Question:
Anybody else experienced this type of pouch pain?

I know this question has been asked a zillion times but I can't find a situation exactly like mine. I take a variety of different vitamins throughout each day and have NEVER had a problem swallowing them regardless of size. However, during the last week when I take my bedtime vitamins, they seem to get stuck. I have a tight feeling at the base of my sternum....just where the esphogus and pouch should meet. I drink lost of water with them and nothing seems to wash them down so I ususally go on to bed. Within 2 hours, I am awake with a horrible burning, tightening, stabbing, twisting pain in the same spot. It comes and goes for hours at a time and I can't sleep. I try sitting up, drinking, eating, tums and nothing seems to help. The next morning, the pain is still there (though not nearly as bad) and causes a dull pain whenever I swallow anything....even water. I have called my Dr and his nurse seems to think it is my gall bladder and wants me to have a sono-gram. However, I just don't think that is it. Would my gall bladder hurt every time I swallowed? I am leaning more towards an ulcer. I did have H Pylori many years ago. Or else is it just a pill getting stuck? Reflux even? Any ideas? Thanks, Michelle :) LapRNY 7/9/03 270/148/130ish    — Michelle_S (posted on June 4, 2004)

June 4, 2004
I occasionally get esophageal spasms, and they usually happen exactly as you describe... after taking my vitamins at night, then going to bed. The pain is unreal for a few hours, then seems to let up although I can be a bit sore the next day. The first time I thought there was something stuck in my pouch and did the tenderizer trick, tried to throw up, drink something hot, etc, but nothing helped. I was in so much pain I was lying on the floor panting and breaking out in a sweat. I went to the ER, and initially they thought it was my gallbladder. They ran tests but didn't find anything and the pain went away on it's own. A couple of times I've been on my way to the ER, once actually in the parking lot, when it disappears, then they think you're nuts :) They eventually figured it was the esophageal spasms.
   — mom2jtx3

June 4, 2004
Forgot to mention... are you under any particular stress this week? I seem to get them more frequently when something stressful is happening in my life. Weird, huh?
   — mom2jtx3

June 4, 2004
I'd get the sonogram if the doctor thinks it's needed. I'm not sure why his nurse would be suggesting gall bladder unless he asked her to pass that on. I'd also try taking the vitamin a little earlier, maybe a couple of hours before bedtime and I'd take a pepcid AC along with it and see what happens. It really sounds like acid reflux or ulcer to me but none of us are qualified to diagnose you. I have had esophageal spasms pre-op, thought I was having a heart attack and it does make the esophagus very sore but if it is spasms, something is causing them and your doctor may be able to find the cause. Hope you get an answer soon.
   — scbabe

June 4, 2004
I have been having pain after I take my Strattera every day. My vitamins don't seem to cause it but I think that is because they are chewable. When I take my capsules a little while later ..maybe 15-20 minutes I get horrible pain in my pouch. I think it gets stuck. The pain is a burning swollen feeling and radiates throughout my ribs. I told my doctors nurse about it and she didn't seem concerned. She mentioned my gallbladder but I don't have it anymore. Sometimes though I get this after eating but 9 times out of 10 it's after my pills. Today I took my pills. 15 minutes later it happened. Then goes away for 15 minutes and came back again! Usually the pain lasts several minutes and passes and doesn't come back till the next time I take the pills. Thats another reason I think it's stuck. Now I wonder if I am having these spasms?
   — Carrie D.

June 5, 2004
you maybe getting a stricture, this is a closing off of the opening. Dr. can fix easily. Ask about it.
   — nrowe46

June 5, 2004
I am now taking liquid vitamins. I understand absorbsion is better as a liquid verses even chewables. I get them at the local health food store. I take a liquid multiple, liquid Calcium and liquid iron. Pills do not absorb well in any way shape or form. Digesting pills is hard on my stomach period. Insist that your Dr. performs a scope to look at the esophagus and pouch to see if ulcers are devloping. If they are, ask for an ulcer medication in capsule form that you can separate from the capsule and take the powder. It will taste bad but be more effective in healing your ulcers, good luck!!!.
   — Lori T.