Fed up: Anybody have a swelling feeling... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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tabletphobic profile image
24 Replies

Anybody have a swelling feeling around upper stomach under ribs and around the back. Its sore and painful, it sets off palpitations/afib. I'm so fed up with feeling so ill, the GP's don't know and am taking stomach meds and now they've given me inhalers to try. These aren't working, the only thing that has worked in the past are antibiotics but they are loathe to prescribe anymore. Trouble is, it's getting worse. Anyone experience the same. To me it's either an infection that hasn't resolved ( apparently had community acquired pneumonia before this afib kicked off which was news to me ) or its the tablets because the swelling, weird feelings did seem to co incide with the start of beta blockers.

I just can't get rid of this

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tabletphobic profile image
tabletphobic
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24 Replies
etheral profile image
etheral

The causes of upper abdominal pain are myriad. You need an exam, labs and possibly x-rays, ultratrasound, etc as indicated after being examined by your doctor. An internist, gasrroenterologist, or even your cardiologist may be appropriate. Possible diagnoses range from ulcer, gallstones, pancreatititis, aneurysm, med intolerance . Even cardiac problems can cause upper abdominal pain. Call your doc. If severe acute pain go to a+e. Best,etheral

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat

It sounds like it's not all the time,though I may have misunderstood? Do you keep a food diary. I am very intersted in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, Others on here far more knowledgeable than me but lots of info available.

tabletphobic profile image
tabletphobic in reply to Bagrat

This has been going on for well over a year now, I've tried diet tweeks, I've taken all the meds given, in the last 2 weeks it is constant and I feel getting worse. It just won't go away. As I said the only time i have ever felt anywhere near normal is with antibiotics but then it creeps back

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat in reply to tabletphobic

Oh sorry misunderstood. That's something you need to insist on further investigations for. It must be of great cocsern and that is every reason for seeking advice and support,GP or if nogo A&E.

tabletphobic profile image
tabletphobic in reply to Bagrat

Yes. I think I need to be more assertive with the GP, I had realised I should stick to one GP so I did recently only now for her to retire. But I will stick with another one as seeing different ones doesn't get anywhere.

Bawdy profile image
Bawdy in reply to tabletphobic

Helicobacter pylori responds to antibiotics after a gastroscopy, if needed. If you were to have this it can keep recurring. I have had these problems most of my life, you know, it's an awful way to live. Also beware of the stomach meds. I wish you well.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to tabletphobic

HiThat's what happened to me also. Felt better on antibiotics.

Low fat Yoghurt is soothing.

'I ended up with 4 port holes as surgeon said he had to pick off bits of gall bladder from other organs.

Its now taken out via tummy button!

Easy.

I have only 2 stainless steelclips which show up on spinal xrays.

cheers JOY. see earlier post.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

Good advice from etheral. Also I think that sometimes we don't empty our bowels completely and this can cause bloating and all sorts of aches and pains. If I feel that's happening to me, I eat half a can of peaches in fruit juice on an empty stomach - works like magic. Fresh peaches are better if you have some.

Jean

tabletphobic profile image
tabletphobic in reply to jeanjeannie50

Interesting, my stomach doesn't feel right but again that only came with the tablets

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly

Hi, don’t know your age but if over 65 you should have a scan for aneurysm to be on the safe side but as etheral said so many things can cause those symptoms. Wondering what kind of antibiotics help, that might be a clue?

I think I would go to A&E if pain is really bad, I have heard of so many people only being diagnosed by going to emergency services when a chronic symptom gets unbearable - in my case it was a bowel abscess 😬

tabletphobic profile image
tabletphobic in reply to Buffafly

No but almost 64, I saw the GP last week and am waiting for an appointment for an ultra sound. I think the antibiotics were Erothymicin. This feels like its gotten worse though. I will go to A&E if it doesn't start easing.

