Persistent indigestion and stomach pain despite treatment, anyone had similar?

[MoonHouseCaretaker]

Hello. Sorry, buckle up, this might be a long one. Just want to give the background.

Just to start off, I do have anxiety, health and other stuff. I just worry about things but manage ok. I started getting indigestion/heartburn a lot at the start of the year. Had it occasionally in the past but it ramped up. I was getting pain through to my back with it as well as soreness at the top of my stomach in the middle around the bra line. I have been dealing with a lot of life stuff so put it down to stress.

Eventually saw doc who after a very brief consultation, prescribed omeperazole for a month and said it was acid. No questions or examination given and I was out the door. He’s since retired so obviously wasn’t too interested!

Four weeks later no improvement and stomach pains worse, although I have to say they aren’t horrendous just uncomfortable.
I am getting pain randomly all over, in the middle of my stomach, to the left, right, in my back and chest.

I tried to manage it for a few weeks more then went back to see another doc. Prescribed famotidine, examined and tests arranged for H Pylori (negative) and had chest X-ray (all clear). A camera test was mentioned also.
Now 10 days in and not much improvement. A week ago I had the most horrendous pains in my stomach and back. I couldn’t lie down and was pacing the floor. My ribs were hurting and I was about to set off for a&e when they began to ease so I didn’t go.
No two days are the same. Sometimes I feel ok, almost back to normal. Others I feel bad. I can get pains during the night and other nights im ok.
Wtf is going on? Im thinking gallbladder, although my symptoms aren’t typical or ulcers or something worse. I am trying to figure out if it is certain foods that trigger it but can’t find anything in particular. My diet is quite bland at the moment.
I thought the meds would have kicked in by now.

Im feeling quite sorry for myself. Lost about a stone in weight because I am not eating as much and have cut out all the unhealthy snacks and foods. Only drink water and decaf tea. No alcohol. Im miserable and have lost interest in doing anything but do the necessary things like going to work etc. All plans are on hold. At least im not crying every day now which is an improvement.

Anyone else had similar. Im back to docs week.

My mum had this and actually had her gallbladder removed as it was assumed that was the problem due to where most of the pain originated. It still hasn’t resolved, but investigations haven’t identified anything. Might not seem helpful, OP, but wanted to reassure it happens to others.

I went to the doctors over and over, had a camera test - nothing, and eventually got referred for an ultrasound and it was gallstones.

Lost a huge amount of weight on my fat free diet, sadly put it back on once the gallstones were gone.

You don't mention your age but weight loss is a red flag symptom that should trigger urgent referral.

Yeah.

i cut out alcohol, coffee, citrus and nightshade plants - so tomatoes and peppers.

I eat a fairly bland diet now but it does seem to have fixed it.

omeprazole did not help me and if anything made it worse.

Thank you. Im 62. The weight loss is understandable and intentional as Ive drastically altered my diet with both what I am eating and portion sizes. I’ve actually lost about 12 pounds in 8 weeks which isn’t that bad. So im not worried about that and neither is my doctor but I agree unexplained weight loss is a red flag.
I shall ask for an ultrasound when I go.

Just an update for anyone who might be having similar problems.
Still getting symptoms and been back to doctor for a review. Meds not having much effect but not sure if it’s early days yet, 3 weeks in.
Not a very good consultation as she appears not to have listened to what I told her last time and seems at a loss as the pains are not triggered by anything in particular and rather erratic. I’m at a loss too and that’s why I am asking for help!. I kind of got the impression that she thought I was making it up which is very disappointing. I cannot explain why some of the time I feel ok and then it comes back.

Anyhow, next step is a camera test so will have to wait goodness knows how long as I am not classed as urgent.

It sounds like your gall bladder. I had mine out many years ago. I was in agony with mine. You will need a scan to confirm this.

Thank you. I guess after the gastroscopy that will be the next thing I will ask for. I’m not in agony, just uncomfortable/sore and it’s in the middle mostly but if heartburn starts that is more painful. Not your typical gallbladder symptoms though.

I just want to know if there is anything going on in my stomach first. It’s just a process of elimination I suppose but it’s stressing me out not knowing.