Unusual bloating/swallowing issues-no relief, Doctors state anxiety

shakehead
Hi there! I'm posting this in a several forums because I am looking for any help possible! The last year of my life has been a whirlwind of Doctors appointments, ER visits, exams, and medical tests. It started in September of last year, I began to notice a lot of random bloating in recent months after eating certain foods. I stopped drinking milk and switched it up to almond milk. I also tried to eat gluten free to see what was causing this bloating. Thereafter I had a few episodes where I was eating alone and felt like I was choking, and would have to spit up my food. There after began my swallowing issues. I went to ER 2 times and my PCP, who stated it may be Gerd or Gas or Acid Reflux. The swallowing issues only got worse throughout the end of last year and eventually I had lost 15 lbs in a span of 3 months. I www eating very little and living off soups smoothies and very soft food if anything. I constantly had these "can't swallow choking episodes" followed by bloating. Bloating so bad I can stand in the mirror and take a picture, where I look at least 6 months pregnant. My stomach became distended and hard. I had an endoscopy in early December which was negative. I was given a nasal spray because they believed it could also be terrible post nasal drip. I was given 3 different PPIs. Protonix, omeprazole, Pepcid. Etc. they even gave me car agate with Benadryl to help "numb" my esophagus so I could eat. But these unable to eat and blasting episodes still continued. Finally. I saw an ENT in February of this year who seemed to help a lot. He sent me to have a barium swallow exam, speech therapist swallow study, CT of the sinuses, and also inserted the scope in my nose. He gave me prednisone and antibiotics as I had an appearant bad sinus infection and post nasal drip, as well as polyp in my nose. Forgot to mention, along with my GI issued I have shot red of breath, trouble breathing. Anyways going back to the GI issues, everything the ENT did seemed to help, and the fact that all these exams were coming out negative eased my anxiety. Another thing, along the way they noted all of this activity going on with me as "anxiety." Maybe it is, I don't know. rolleyes in addition to all of this going on, my GYN doctor I had explained some other symptoms I was having and she checked my hormones, and my prolactin was out of whack. Next think you know I had an MRI, and I was diagnosed with a pituitary Tumor in my brain. I am now medication, and my prolactin levels are within normal range. Present day, I am still having these "episodes" but they have gotten better and I have managed to eat better and gain back my weight that I had lost. I am still suffering this awful bloating and shortness of breath after taking a few bites or eating a meal. It happens at almost every meal. I recently had a blood tests to check for gluten allergy/celiac disease and a still test for H.PYLORI. Results: all negative! Am I just going crazy? Is it anxiety? Why can't I just feel healthy like I used too. If anyone has any suggestions it is loved and appreciated so much! Thanks!!
Tina.

Tests to date:
Endoscopy 12/2015- negative
Barium swallow exam- negative
Swallow study with speech therapist- negative
MRI brain - polyp in nose + pituitary tumor in brain
Stool study for H.Plylori/ blood test for Celiac/gluten allergy : negative
Spirometry/breathing exam: waiting for results

Hi scaredy cat!
Yes I started going to therapy about a month ago and she is very nice. She has for ibises me with techniques that have helped a few times when I feel anxious. She has stated that she thinks some of my problems sound like anxiety. She along with my PCP have suggested taking anti-anxiety meds but I refuse. I would like to try acupuncture next/ Chinese medicine. Have you personally tried any of this?

Thanks!

Scaredy Cat said...
Hi H2bH,

It seems you have definitely explored this from a medical standpoint...

...can I ask what if anything you have tried in the way of anxiety mangagement?

Medication, therapy...self help?

If you can let us know this, we may be able to better answer your questions. :)

Scaredy Cat

H2bH,

I personally have not tried Chinese herbs or acupuncture...

I credit my recovery to therapy, loads of self help...and the wonderful support here.:)


Everyone is different and has unique needs...so I encourage you to try the herbs and acupuncture, because that may really benefit you.

I also invite you to check out our Resources here at the top of the main page. It is filled with great self help material. If practiced daily they can really make a difference.

Keep posting with us as well.:)

S.C.

Absolutely!

Keep working on the anxiety management, and see if things improve...

...we are here anytime you need support, so keep posting if you find it helps.:)

S.C.

A lot of the members in the GERD forum could help you out. Also, unless you had a double probe test, an endoscopy could be useless because silent reflux doesn't stay in the esophagus long enough to irritate it.

Blue cat thanks for sharing these links they make sense!! I experience the IBS with constipation a lot! And the choking forum, all of the people's experiences I relate too!! Thanks for the help I will keep liking for answers!

BlueCat said...
Hi, I wonder if you have IBS. Have you looked into this possibility?

Bloating
solvingtheibspuzzle.com/bloated-belly/

Choking
www.healthboards.com/boards/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/125855-choking.html

Good luck on your quest and I hope you let us know if you get your diagnosis!

-Cat

Oh good, I'm glad my info was helpful. I hope you feel better soon!

-Cat