epigastric discomfort/pressure, feeling of fullnes in esophagus, throat,

[missid]

I am 35 yo. mother of 4 children. I had a lap chole. during my last pregnancy in March 2004. This did alleviate problems at that time. However, now, 15 months later, I am experiencing the same symptoms, with a few new ones to boot: epigastric pain/pressure/fullness, the sensation of food or something being stuck in the esophagus/throat, belching, the sensation of being squeezed tightly by a rope or belt beneath the ribs/diaphragm, the inability at times to obtain a full breath, coughing. This has been going on for nearly 2-3 months and they are worsening. These are nearly the same symptoms I experienced while having gallbladder problems, except now there is no gallbladder! I do have an appt. to see my family physician, however, I am completely frustrated and miserable!! Does this sound like a hiatal/hiatus hernia with reflux possibly? Could it have something to do with the gallbladder removal itself? Am I crazy? I know one thing, I am miserable, and I need advice from a professional. Should I question my MD about tests such as upper endoscopy, Hyda scan, etc? Any help/ advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hiatal hernia certainly is possible.  Other possibilityes can include GERD, an ulcer, an anatomical blockage, or gastroparesis.  

I would start with a barium swallow/upper GI series.  This test can evaluate the swallowing mechanism as well as look for any anatomical obstruction.  

If negative, an upper endoscopy can be considered for a more comprehensive test.  

If the tests remain non-revealing, you can consider more specialized testing like a gastric emptying scan to evaluate for gastroparesis.  

You can discuss these options with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a GI evaluation.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Sarah Connors]

Does sound like symptoms of Hiatus hernia &/OR GERD.
No harm in discussing with your doc, to have an upper GI, shall confirm the diagnosis.

[mom]

Hello

Wow same symptoms here.............Memorial Day came home from a cook out 2 hours later severe pain right between ribs where my stomach starts and after a 1/2 bottle of malox pain finally subsided, I know I have GERD but this was very painful, I have been on Piroxicam for anti inflammitory of my knee. Thinking this iritated my tummy went to gastro she did upper gi. shows hiatal hernia and GERD.   I am taking prilosec every day and have appt to see her friday, right now I feel pressure at the top of my stomach and yes short of breath also and weird thng pain where my gallbladder used to be and same pain???  Not sure but I am figuring out MILK products do not agree with me either!

I am 43.................let me know what you find out

[missid]

This is absolute misery! You would think gallbladder removal would have taken care of these symptoms! WRONG! I see my family MD today, Monday, hopefully they will schedule upper endoscopy, or something that will diagnose the problem. Will let you know when all is said and done. I hate to say it, but sometimes it makes me feel not so "crazy" when I know others out there have the same symptoms. Thanks! missyp

[missid]

Thank you for posting your comment. Have you experienced Hiatal hernia & GERD? It's Misery! Just wondering! Thanks again! missyp

[Notfeelingwell]

I'm 19 years old and have always been in pretty good health. My parents came back from a trip in December of last year and brought back the flu. But, this was no ordinary flu...it was the worst I've had-consisting of me vomiting several times (sorry about being so graphic) with little to no food in my stomach. Ever since that moment I haven't been the same. I couldn't eat much of anything after that moment...I started to develop weird health problems consisting of the following: feels like pain in the upper portion below my chest...more of a nauseated feeling. I thought I just had the flu longer than expected...but I was wrong. The symptoms just seemed to get worse...I wouldn't eat for days on time-smells would even upset me. If I happened to even get the strength to try and eat anything after the second bite I would get a sudden urge to vomit. It got to the point where I was sick every day and slept most of the day away because that was the only way to make it "go away." I went to the doctor and they thought I had Acidreflex so they put me on Prevacid...needless to say it did nothing. After 3 weeks-I came back and told them I felt the worst I had through the whole ordeal. I researched through a medical dictionary trying to find some answer to what my problem could be...hiatal hernia seemed to fit. I told my doctor and she agreed that it could be a possibility...she had me try acidplex-which helped some what and we sched. an appointment to have a barium swallow. I actually went into the hospital praying that it was a hiatal hernia or acid reflux...but after the test the doctor who administered the barium swallow said I had neither. I took my acidplex and I was doing some what better...but recently I've experienced it much worse...I feel nauseas within seconds...it hits me like a bad case of flu. I've been getting blurry vision as well as dizzy spells in which I feel like passing out. IBS? Hypoglycemia? Anything else it could possibly be?

