humanriff

I know that this issue has been discussed at length on some other threads but my particular problem is getting to the point now where it is scary, ocurring at least twice a month and getting more violent. It starts with the usual sulphur/rotten egg burps which I know is leading without fail to the porcelain throne. In order to get rid of whatever is causing this, I have to completely empty my stomach. I have trouble vomiting voluntarily which means I end up with my fingers down my throat. The first wave to come out is kind of the ususal liquidy stuff with a few chunks. After that, it is actual food, which is dense and really explodes out (still with the fingers down the throat). The food is usually everything I have eaten in the last 24 to 36 hours. Last night I thought I was done but then there was a third wave that I am pretty sure came from my intestines. It was black and even more foul smelling than normal. It was also extremely dense, almost like vomiting feces. I have regular bowel movements so it is not blockage. This last wave was so corrosive or solid that it damaged my upper throat, making me feel that something was stuck there. My wife looked at it with a flashlight and said that it was bloody raw.

After this happens, everything goes back to normal until the next time. There is no warning.

I have had GERD for almost 30 years and also hiatal hernia. The GERD is completely controlled by Prevacid (no heartburn). I also take Acidophilus daily.

I went to my PCP today and he referred me to a gastro talking about surgery for the GERD. I really believe this is the wrong answer and am not anxious for surgery because of the side effects. Also, if that is not the cause of my problem and I still have this extreme vomiting, constriction of that upper sphincter will make the problem of emptying my stomach even more of a problem, especially if it is like the "third wave" of last night.

I find it hard to believe that as many people that have this problem, that the medical profession has not found a definite cause for it. I was treated for H. Pylori years ago. I am also worried that they will put me on Reglan, which seems to have some pretty serious side effects.

Has ANYONE out there gotten a legitimate medical diagnosis for this problem? I have to go to this gastro in about a week and would really like to know what I am up against. I would appreciate any help anyone can give me.

Davenport, Florida