Can Barretts or Hietal hernia cause this?

[bengal lady]

I was just recently diagnosed with Barrett's after suffering with chest discomfor off and on for 6 months.  I had a stress test and echo done prior to seeing a GI doctor.  My question is that when I feel the chest discomfort I also have pain in the lower gums of my teeth.  Can this be related to the Barretts or small hietal hernia or did they miss something on my cardiac workup?  I was placed on 3 20mg Prilosec a day 2 weeks ago for the Barrett's but I still get this discomfort.  I never really had any acid reflux to speak of.  I am getting concerned that maybe it is my heart after all since the Prilosec is not working. I just dont know where to turn.  I have an appointment with my GI doctor this Thursday but am concerned now about is I need to get my heart further checked out.  I am a 42 year old female.  Thank you for your time.

[James L. McGinty]

Denise, I just recently was diagnosed as having diabetes. This
was by my family doctor. However I am a veteran and the doctor
at the va says I dont have diabetes. So of course I went along with my family doctors advise and am taking a small dose of a
blood sugar reducer. I have also lost 36 pounds in the last 4 months. I have been having chest pains ever since. one night I
went to the er because my chest hurt so badly. My enzymes and ekg
were fine so the doctor ruled out heart attack. My chest pains
seem to coinside with my back pain and stomach problems, But
they dont always happpen at the same time. Its very scary, I think im worrying myself to death,litterally. Tomorrow I am schecduled to have a stress thalium test done,Its going to cost alot but I have to know. If it comes back negative I think my pains will go away. I am convinced that your mind can play tricks
on you,and you can talk yourself into problems. you can contact
me at ***@****.  I would like to discuss this with you.
I think there are alot of us like this out there and I think we can help each other. Good luck and God Bless you.

[James L. McGinty]

Denise, I just recently was diagnosed as having diabetes. This
was by my family doctor. However I am a veteran and the doctor
at the va says I dont have diabetes. So of course I went along with my family doctors advise and am taking a small dose of a
blood sugar reducer. I have also lost 36 pounds in the last 4 months. I have been having chest pains ever since. one night I
went to the er because my chest hurt so badly. My enzymes and ekg
were fine so the doctor ruled out heart attack. My chest pains
seem to coinside with my back pain and stomach problems, But
they dont always happpen at the same time. Its very scary, I think im worrying myself to death,litterally. Tomorrow I am schecduled to have a stress thalium test done,Its going to cost alot but I have to know. If it comes back negative I think my pains will go away. I am convinced that your mind can play tricks
on you,and you can talk yourself into problems. you can contact
me at ***@****.  I would like to discuss this with you.
I think there are alot of us like this out there and I think we can help each other. Good luck and God Bless you.

[James L. McGinty]

Denise, I just recently was diagnosed as having diabetes. This
was by my family doctor. However I am a veteran and the doctor
at the va says I dont have diabetes. So of course I went along with my family doctors advise and am taking a small dose of a
blood sugar reducer. I have also lost 36 pounds in the last 4 months. I have been having chest pains ever since. one night I
went to the er because my chest hurt so badly. My enzymes and ekg
were fine so the doctor ruled out heart attack. My chest pains
seem to coinside with my back pain and stomach problems, But
they dont always happpen at the same time. Its very scary, I think im worrying myself to death,litterally. Tomorrow I am schecduled to have a stress thalium test done,Its going to cost alot but I have to know. If it comes back negative I think my pains will go away. I am convinced that your mind can play tricks
on you,and you can talk yourself into problems. you can contact
me at ***@****.  I would like to discuss this with you.
I think there are alot of us like this out there and I think we can help each other. Good luck and God Bless you.

[Linda Mayberry]

I have a hiatal hernia . My stomach has came throught my oesophagus about 5 inches and sometimes when I am a sleep I wake up gasping for air, coughing sometimes for up to 30 minutes trying to get it off my wind pipe.I also have the seering(not burning) pain in my chest. I take prilosec it helps , I do don"t eat after  6:00 p.m.. I have had all the test done on me . I also have had 2 unit of blood gave to me because of the bleeding ulcers in my stomach. I have had uclers in my oesophagus. I would not wish this on any body.I wish I could live a normal life and eat when I wanted to and lay down when I wanted to too.

