I am a 44 year old women possible starting perimenopause. Recently I have been having lots of heartburn - the pain does not travel up the throat and lasts for long periods of time. I am feeling bloated have gained weight and have trouble breathing at night. I felt a pulse just above my navel last night and find that i feel very uncomfortable after meals. My dad has had a AAA and my mother has hiatus hernia. I do not have medical aid and do not want to go for expensive tests if they are not necessary. I have just started gym and use the vibrating plate machine - i get a sharp pain in my left side of my abdomen but this could just be a stitch?