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What Causes Stabbing Sensation Around The Sternum And Flatulence?

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Posted on Tue, 25 Nov 2014
Twitter Tue, 25 Nov 2014 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 20 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on
Question : I have this stabbing/prickling sensation around the sternum - more towards left side of chest. It is very short in duration - 3-4 seconds and occurs once or twice per day for the past 4 days.
I've also had a lot digestion issues over the past 1-2 months. A lot of burping/Flutulance and I am on a very strict diet (no sugar/ breads/ dairy) just protein and vegatables. I thought with this diet the symptoms would disappear.


My Health Profile -

- Excellent Physical Condition - run 4miles per day 6 1/2 minutes per mile.
- Feel Pretty Good in general with the strict diet. Protein and Vegetables. No sugar, breads, dairy.
- Not a Smoker / Drinker.
- Bad Chewing habits - eat very fast without fully chewing the food. Trying to do better.
- Height 5'6". Weight 140.

Ran today for 4 miles without symptoms (no chest pain / nausea / dizziness, etcc...) symptom free.

All blood work up tests are within normal ranges except the following:

Issues:
1. B12 - low. Started taking b complex supplements. Originally level was 290 mg. Do not understand why. I am not a vegetarian. Which leads me to believe some type of mal absorption issue? After taking B12 complex, level went up to 452 and began feeling better

2. Kidney Function - a bit compromised. Depending on when you take the test. Creatinine level has been measured - on occasion - at 1.5. Normally (most of the time) it is 1.2-1.3. Very tiny kidney stones. No pain.

3. Cholesterol - High HDL = 95 LDL = 150, Triglycerides = 45

5. Heart - had a "million" tests. Other then the "Gold Standard". Everything negative. Passed the treadmill with way above normal results - athlete level. Echocardiogram, Calcium, etc... all negative. Do have a family history of heart issues.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possible GERD/Gastritis to be confirmed...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

I have gone through your medical history and understood your concerns.

Your symptoms are highly suggestive for possible GERD/reflux , gastritis. Upper endoscopy and abdominal ultrasound are highly recommended to evaluate your GI problems.

For the moment, I advise to:
- avoid foods high in spicy/oily/chilly foods
- avoid caffeinated drinks
- sleep with extra pillow
- avoid laying down immediately after eating

Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2266 Questions

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What Causes Stabbing Sensation Around The Sternum And Flatulence?

Brief Answer: Possible GERD/Gastritis to be confirmed... Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, I have gone through your medical history and understood your concerns. Your symptoms are highly suggestive for possible GERD/reflux , gastritis. Upper endoscopy and abdominal ultrasound are highly recommended to evaluate your GI problems. For the moment, I advise to: - avoid foods high in spicy/oily/chilly foods - avoid caffeinated drinks - sleep with extra pillow - avoid laying down immediately after eating Hope it helped! Dr.Klerida