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!

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.