GI issues, advice please

I went yesterday to the gi doc about these episodes of pain I get. Usually early morning, epigatric and low back, lasts 30 minutes or less then just gone. It happens randomly and not even every week. He suggested a scope but I don't want to do that yet due to the risks. So we decided to try prevacid for 6 weeks and if that didn't get rid of it then the scope. He thinks either acid reflux, anxiety (of course) or sphicter of oddi dysfunction (i don't think it is this, the symptoms don't match).
I took my first prevacid pill today and I swear for w hours I was dizzy and lightheaded and my left arm hurt. Which my arm hurting is not entirely unusual. I don't want to take it but the other meds for acid have the same if not worse side effects. I dont k,ow what to do. Do I push through and take it or stop and hope it's not an ulcer that will kill me?

Hi Ryates,

Sorry you are having digestive issues. This is a common and unfortunate issue that goes hand in hand with anxiety.:(

I had severe stomach pain at one point and was sure it was an ulcer. I went in for the easy and non invasive pylori test...but it turned out to simply be stress related. (no ulcer)

I second the idea of calling your doctor to see of there is a better option for you Rx wise...

Also, keep up with your anxiety management skills, and hopefully you will find the answers and relief you need soon!

S.C.

ryates,

While you do not want to have any invasive procedures done if you can help it, I found my three scopes to be problem-free. It really shed light onto what was going on with me.

It will take a bit for your body to adjust to the medication. There are so many out there that you can try if this one doesn't work. If memory serves, being on these really long-term can cause osteoporosis.

If it is only acid reflux, cool. This is quite treatable via the aforementioned medications, avoiding certain foods, and sleeping with your bed inclined 8 inches just to name a few. If you don't mind my asking, are you overweight? What does your diet look like? Are you eating late? Despite everything I have had done, I'm told everyone is going to have a little reflux no matter what.

If it is only anxiety, also cool. There are a lot of ways to deal with that, whether it be medication or exercises.

I am not familiar with the last item you posted. My scope discovered I had a medium hiatal hernia which is basically part of your stomach pushing up into your chest. Apparently that hernia can snap the esophageal sphincter which is what keeps the acid in your stomach where it belongs. Also very treatable.

Your doctor probably simply did not have time to call back based on the timeframes you have given, so cut him/her a little slack. Sometimes it is difficult to remember how many patients they probably see in a day. They will get back to you.

Best wishes.

ryates,

I echo all those sentiments and shouldn't say I can't cook... I just don't, nor have I ever really tried.

YOU ARE NOT DYING!!!! This is anxiety, step up with your coping skills. Practice breathing for 10-15 minutes instead of 5, watch a 30 minute mindfulness video instead of a 10-15 minute one. Take a longer walk then usual, step it up a notch to put a dent in that anxiety.

I'm sorry you are feeling so bad, but you got this. You will get thru it, just like you've gotten thru it before.

I'm not sure what that means, I googled it but didn't understand any of it, lol. Work on breathing in the mean time. Do you have a follow appt with your doctor to discuss what this means for you?

My Prayers go out to you that it is not nothing to be concerned about. I would call and make a sooner appt if you can so you find out either way what is going on for sure, to put your mind to rest.

I spoke to the nurse and she said the doctor wasn't concerned at this point but we will recheck it in a few weeks. If it's still up we will do more tests. He said that's not the pain I'm having but I don't know.

I ended up going to the er for the pain and anxiety over the blood work. All labs were normal except raised direct bilirubin. I also noticed my rbc, hemoglobin and hematocrit were lower than last month. So now I'm worried I'm bleeding internally somewhere. I'm going crazy!

I did make an appt with my regular doc and they sent me for an ultrasound yesterday. The results weren't back before they closed but I was assured by them and the hospital that if something bad was wrong they would call me. They didn't call yet so I hope that's good. The doc wasn't concerned with any of the results. She said I could have my blood rechecked in a few weeks. The pain is better today (still there slightly) so I'm hoping that means I just pulled something.

I'm trying to be rational 👍