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Heartburn-help Tamer® Neutralize acid in coffee and foodClick on Home for more heartburn information. Other message boards can be viewed at: Message Boards Post new questions on the New Message Board [ Home | Contents | Search | Next | Previous | Up ] This is a Read Only archive. I think I should get some tests and yet am notFrom: Confused CommentsI just came back from my family doctor today. This is the first time that I have discussed my heartburn, severe pain behind sternum, lump in throat, tightness of throat, shortness of breath, post nasal drip and hoarseness with him. I have been ignorantly suffering from this (first mild and then increasingly worse) for about 9 months now all by myself. I had abdominal pains two years ago that led me to a gastroenterologist who ordered an ugi and performed a colonoscopy and endoscopy. The results of the tests then told me that I had inflammatory bowel, gastritis, inflammation of the duodenum, and a hiatal hernia. I was put on Prednisone for a time. I did not tolerate it and stopped it. I received no further treatment for that after that. Then 9 months ago the above symptoms happened and I quit smoking, but got progressively worse. I don't drink alcohol or take in any caffeine (including chocolate). I suspect that my hiatal hernia has gotten worse and God only knows what is going on with my sphincter and esophagis (and vocal chords). I just think he should be ordering some more tests since the last ones were 2 years ago and really didn't have anything to do with Gerd, except the hernia (which I have been picking up some pretty heavy furniture and A/C units in the last year). I don't think he is being cautious enough with me. Does anyone else agree with me? I can go to a specialist on my own without a referral, but it would take about 6 weeks to get into one (so I was told); and I thought my family doctor could refer me to one and have better luck getting me in sooner, but he won't. Does anyone think that I should go ahead on my own and make the appointment behind my family doctor's back? Do you think I should at least see if the hernia is much worse and have the esophagus looked at and biopsied? I am very intimidated by doctor's and yall's opinions are important to me. I thank-you in advance for your help. Last changed: January 11, 2008 |