Hi Glenn!
The only time that I've been on the Protonix was while I was in the hospital, so I really have no stories to tell, as nothing occurred.
Through some reading that I've done tonight, I did see where it may cause a gastritis, and I'm sure that would be very painful and cause a bloating/and hardening of the abdomen. Other than that...perhaps someone else will come along that has been on this med. for a longer period.
I'm sure glad for your sake that they changed your med. and you now sound a lot better!!
Hugs, Teri