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Post-endoscopy pain

Posted by cudabinacontenda @cudabinacontenda, Aug 19, 2023

I had an endoscopy 2 days ago that was negative, but the doctor took two biopsies of my esophagus about two-thirds of the way down. Since the procedure, I've had a dull ache at the bottom of my sternum and, when I swallow food or liquids, pain as the food passes through the lower half of my esophagus and, most significantly, right before it empties into the stomach. The pain is similar to what I'd feel if I swallowed, say, a hard crust of bread without properly chewing it. Is this caused by the food or liquid irritating the biopsy sites or is it general soreness from the procedure? I'm somewhat concerned that maybe this is indicative of some kind of damage to the esophageal wall or to the valve or sphincter between my stomach and esophagus. I read that “trouble swallowing” for a day or two is a common side effect, but nothing about pain further down. I was told I could go back immediately to my normal diet, but am now afraid to eat anything but mushy food until this resolves. Anyone have a similar experience? I’d appreciate any insight.

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pdlane35 | @pdlane35 | 2 days ago
In reply to @pdlane35 "Colonoscopy last week. Rectal ulcer is causing pain and some bleeding. Doctor offers no solution. Pain..." + (show)
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Colonoscopy last week. Rectal ulcer is causing pain and some bleeding. Doctor offers no solution. Pain continues.

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On Fri, Apr 3, 2026 at 2:05 PM Mayo Clinic Connect < nf+d96f6d38+110342330@n1.hubapplication.com> wrote:

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I think the ulcer predated the procedure, but was irritated by it and
is now causing pain.

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> Colonoscopy last week. Rectal ulcer is causing pain and some bleeding.
> Doctor offers no solution. Pain continues.
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Susan F, Volunteer Mentor | @susanf8 | 2 days ago
In reply to @johntw "Just chiming in here with my experience for posterity because this thread came up in my..." + (show)
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Just chiming in here with my experience for posterity because this thread came up in my research.

I had a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy done about 5 months ago to check for internal bleeding. Results came back clean overall but they noted a “small hiatal hernia” on the write-up and we never discussed it.

Since the procedure, I have felt what I’d describe as a pressure or squeezing right where I think the hernia would be. The feeling is below the xiphoid behind the abdominal wall. It feels structural/mechanical. It feels like someone put a small balloon in there and inflated it, like bloating after a heavy meal but up near the xiphoid instead of the belly.

It is not painful but more of a constant annoying discomfort that is driving me crazy. It is all I can focus on all day every day. It is what I would imagine a hiatal hernia would “feel” like, but gastro says this is basically impossible and it’s likely just xiphoid inflammation or muscle strain.

I did not have this discomfort - and had never even heard of a hiatal hernia - before the EGD procedure.

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and topical 4% lidocaine have done nothing.

I don’t have heartburn, chest pain, vomiting, or acid reflux. It’s my understanding that these would be the usual symptoms that would actually cause concern about a hiatal hernia in the first place.

Gastro doc has been very dismissive and said he thinks it’s musculoskeletal and not gastrointestinal, but it just feels like he obviously doesn’t want to take any kind of responsibility for what is potentially a complication from the EGD.

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@johntw I also had a small hiatal hernia that was found on endoscopy. It wasn't surprising, since about 50% of people over 50 have them, and I fall into that age range. I don't really have any of the other risk factors.

Here is a article on hiatal hernia; perhaps it will help:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiatal-hernia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373379

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