Prayer Request +

[jadechow]

Soooo glad to hear that all went well and you came through with flying colors! We love you too.

[NAP]

I am so glad this test went well for you!

You take such good care of us! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to do something for you!

[Ruddigore]

[COLOR="Navy"][SIZE="3"]I am happy to report that the results were NEGATIVE and that my heart is in good heath. As for causes and such they are now looking at possible issues related to of all things being related to "sleep apnea."
[/SIZE][/COLOR]

Excellent news! Keep us posted. I hope you're out of a hospital bed and into your own ASAP!

[SIZE="3"]Once again a GREAT BIG THANK YOU for all of your prayer as it does indeed work. On a side note some of you may have noticed that I have a "[COLOR="Red"]+" in my signature line that is not a typo but rather the sign of the cross that I use to send blessings to all who I write to.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

Very cool. :coolgleam:

[ShotoJuku]

[COLOR="Navy"]It's been a few weeks since my original post and since that time I have undergone a series of what seems like endless Doctors appointments, tests, and exams the latest being an Upper GI Endoscopy yesterday.

The end result appears is that I have a hiatal hernia, two gastric ulcers, and a condition known as Barrett's esophagus. The hiatal hernia itself has been dubbed "the great mimic" as it can often mimic cardiac chest pains. Truly a cruel joke as this condition has been nothing but worrisome for me and my entire family for the last several weeks. Anxiety is nothing fun to deal with!

I have been put on medication (Zegerid) and advised that having ruled out many other serious issues I should be able to deal with this with treatment over time.

Anyone else out there have any hiatal hernia experiences? :puke: [/COLOR]

[alissaroot]

I have a hiatal hernia. I had terrible stomachaches for weeks. They were so bad I couldn't walk. I never really thought it was heart trouble, but I was only 25 or so when this happened and otherwise fit and healthy. I remember worrying more about stomach cancer or obstructed bowel--it must have hurt me lower in my abdomen than yours did-After my GI scope, I was put on a heartburn medicine which I no longer take. Now I just avoid all spicy foods, and most importantly, never overeat. It seemed that eating big meals made it worse than if I ate smaller amounts, even if the food was spicy.

My doctor told me that they only fixed this with surgery if it was severe, so it's just something I'd have to deal with for the rest of my life.

[Levi]

This is the first time I've seen this thread... How did I miss it?

Anyway, we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers, Shoto.

[ZsaZsa]

I suffered with this for a lifetime (started in childhood). Also have Barretts. Messed around with meds for years, and finally about 9 years ago had the surgery (laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication). Changed my life! In the final equation (can you tell I've been spending too much time on Aleks?) the month of recovery following the surgery was a small price to pay for the difference it made. Still take 1 med- just to keep the Barretts from progressing. I can honestly say I wish I had done it 10years sooner. Bless you if you can manage on just meds. Good luck- people who haven't had this have no idea how miserable you can be.

[ShotoJuku]

[COLOR="Navy"]Alissa and ZsaZsa -

Does having a Hiatal Hernia give you an odd feeling (pressure) in the center of your chest right where your heart would be?[/COLOR]

[alissaroot]

Mine hurts between my belly button up to where the bottom of my bra strap is, so just underneath where my heart is, but it hurts all the way around my abdomen--my back hurts, too. Like if I were wearing a bikini it hurts where all the tummy and back would show between the two pieces of the bathing suit. I mainly feel it in the front, though. It's like a thick band of pain all around my midsection, like I did a thousand too many crunches. However, I do feel some pressure, but I feel like I need to pop my back more than I feel pressure in the front. It's miserable, I can't find any position to sit or stand where the pain will subside. It usually goes away on it's own 4-6 hours later, when I digest. It hurts too bad to stay awake; I usually take a sleeping pill to get through it.

I just have the hiatal hernia, though. I have not been diagnosed with Barrett's or the esophagus problems that you have, which may be why you feel this higher in your chest than I do. From hearing your and Zsa-Zsa's description, I think my case is mild in comparison, but I do empathize with the miserable pain. It effing hurts and it's very scary when you don't know what it is.

I suddenly feel really fortunate to be able to deal with this by controlling my diet. If you eat one big meal a day, like I did when this started for me, try switching to six small meals--and bland foods. I haven't had any symptoms for almost two years now, although I really miss jalapenos.

[ShotoJuku]

In for another Endoscope tomorrow morning at 0715; I hope some of my original diagnosis has been cleared!!!!!!