PAIN on my right side under ribs !!!!!!

[joedev51]

I have been having these pains on my right side just below my ribs. I went to my GI doctor and he gave me a endoscopy and said, I had a hiatal hernia and barrett's esophagus. I told him I thought it was Irritable bowel syndrome since I have been having alot of gas pains and some diarreha. I asked him if there was something that he could give me for it and he said, no. I had been taking Bentyl, but it stopped working. Then he gave me Zelnorm, but stopped it because he said it was dangerous. I try to watch my diet, but I have a Italian wife and its next to impossible to eat anything that doesn't have some kind of acid in it. Does anyone know of another medication that might work.

[seeya14]

Hey Thanks for your reply!

[joedev51]

I am not a doctor, but I would go see a GI specialist to see what he thinks, it could be GERDS ( acid reflux ) or a number of other problems. I have had three endoscopies and they aren't that bad. As far as the diarrhea that could be from IBS or other things. Do yourself a favor and see a GI doctor. It will give you peace of mind, instead of worrying about it. Get it checked out. Good Luck !

[seeya14]

I have pains also in my right side just below my ribs plus I have severe burning sensation right in the center portion which sometimes passes along the esophagus.... I am 26yr old and never got endoscopy done.. I used to usually take some over the counter pills like Zantac....  Please suggest me what should I do... is this any serious thing... I generally have acidity problem which ends in diarrhea...

Thanks!!

[joedev51]

My doctor has had me on Nexium 40mg. twice a day for the last two years. I am still waiting for the results from the H-pylori bacteria. And another culture that he took. I have been trying to stay away from the spicy italian food and eat chicken and a few other non-acidic foods. I only have a few beers one night a month. I pay for that the next day with a burning pain in my intestines and a low grade fever 99.4 the next day, then the fever goes away and the burning stops. The GI doctor can't figure out the burning pain and low grade fever. The same for another GI doctor that I have seen. He just scratches his head and says, its one for the books. And he is supposed to be one of the top GI doctors in the country. My PCP even said, your a strange one !!!!!!!!

[jenniwrenne]

Hi,  I am surprised your doctor didn't offer you a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI), as they are usually prescribed to treat hiatus hernia, and I know several people who are doing very well on them, longterm.  A hiatus hernia causes stomach acid to escape back up the esophagus, and over time this causes damage, which results in a change in the lining of the esophagus, and this is known as Barrett's Esophagus.    

Barratt's Esophagus, as you know, is a potentially serious condition that must
be treated accordingly.  I believe PPIs are usually given for this too, along with other medications.  

Has H-pylori bacteria in the stomach been ruled out by the endoscopy?

With regard to diet, the Italian diet does seem to have quite a lot of acid foods. If you were able to substitute rice for pasta, and avoid tomatoes and cheeses, you might find it a help. Also, avoid any alcohol, and tobacco..