Painful upper abdominal episodes

Hi! I had an endoscopy 2/05 had esophageal stricture dilation have gerd. Take prilosec daily controls heartburn really well. Had gb removed sept. 07. My problem is that I'm still having the same symptoms that prompted all these procedures. I have terrible pain in upper abdomin (abdomen) that occurs without regard to food. Never have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Pain usually starts in late afternoon. Comes from out of nowhere and lasts from 1 to 4 hrs. Starts in center upper abdomin (abdomen), through back and up into neck and jaw on right side. Terrible pain (12 on scale of 1-10) Cannot sit still. First thing I take gas-x, rolaids. Doesn't help. I take hyoscyamine and it helps but I hate the side effects. Always feel bloated regardless whether eat or not. Any ideas? I just get so tired of wondering when it'll happen. Thought when gb was removed this would be over.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi shurley,
The dilatation done for esophageal stricture gives only a temporary relief and  so the symptoms may recur.

Severe abdominal pain radiating to the back is more suggestive of pancreatitis.  Seum amylase, lipase and CT abdomen may help in diagnosing the condition.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.
- Ratnakar Kini M.D.