[missid]

Wow! I really hope you continue to search for answers. When you feel as badly as you do, depression can begin to set in sometime. Please don't give up hope. Your symptoms are very bizarre. How long have they persisted after the flu? Keep researching. My MD has started me on Prevacid also, has diagnosed me with GERD at the moment. I have to try it for 2 weeks, then if it does not work, testing will be done for hiatal hernia, etc. I know what you mean about praying they will find the answer. Keep on praying for the answer. Missip

[versute]

I feel your pain.  I'm 31/m and I am having such misery right now, related to your symptoms.  Each day is worse than the one before.  I should be in bed now, but my throat feels clogged and I am waiting for whatever it is to clear.  The only thing I did was drink some water with a bit of pure protein powder(no vitamins or filler).  I took my pills and after I did, about 5 minutes later I paid for it dearly, by feeling like they were floating back up my throat, almost even into my sinueses/nostrils.  Horrible.  I haven't eaten a normal meal in 4 weeks.  Every day I wake up and soon remind myself that I am not normal yet.  

I am having to pursue this on my own, for my doctors aren't helping me.  I had an endoscopy done Monday, and it tested OK.  Which is good, but bad, because it didn't take my problem away, and therefore I have to suffer with this longer.  I'm just waiting on God...

[astros18]

You may have liver stones. Stones actually form in the liver and since you don't have a gallbladder they get backed up in the ducts. Doing a liver flush is the best thing to do, it worked for me. Taking out the gallbladder is not always the solution as I found out. Taking a hi lipase food enzyme to digest fats also helps me.You can take a tablespoon of epsom salts in 3/4 cup of cold water(yuck, I know!). If your pain subsides it probably is stones. Good luck!

[Buffyfan]

Oh I'm so glad I came here. I have been battling the choking, swallowing and lack of breath for months now and I thought I was alone. Docs have dx me with asthma, panic d/o, anxiety, allergies, etc. I just had the endoscopy and the ph probe. I have been dx with LPRD (laryngopharengeal reflux d/o). There is not a lot of info on it but you may want to check with your GI or ENT about it. Your symptoms sound classic to LPRD. I am not getting the relief I need from Prevacid. Nexium 2x/day helps but I still feel the choking. Some days I can't go outside b/c it takes my breath. I'm afraid to sleep at night out of fear of stopping breathing. Can anyone help? I've been to the ER 5x in 3 months for breathing probs and choking sensations. They all think I have anxiety. I need help to get rid of this. I'm so down. I've lost 15 pounds in just a little over 2 weeks b/c I can't eat. I feel like I'm choking or my throat is closing when I eat. I can sometimes drink water. I've been to the hospital for dehydration related to the lack of fluid intake. Please help me.

[Notfeelingwell]

Ok, lately I'm getting the same symptoms as I posted in my other post. I feel nausea setting in-as if I'm on one of those kids playground rides that spins around and around...dizzy and feel like throwing up. I feel light headed and like I'm going to tip over. I really wish I knew the cause. It almost feels like when I try to focus when I'm dizzy it makes me feel like throwing up even more so. All of these symptoms and noone seems to put a name to this horrible problem.

[astros18]

You may have vertigo, or possibly meniere's disease. Don't know, but go to the doctor and have them test you.

[Inanga]

I have recently been struggling with the same (or similar sounding) throat symptoms - like it's being sqeezed or there is food stuck. The doc said it was called Globus - used to be called globus hystericus and they though it was a sigh of anxiety. Appaertly these days it's more often attributed to GI problems - I have been dealing with food intolerances which make my stomache bloated and this makes it hard to breathe - hard for the diaphragm to push against the stomach - when I'm stricter on what I wat I'm better - the other thing the food sensitivites goves me is a post nasal drip - mucous coming down the throat - I'm pretty sure that's the main factor in the globus sensation - If i try hard enough to cough the mucous out the sensation will abate. Eating seems to help too - whether it's helpnig the stomach or clearing the thrat mucous I don't know. Laying on my back seems to help - maybe the mucous drains down a different track. I got nowhere with 2 gps so I'm trying to work it out myself.

Staying hydrated can be hard for me too - just don't want to put anyting down my throat when that sensation is there. I'm sure staying hydrated actually helps though - maybe the mucous gets thinner and less preoblematic.

I'd say you are very anxious - but that's an effect of the globus - not the cause - like me. Keep trying to get it sorted - don't give up.

