Question:
I have been having a pain that is right below my breast bone. It is so uncomfortable

that is bothers me all day and night. The pain goes all the way through to my back. I hurts no matter what I eat. The pain was so bad until I was nauseous and not eating, so my dad suggested I take a Prilosec. Within 24 hours the pain started easing. I have taken the Prilosec for about 6 weeks now and recently I tried to get off of them, but the pain was right back again. I have no heartburn or blood in my stool. I am almost 2 years postop and doing great other than this pain. Could it be an ulcer or hernia? If so, what will they do to correct the pain? The nurse think a stricture would still hurt if I was taking the Prilosec. Any opinions? I had a doctor appt. Thursday to talk to him about this.    — Cindy M. (posted on January 26, 2004)

January 26, 2004
Sounds like an ulcer to me. I've had two of them. Did you feel better after you ate something before you started the prilosec? Typically, with an ulcer, the pain goes away when there is food in the stomach. It gets worse when the stomach is empty. The doctor will probably have answers for you. Mine went away with heavy doses of prilosec and carafate after about a month. Best of luck. Kathy Open RNY 2/10/03 215/125/120
   — kathyb

January 26, 2004
Could also be esophageal spasms, but for me, they come and go. I agree that prilosec would not help if it was a stricture.
   — mom2jtx3

January 26, 2004
Possible ulcer or maybe gastritis.
   — Leslie F.

January 26, 2004
do you still have your gallbladder?
   — Tammy N.

January 27, 2004
I had the same pain, when I had gallstones... Get it checked out.
   — Suri

January 27, 2004
I forgot to tell you that I had my gallbladder out 7 1/2 years ago.
   — Cindy M.