Hello. I can't believe I am typing this post :( I am 35 years old and a month ago I went to get out of bed when I felt a very sharp pain just below my left rib cage, the pain then dulled to more of a consistent discomfort but would get worse if I did certain things like bend down to pick something up or attempt to run. It seems to be aggrevated by movement in my abdomen. 3 days later, it was around 2pm when I realized I hadn't eaten but I wasn't hungry which is a big deal as I have always had a big appetite. That same night, I was laying awake in bed and my stomach was making some very loud growling noises and this happened so much it actually kept me awake for most of the night, I only ended up sleeping about 4 hours. These symptoms have not changed or eased since they started.
Around a week later, I started to get some difficulty swallowing. This has been intensifying to the point where even water now causes slight pain. I have also developed a productive cough, shortness of breath and a blocked nose that will not go away. I am burping and passing wind an awful lot.
I have visited my GP 3 times about this. The first time I was advised to take Omeprazole which has not made any difference. The second time I was advised the rib issue was likely a pulled muscle and the rest was likely stress. When I returned for a third time and explained I am getting extremely worried the GP ordered full blood work testing for various cancers and digestive organ function, I also had to provide stool samples to test for H Pylori and blood. The bloods were fine but haven't received stool results yet.
This week my breathing and difficulty swallowing got so bad I went to A&E. They did another blood test which came back alright and they took a chest x-ray which they said was fine. The Doctor there did say my lack of appetite and difficulty swallowing were things that needed to be investigated sooner rather than later so she has referred me for an urgent Endoscopy but she advised that due to Covid there is a backlog so it could take upto 2 weeks just to receive the appointment letter.
I don't know what else to do. I have a wife, 2 young children and she is due to give birth to our 3rd very soon. I am so scared this is something serious and I won't be there for them and every day that passes the risk increases.
Can anyone offer any advice?
Thank you so much.