[Buffyfan]

I'm finally going to Duke to see an Otolarangologist this week. I've tried Aciphex since last post with only one good day of results. I'm getting down again. I am in the education field and school starts exactly one month from today. I'm so afraid I won't be ready to work. I've lost more weight- up to 3o lbs gone-and I'm worried about damage to my body. I'm praying this doctor can help.

[Supragirl]

Hi, well, I'm not feeling well either !!! I have just about the same symptoms.  Mine did not appear after a bout with the flu though. Mine came after getting a dental filling !!! Composite resin; not amalgam. I did swallow some of the etching solution, I think it was phosphoric acid. Maybe that has caused some problems.

I found out as a fluke, humanly speaking that is, that I have HepC. It seems that anytime I complain about gastro symptoms, folks are quick to say it's the HepC. That gets the doc off the hook too !! Since "they" say so many people have HepC and don't even realize it, I tell everyone to get tested for it.

I'm not sugesting that you have HepC, I've had NO symptoms of HepC for 25 years, so I didn't mention HepC because of your symptoms, I just started rambeling.

Hope you feel better soon!

Supra

[astros18]

Supragirl, I'm sorry about your diagnosis of Hep. C. Do not despair. There are many natural courses of treatment that can make you feel better. You need to be on an viral immune formula. Olive leaf extract is a good antiviral. You for sure need to be taking milk thistle. It is a wonderful tonic for your liver. Possibly a liver detox. I encourage you to find a naturopath medical doctor in your area. Make sure you check credentials. They should have a medical degree from an accredited school at least 4-6 years of schooling. Get busy, and you should start feeling better in no time. Good luck to you.

[AlwaysStressed]

I have felt terrible since last Sunday.It feels like my food is getting stuck when its going down.My stomach feels empty but when i eat just a little i feel full up.Im seeing my GP on Tuesday,i suffer from anxiety which doesnt help and now i think i have stomach cancer or something terminal.I havent vomited or had blood in my stool.Please please someone put my mind at rest.Im 22 by the way and dont drink,take drugs or smoke.

[AlwaysStressed]

I forgot to mention there is no pain just some discomfort.Thank you.

[SHEN]

If you are looking for self study in addition to seeing your Doctor, here is an excellent    
reference book http://gastroresource.com/GITextbook/en/chapter1/Default.htmk

One chapter deals with what your Doctor should ask:

The key to accurate diagnosis and effective management of gastrointestinal problems is flawless history-taking. Since up to 50% of gastrointestinal disorders are associated with no anatomical change, no physical findings and no positive test result, diagnosis and therapy must often be based on the medical interview. The gastrointestinal history must include an accurate description of the symptom itself, a past history of gastrointestinal disorders or surgery, a meticulous search for symptoms that might suggest organic disease (such as gastrointestinal hemorrhage, anemia or weight loss) and finally, a careful assessment of the patient's psychosocial state, with particular attention directed toward traumatic events or concerns associated with the onset of the patient's complaints.

[babbles]

I too have been having many problems, it started out with a feeling of something being stuck in my throat, then stuff backing up into my esophagus and then vomitting it up, I have been to the ER three times, and have seen 4 different doctors as well as have been seeing a Gast doc. I had a EGD done and everything was good, the biopsies came back good, the doctor did say I had acid irritation, and signs of sluggish emptying. Over 5 weeks I have lost 30lbs,went from bad to worse. I am taking Cimedidine 800mg twice daily and Methoclopramide(REGLAN), I check back weekly with my gastro doc and give him a progress report, and when I tell him I have seen really no changes he ups my medicine, I feel like I am getting no help, I asked him what is causing this he told me the acid irritation. I am pretty much dianosing myself he told me I showed signs of sluggish emptying on the EGD and I am sure that is what this is my stomach doesn't emtpy correctly and this is what causes me to have the acid problem, besides the fact I am having alot of problems digesting meat, dairy, etc what I can eat today and digest tomorrow it doesn't. Very hard thing to deal with. With no help from doctors, I started out taking protonix and that caused me to have various other problems once I quit taking that after about 4 days the pains I was having in other areas of my body quit. I went over 2 weeks urinating very little which in turn caused a urinary tract infection and then kidney stones. I had my gall bladder out 2 years ago and am wondering if that isn't causing me problems now. All this was brought on all of a sudden. Does anyone know if acid irritation could cause delayed emptying or if it is vice versa? And does anyone have any movement they can feel in the left side of their stomach, I can always feel slight movements in my left side, kind of like when someone has a chest cold and has wheezing in their chest. Hard to describe, that started 2 weeks into all this and the doctor has never given me an answer on that one either. And does anyone know if the metoclopramide stregthens the muscles so they can eventually work well on their own again or if they just treat the problem? I read on a couple sites on here they make them work correctly again,but haven't seen that written on many of the sites. Any help or input would be appreciated. Hope we all get better soon or at least get some answers from our docs.

