Howdy…I’ve tipped toed over from the prostate cancer forum. I’m doing my homework/research before seeking medical attention and thought I’d try to get some feedback from you nice guys and gals.
I’m 54 years old, 5’11” and weigh 210lbs. That means I’m a good 20 pound over weight - most of the excess is in my gut – aka beer belly. I’m also a smoker.
I have a LONG time history of heartburn. I’ve done the upper GI test three times and the lower GI test twice. (all over 15 years ago) Was basically told I don’t have an ulcer per se, but that I had “pits” which caused the heartburn symptoms. Heartburn really hasn’t been a problem for the past few years. BUT, and there’s always a but:
My question/issue – for the last several months, after swallowing the first couple bites of dinner I get a pretty noticeable dull pain that shoots up from my belly all the way to my lower jaw. I can take a deep breath and the pain disappears almost instantly and I’m fine after that.
I eat dinner sitting in a lazy boy recliner. (although I’m basically sitting straight up) It almost seems like something is obstructed and not allowing the food to pass through. Guessing that maybe my esophageal sphincter isn’t opening? As I mentioned, I can take a deep breath and that seems to unblock the obstruction.
Also, from time to time after eating, I basically regurgitate parts of what I’ve just eaten. I can pretty much regurgitate on demand which helps relieve some of the pressure in my chest. Sometimes instead of food coming up, I get a white foamy foam for lack of better words come up. Once or twice a year I regurgitate in my sleep and it goes down my windpipe. Oh what a less then fun thing that is.
I’m not sure if maybe I have GERD and or a hiatal hernia. I do plan on visiting my GP, but thought I’d ask you guys what you thought.
Thanks in advance for your time.