed my breathing problems began to return. By August 2007 I had been to the ER three times and each visit I was released after an intravaneous dosage of Ativan (anti-anxiety) meds and a 10 pill supply prescription for it.
A pulmonologist ruled out asthma and lung problems twice. A Cardiologist ruled out any heart problems and the asthma/allergist ruled out any allergies that could be causing this to happen. I eventually sought second opinions because I couldn't believe the stomach could cause all this to happen. Again I was told none of those areas were my problem.
After a 72 hrs pH probe and EGD they performed the Laproscopic Nissen Fundoplication Procedure in December of 2007. Fast forward to today and I am still very short of breath to the point it wakes me up in the middle of the night. I can feel the burning/pressure moving up from my stomach to my chest as I try to go back to sleep. I sometimes have to get up because anxiety gets the better of me and I began to hyperventilate. The Gastroenterologist says the wrap did not fail but that the gastro paresis is forcing food back up.
I am lucky to not get the nausea associated with this but the shortness of breath is debilitating. I am underweight, drinking only water, eating gluten-free foods and not eating at least 3hrs before bedtime but all of this is still happening. What gives???
I personally am not having the breathing issues; however, I experience constant upper abdominal pain daily. I'm currently overweight and am on Weight Watcher's. I am unable to eat the amount of points alloted to me daily (24). I'm very lucky to reach half that amount and with alot of discomfort in my abdomen. I had gallbladder surgery in January and hoped that this is what was causing my constant discomfort, but it didn't. In fact it seems to be worsening. I also have a small heital hernia to boot. I'm at my whits end and am ready to make a trip to emergency. My stomach is also hard as a rock, and I feel like I'm pregnant all over again. I currently take nexium and bp pills. The nexium helps w/ the occasional heartburn, but isn't doing anything about the pain and discomfort. Any suggestions on how to remedy this? I'm so tired of going to specialists.
I urge you to please visit an alternative medicine practicioner who will far better be able to help you in determining root causes to your symptoms and sufferings. MDs are often trained to treat symptoms, and with drugs and surgery. There are root causes to these ills you are describing and those are what need to be treated. I would suggest looking for naturpathic and/or alternative med practictioners in your area via the phonebook and the Internet. Do some searching.... I really think this route will help you and that u have gone as far as u are going to go via mainstream medicine.
I have all these diagnoses and symptoms and recently saw an alternative medicine practicioner who quickly assessed I had (also) ulcers and gall bladder issues. I am taking digestive enzymes, a special fiber powder 2 times a day in water and some special naturopatic meds to heal the ulcers in my stomach. This is where we are starting; we will see how I respond and then take it from there but i can tell you already my stomach issues have improved.
What also helped the stomach stuff for me was daily juicing: mostly carrot juice. I drink a cup or 2 daily on an empty stomach if possible. Please consider looking into this... you dont have to become an expert on juicing or obsessed or anything, just simply daily juicing. It helps digestive plus raw foods (which the carrots are) contain important enzymes helpful to the body in many ways.
I have been taking apple cider vinegar for the acid reflux with success. AC Vinegar helps to balance the body's pH levels and from what I understand, many illnesses are brought on in part at least, by an overly acidic system. The vinegar is good for many ills also; feel free to research online for more info.
I also would consider Candida.... again, do some research. What is, or was, your diet like? Were/are there any foods/beverages you seemed to crave in particular?
What other symptoms, if any, do u have? Or are these your main ones?
Are you diabetic? I ask because Gastroparesis is many times associated with diabetes but not always. I myself dont have Diabetes but I did have Lyme Disease which went untreated for many years, and I believe it damaged my vagus nerve, causing the Gastroparesis. Please consider a check for Lyme... (but that is tricky since so many people have it but test negatively).
Anxiety is certainly understandable with the breathiing issues!! Me too! SUffered alot with that over the years. I say the best thing is to find a good health care practicitioner as I suggested and get to the root causes of your symptoms and treat the anxiety as best u can for now (be very very careful please, with meds like Ativan as they are highly addictive... and i mean physically.... like ANYONE'S body will become physically dependent on that kind of med over time and it does not mean u are some kind of addict. But they are very tough to get off, have to wean off gradually as I myself am currently doing off Klonopin, a med in the same class as Ativan).
