That Burning Feeling - Heartburn, Ulcer, or Hiatus Hernia???

Something woke you up. You have just enough time to check the clock beside the bed before it dawns on you. Pain. Burning, constant, horrible pain in the dead center of your chest. Feels like a hot iron poker has been shoved through your chest and out your back. You try to change positions. Pain. You try propping yourself up in bed. Pain. You try sitting up. Pain. Nothing seems to change this annoying, constant, burning sensation that has rudely woken you up at 4:30am. Tossing and turning, drinking Pepto Bismol like it's water, drinking water, drinking milk, watching tv.... nothing helps.

You struggle through the night until morning. The pain magically disappears. That was the first time. And second time. On the third time it lasts over 8 hours and you just want relief. The pain makes you nauseous.

You make an appointment to see the doctor. The doctor doesn't have much to say. No answers, just questions. He orders blood work, a gallbladder ultrasound, and eventually a scope. Hands you a prescription for antacids. The plan of action is take pills, do tests, stop pills, do stomach scope.

No answers yet. But with a family history of esophageal and stomach cancer there is no messing around. The possible cause of all this trouble is stress. You almost divorced 3 months ago. You almost got fired a month ago because the girl you helped hire is now trying to get you fired. You have no money because even though you have a good paying career, the bills are too high. Christmas just passed and the budget was tight and there was lots to buy and lots to do.

So here you are suffering with a horrible pain on the day after boxing day. Here comes a new year of stress. Stomach watch out!

Leave a comment if you have suffered with this as well.