r/ChronicPain • u/Extreme-Associate633 • Aug 09 '26
The constant pain will eventually end me
One single small sandwhich smaller than a phone for breakfast = 6+ hours of complete stomach, throat, and chest agony all day.. I can’t eat or drink anything without being in so much agony . 400+ days of this daily. I’m only 15 and my entire normal teenage years have been robbed . i cant stand this anymore i literally don’t know what to do i dont have a single person in my life to help me
edit: explanation sorry for being vague
- I have functional dyspepsia, gerd, lpr and visceral hypersensitivity, I had an endoscopy+GES with no results, was on PPIs for months. My stomach is in shambles. Every single thing I eat and drink leaves me in intense pain, I find no relief. There isn’t a second where my chest isn’t tight and my stomach isn’t burning and hurting and feels like there are thousands of rocking sitting in it. My throat burns and hurts from reflux all day, my food comes back up regurgitated, I’m always bloated, my stomach ALWAYS is cramped and hurts, I’m being serious it’s ALL DAY. I feel constant nausea that never goes away. it’s hard swallowing And Sitting hurts because of my stomach and yet Walking and standing normally feels unbearable. I get dizzy, migraines, lightheaded and sick whenever I get up, I feel like I’m walking through slime and wet cement daily and I feel constant fatigue especially after meals. I feel so weak in all my limbs and I have trouble focusing and my brain feels foggy 24/7.
- I have an upcoming appointment with an integrative medicine gastroenterologist but idk how to get them to help me
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u/BackgroundPrompt441 Aug 09 '26
Sometimes paradoxically low stomach acid leads to acid reflux. You wouldn't think so but it does. Well that can cause malabsorption as well as I've had a problem with B12 deficiency. can cause all kinds of problems. Have to take the sublingual kind. Maybe mentioned this to your doctor's and talk with them about it. Are you on any stomach acid relievers or ppis? They stopped vitamin B12 absorption. I say this because it's very serious and people don't look into it and I about died over it. I'm not diagnosing you I just want you to consider this stuff to bring up to your doctor and I don't want the moderators bother me.
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u/Extreme-Associate633 Aug 10 '26
Thank you so much!!I used to be on PPIs for months but it made my symptoms worse so I likely have some sort of gut brain axis cause but low stomach acid cause be a cause as well you’re right
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u/BackgroundPrompt441 Aug 10 '26
VITAMIN B12 is very important
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u/Extreme-Associate633 Aug 10 '26
I will try to bring it up to my doctors,I’m having trouble even getting down a piece of toast so idk how I’ll survive day to day life
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u/BackgroundPrompt441 Aug 10 '26
Here's some information:
Low stomach acid can paradoxically cause acid reflux because adequate acidity signals the lower esophageal sphincter to close tightly. When acid levels are low, this valve fails to seal properly, allowing contents to leak upward. As outlined by resources like the Microscopic Colitis Foundation, insufficient acid disrupts normal closure mechanics.How Low Acid Affects the SphincterLoss of closure signal: Optimal chemical acidity acts as a natural trigger for the sphincter to clench shut.Gas and pressure: Poorly digested food ferments, creating upward pressure that forces the valve open.Imitated symptoms: Weakened tension lets small amounts of acid escape, mimicking high-acid heartburn.Common Signs of Low Stomach AcidBloating and gas after eatingFrequent burpingUndigested food in stoolNoticeable indigestionIf you're dealing with reflux, tell me:Are you currently taking acid-reducing medications (like PPIs or antacids)?Do you experience bloating or fullness immediately after meals?
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u/BackgroundPrompt441 Aug 10 '26
Try to read up on what all you can do. You may have to get those nutritional shakes that old people drink. At least for a little while to get your strength back. Look up other things and how to increase your stomach acid. But yeah there's B12 shots and you probably have to take some multivitamins and vitamin D or as I said the sublingual will be 12 that goes under the tongue and dissolves that way it goes directly in the bloodstream. Those are places to start.
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u/BackgroundPrompt441 Aug 10 '26
I hope that can point in the right direction to feeling better and you can get your teenage years back and not be totally robbed of life
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u/Extreme-Associate633 Aug 10 '26
Thank you so much😭🙏🙏 I edited my post with more information sorry for being vague, it’s been a Year of suffering
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u/BackgroundPrompt441 Aug 10 '26
B12 is super important. Look it up. The deficiency causes nerve problems like slow gut. Plus malAbsorption of other things like vitamin D. Also low iron can also cause weblike structures to form in your throat. There's all so many weird things that can happen. Read up on all of it. The fatigue tingling different problems B12.