BobsBeat profile image
BobsBeat

Are you retaining fluid? Have you been prescribed a diuretic to see if it relieves some of the bloating and discomfort?

tabletphobic profile image
tabletphobic in reply to BobsBeat

No that's not been mentioned yet, could that cause this ?

BobsBeat profile image
BobsBeat

Fluid retention can be caused by many things, not the least of which is the heart if overworked like in AFib. Have you had any labs done (complete blood panel, Troponin, BNP, etc.) or diagnostic testing (echocardiogram, cardiac mri, CT scan of abdomen, etc.)?

Having your doctor prescribe a short trial of a diuretic (loop like furosemide is probably the strongest and quickest acting) may be worth the test if they don't see any contraindication in your workup.

tabletphobic profile image
tabletphobic in reply to BobsBeat

Thanks, the GP is sending me for an ultrasound, have had some blood tests and xrays way back when I had the pacemaker in. Apart from the infection I mentioned it all was ok. Had ecg's last year , was ok. The palpitaions definitely come with a bad stomach. I will ask if it could be water retention

oscarfox49 profile image
oscarfox49

I'm assuming the discomfort is around your solar plexus, just below the rib cage. I have suffered since the stroke, probably before, with tightness and tension around that area which has variously been put down to nervous stress and anxiety, to effects of beta blockers and various other medicines. If it does not get worse or intensify, and you have no other gastric problems, I would not worry as sometimes undergoing lots of medical explorations and procedures can make these things worse by raising anxiety levels.

It is notoriously difficult to separate physiological symptoms from psychological ones, and my psychologist told me this was quite normal and that AF itself generates anxiety and floods of 'fight or flight' hormones.

SuziElley profile image
SuziElley

You know, we can all suggest things that might be causing this but at the end of the day, we’re not doctors. I think you really should push for more investigations and if you really are worried get yourself off to A&E, but be prepared for a long wait…… All the best

mjames1 profile image
mjames1

You really need a thorough work up. I'd start with seeing a GI specialist.

Jim

tabletphobic profile image
tabletphobic in reply to mjames1

Yes I agree, I'll start with the ultra sound because I'm referred but I'm not letting it go now. I do think I've been fobbed off before

belindalore profile image
belindalore

Here's a good article in the New York Times. Titled "Women Are Calling Out Medical Gaslighting". It discusses how women and people of color are misdiagnosed and basically ignored by Drs. Men too. The author is Melinda Moyer. I'd send you a link to click on but I only have my cellphone to use to get online and it limits what I can do. But the article proves how badly Drs treat a LOT of people seeking help. I read and hear so much about it here in the USA. But it's a world wide problem. This is the kind of treatment I have received. If you don't agree with the Dr or question him/her in any way you are noncompliant. Or just a hysterical woman or whatever they decide you are in order to not own up to the fact they are inept. I'm so sick of the medical system nowadays. Not all of us can just shop around for other Drs. I can't afford to. I really don't plan on being in this world too much longer because of the poor care I receive. And I know I'm not alone.

wilsond profile image
wilsond in reply to belindalore

Belindalore I hope you feel in a better place soon. Xxx

belindalore profile image
belindalore in reply to wilsond

Thank you. But I don't hold high hopes with the healthcare I receive. I just do the best I can. It's unbelievable in this day and age that many people aren't getting better healthcare. Makes me wonder how these subpar Drs sleep at night knowing they aren't helping their patients.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49

HiSounds like gall bladder problems.

Have it taken out6 like I did.

Not before useless tests like bowl to colon camera test and mouth to. stomach camera test.

Then a scan showed little balls. "Not enough to need gall bladder out".

When the surgeon removed it as I found out that my grandfather had his out, the whole gall bladder had disintergrated.

I had been suffering from aged 4 years of acid stomach.

To sooth take warm glass of water and squeeze some lemon into it. Eat only LOW FAT DIET.

Take care.

cheri. JOY

tabletphobic profile image
tabletphobic in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49

Thanks, I do have gallstones

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