[59F] Experiencing abdominal discomfort and fatigue

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

• Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause discomfort or a feeling of a knot in the stomach. It can also cause nausea and fatigue. Gastritis can be caused by various factors, including long-term use of certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress, or certain bacterial infections.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to decrease stomach acid, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, and medications that can irritate your stomach.

• Gallstones: These are hard deposits in the gallbladder that can cause a feeling of a knot in the stomach, especially after eating fatty meals. Fatigue can also be a symptom, especially if the gallstones lead to an infection or inflammation.

  • Treatment can range from watchful waiting if there are no symptoms, to surgery if the gallstones are causing significant discomfort or complications.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause a knot-like feeling in your stomach.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. If these don't help, or if you have severe or frequent symptoms, you may need stronger medications or even surgery.

What you can do

While waiting for your doctor's appointment, you could try the following:

1. Avoid foods and drinks that can trigger your symptoms. Common triggers include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.
2. Eat smaller meals. Avoid overeating by eating smaller meals.
3. Don't lie down after a meal. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
4. Elevate the head of your bed. If you regularly experience heartburn while trying to sleep, put gravity to work for you.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood in your stool or black stools
• Blood in your vomit or black vomit
• Difficulty breathing
• Sweating
• Pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm or between your shoulder blades
• Unexplained weight loss

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. You should consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.