I have been in extreme on and off pain for nine months now, the pain is in the upper abdominal area, under the breast bone, that starts in the middle and 'spreads' down both ribs. I also get severe pain in my upper back in exactly the same place, it's like the pain goes right through the middle. It feels very restricted, like I have a tight band around the middle where a bra normally sits. I am a 27 year old woman and the pain first started in November last year when I caught a stomach bug that I was sick with every 15 minutes for 10 hours. My GP has put me on Rabeprazole 20mg, which are used for the treatment of hyatius hernia's, although he is unsure that this is the diagnosis, it could also be a peptic ulcer or gastritius. He definately thinks it is an acid reflux problem. I find the pain is worse after a curry or a glass of wine so have tried to avoid. Does anyone know how these things are caused and what to avoid? I have been told that I am very young to have any of these conditions. I am due to have an endoscopy on 5th August to find out the cause. This pain is driving me mad and causing me to have a lot of time off sick from work. I just don't feel comfortable in any position! I have tried gaviscon and zantac - neither work! The Rabeprazole that I am taking do work sometimes but other times do not and I have to take co-codamol painkillers in addition, that result in me feeling drowsy and nauseous and unable to drive. I am at the end of my tether, please does any one have any advice. :'( Thanks