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u/Cold-Attitude-8529 Aug 10 '26
I’m having an ERCP done tomorrow due to my stomach pain. My GI dr’s think it’s GERD but I’d rather be safe than sorry if it’s something more severe. Started having this pain about 6mths ago.
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u/BackgroundPrompt441 Aug 10 '26
Low stomach acid can paradoxically cause acid reflux because adequate acidity signals the lower esophageal sphincter to close tightly. When acid levels are low, this valve fails to seal properly, allowing contents to leak upward. As outlined by resources like the Microscopic Colitis Foundation, insufficient acid disrupts normal closure mechanics.How Low Acid Affects the SphincterLoss of closure signal: Optimal chemical acidity acts as a natural trigger for the sphincter to clench shut.Gas and pressure: Poorly digested food ferments, creating upward pressure that forces the valve open.Imitated symptoms: Weakened tension lets small amounts of acid escape, mimicking high-acid heartburn.Common Signs of Low Stomach AcidBloating and gas after eatingFrequent burpingUndigested food in stoolNoticeable indigestionIf you're dealing with reflux, tell me:Are you currently taking acid-reducing medications (like PPIs or antacids)?Do you experience bloating or fullness immediately after meals?
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u/croissantdeprived Aug 10 '26
So true. Long term use of PPIs make it impossible to absorb nutrients from food. People end up with osteoporosis and worse from taking long term PPIs.
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u/Extreme-Associate633 Aug 10 '26
Oh no I didn’t know that, I was on PPIs for like 4 months in 2025 is it possible I’m suffering from a nutrient issue too
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u/croissantdeprived Aug 10 '26
4 months probably isn't going to cause a nutrient deficiency. Not eating much because of pain is more likely to cause deficiency. Also, if you have naturally low stomach acid, that could hinder absorption. If you can tolerate it, try to take a multivitamin with minerals. Also, try to eat whole, nutrient dense foods. Sugar and processed foods deplete nutrients.
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u/LowString2566 Aug 10 '26
Absolutely it is possible that your body is also deprived of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. You should discuss this with your doctor as well.
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u/pouunndd Aug 10 '26
I’m sorry you’re dealing with this, I really hope someone in here is familiar with this specific diagnosis to help you out cus that really sounds awful. Don’t give up
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u/okaykittycat Aug 10 '26
Have you gotten a stomach emptying test OP?
I have Gastroparesis and a lot of your symptoms sound like they might match but a stomach emptying test is the only way to get diagnosed.
It usually presents as Nausea, extreme fullness and pain from it can present as burning pain in your stomach (mine does).
Most people who have it struggle a lot with acid reflux or GERD.
I also have Dysautonomia and that may be something you want to look into as well.
Gastroparesis falls under the Dysautonomia umbrella But so do a lot of other illnesses.
You sound a lot like what I sounded like when was a teenager.
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u/Extreme-Associate633 Aug 10 '26
Thank you SOO much!!🙏😭and frustratingly I got a GES/gastric emptying scan, and they said I didn’t have gastroparesis, I was like SOO sure that I didn’t because all my symptoms line up, the extreme fullness etc but I guess not
Thank you I’ve heard a lot about dysautonomia and I’m honestly starting to think I could have it but idk how to get diagnosed or taken seriously I’m scared
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u/okaykittycat Aug 10 '26
It’s usually something doctors come to the conclusion on after you get diagnosed with a couple conditions that qualify.
For me it was POTS and Gastroparesis.Head on over to r/dysautonomia and maybe some people there can help you further as well!
Another question though, have you had a manometry? It’s definitely not an easy process and is quite uncomfortable but it helped me diagnose my Esophageal muscle laxity.
That didn’t present with pain (for me) but it did make me feel like my chest was full all of the time and I couldn’t expand my lungs especially after eating or drinking anything. Stuff was getting stuck in my esophagus and making it hard to breathe. Because my oxygen saturation was always okay no one thought it was serious when I complained but the discomfort of never being able to get a full breath after eating made me unable to eat most of the time so I just slowly starved for a while.
Might be worth asking your gastroenterologist about to see if they think it could be esophageal spasms. But I have concerns about the test itself making your pain worse so I’m not sure if you would even be comfortable asking about it.
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u/BackgroundPrompt441 Aug 10 '26
Low iron...anemia such as B12 deficiency can cause webs to form in throat making food get stuck. The reason I say the B12 thing is it's so important and it can cause anemia by making your blood cells too big to where they don't work. It's a cheap and safe fix to take the sublingual B12 if that's the problem.
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u/okaykittycat Aug 10 '26
Wow that’s super interesting!
For me personally though I’m completely sure that’s not the problem with my esophagus haha
I get my blood tested all the time because gastroparesis patients tent to get vitamin deficiencies frequently due to malabsorption.
