Question:
Are my symptoms GERD, Ulcer, Gallbladder, or heartburn?

I am having my preop upper GI in a couple of weeks, but I wanted to do some research before hand. I have been having problems with a tightness between my breasts and my shoulder blades. It also feels like there is food or something going up and down my esophogus. It doesn't burn, it is just uncomfortable. This usually happens after I eat. I have been diagnosed with GERD and was taking Protonix, but my PCP took me off it. It almost feels like I ate a really big meal and didn't chew my food properly, but that is not the case. What do you think?    — Jennifer H. (posted on April 18, 2003)

April 19, 2003
Hi! From my own experiences with gallbladder pain, it sounds like that may be your problem. The pain of gallbladders is very intense and painful almost a squeezing pain between the shoulder blades and chest area. You definitely need to have your doctor check that out. Good luck!
   — Kelly R.

April 19, 2003
My gallbladder pain didn't feel anything like that, but who knows? I just felt sick to my stomach for a couple of hours and then started having mild pain near the top of my ribcage on the right side. I went to the ER and once I got there I started throwing up everything I'd eaten in the preceding few hours. I was still pre-op at that point. However, the term gallbladder 'attack' describes it perfectly. I don't think I had ever felt that miserable in my life. By the time I had it out, 5 days later, I was ready to operate on myself to get rid of that feeling.
   — garw