OpenHealth Q&A

Struggling with Abdominal Distress and Breathing Issues

Greetings everyone. For nearly two years, I have been enduring a sensation akin to having a tight band around my chest and persistent, painful bloating in my stomach. Back in September 2023, I underwent my second colonoscopy and endoscopy, coinciding with a noticeable decline in my condition. I’ve had past incidents of acid reflux, and some indications of Barrett’s esophagus were found; however, nothing conclusive emerged from those tests. At the beginning of 2024, my gastroenterologist prescribed a course of xifaxan antibiotics, suspecting I might be dealing with SIBO, especially since my insurance refused to approve a breath test. Initially, the antibiotics seemed beneficial, but my symptoms swiftly worsened thereafter. My work environment can be quite demanding, and over time, I began to lose my temper over minor annoyances. Every slight agitation seemed to trigger constriction in my abdomen and chest, often leading to bouts of burping. I ended up taking sick leave during my second week on antibiotics to avoid jeopardizing my job, yet my situation hasn’t improved much since. Though I have learned to manage my feelings better, my emotional state is still erratic, leaving me feeling disoriented. My employer has been supportive, which I appreciate, but I'm convinced that without FMLA protection, I would have likely been dismissed by now. Attempting an elimination diet yielded no notable improvements. After that, I was placed on a second course of antibiotics, and my antacid dosage was incrementally increased without relief. One night, I discovered that pressing firmly on a specific spot in my shoulder significantly improved my breathing, although it was a temporary fix. This led my wife and me to consider whether my issues might have a musculoskeletal origin. We stumbled upon Slipping Rib Syndrome, which seemed to align with my symptoms, prompting me to seek treatment through OMT. I have been commuting over an hour to see the first available therapist, and despite several months of sessions, there has been little change. I am contemplating switching practitioners, even if it means more waiting time. I often reflect on a moment from last year when my wife was massaging my lower back and applied pressure to a random spot, resulting in what felt like an awakening, allowing me to breathe with clarity for a short time. Unfortunately, that relief was fleeting. Recently, I had an x-ray of my chest and shoulders which revealed nothing significant. I just underwent another endoscopy two weeks ago; while my esophagus and stomach appeared inflamed, that was the only finding. The physician mentioned discovering a small hiatal hernia, yet I’ve been informed it is too minor to be causing diaphragm issues. In these last months, my bloating has escalated; I often feel as if I am carrying a soccer ball in my chest, leading to a strikingly visible distension as if I were seven months pregnant. This discomfort impacts almost every facet of my daily life, and I am preparing to allocate more of my limited resources towards a CAT scan to search for additional insights. In the meantime, I am performing physical therapy exercises to enhance diaphragm strength and taking an assortment of daily medications. On an unrelated note, I’ve been reading aloud to my wife—currently, we are immersed in Brandon Sanderson’s works. However, I suffer from excessive belching during these sessions, which has been disheartening. Thankfully, my wife is incredibly understanding and assures me that she hardly notices. I know this may feel like a long shot, but I hope I’ve shared enough information for someone to offer guidance. Thank you for any assistance you might provide.

Answers (1)

3/19/2025, 10:40:48 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your ongoing challenges and concerns. It sounds like you’ve been navigating a complex situation with multiple symptoms affecting your daily life. The combination of abdominal distress, breathing issues, and emotional strain can be overwhelming, but let’s break it down and focus on actionable steps you can take.

Main Points:

1. Your symptoms may stem from a combination of gastrointestinal issues, possible musculoskeletal factors, and stress.
2. It's important to manage your symptoms holistically while allowing for time to assess improvements after any intervention.

Explanation:

You've described persistent abdominal bloating, chest tightness, and emotional fluctuations, possibly linked to stress and unresolved gastrointestinal symptoms. Given your history of acid reflux and the recent findings from your endoscopy and previous tests, it's good that you’re under specialist care. However, your experience with medications and treatments that have not provided lasting relief suggests the need for a more comprehensive approach.

Next Steps:

1. Continue Physical Therapy and Explore Musculoskeletal Issues:

   • If Slipping Rib Syndrome is suspected, continuing with physical therapy focusing on diaphragm and core muscles can be beneficial. It may also be worth discussing the possibility of complementary treatments with your therapist that could relieve muscle tension and improve breathing.

2. Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments:

   • Since you mentioned an elimination diet without notable improvements, consider keeping a detailed food and symptom diary to identify any potential triggers that may have been overlooked, even minor ones.
   • Focus on smaller, more frequent meals to reduce bloating and gas production. Avoid foods that are known to contribute to bloating (e.g., carbonated beverages, high-fat foods, and certain fibers), and consider probiotics if your doctor agrees.

3. Stress Management Techniques:

   • Engage in relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises that could help alleviate tension in your body and potentially improve both your abdominal and breathing symptoms.

4. Monitor Symptoms and Adjust Medications:

   • Since you're on various medications, discuss with your healthcare provider the timeline of your therapies and assess their effectiveness. Sometimes, medications may need adjusting or changing to find what works best for you.

5. Consider Further Diagnostic Testing:

   • While a CAT scan may provide additional insights, ensure you discuss the need and timing for this with your healthcare provider based on your evolving symptoms. This will help prioritize what is essential to investigate next.

6. Seek Support:

   • Emotional support is crucial. Consider speaking with a mental health professional if you feel that emotional distress is contributing significantly to your physical symptoms. Therapy can offer strategies to manage stress and improve your emotional wellbeing.

As you navigate these complex symptoms, remember to prioritize self-care and be patient with the process of finding what works best for you. You are taking thoughtful steps by seeking help and learning more about your body; this is a significant and commendable direction for your health. Please feel free to share updates or ask further questions as you continue on your journey toward improvement.