I pray God leads you to the right people to help you and in the meantime, do not lose heart!
Paula,
It sounds like gallbladder issues could be a possibility but I am not a doctor. Please visit a healthfood store and explain your symptoms. There are many times people who usually own the store, who have a wealth of knowledge and insight into medical issues and can steer u to the right herbs or supplements and dietary changes that may help you. Specialists seem to be giving you diagnoses and drugs (typical) while leaving u with no lasting relief. I also suggest you search for an alternative/naturpathic physician for the uprootment of your root causes.
That your stomach is hard as a rock is not a good thing.... your doctors are aware of this? What tests did they do?
Farmgirl31,
Hi, I am new to this forum and was so interested to hear your story.
I have suffered from severe SOB since June of last year. It started for me right about the same time I began to use Clonazepam after my head injury in a car accident. It didn't take long and I was addicted (2 months). I had severe episodes of dread etc... I am now working on tapering using the ashton manual. They say use of benzos tend to relax the stomach and diapraghm so much, the food etc flows upward. Anyhow, my stomach symptoms are so similar to yours and yes - so distressing! These would be my symptoms:
1. My stomach is soooo painful & bloated most of the time (like you said, 6 months pregnant at least!)
2. I made many trips to the ER because of severe upper abdomen pain (right beneath my breast bone) Every time I went they said it was likely due to anxiety!
3. My entire stomach aches at time, and I feel this heaviness, like its so tight and everything is just pulling down.
4. I suffer from SOB. The most relief I get is when I lay flat on my back with my hand above my head. It feels like I get more room in my chest to breath. It's just - I can't lay all day!
So, after having gone to the ER about 6 times (they got sick of me coming) and seeing my family doctor, ALL of them said it was anxiety because of my past history (8 years ago I had postpartum depression after the birth of my daughter). Now, just like you - I knew in my heart this was a physical thing. I did not give up, although i realized that this ailment was indeed starting to make me anxious. Finally, after struggling through another few painful episodes where I got to the point I could hardly swallow....I went to see a dr. in another city (who didn't know my ppd history) and they said I needed a scope done immediatley. They could tell I was in a lot of pain. I had had a barrium swallow, chest xrays, ct scan etc all done before this already, and it had shown nothing. What the scope found was a 4 cm sliding hiatial hernia.
This was just found a few weeks ago. I feel so good that they finally found something, but I am unsure of what to do now. The dr. gave me pariet (acid reducing drug) and I have found some relief on it for 1 1/2 months. I have heard a lot of bad things about taking these acid suppressing drugs and would love to find a natural alternative. At the same time, I do believe my use of Clonaz. has something to do with it, as my symptoms all started very much the same time.
How long would I have to try the HCI tabs to see if they made a difference at all? I did the bk soda test and no burps for me. Should I try these tablets plus apple cider vinegar, and how much do you think I should try?
I did hear of a massage therapist who manuals manuevers down hiatial hernias so I am thinking of going to see him. Have you heard of success with this.
Any suggestions you have would be much appreciated. Now that I have made this connection with the hiatial hernia - at least I have something to work with. My anxiety level has decreased a lot since this diagnosis. Finally- someone who didn't say it was just all in my head. I can tell you are much like me - I love researching and reading up on health. I truly believe God will send me an answer in His time. It's just so hard to live with this pain and discomfort of breathing (amazingly you do get used to it after almost 1 year!), it's the pain that is ultimately debilitating. I have to go lay down so often throughout the day. I feel like it is due to the hernia, but something is pushing my tummy up & thus pushing the hernia up. Am I being clear?
What are your thoughts? Thanks so much for your help. I searched for months online to find a solution, found a lot of people who had this problem, but no one seemed to find any answers.
Thanks. Mayflower2
One more thing...
Do you think i would benefit from using the Siberian Tiger Naturals Pine nut oil?
I''m not sure if a 4 cm sliding hernia could be causing my problems, but it sure feels like it. Sometimes I feel so restricted in my chest area...so painful...if you could let me know, that would be so helpful....what did you notice when you used it??
Mayflower2
Re: Abdominal Distention and trouble breathing 
a day from a pack a day one year ago !
And causing me stress.... 
Re: Abdominal Distention and trouble breathing 