[Bev]

I have been on Prilosec for a year now and have never had any side effects.  I was told by my doctor, I would have to stay on it indefinately.  Some of the things I have read here say you can not stay on it for very long. Why not? I have barrett's disease and will be going for my folow up GI series this Friday.  I am concerned it has progressed as I still live with this pain in my upper back and shoulders.  I have been trying to eat better and smaller meals, but it does not seem to make the feeling go away.  It does however make my hyatal hernia stop hurting under my breast bone.

[JOSEPH SYRING]

I TOO HAVE A LOT OF ACID AND AM ON PRILOSEC. I RECENTLY HAD AN EPISODE WHICH I THOUGHT WAS A HEART ATTACK COMING ON.  AFTER A NIGHT IN THE HOSPITAL AND STRESS TESTS WITH AN ECHO GRAM ALL MY DOCTORS COULD COME UP WITH IS THAT I HAD A SEVERE ACID REFLUX ATTACK.  I HAD SOME NUMBNESS AROUND MY MOUTH AND DISCOMFORT DOWN MY LEFT ARM AND TINGLING IN MY FINGERS.  I HAD A RISE IN MY BP ALSO. IS THIS NORMAL WITH ACID REFLUX?

[lynda]

I HAVE JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A HIATUS HERNIA. MY PROBLEM IS EVERY NOW AND THEN RIGHT BETWEEN MY BREASTS, I GET PAIN, BAD PAIN THAT GOES THRU TO MY BACK. IT SORT OF FEELS LIKE A SPASM AT THE SAME TIME IT IS HAPPENING. ALSO I JUST HAD AN UPPER GI AND THEY TOLD ME MY STOMACH HAS ENLARGED SINCE GI 3 YEARS AGO. DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS AWFUL PAIN RIGHT BETWEEN BREASTS? IT NEVER LASTS VERY LONG, THANK GOD FOR THAT. IF ANY OF YOU CAN HELP ME PLEASE EMIL ME AT  ***@****        ANY HELP I CAN GET FROM YOU WOULD MAKE ME FEEL BETTER.

[Rita]

I just had an EGD procedure done today and it determined that I have an hiatal hernia.  That is what is causing my heartburn and reflux problems for the last 4+ years.  I had an upper GI 3 years ago and it showed that I did not have a hernia. I'm not sure if that means I had one then and it didn't detect it, or it has developed since then??  Noone else seems to be mentioning having this EGD procedure done, but I'm glad to finally know what is causing my constant heartburn problems.  

I wanted to share that I have been using a new drug "Aciphex" since October and from day 1 on until now have only had a total of one or two incidents of heartburn/reflux since then, without using any more Tums/Pepcid/Zantac that I had been using constantly, several times a day.  Aciphex was just approved on the US market last fall.  My doctor said I had to have the EGD done to make sure the medicine is not masking other problems - such as ulcers, esophagal cancer, etc.  He said if we rule those out, that I can stay on this medicine almost indefinitely.  I have looked it up and it is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI).  I hope this info might give some other GERD sufferers some options.

  I don't know how long this drug will work or if I should consider surgical options.  I see my doctor to go over all this next week, as well as to get the results of the biopsy from the EGD.  

Thanks, Rita

[Shirley Warren]

Question about pain below my breastbone, it is steady sometimes
and then it may go away for a week then return.  I have gone through many tests with no answers, one Dr. stated it must be Gerds.  Other Drs. say they don't think it is Gerds but a Colon problem.  I go to another Gastrologist this week.  Wish I could get some answers.   Got any suggestions?  I take Zantac twice a day 300mg.  Does not help all the time.  
Thanks

[stacey]

I am 26, have Barretts and the hernia. I often have SEVERE pain right at the base of my sternum and they say that it is not cause d by the BArretts but no one knows waht it is. It feels like a knife and I just curl up in a ball and cry. Throwing up is the only thing that seems to help. Any ideas? I go to the doctor Wed. Feb.9th.....HELP!!!

