pain

Hello,
I'm a 37 yr old male (5'11", 225lbs) who has been suffering with Gerd for about 10 years.  I initially took prevacid 30mg prn and have been taking it daily for the last 3 years or so.
Around a year ago I was experiancing a constant ache in my stomach that seemed to follow a large or fatty meal.  I went for a barium swallow and ultrasound and both were negative.  I increased my prevacid to 30mg twice daily for 2 weeks or so and the problem seemed to resolve with a few minor recurrances in the last year.

For the last few weeks I have occasionally been experiancing sharp pain in my mid-chest after eating (like something is ripping or twisting).  As well I have the sensation my food is just sitting in my esophagus and not moving.  I find I'm refluxing food back up 3 hours or more after a meal.  I get a shortness of breath sensation as well occasionally.

I experianced something like this briefly 2 yrs ago or so but it went away fairly quickly.

Is this related to my GERD? (my compliance in the weeks leading up to this was not perfect)
When I finally see my family doctor in a few days what should I ask him to consider?

Thanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

GERD can cause the symptoms, and to confirm the severity, a 24-hr pH study can be considered.  Normally, Prevacid would help, and if the symptoms are refractory to the medication, a surgical procedure can be considered.

Other causes can include an ulcer, mass, or motility disorder.  I would consider an upper endoscopy, which is a more comprehensive test than the upper GI series.  Furthermore, an esophageal motility test can also be considered.

These options can be discussed with your GI physician.

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 Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd