Recurrent Chest and Abdominal Discomfort
Greetings! I’m reaching out for some insights regarding a distressing and painful experience I’ve been facing. Apologies in advance for the lengthy account, and I hope no one criticizes me for not seeking emergency assistance—I often worry about overreacting and being a burden. **About Me:** - Age: 26 - Gender: Female - Weight: 240 lbs (a notable reduction from 275, thank you 💪🏻) **Medical Background:** - Treated with 30mg Vyvanse once daily for Binge Eating Disorder. - Prescription of Celebrex and Tizanidine for chronic back discomfort following an injury. - Experiencing sleep apnea. - Using birth control and a women’s multivitamin. **The Issue:** Over the past five months, I’ve suffered from two incidents of excruciating pain in my chest and abdomen. The first episode occurred in September while I was out of state. After dining, I took a Gas X and as soon as I rose from the toilet, sharp pain struck. It felt as if everything in my chest—including my lungs and esophagus—was being tightly constricted. I struggled to breathe and broke out in a cold sweat. After pacing for about ten minutes, a bit uncertain of how to cope and seeking clarity on the sensations, I felt a pressing urge to vomit or have a bowel movement, which led me to induce vomiting. The pain eased slightly, but I still felt tightness in my chest and diaphragm afterward. Ultimately, a visit to the emergency room revealed no alarms concerning my heart, with the diagnosis of “food poisoning” (😐—I wasn’t entirely satisfied with that verdict, but I accepted it). The second episode was last night. After taking another gas relief medication, I was met with discomfort about ten minutes later. This time, the pain developed more gradually, affecting my chest (below the heart, but above my stomach), as well as my lower and some upper abdominal regions. I had an overwhelming sensation similar to needing to vomit or have a bowel movement, but it wouldn’t happen. Along with sweating and a struggle to breathe, the discomfort seemed harsher this time. It felt as if someone was gripping the base of my stomach and intensely pushing upward, causing a compression of my stomach and esophagus. The agony was so disorienting that I was at a loss as to how to relieve it. I attempted various positions—walking, lying down, kneeling, anything—and realized that sitting on the toilet exacerbated the situation. Following a familiar approach from my previous incident, I triggered a gag reflex, yet it didn’t alleviate the pain. I discovered that extending my torso relieved some discomfort, allowing me to breathe a bit easier. Therefore, I lay on my bed, with my head elevated above my abdomen and my arms stretched out. Although I felt some relief over time, I could sense muscle movements in my lower esophagus. Today, my chest and diaphragm remain somewhat sore. While I’m not a medical professional (which is why I’m here), this doesn't seem like standard food poisoning to me. I am very cautious about my diet and avoid anything that doesn’t seem fresh, has an off-putting odor, or looks questionable. The fact that this has recurred makes me even more doubtful of that explanation. Can anyone offer insights into what might be happening? I dread the thought of experiencing this for a third time. After doing some questionable internet searching, I wonder if it might be esophageal spasms (though I’m no expert). If that’s the case, how is one diagnosed with that condition? Should I seek medical assistance during an episode? Are there any signs detectable after an event subsides? I’m looking for guidance to avoid this unsettling nightmare again 🥲 Thank you in advance 💔
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 6:20:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing distressing and painful episodes of discomfort in your chest and abdomen, and I appreciate you sharing the details of your situation. Given the intensity and recurrence of your symptoms, it's important to consider them seriously. Here are some key points and recommendations based on your description:
Main Points
- Symptoms Suggest Possible Esophageal Issues: Your symptoms could be related to esophageal spasms, gastrointestinal reflux, or another digestive issue, rather than classic food poisoning.
- Monitoring Symptoms is Key: Keeping a log of what you eat, the timing of your symptoms, and any activities that precede these episodes may help identify triggers.
- Seek Immediate Help if Severe Symptoms Occur: If your symptoms intensify, especially concerning chest pain, breathing difficulties, or persistent nausea, it’s crucial to seek medical assistance.
Explanation of Your Symptoms
The symptoms you described, including severe pain, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, sweating, and the urge to vomit, could indicate issues with the esophagus or upper gastrointestinal tract. Esophageal spasms, reflux issues, or even functional gastrointestinal disorders could manifest similarly. Stress or certain foods may trigger these symptoms.
Given your context of changes in weight and ongoing treatment for binge eating and sleep apnea, these factors might contribute to your episodes as well.
Next Steps
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Monitor and Document: Start a symptom diary detailing what you eat, any medications taken, and the timing of your symptoms. Note down occurrences of pain intensity, duration, and any relieving factors. This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.
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Diet Consideration: Although you’re careful with your diet, consider reducing the intake of known triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, and fatty or fried items, especially if you suspect they might be involved. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help reduce strain on your digestive system.
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Hydration and Positioning: Stay well-hydrated and pay attention to comforting positions that relieve your symptoms during episodes—like laying with your upper body elevated. This might help manage symptoms while they occur.
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Consult a Healthcare Provider: Reach out to a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms further. Given their recurrent nature, you may benefit from imaging studies (like an upper gastrointestinal series or endoscopy) and possibly a discussion about esophageal reflux or spasms. Highlight your previous experiences to communicate the urgency effectively.
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Have an Action Plan: Develop a plan for what to do during an episode, including when to seek help. Knowing that you have steps to take can help lessen anxiety during these distressing times.
Continuing to avoid the emergency room unless absolutely necessary is understandable; however, if your symptoms escalate or you feel your safety is at risk, don't hesitate to seek immediate care. You're not a burden for wanting help—your health is a priority.
Please feel free to ask any follow-up questions or if you need more clarity on any of these points. I’m here to support you!
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