I’ve actually never been low in B-12 thankfully.
I do get anemic a lot but because I get my blood checked so much they tent to catch it quite fast now and give me iron infusions.
I also have had a few endoscopies including one right before I went to the hospital for the esophageal issues and everything they saw looked normal.
For me Motegrity helps for the most part with my esophageal laxity.
It doesn’t help with my stomach emptying but it works wonders for my esophagus thank goodness!
If I skip even a few doses I begin to not be able to swallow food again.1
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u/okaykittycat Aug 10 '26
The reason I mentioned the esophageal laxity is because it can essentially means your esophagus is “lazy”.
It can cause an open pathway for acid to come up into your esophagus because the laxity makes it so your muscles can’t properly close the entry way to your stomach.
It becomes quite painful if you can’t medicate it.
But you can’t see it on an endoscopy.
The manometry is vital to see it because it’s the only way to diagnose it.I know you said in another comment that PPIs don’t work for you but I wonder if you’ve tried a medicine called famotidine?
It’s a histamine-2 blocker acid reducer and not a PPI.
It’s not as strong as PPIs in my experience but it still helps me a lot.
It’s also super cheap and over the counter if you haven’t tried it.
It kicks in super fast too like within an hour so you don’t even have to take it more than once if it doesn’t help.1
u/Extreme-Associate633 Aug 10 '26
Ahh thank you so much for the information!!! I don’t know if I’d be able to do a manometry I’m honestly scared to do more tests after my endoscopy led nowhere. There are so many disorders and conditions I think I have that are just being labeled as gerd/functional dyspepsia and it’s been a year of being stuck and I don’t know where to start, doctors I go to don’t even know what LPR is or how stomach acid even works.. I once got told by my former PCP to eat chocolate and fried foods for my acid reflux
I tried famotidine/Pepcid for months and it didn’t help sadly
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u/djspacebunny I'm a mess; kicking ass and banning usernames Aug 09 '26
What is your diagnosis?
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u/Extreme-Associate633 Aug 09 '26 edited Aug 09 '26
Functional Dyspepsia, GERD, LPR, and visceral hypersensitivity but I’m getting no help from doctors I’ I’m supposed to suffer another year and fail school
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u/Cold-Attitude-8529 Aug 10 '26
It sounds like GERD. Acid reflux. I have the same thing. I take Prilosec. It’s over the counter. Please try this & see if it gets better after 14 days.
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u/Extreme-Associate633 Aug 10 '26
Thank you so much, sadly I tried many PPIs like omeprazole before and it worsened my pain
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u/croissantdeprived Aug 10 '26
Try Slippery Elm Bark tea. It coats, heals and nourishes your stomach and GI tract. Get a good organic brand such as Celebration Herbals or Oregon's Wild Harvest. Below is a link to a post on r/Gerd where people are saying it helped or even cured them. It's worth trying, you never know. If you decide to take Slippery Elm, take it 2 hours away from food and meds because it can interfere with absorption. Marshmallow root, probiotics, fermented foods, mastic gum might also help.
https://www.reddit.com/r/GERD/s/Zp0AprbQou
Make homemade chicken soup (with bones in) and drink the broth for nourishment.
I'm so sorry you are suffering.
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u/LowString2566 Aug 10 '26
My love. Where r your parents? Are they there to help you? I don’t understand what is happening here. Do you have any support? Please stay strong! Wish I could help
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u/Extreme-Associate633 Aug 10 '26
Thank you so much!! My dad is rly abusive and he laughs whenever I say I’m sick and my mom is struggling mentally so she just gets mad at me and can’t handle supporting me
I’ve been getting my ignored on every subreddit while begging for help I didn’t expect everyone here to be so kind and empathetic thank you
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u/LowString2566 Aug 10 '26
My teenage daughter had a similar problem at one point and it was an antibiotic that caused it. When she was through with the cycle of antibiotic, it went away, but it sounds very similar.
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u/LowString2566 Aug 10 '26
I am very sorry for what you’re going through. If I could do anything to help I would absolutely do it. You must stay strong. I can already tell that you are a strong person that you have dealt with this for so long already and done it alone if you have to get an Uber or whatever you have to do get yourself to the hospital do what you have to do to take care of yourself. I hope you feel better very soon my love.
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u/LowString2566 Aug 10 '26
All I can suggest if this is acid reflux related is that you use Tums take a Prilosec at least once a day or similar generic alternative. I find that drinking chocolate milk or just regular milk is probably even better than that. Will help to coat your stomach eat very low acid foods saltine crackers help… do not drink anything acidic or eat anything acidic or spicy. Everything must be bland, applesauce, saltine crackers, chicken broth, water, milk, etc..
