Hiatal Hernia/GERDS/ which one, nothing is helping!

Posted By mt on May 25, 1998 at 23:31:18:







Over a year ago, I was lifting weights (pulling weights down from over head, basically working the upper body).  I felt like I had injured my chest muscles/ligaments that go between my ribs from where the ribs meet at bottom to mid-way up my chest.  I rested and stopped lifting weights.  It was painful to sleep on my side because it scrunched my shoulders together.  Then a few months later, it felt better, but all of a sudden, they were back with new and different chest pains.  I had shooting pains (lasting just a second) many times per day for many, days.  So, I went to an interest.  I went through all the chest pain tests, i.e. ekg, stress test, ultrasound, heart monitor etc.  Everything was perfect and my BP was great.  He perscribed a steroid for me to take for 12 days (where you gradually increase then decrease the dosage).  The last day or so, it seemed to help.  He thought that I had a hiatal hernia.  Then, probably a month later, I began feeling nauseous.  He thought that I had GERDS.  My upper stomach is very, very sore at all times.  So, I several days of 30 mg Prevacid then 15 mg.  I had taken this for several months.  It seemed to be better at first, but then worse and my pain in my stomach has not been alieviated.  I also feel that this area pokes out some.  My chest pains have wained, except for about one per week.  I then became more nauseated and he increased the dosage to 30 mg.  I had and upper GI and H Plor test.  Everything was great.  I had my gall bladder checked, fine.  I am still nauseated.  I have been on a special diet for a couple of months (little amounts, no caffine, no cocoa, low fat, etc.)  I have no relief.  Should I go to another doctor or what?
Thanks for your time, this has been a long story, just think how I feel!
mt