[Pam]

To Dani and Debra, I also have "Gerd" Gastropheal Esophagus Reflux Disorder, and a small Hiatal Hernia, which I've been dealing with for two years and very bad the 6 to 8 months. Over the counter stuff isn't strong enough RX drugs will only do.. As I still never am very good. I always have swollen glands in my throat with a lot of (air) Globus Phenomenoen which is a feeling of stuck air! When I had my barrium swallow done 'Gerd' did not show up. When I went in for an upper G.I. finding  dysphalsia in the throat(like a lot of rawness) all caused from reflux, also finding amy Hernia, which makes it completly difficult to find any comfort because the Hernia causes the small flap at the bottom of the esophagus to stay stuck open,therefore all the gases/acids coming back up. So yes experiencing neck problems,burning sensations,sitting up in the middle of the night out of breath with a heart rush is all Gerd to my experience. I wish someone would really devote there time to read all these problems of us Gerd patients and find a cure as I know we are living daily He.. and are sick,tierd,depressed"and are reaching out for any answers possible. Watching your diet helps,no caffiene,alcohol,cigs,choc.mints these all hold the sphictor open and makes it weaker. Good luck to all :my E-mail is ***@**** if you want to ever talk about this Gerd/Garb. pam

[Bill Caddell]

Dani,

Have you read the info posted to this forum re: "Barrett's Esophagus"?

From what you've described, you need to see a Gastroenterologist. Research the info on the internet, that will tell you a lot.

There are many good sites on the internet. Some good ones are at

"http://www.gihealth.com/TREC2/articles/gerd.html"
"http://www.gihealth.com/TREC2/articles/barretts.html"
"http://pharminfo.com/pubs/msb/mangerd.html"
"http://pharminfo.com/disease/gastro/gastrolinks.html#Barretts_Esophagus"

If you have questions, e-mail me at "***@****"

[Debra Bates]

I also have a hiatal hernia and GURD.  I am also having problems with the back of my neck feeling like it's on fire. Can this have anything to do with my hernia or GURD?  Please if someone else is having this problem I would like to know.  thanks

[Debra Bates]

I also have a hiatal hernia and GURD.  I am also having problems with the back of my neck feeling like it's on fire. Can this have anything to do with my hernia or GURD?  Please if someone else is having this problem I would like to know.  thanks

[Patti]

To Dani--
I'm no expert, but I've sure been thru the mill with my reflux and I do know that an upper GI and ultrasound can't rule reflux out and if your doc is telling you so so you need to see someone else.  24 hour Ph monitoring seems to currently be he gold standard test for detecting reflux, and endoscopy for detecting damage that may have been done and also verifying other test results.  Also, sometimes it takes awhile for Prilosec to have an effect, depending on what type of GERD you have...if your stomach contents go all the way up a lot, and don't just stay in your esophagus, as mine do, it might take up to 8 wks for you to see any difference.  I know, because one doc I was several years ago put me on a 2 wk trial of Prilosec and I didn't get any relief at all, but a second trial, this time for 2 mos., made all the difference in the world.   The problem is, a lot of GI docs don't have this info, as they see mostly people with the lower type of reflux.  An ENT is who diagnosed me and who I am currently seeing for this problem.  Don't know if your problems are similar or not, just passing on info re: my situation.

[Dani]

Hi I am a 41 year old mother of 2, school teacher etc. for the past 3 mts. i have had severe burning in my mouth and chest and sometimes some reflux, my doctor did an upper GI and also ultrasound of my stomach area. everything is ok.
     So now I'm back to square one, the burning is so bad in my chest and mouth, no real pain in the chest just feels like fire most all the time, no matter what I eat or drink, spicy foods I have found causes more  problems as do my diet drinks, don't really know what to eat or not to eat, I have tried Prilosec 40mg. daily, I have used Mylanta, Tums, Gaviscon nothing helps, I have recently tried Pepcid AC and it seems to help a little. I don't know what I have now that everything comes back ok, on the tests, don't know what the pepcid could do that the others don't. I have even gone to the doctor to have him check my mouth and throat to see if they are inflammed... as it does feel that way.any help would be appreciated..thank you dani

[Patti]

To Sean:  I was finally dxd with GERD 2 yrs. ago after 15 yrs. of having been diagnosed by drs. as having alleries, sinus problems/asthma/bronchitis, frequent sinus/bronchial infections and being treated as such.  My symptoms were too much and frequent mucus, throat clearing, and cough, plus sore throat/ears, etc., which would periodically escalate to all of the above.  Guess what?  Reflux can come all the way up and get into your lungs/larynx,/pharangeal area and cause all sorts of problems.  I was on Prilosec for a year before it stopped working.  Now my Dr. is recommindinig surgery because my endocsopy wasn't so great and neither are my vocal cords.  I don't know if this is your problem or not, but if it is, there's a great website by the Center for Voice Disorders at Wake Forest University.  

