Breathing issues, bloated, exhausted, etc---some type of acid reflux?

[Hypergirl48]

After reading a few threads on here, I'm wondering if this is my problem.

I go through periods of shortness of breath (or what I've heard referred to as air hunger), sometimes lasting a week, then it goes away. Many times at the end of the day I feel bloated, heart beats harder than usual (not necessarily fast) after eating, although if I eat just a little bit, i don't notice it. Exhausted. I'm about 70 pounds overweight. I don't have burning, but sometimes my throat feels "warm." I know that sounds weird. Sometimes I have periods of intense burping, but no heartburn.

I have Graves' disease, with which I'm now hypothyroid and take medication. I also have sleep apnea and use cpap at night. I sleep on one of those foam wedges already. I do have trouble with anxiety, more so in the last few weeks. On Toprol XL and HCTZ for HBP.

I've had EKG's and a nuclear stress test (last year) and everything is fine.

Any thoughts?!?

[TEdds83]

You sound like me. You are not alone. I have hypothyrodism. Periods of severe anxiety and acid reflux that comes and goes. At first I thought I was getting asthma and then realized is was reflux flaring up. My throat gets tight and swollen. I feel like I can't get air. I find if I eat smaller amount throughout the day I can avoid the bloating and gas build up. It does happen and is real frustrating. Anxiety can set in. I think being over 40 which I am has me having all kinds of health issues. UGH! Hanging in there with ya!
Oh ya and I am now about 30 pounds overweight. I was never overweight till I hit 40. I am 43 and I am trying to lose it and it is a constant battle I can't seem to win.

[TEdds83]

I meant to say that it seems that you have a bit of acid reflux and anxiety. They kind of come together. My reflux is different from day to day. Sometimes I feel it in the throat. Other days I just feel it in my stomach or in the sternum area. But it does bring on anxiety. You'll be ok. Try some prilosec. It works great for me.

[Hypergirl48]

Thanks, TEdwards83...makes me feel better just reading your reply!

Yep, I'm over 40 as well, and it seems like as soon as I "fix" one health issue ( or learn to live with it) another one pops up! I've lost about 10 pounds and have much more to go, but as you probably know, anxiety plays havoc with trying to lose weight.

Thanks for your encouragement!

[Vanessa74]

Hello,

I am sorry for what you are going through. Perhaps one of the medications you are taking is causing your stomach lining to become irritated. Beta Blockers (like the Toprol that you take for your HBP) - can cause stomach irritation which can lead to GERD... As we cannot stop taking the medication for our other conditions - we may have to supplement with a medication to help our tummys

Prilosec is a good place to start as it is mild and available over the counter.

I hope you find relief soon!

Vanessa