Question: I have been having pain under my R breastbone since late October/early November, when I had an asthma attack. I am a bariatric patient -- two years out-- and initially my doctor treated me for costochondritis. Then I began to have more severe pain under my R breastbone and, most recently, they were treating me for an ulcer. This past Tuesday, I had an endoscopy, an ultrasound and an upper GI. All results came back negative (except that I had a tiny hiatal hernia). I am having an MRI with contrast on Monday and an appt with a Gastroenterologist on Tuesday. I am still in pain underneath my R breastbone. The pain is always there with differing levels of intensity. Itvis always tender. Usually, it's pretty painful. I am still constipated and am taking Milk of Mag. (I added a probiotic to see if it would help.) Doctor, what do you think this is and, most importantly, what can I do about the pain? I'm really at my wits end. It's limiting my daily activities. Many thanks for your response.

Thank you for your response, Dr. XXXXXXX I'm not having any reflux issues that I'm aware of, unless they are happening internally. My reflux went away once I had gastric bypass. Would the "herniated loop of the stomach" still exist even though I had gastric bypass? Why wouldn't the bariatric surgeon pick that up? She seemed dismissive of that fact: "you have a tiny hiatal hernia." Why wouldn't she prescribe something for the pain? She's letting the gastroenterologist figure it out on Tuesday. Again, I've been having this issue since late October/early November. The pain has gotten progressively worse. It is now sharp and stabbing. Yesterday afternoon, I had to take codeine which was prescribed to me in the ER two weeks ago. I've been taking Tylenol and using heat patches up to this point. My two concerns are the sharp pains as well as the continuing constipation. Both conditions are not getting any better. How do I ask for anti-spasmodic medication? The bariatric surgeon didnt think she needed to prescribe anything for pain. I don't see the gastroenterologist until 3:30 pm on Tuesday. What can I do in the meantime? I really appreciate your responses, as I feel I am in between a rock and a hard place. Thank you!! !

Thank you so much for the insight, Dr. Raju!! What should I do for TODAY? Bariatric Surgeon wants me to wait for Gastroenterologist and referred me to him. The bariatric office also suggested going to the ER or talking to my PCP. (I went to the ER 2 wks ago and they surmised it was an ulcer. It wasn't.) i spoke to my PCP and he told me to follow direction of my Bariatric surgeon. Whom should I call today about pain? I don't know why they can't prescribe something --based on my tests-- to get me through until I see the Gastroenterologist Tuesday at 3:30 pm. (As I write this, it's 6:30 am on Monday.) Im a teacher who is trying to go to work so if you could respond as soon as possible, I will call the office you suggest. Again, thank you!