Ask the Doctor Several years ago, I was diagnosed as having an ulcer. A few months ago, I started having more severe stomach pains. An upper GI revealed I had a hiatal hernia. I have been on acid blockers for several years now, such as Zantac and Prevacid, but these medications are no longer helping me. I've also tried over-the-counter acid reducers, but they haven’t helped either. I'm tired of the horrible pain and vomiting. What should I do?
You probably need to see a specialist for the continued pains. Not all abdominal symptoms are due to ulcers, and upper GI X-rays don't identify all ulcers. It sounds like your symptoms are not likely to be from an ulcer.

If your stomach distress is more likely in stressful conditions, excitement, around crowds, etc., you may have irritable bowel syndrome.

If your doctor is having trouble finding a reasonable explanation for your symptoms, a GI specialist would be the next step.

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