upper gas discomfort near the sternum

[cornell1976]

I am 53 and lately have started experiencing what feels like gas  and bloating pain just below my sternum- It is like what I have eaten is taking along time to travel down to my stomach. I have had my gallbladder out about 21 years ago- I am on thyroid medicine and also on vicodin for lower back pain- It comes and goes and sometimes when I am laying down, it causes difficulties in breathing for a short period of time. Any clue as to what this could be.

[MediAdvisor]

well, need a little more info to give you a better diagnose.  but in  a few short answers, 1.  after you ate what did you do? 2. how much is your weight?  and so forth.  are you able to get on a bike , a treadmill, or any form of exercising that can get your blood flows a little faster?  I mean if you having an heart attack then I wouldn't want you to exercise but I don't think that is your case.  after you eat, go do something that would get your blood flow faster in your system, this helps your digestive track to work better.  if you re lazy, then your organs will be too.  

[cornell1976]

I was thinking that perhaps it might be something like that. I will have to check into that further I had my gallbladder out, but sometimes the bile buildup does cause some problems. Never like this though. This is a starting point. thank you

[ss38]

I was taking vicodin for knee pain and developed similar symptoms.  Doctors found a small hiatal hernia and a slow acting gall bladder.  The HIDA scan showed this.  I think the  slow release of bile may be creating the gas and discomfort.. i'm wondering if Vicodin is the culprit.  I know you can't be taking any pain killers while taking the test.  Any thoughts?

[cornell1976]

The discomfort comes and goes- I am not blocked up although that  happens- Thank you for the note

[Dtownstew]

Sorry you feel this bad.  Are you feeling blocked up some? That might be causing it some? just an idea let me know if you any better yet?