Hello,

My first experience with acid reflux was in 2003. I went to my primary care physician with symtoms of a pressure/pain feeling in my upper abdomen right under the breastbone. I never experienced the burning in my throat as most acid refulx sufferers face. My Dr had prescribed Nexium and it seemed to help.

In February 2009, I started experiencing burping after meals which is very rate for me and the pain was in under my breastbone and then would just settle as a dull stomach ache. I decided to go see a Gastroenterologist who ordered blood work, abdominal ultrasound to rule out gallstones and an upper endescopy. The blood work came back fine, he even tested for amalyse. Abdominal ultrasound came back nomal and upper endescopy showed Grade A reflux and gastritis. I tested negative for HPylori as well. He prescribed Nexium again, twice a day but I noticed that I was experiencing back pain. I've read that this could be a side effect of nexium. I was then switched to Protonix. That seemed to help but the other day I noticed I was getting chest burning/pressure so I decided to go back on the nexium.

I'm just worried that there is something else wrong with me and I'm convinced that it's my pancreas. I don't have a history of pancreas cancer in my family and my ultrasound report said "parts of the head and body of the pancreas are seen an appear normal." My Dr told me that an ultrasound isn't the best imaging tool for the pancreas since it's hard to view due to the gasses in thes stomach. I somehow convinced my Dr to send me for a CT scan witht and without IV contrast. I had to fight with my Insurance company to approve this test since they had all my records and they didn't understand why my Dr was sending me for this test. Finally they approved it and I went for the test. CT scan came back all normal saying no gallbladder issues and also said "the head, neck, body and tail of pancreas show no mass or pseudocyst." My Dr said that a CT scan with contrast was the best test for the abdomen/pancreas. I guess because I'm still experiencing a mild stomach ache that feels that it goes straight to my back is causing me concern and making me think that there is an issue with my pancreas. I can't keep calling my Dr as he's assured me over and over that I have nothing to worry about. I just can't get it out of my head that maybe the radiologist missed something when reading the report. I would think that if I had something on the pancreas, the CT scan would show it. Any insight any of you could provide would be greatly appreciated. I probably need a psychiatrist instead of a gastroenterologist.  Thank you