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!

[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

[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?

[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

[missid]

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

[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

[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.