I need help please!! Serious stomach issues!!

[Harmony]

I'm really freaking out here!  I have had stomach symptoms going on since before Christmas.  They symptoms are:
-Severe upper to mid abdominal pain
-feeling constantly uncomfortably full even when I've only eaten a small amount of food or drink for hours
-feeling of gas trapped in the chest and not able to relieve it, sometimes I can feel it radiating all the way to my back
-Every once in a while I get these intense "attacks" where it feels like the most extreme gas and hunger pains together and it lasts 4 to 5 hours
-my stomach is painful to press on when standing, but just sensitive when lying down
-nausea all the time

I've tried Tums, Gas meds, and Ranitidine.  None had any effect what so ever

My doctor recently ran blood tests for H.pylori and regular stuff like CBC, and I had an ultrasound.  The ultrasound came back normal as did the blood work.
H.pylori and gall stones have been ruled out.
I'm waiting now on a referral to the Gastroenterologist for an endoscope, but it's a 6 month wait!

I flat out asked my doctor if it's something serious like a tumor and she said no.  But why can't I believe this?  What else could it be?  What if she missed something?  What if I didn't explain my symptoms clearly? 

I can't handle feeling like this everyday.  Usually with my HA, once a test comes back all clear and the doctor says don't worry, I start to know my symptoms go away.  My stomach is getting worse though!

I'm terrified it's cancer - my number one fear!!!  Can someone please help calm me down while I wait to see the specialist?  Does anyone know what it could be, anyone with the same symptoms?

Thank you, I  really do appreciate any help!! 

[Tam0630]

Have you ever been tested for gluten intolerance? Ever since I went gluten free, and started drinking the required amount of water for my body weight, I have eliminated these very symptoms.

I am eating better now than I ever have. I used to only be able to eat once a day because I'd feel so sick (and I'm emetophobic (vomiting phobia)) and now I'm eating 5-6 times a day.

Acid reflux can also cause these symptoms. The meds you are taking could just not be strong enough.

I would suggest trying an elimination diet. Eat simple, bland foods and keep a food journal, write down every food that is causing an issue to see if you can pinpoint any food intolerance, specifically intolerance to wheat, rye, barley and any form of dairy. Make sure you're getting a lot of water as well and eliminate any soda you may be drinking.

Foods to try at first, slowly reintroducing others (one at a time):

Mashed potatoes
Banana
bonless/skinless chicken (baked or broiled, plain)
light fish, like Tilapia
plain rice
toast
cooked/steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots (picture the colors of the rainbow and eat those things)

Another good way to get the nutrients you need while going easy on your stomach are smoothies.

Good luck. Please post your progress!

[LindaRK]

Good advice from Tam ....

Not sure how old you are, but acid reflux/Gerd-type symptoms are common in pre and menopausal women (something else to look forward to!!!).

Also, I believe that anxiety can "ramp" up these symptoms as well (stress-induced).  Diet would definitely play a part. 

Have you tried OTC Prilosec?

[Harmony]

Thank you both for your replies :) 

Tam0630:  I don't eat much gluten or wheat in my diet right now, just before this started I was starting an anti-inflammatory diet and both of these were off limits in that diet.  But I'll admit that since this started, I have been not as careful about it.  Gluten intolerance does run in my family, so it's definitely a possibility...
I'll give it another go and see if it makes a difference!  Thanks :)

LindaRK:  I'm 31, so I hope I'm not pre-menopausal yet! But yay, something to look forward to!    I think my anxiety and stress is definitely making it worse.  I haven't tried Prilosec, I'll look into it! Thanks :)

It's just hard for me to be ok with this and not worry that it's something terrible since I'm in so much pain and the fact that every page on google lists C as one of the causes for these symptoms!

Thank you both for your help!

[Slangevar]

I'm in the same boat, though I'm 40, so I fit into LindaRK's pre-menopausal category.  You have my sympathies... these new stomach issues are totally ruining my life.

In case it helps, I had NO luck with rantadine (Zantac)... it made it worse. I'm on the elimination diet right now and think I have some issues with things like garlic and tomatoes, but it hasn't stopped the GERD altogether.

Trainwreck also recommended Prilosec, so I'm going to give that a try if my next two theories don't pan out (Theory 1: Dehydration; Theory 2: Allergies). Basically unless you have a GI or ENT who likes puzzles, it's all about trial and error.