My husband has been complaining of difficulty/painful swallowing. He told his doctor, who ruled out swollen lymph node, suggested stuck food, and ordered a barium swallow. Today hubby had his barium swallow. The doc doing the test said that it did not appear to be a hernia, however, there was something pushing the esophagus to the side, but the test was not conclusive and maybe a catscan would be needed. She said she would call his doctor and they would go from there. Lovely. It doesn't sound good. Has anyone had similar issues/tests. What tests came next, what other symptoms should we be worried about? Any help, suggestions, links, ideas, information would be welcome.

Thanks,
wife the worrywart

Welcome to the board! Im one too.

I have had the barium swallow as well because of nausea I am having. Came back all normal..although I suffer from acid reflux and mild gastritis.
Your husband should have an endoscopy done(It's usually done by a gastroenterologist). I had that done and that's how I found out I have mild gastritis. That would probably be the best way to find out what is causing the pain/difficulty swallowing. Sounds to me like a hiatal hernia. My grandmother has that and complains it feels like food is "stuck" half way down.

-Donna

I thought they would do the endoscope thing too, but they opted to go with the catscan on Monday of next week when of course, I will be out of town! Also on the hernia and gastritis, the doc doing the upper GI Barium Swallow said that it did not look like a hernia to her. Hubby has no other chronic symptoms of intestinal issues other than occasional indigestion, but it's not even that often. Is it possible to have GERD, reflux, or gastritis and have no symtpoms? I have a feeling that after the catscan, depending on what they see, they might still do the endoscope test.

Thanks again for y'all's input, I appreciate the responses.
Take Care,
Worrywart

There is a test to determine the pressure as you swallow sips of water-- It's called the manometer test. A tube is inserted through your nose down your throat and the pressure is measured every inch as you take sips of water.
My wife was diagnosed with "Nut Cracker's Syndrome" and she was given Prilosec for 6 years then she started getting nauseated when taking it??

The Doc wanted her to take Nexium but we decide to take a Calcium/magnesium supplement 3 times daily and she has been doing OK since then (October, 2003). She never has taken the Nexium samples the Doctor gave her!!

I think it is good that your doctor is doing all the testing to make sure of the diagnosis???

I wish him well---Harry

Thanks Harry for you well wishes. I'll keep y'all posted on what they come up with....maybe the manometer test is yet to come.