I thought it was GERD but doc thinks it's Gallbladder??

I think I amactually the other way round.

Thought it was gallstones that was causing the problem, that was confirmed so I had my gallbladder removed.

However although I am better than I was still experiencing symptoms.

Recently had gastroscopy which revealed I have hiatus hernia so that is most likely what is causing the problem now.

Take care asnd keep in touch

Sarah

Hi Claire

I had my gallbladder out a few months ago, I think the pain is different for everyone, mine was like having a rat gently gnawing away at somewhere just behind the bottom of my ribs middle right side..and then it moved down the right. Anyway, I had the op and for a few months it was wonderful, completely cleared it all up, and then I became stressed about christmas and work (having lost a contract) and hey presto all the same symptoms turned up like a circus in two bursts, around a week each long with a good week in the middle. I think these are therefore what I would call my 'times of stress' symptoms which are of course MADE FAR WORSE by worrying about what the hell is wrong with me, welcome to a vicious circle!...here goes:

Gas, oh gas and more gas, constant belching like a squaddie after a night out and a kebab...grim, my poor wife. Trapped wind that goes nowhere but just casuses discomfort over pretty all my torso, I dont mind those symptoms SO much but the ones that truly upset me are when I feel the gas goes up into my chest. Then I get palpitations, strange aches up my throat, just a general feeling of anxiety and a 'hold still and wait for it to pass' type of thing, which of course prolongs the agony due to the extra worry that causes! Of course I have now convinced myself I have some ghastly heart desease on top of pancreatic cancer and other demonic pestilences that are just bound to kill me in a horrific manner I think you know what I mean. 

So, Im getting a heart assessment next week too.

Of course you know that a hiatus hernia is nicknamed 'The Great Mimic' as it can really bugger around with your insides..I have one too....I have also got a Shatzkis ring just about the HH with causes the odd dysphagia (choking on food) , now that bad boy REALLY freaks me out when it happens but it has not killed me yet...lol

Im summary, stress and anxiety are the number 1 culprits in making all your symptoms feel worse and playing absolute havoc with your insides, your hiatus hernia can also me a pure comedian of self entertainment inside there enjoying bringing you pain and stress in anyway it possibly can. I think you are doing all you can to get to the physical causes, you could well have gall stones but dont despair if you dont, and Endoscopy will also shed light, and with knowledge comes less stress. You might also see if theres anyway you could get a colonoscopy at the same time as the Endoscopy, definately worth a checkup as best practice while theyve got you sedated. 

I think avoiding GB attacks, go less fat, avoid any food produce that is gassy (Google it its everywhere) , eat little and often, dont push when you need a poo (it can squish your HH up a bit) so drink lots of water to keep yourself moving, the right amount of fibre, not too much or too little. And keep painkillers beside you and a hot water bottle might help too. 

Wishing you peace and calm as things work themselves out  

I find it hard to eat normally now, but low fat diet is of course a necessarfy precaution against further upsetting the gallbladder. I have found apple juice, beetroot juice and water mix to be soothing, some swear by cider vinegar in water, however am on PPI meds so seems contradictory to take acids.

I have survived on liquids and bland things mostly as my digestion seemed to be shutting down. As my blood tests so far showed nothing being treated as non urgent - more appts later this week.

Other things I found helped were aloe vera juice and manuka honey a few times a day. I massage the abdomen with a blend of lavender, chamomile and geranium oils in sweet almond and apply a wheat bag for pain. Also sleep elavated which you probably do with haitus hernia and stick to small meals. This is a very tiring condition so rest as much as possible to help yr body cope. If you get much worse, have fevers or any jaundice, you probably know then to go to emergency Dr or A&E. Hope your endoscopy and other tests go well and you soon are sorted out, take care..