sudden pains in chest like i'd swallowed a golf ball

John iam not a dr but to it sounds like an ulcer. Especially when you said it feels like you swallowed a golf ball. I had one it took them forever to find it they kept saying I needed to see a shrink etc. But yea I couldn't swallow or at least thats what it felt like. I ended losing weight was really sick . I had heartburn acid reflux all that. It ended up burning my esophagus and voicalcords. Got bad . But they finally found it. I ended up having a surgery called nissen . Get to the drs please.

John iam not a dr but to it sounds like an ulcer. Especially when you said it feels like you swallowed a golf ball. I had one it took them forever to find it they kept saying I needed to see a shrink etc. But yea I couldn't swallow or at least thats what it felt like. I ended losing weight was really sick . I had heartburn acid reflux all that. It ended up burning my esophagus and voicalcords. Got bad . But they finally found it. I ended up having a surgery called nissen . Get to the drs please.

Hi John, it sounds more like a hiatus hernia. I don't think they operate for an ulcer. They usually start you on meds for the ulcer until it heals. I have an hiatus hernia and I am on lansoprazole. They normally do an endoscopy for a hernia. Do you have other symptoms? My hernia has been playing up for a while now so making an appointment to see the Dr. 

Hello John37712.    I have for as long as I can recall had the "lump in my throat" feeling and any illness I seem to get affects my throat.  Did not find hernia with endoscopy.  I love spices also. Drinking however, I am not a regular. Once in awhile I might enjoy a glass of wine, margarita or martini if I want to take a risk as there have been a couple times it did not sit well. Only at a small amount of one drink sending me into terrible pain and feeling very ill. So much that once I had to leave the restaurant and get some air as not to pass out and vomit, apparently I turned very pale and didn't look well because the strangers passing by while asked if I was ok. This occurred having had one martini not on an empty stomach.  I can recall other occasions where I have had milder occurrences related to having a drink.  at these times I was not having the major symptoms of the GERD or reflux or I certainly wouldn't have even attempted nor had desire to have the drink in the first place.  I only once or twice have had that ill effect by something only eating. The firy burn in between my ribs in my upper abdominal area and the rush of pain that leads to vomiting. Not a good experience either way.  Needless to say...I most times avoid alcohol, otherwise I maintain, without my prescribed meds, eating most things I enjoy by not eating processed foods as much as possible. I do not have issues with dairy but find that organic seems to be much better also.  Probiotics for good bacteria seem to be helpful for myself as well.  I do sleep with multiple pillows to keep from lying flat. So far these things help without the constant need for meds and antacids and at one point, yes, I had a regular diet of them. One thing, don't self diagnos with your doctor, tell your symptoms and let them do their job to find the issue.  Sometimes if you say what you think it is that is what they will look for and try to treat to ease your mind and miss the real problem because they have to satisfy your mind. Write down things that cause you issues and times of day it can be helpful for you as well as your doctor. Medications can help but they also can have as many bad side effects as the issue they are to help.   Don't be set on a hernia as the issue or the only issue. I have read the hernia has no symptoms actually but I do not know. It is a process of elimination. Gallbladder, hernia, reflux/GERD, ulcers,  I have read a lot of information that gives similar symptoms and I'm sure there are others.   Good luck to you and your wife and well health.

Hope all goes well without taking away what you enjoy.