Hiatal Hernia Support Group

Hello JimmyA,
I am experiencing some of the same symptoms.
However, trying to determine the cause of your specific pain would only be conjecture at this point since you still need to have more tests performed.

In my case, I have been experiencing pain directly below the sternum (or breastbone) and feel bloated sometimes. However, I do not have the lump in the throat or the coughing as you described.

After a number of tests, including the Endoscopy, Barium Swallow and a CCK Hid-a-scan, I was diagnosed with a large hiatal hernia. In most cases, medications such as Prilosec & Nexium will take care of the symptoms. For me the meds are not working, and the lifestyle changes are not alleviating the pain. Therefore, we are discussing surgery to repair the hernia.

Once again, every case is different.
Be patient and let us know what the doctor has to say.

Ishmael

Hi Jimmy
I also have the pain in the same location. I don't have the lump in the throat although I have heard that mentioned by others. The burping - definetly! I also have a slight cough. But you will need to find out for sure what is there.

I was wondering why Ishmael had so many different tests to establish it was a hernia?

I have the cough as well. I get the upper and lower GI scopes on Tuesday. The doctor wants to take a closer look. Have you went through this procedure?

Good morning,
Ealier in the week, I updated my original discussion in the Hiatal Hernia Support Group under: "Upcoming Gerd Surgery". If you are interested in the the details of my tests, please check it out. In brief, the reason for the number of tests is because I am asking for a second opinion. The 2nd surgeon requested more tests to be performed. As it currently stands, I have 2 surgeons who have given me opposing opinions. I will be seeing my GI again (soon) to find out where to go from here.

Let me know how things work out for you JimmyA. It sounds as though some of our symptoms are similar - esp the pain under the sternum. Take care.

Ishmael

Tuesday the 28th in the AM I get the upper and lower GI to find out what is causing this issue. Stay Tuned.

Well.. Red area in the stomach. No hiatal hernia. The pain was pretty intense so I am at a loss. I thought is was a hiatal hernia. I still have some pain/soreness around the sternum area. Anyway I had the upper and the lower GI endoscopy. The procedure was a breeze. The prep was another story. To prep I had to follow this procedure:
Day before only clear liquids - no milk products
That evening at 5PM take 2 dulcolax tables and drink 1 (10 OUNCE) bottle of Magnesium Citrate. Then at 6PM take 2 more dulcolax tablets. At 8PM Drink 1 (10 ounce) bottle of Magnesium Citrate. The stomach rumbles and you spend almost all of that night and morning in the bathroom. Be prepaired for a complete cleansing out. The next day I arrived at the doctors office. You change into the gown and they start an IV. Then they wheel you into the O.R. You get to speak with the CRNA about the anesthesia. He shot the solution into my IV and next I woke up in the recovery. I had no pain from the procedure. I was very sleepy and took a 3 hour nap afterwards. Anyway still taking the Prilosec and Omeprazole 20MG. He saw redness in my stomach around the area where I felt pain. Took a biopsy. I have another appointment soon to meet and chat about the results.

It's good news that you do not have a hiatal hernia, and I wish you good luck on the results of your biopsy.

Keep us posted, and try to stay positve. My wife keeps telling me to "keep a positive attitude", but it's hard to do sometimes.