[astros18]

I responded to your previous post, but I didn't know you were without your gallbladder. You should be taking digestive food enzymes especially a hi lipase to help you digest fats and things like cucumbers, apples, and nuts. While you can live without your gallbladder it definitely changes your digestion, despite what the doctors say.(I think they all still have their gallbladders, so they don't know!) The feelings on your left side sounds like possible gas to me, but I don't know. If you work on detoxing your colon and the feeling goes away, it probably was gas.

[babbles]

I saw you responded to the previous post but I can't find it anywhere. But thank you for responding. I plan on keeping people updated on my condition because what I don't see any of is if people who are suffering with these symptoms improve after time or not. Anyway yes I had my gall bladder out, which seems odd to me because I was on protonix taking it for a couple months when my gall bladder went bad, and then this time they put me on protonix originally and I started having all these weird pains in arms, hands, bilary pain,urinary tract, kidney stones, trouble urinating, there were too many to list but anyway I went and looked at the adverse effects on the hand out I was given for protonix and all the problems I was having were listed so immediately quit taking the protonix and within a week all these new problems cleared up,all except the problems urinating which I think is actually due to my stomach not emptying correctly. I am actually getting to where a feel pretty good until I try to eat and then I have difficulties for 1 to 2 hours. I do have some reflux still but from what I can tell it is reflux of not everything I eat but the fatty foods like meat,I have pretty much eliminated all meat and dairy everything fatty no oils butter etc.  so I am going to try the enzymes.Which do you suggest? I read papaya enzymes were good, have you heard that? Also can I take them with the medicines I am taking like methoclopramide and cimedidine? Yesterday I tried to go without the methoclopramide and made it actually 29 hours before I took it again. Do you know anything about how that medicine works, does it make it so the LES or stomach muscles eventually work well on their own again or does it only treat the problem? Thank you any input would be great. Have a good one.

[babbles]

Also I might add after having my endoscopy the doctor told me to minimize caffeine which I completely quit drinking anything that contained caffeine until I went to refill my medications and the pharmacist was telling me about the metoclopramide and how it tightens down the LES to prevent food and acids from splashing back up into the esophagus and I said oh really well I have problems with my stomach emptying and he said really well alot of people drink caffeine for that he said that is why alot of people drink coffee after or with a meal and so I questioned him as to why and he said because it helps empty your stomach as well as helps you urinate and gets your bowels moving. So I came home and started having a little coffee once in a while and it seems to be helping me some. Not saying it will help everyone but it is worth a try. For a little more then two weeks I would drink and drink water and still couldn't urinate and my doctor of course says well your not drinking enough, I wanted to laugh in his face and tell him how stupid he was because I got up that morning and drank four 16ounce glasses of water and still couldn't go to the bathroom and he tells me that I am not drinking enough. It may be worth a try.

[astros18]

I use Nature's Sunshine and Garden of Life products. They both can be found on the internet. I use a hi lipase enzyme for fat digestion and Food enzymes for everything else. Papaya is not strong enough on its own. They are soothing, though and taste good, so they won't hurt you to take. I also take Primal Defense probiotic from Garden of Life. It is also possible you have stones in your liver(doctors say it is impossible). You can check out curezone.com for the liver/gallbladder flush information. It is essential that your bowels move frequently. A normal bowel movement should be the consistency of soft serve ice cream and the "ideal" is for your bowels to move at least 30 minutes to 2 hours after you eat. Nature's Sunshine has a lower bowel stimulant to help you regulate your bowels and they also have many colon cleanses. I am not a doctor, so I cannot comment on drug interactions but you can ask your doctor or check on the internet. I have taken all of the above supplements while on meds and while being med free. Digestive food enzymes are enzymes your body is supposed to produce naturally and probiotics are harmless as well. I hope my info helps you. It is always a good thing to become proactive with your health. Keep me posted.