Extreme upper abdominal pressure

[podapimpz]

Hi.  For over a year now, I have had extreme pressure in my upper abdomen area, mainly near my sternum or to the right.  It causes extreme discomfort in my chest and difficulty taking a breath.  Lots of burning throughout back and front too.  It's like I have to fight real hard to take a full breath.  I have lots of burping symptoms too.

Long story short, I have had a zillion tests, and I keep swearing that somehow my diaphragm has permanently shifted upward by something in my abdomen, but everyone thinks I'm crazy because my tests don't seem to show it.  The problem is, the symptoms are permanent and it's like I'm fighting my bones and muscles in my chest to take deep breaths.  I just feel like stuff in my abdomen has been sucked upwards into my chest, but my tests don't seem to support it.

I'm not sure what to do at this point.  Basically, I know the problem is coming from below my diaphragm somehow, but can't find any proof of it.  They did find something called Nutcracker esophagus, but I don't see how this could cause breathing problems and all this pressure I have 24/7.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[podapimpz]

I was told no Hiatal hernia, but it's definitely on my list under "stomach" problems.  

Dr., bunch of heart tests, lung tests, gastro tests, and lung tests.  

A few barium studies.  A CT Enterography showed a small pinch near my duodenum due to a congenital malrotation.  I had it fixed with a Ladd's procedure.  Problem is, that must not have been the problem at all.

My main theory is something is causing constant extreme pressure under my diaphragm, or my diphragm is physically elevated somehow.  People with that rare rotation problem often have another abnormality like a congenital hernia.  So, I"m thinking of stuff like the Bochdalek hernia as a possibilty.  I don't know, but I think an MRI would be the most definitive to look at this stuff.

I did have a 24hr ph which found no acid or non-acid reflux.  

Manometry showed the esophagus issue.  Problem is, I don't see how it could be all day long.  Anyway, they tried me on Nortriptyline and no help.  I"m thinking maybe I should try something like a calcium blocker, but not sure.  

Also, doc, have you heard of this:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roemheld_syndrome

It basically explains how things can cause pressure on your diaphragm and cause chest symptoms, but the problem is still below the diaphragm.  

[brandyb81]

Hi my name is Brandy. I am having the same symtoms this is why im on here today. I was curious if it was a hiatal hurnia? If anyone can help that would be great..I have discovered that yoga helps and eating a little at a time..oh and stand while i eat.

[podapimpz]

I thought about that.  HIDA scan seemed ok, 45% EF.  I still suspect it's possible, though.  My symptoms are more constant though, rather than come and go.  It's less bad pain and more extreme pressure that kind of sits there 24/7, but I do feel it a lot on the left side of my body and middle of upper back. It's like a vice grip is around it and is making me feel like I can't take a deep breath.

[margypops]

Possible gall bladder problems the pain radiating into the back points that way ...ask for a hida scan ..good luck

[Christopher R Watters, MD]

Your symptoms do sound consistent with diffuse esophageal spasm or so called nutcracker esophagus. Can you be more specific than "a zillion tests"?

[jennerfennerbenner]

have you ever trie metamucil?