7 Years of Pain: A Final Plea

[Desperate]

Since around 2002 I've been dealing with intense pain in my upper stomach region, right at the top of the stomach and below my sternum. I remember the day it started, I was taking medication for a urinary infection that caused me to become nauseous and throw up. After I threw up I felt like there was something stuck in my throat/chest area. Since that day I've felt discomfort/pain every day.

I have a sharp pain in the area I mentioned, along with uncomfortableness and burning. I have trouble breathing, swallowing, and burping. My throat has been sore for so long I hardly even pay attention to it anymore. On occasion I can eat a full meal, mostly I eat for a few minutes and I am full. Sometimes I'm so hungry I will eat more FULLY knowing that 20 minutes down the road I will feel like hell. Temporary relief can sometimes be gained by pressing against the area I mentioned. Getting to sleep is almost impossible, but once I get into a deep sleep I usually don't have a problem.

I've had about every test you can possibly imagine. 2 endoscopies, 2 colonoscopies, upper and lower GI tests, tested for H. Pylori, and many more... I can't even remember the names of everything I've been tested for. I know they tested my gallbladder and pancreas. I've taken tests with Barium on a few occasions. I've eaten oatmeal with tracers in it to see how long it takes me to digest food, I've even had a needle shoved into my spine to find out if a nerve was causing the pain.

I've been on several medications prescribed for acid reflux & GERD, Nexium and others. I've been prescribed anti-anxiety medication also, NONE of these have worked in the slightest. I smoked for a few years and in college I drank regularly, but years have passed, I've grown up, changed my diet, quit smoking and rarely drink. I've been in pain so long that I've learned to deal with it and keep it quiet, so much so that if I do mention it people in my family are shocked and say "I thought that went away!" It's never gone away. The pain has never stopped, not for one day. Doctors can't tell me what's wrong, so they tell me I'm crazy and it's all in my head. I will say, if ANYONE on earth knew what I was going through, they would be crazy too.

It's gotten to the point where I am no longer myself, I haven't been happy in years because of constant pain, nothing helps and nobody can tell me what to do. I've tried to start exercising to help get out of my depression, but apparently nothing can combat what I have. I've never contemplated or attempted suicide, but sometimes I really think I'd be better off.

This is my last attempt to get help, somebody, please, if you know anyone who's had these symptoms or have any connections with a doctor who could help me out, PLEASE PLEASE let me know. I really don't think I can live the rest of my life in pain.

[GLORIA DARBY]

GRAND FORKS North Dakota
This is too long to be in pain and sounds all too familiar. I'm sure the doctors have already told you to stop drinking - period. No spicey foods (yes, this includes ketchup), pepper, gassy foods, slow down when you eat, chew food until it is mush, carbonation .. limit daily caffeine intake and fatty foods, eat smaller meals. I know sounds dull, but the lining of your digestive tract is probably irritated/inflamed. You may actually have an allergy to a food or spice, I'm not sure if you have checked out this avenue. Give your diet a complete overhall and check with your doctor about seeing an allergist. So sorry for your pain! Best of Luck!