Abdominal Pain, Heartburn, Pain In The Back, Tingling In The Feet, Dizziness. Pulsating Lump On The Abdomen. History Of Belly Button Infection

Posted on Thu, 5 Jul 2012

Question: I've noticed lately that after I eat I notice a pulsating lump just above my navel. When I lie down on my back I can see my stomach pulsing. Often it feels like the lump beats more strongly than my own heartbeat. Lately, I've been experiencing abdominal pain and heartburn. It's constant in the upper abdomen but shifts to all parts. I've also been experiencing back pain and pain in the legs, tingling in the feet and have been feeling constantly faint and dizzy. Wherever the abdominal pain is, my skin goes red and I have been feeling nauseous. What could all this mean? I have been reading up on AAA, but at my age it doesn't seem likely. I am quite thin (about 52kgs). About 8 months ago I had an external abcess from a belly button infection, I took most of the prescribed anti-biotics but missed a few pills.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)

Hi there.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

Thanks for the query.

If you could kindly answer a few questions, I will be in a better position to guide you.

Has the abdominal pulsating mass been growing in size?

Do you have any vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, jaundice?

Since when are you having back pain, tingling sensation in the feet?

Do you have any racing heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, or headache?

Have you checked your blood pressure recently?

Does anyone in your family have any heart problems?

How is your sleep, appetite, mood throughout the day and general activity and energy levels? Has there been any recent change?

The pulsating abdominal mass could be due to various causes.

Very thin persons can see and feel a pulsation in their abdomen which is usually normal, caused by the pulsation of the abdominal aorta artery.

There could be other possible causes for the same like aortic aneurysm, which is a swelling of the abdominal aorta due to weak walls of the artery. It can present with back pain, tingling sensation in the legs as well. But this diagnosis commonly requires the presence of certain risk factors like advanced age, fat deposition in the arteries, high cholesterol, high blood pressure etc.

Some persons can have connective tissue disorders which can also cause an aneurysm.

There can also be other causes like a pancreatic mass, especially if you have any gall stones, or consume much alcohol.

You need to have food XXXXXXX in proteins, fresh fruits and XXXXXXX leafy vegetables. Drink plenty of water. Do daily brisk walking for 40 minutes a day. Avoid junk food, smoking and alcohol.

Kindly do reply to my queries and consult your Surgeon to evaluate the abdominal mass and perform a complete checkup to find out any of the possible causes and also manage your condition appropriately.

I hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (8 hours later)

Yes I have been experiencing bad headaches and chest pain. I'm not sure if the mass grows in size but it definitely feels more acute after eating. My energy levels throughout the day are very low. I used to do a lot of exercise but have struggled to do so lately. I have been experiencing the back pain and tingling in the feet for the last month, but it has worsened over the last week

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (7 hours later)

Hi there,

Thanks for the reply.

Usually heart rate and also abdominal aorta pulsations increase after eating due to metabolism of the food you consumed. It is usually normal.

Since you are experiencing headaches and chest pain along with tingling in the feet, it requires a thorough checkup by a General physician to rule out certain conditions like diabetes, sleep deprivation, hypertension, arterial malformations, aneurysm etc.

You need to avoid consuming high carbohydrate meal. Avoid consuming heavy meals one at a time. Rather, try to have short frequent meals throughout the day. Consume a diet XXXXXXX in proteins, fresh fruits and XXXXXXX leafy vegetables. Drink plenty of water. Do daily moderate exercise. Do Yoga daily for stress relief. Sleep for 6-8 hours a day. Avoid working under low lighting conditions and also avoid long working hours. These will help to bring back energy levels and make you feel more refreshed.

I suggest you consult with your general physician and get a thorough checkup to rule out the possible causes for these complaints. A consult with a Psychiatrist will help if you have issues with sleep, appetite, stress and general activity problems.

Wishing you good health.

Regards,

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E