I had my surgery almost almost 3 years ago. Since then, I've visited the ER 4-5 times thinking I was having a heart attack. Had pain in the center of my lower chest just above my stomach area & found it hard to take a deep breath. As of last December, following a barium study, it was determined that I have acid reflux & the pain was coming from that (I was also told by the radiologist that my pain was in the same area as my surgical clips). My doctor prescribed Protonix but because it caused constipation I stopped taking it. Six days ago I had another episode but this time I also experienced nausea, chills, & weakness along with the chest pain & have felt slightly nauseous & weak since. My doctor had me have a complete abdominal ultrasound & I am still awaiting the results. In the meantime, I have begun the Protonix again along with a stool softener. Time will tell if the Protonix will stop the painful episodes but I am definitely giving it a chance this time!