[59M] Experiencing gastrointestinal and neuromuscular symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• 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, causing symptoms such as heartburn and nausea. The fact that your symptoms worsen after eating and improve with sleep is consistent with GERD.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. In severe cases, prescription medications or surgery might be necessary.

• Gastric Motility Disorders: These are conditions that affect the normal movement of the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract, which could explain your feeling of not processing food properly, as well as your nausea and heartburn.

  • Treatment typically involves dietary changes, medications to improve the stomach's muscle action, and in some cases, psychological therapy.

• Anxiety: Chronic anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including muscle twitching, nausea, and gastrointestinal problems. Given that you're taking anxiety medication, it's possible that your symptoms could be related to anxiety.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy (counseling) and medication.

Please note that these are just possibilities based on the symptoms you've described. You should consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Keep a symptom diary: Write down what you eat, when you eat, when your symptoms occur and how severe they are. This can help you identify any patterns or triggers, and it can be useful information to share with your doctor.
2. Lifestyle changes: Try eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large meals a day. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger your heartburn (common triggers include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine). Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed. If you smoke, consider quitting.
3. Over-the-counter treatments: Antacids can provide quick relief from heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. However, they can't heal an esophagus damaged by stomach acid.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain
• Bloody or black stools
• Bloody vomiting or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unintentional weight loss
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, jaw pain, or arm pain (these may be symptoms of a heart attack)

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the symptoms you've told me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.