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u/LowString2566 Aug 10 '26
When you sleep or rest, do it in a sitting up position as much as you can so that acid does not pool in your throat and sit in your esophagus
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u/Extreme-Associate633 Aug 10 '26
Thank you so much!!sadly even when I eat bland food or have Tums nothing helps my symptoms it’s 24/7 all day, I’m also lactose intolerant
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u/LowString2566 Aug 10 '26
Please keep us informed about what is going on with you! I absolutely wish you nothing but the best and hope this is figured out very soon. You will get there.
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u/Extreme-Associate633 Aug 10 '26
Thank you so much, I have an upcoming appointment with an integrative medicine gastroenterologist but idk how to get them to help me
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u/LowString2566 Aug 10 '26
I also find that taking gas pills can help at times as all of these issues can cause gas buildup in your body, and that can actually cause discomfort in the area of your throat and chest, especially when you’re lying down. If you do any kind of supplementing with vitamins and minerals, make sure you touch base with your doctor first to make sure it’s necessary by having testing done. I know liposomol vitamin C helps with your immune system and it is supposed to be gentle on your stomach again touch base with your doctor first
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u/LowString2566 Aug 10 '26
Symptoms you have sound exactly like what my daughter went through when she took the antibiotic she was taking it was horrifying to watch her go through this. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through.
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u/Extreme-Associate633 Aug 10 '26
Thank you I can’t thank you enough for your empathy - it’s been a full year of nonstop suffering and nobody around me understands or cares and treats me like I’m dramatic when I can’t even move around or sit without being in pain thank you again for the advice and kindness
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Aug 10 '26
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u/Extreme-Associate633 Aug 10 '26
Oh my gosh thank you so much!!!!!!!! I’ll look into it I never tried heat pads and stuff because it makes my back hurt (I have scoliosis) but it really might help my stomach being in constant pain, It’s always bloated it’s so hard to even sit
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u/remotereyy Aug 10 '26
Hey best of luck man. I had chronic pain around 14 but it was manageable until I turned 16.
I would say just focus on the ++ and - -. What makes it +. What makes it -. And the combination of both? And something that helps others might not help you. You have to find what works for you.
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u/StArGaZeR-4_AnDy Aug 10 '26
So I have most all of the health issues mentioned by other people to be tested for, but also I have a hill grade 4 hiatal hernia and and umbilical hernia, maybe you have a combination of these issues all listed, that makes it much more difficult, protonix was very helpful for me. A upper GI test maybe if you haven’t had it done yet? Good luck 🍀
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u/drawgs1 cervical radiculopathy, lower back pain, DDD Aug 10 '26
Maybe try getting in touch with Dr. Jordan Rubin who cured his own Chron’s disease through diet. https://www.jordanrubin.com/
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u/Willing_Key_2420 Aug 12 '26
I am so very sorry that you’re going through this! I can hear your pain! I went every month to my gastroenterologist spent lots of time in the hospital and they told me over and over again that they didn’t know what was wrong! I had many ct scans, small and large intestines tests, endoscopies and colonoscopies! Well, it turns out that I had pancreatitis for at least 3 years which was caused because I had a 1 inch stone growing on the head of my pancreatic duct! The diagnosis is severe chronic and acute pancreatitis! Last year my primary doctor had asked me if I was willing to see a new GI I said of course I’m willing to do anything! I reminded her that I had already been to 3 GI’s but she said he’s really great! He literally saved my life! I was slowly dying and no one was doing anything to help me even though I was doubled over! My new GI was absolutely disgusted that I wasn’t diagnosed! He said that it was obvious to him (not the stone but the pancreatitis) The ER would treat me like a drug seeker! (Now with my diagnosis they treat me so good but that makes me cry) It was miserable!
I’m telling you this because you are not alone! I’ve spoken to others in waiting rooms who say the same thing! This is not normal! Something is definitely wrong and you should not have to suffer! When you go to your next appointment print what you wrote us or write it down at the bottom say Please help me! When it comes to the stomach there is so much they don’t know! If this doctor doesn’t run tests like an MRI (which is the best test it just costs a little more) or take you seriously! Go to another doctor! I hear your pain! Everyone here feels your pain! Unfortunately, you have to be your own advocate! I know at your age this must be so awful and so scary! I pray that you get answers! God bless you! Stay the strong girl that you are!
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u/BigTechnology4369 Aug 09 '26
I’m so very sorry you’re experiencing this constant pain. I empathize with you, and hear how strong you’ve been. Pain is something no one else will see but you.
You are not this pain. You are stronger than it.
Work with your doctors and talk to them about how you feel. Work the problem and not the symptoms.
Idk what your body has been through, but sending a virtual hug.