To all the people on this site with the severe pain behind the breastbone, thank you!!  I've had the pain for years and the doctors have refused to acknowledge that all this stuff could be related (even though I have a hiatal hernia and duodenal ulcer), but now I know that my instincts were right and it is!!  

Margaret

[stephanie]

I am a 34 year old female--single parent of 1, full time doctoral student, and full-time employee.  Had severe gastroenteritis about 1 yr. ago--hospitalization--all tests negative (endoscopy, cat scan of liver/kidneys, colonoscopy).  Still have SEVERE hearburn, gum disease, and problems with bad breath.  Prevacid and Prilosec offer no real relief from constant heartburn.  I know my life is stressful, but shouldn't I get relief from medications?  Can't exercise because I get SEVERE and scary chest pains and shortness of breath.  I'm not overweight and was generally healthy and fit until about 1 year ago.  Any ideas?  I'm going to see my doctor soon and want as much information and amunition as possible!  Please e-mail me at ***@****

[Howie]

Have severe reflux and I am being tested for the ph of my esophagus. My question is, what is a normal ph reading for the esophagus?

[glenna]

I'm glad I found this site and the information.  I am a 31 year old female.  About 4 months ago out of nowhere, I started having sever chest pain.  I was treated for a month with Zantac but that did nothing.  I was then put on Prilosec which I have been on for three months.  The chest pain is not as sever as it used to be, but now I have constant little burps, and a constant lump in my throat.  I ocassionally have reflux that come all the way up my throat and I feel as if I'm going to throw up.  My docotr said it is acid reflux and to take a stress management course.  I couldn't believe it.  Here I am having this 24 hours a day with less stress than I've ever had in my life and that's all she could say.  She said she conferred with the GI specialist and they agreed with her.  They have never examined me or done any upper GI tests.  I'm now depressed because I live with it every day with no sign of it ever going away.  I've tried changing my diet, but after a week of nearly nothing but boiled chicken, it didn't help.  I have the problem whether I eat or not.  I have now insisted on a referral to a specialist.  But I have a feeling they will just continue the Prilosec which I heard should not be taken for months at a time.  I found a site that gave information on how to "neutralize" stomach acids to control the problem for good so I'm going to try that.

[Judi DAlberto]

I have been diagnosed with a hyatal Hernia. I started out on Prilocec . I started having new problems occuring to me. I got concerned and went to another specialist who informed me I needed to go to an Allergist, Dentist, Eye doctor. Well, I went to a dentist: Bleeding gums was not because of any thing wrong in my mouth. Suggestion, maybe medicine is causing it? I switched to Pevacid and now have clearer vision. I have gone to an allergist and found that I have no allergies. I got info in the mail about gerd and on the tape the symtoms sounded alot like mine saying that possibly there is a cure. I called the doctor on the list and talked with the nurse who informed me over the phone she never heard of this information I got my hands on. Now reading your information I think I may have problems taking Prevacid. All I know is, when I go off of this medicine I can't eat or drink anything. Forget sleeping, only waking up thowing up in my sleep. I have labored breathing sometimes. And I'm gaining weight.I am seeing another dentist in a week. Anything that you might be able to tell me will be greatly apreciated. Scared.

[Sean]

I have recently been diagnosed with the gerd, however I dont always feel the acid. My main problem is I have trouble breathing twenty four hours a day and I dont have asthma . Can Barrets or Gerd really cause breathing problems?

[peggy]

I am looking at the very long term effect of Gerds.  I basically put up with it.  In the long run are there serious things that can go wrong with your body?

[sue]

I went on the 17th of December to my doctor and had the scope
done. I'm told I have Gerd and also have a hiatal hernia.
the doctor also dilated the area. I still take propulsid
and he added aciphex(20mg one pill twice a day) I'm thinking
of stopping the prooulsid cause I am suffering with constipation
all the time. I mean I can go for 2 the 3 weeks with not having
a bowel movement. My doctor said drink more water but I can't.
I can only eat a little at a time. Liquids make me vomit more.
I cut down on the propulsid and I started having bowel movements
more often. Should I stop the Propulsid. I can only eat a very
little bit at a time otherwise I get sick after I eat. The pain
is near the valve just under my Breast. My doctor also told
me the danger of propulsid. That does not make me very
comfortable about taking it. I have gained 10 pounds.
I guess the food has no were to go . Eric you told me to keep you posted.  Please let me know what you think I should do.

                                            Sue
FOR ERIC