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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Severe heavy lower chest and back. Severe gas
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Severe heavy lower chest and back. Severe gas
by Buffyballerina, May 19, 2007 12:00AM
I have just been diagnosed with a small Hiatal Hernia after an endoscopy procedure. I have been on Nexiun for 1 year with no help because my general doctor thought I may have acid reflux. I have such severe heaviness on my lower chest and straight through to my back. So much so it makes it extremely difficult to draw breath. It feels like a cinder block on front and back. I also have extreme gas all through out my body. Even sometimes in my upper arms. I went to the hospital twice and had many cardiac tests including stress test, catscan, chest xray, chest ultra scan. I had blood work, and organ ultra scan. My GI doctor doesn't know what is causing this so does not offer a cure. I live on gas X, tums, Gaviscon, and nexium. Nothing helps. I eat bread, vanilla activa yogart, plain rice, plain potato, vanilla ice cream. But most of the time I am afraid to eat to worsen the condition. It is extremely bad either way. I have to sleep with many pillows under my neck and upper back in order to breathe. Please, I desperately need help. I am suffering. What can I do next?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 21, 2007 12:00AM
, May 21, 2007 12:00AM
I agree with the tests done thus far.
The negative CT scan and cardiac tests would make other causes less likely, including coronary artery disease or gallbladder/liver disease.
A 24-hr pH study can be considered if GERD is suspected, to quantify the severity. If GERD continues to be suspected, you can add Reglan or an H2-blocker like Zantac or Pepcid to the Nexium.
If the symptoms continue, surgical options may need to be considered. These options can be discussed with your GI physician.
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.
kevinmd_
The negative CT scan and cardiac tests would make other causes less likely, including coronary artery disease or gallbladder/liver disease.
A 24-hr pH study can be considered if GERD is suspected, to quantify the severity. If GERD continues to be suspected, you can add Reglan or an H2-blocker like Zantac or Pepcid to the Nexium.
If the symptoms continue, surgical options may need to be considered. These options can be discussed with your GI physician.
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.
kevinmd_
Member Comments (1)
by fearofgas, Aug 10, 2007 05:44PM
Wow, somebody with the exact syptom (symptom)/condition I have. I've tried to think of what it could be. I too had all those tests and ... nothing. But yet my chest, back and arms hurt something awful. I kept wondering, is it bacteria from a bad tooth (in my bridge) -- got that fixed. No, maybe it is somthing I'm eating. Changed that. What could it be. Now I'm too afraid to eat anything for fear of the ensuring pain.
