Thanks everyone for your suggestions. A second opinion from a truly excellent consultant has produced results. The suggestion is that I have ruptured my diaphram, and thus allowed part of my stomach to protrude upwards to where it should not be. Early indications are that surgery is going to be the answer. This has been a truly bad time for me, and I am at last seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. I will keep you informed, if anyone is interested. The lesson I have learnt thus far is to seek advice from anyone you can, and always get a second opinion.
Once again my thanks to everyone who has contributed, and also to those who sent emails.