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Please describe your GERD chest pain for me! and do you have palpitations?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 12/16/2007 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
I have chest pain between my boobs (sorry guys) and it always feels like it's worse towards the left side, like a little knife was being stabbed and twisted on that side. On my most recent endoscopy my doc told my my esphogus was more inflamed on that side so that's why it felt that way. So now when I belch or have reflux it always hurts worse on that side but now I know why. I do take Zegerid, 40mg twice daily right now. I'm looking at surgery because apparently the flap above my stomach is worthless. :)
Posted 12/19/2007 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All

Same here chest pain and hit about the same place as yours dog. TiX I spent way to much time and money when this all 1st started getting not just a second opinion but many. Was told was not my heart and had EKG and ECG. But ended going to another Dr and another. Had the monitor I wore for 48 hours and came back ok. Still my mind raced and panic took over and went to another. Short story all DR said samething Heart was fine and looked good.

I do stay on my diet. Not saying from time to time I dont have trouble. But I do know what bring it on worse. Sometimes there is a surprise and something new will pop up and all the nasty stuff starts again. My hardest thing to not drink was coffee. Loved my coffee way to much. That took me a long time to get off of. Stay away from things you know makes it worse or brings it on. Like I said, you might eat or drink something that never bothered you then all off a sudden it hits you and symptoms start in.

Hope you start to feel better real soon.

Mia
Posted 12/20/2007 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
I recently woke up with a mini-esophageal (spelling????) spasm. I am as good as I am ever going to be. Down to three cups of coffee a day, don't drink much alcohol (never have). Drink plenty of water and have a good diet. I am overweight though...I am working on that...an endless struggle.
Posted 12/20/2007 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Joan,

Down to 3 cups of coffee a day. That is good. I was a big coffee drinker. I think that was the hardest thing for me to give up. I had to do it slow. But when I did it also made a difference. I still miss coffee and love the smell. Still when I smell coffee it takes all I have not to run in and get a cup. But knowing in the long run if I do I will pay for it. I once in awhile would have a glass of wine, but can`t do that any more. I pay for it as well in the long run.

Good to hear you drink a lot of water and have a good diet. I sleep with the head of my bed raised and that has helped. I don`t eat before bed time as if I do I will be up most of the night. I eat nothing 3 to 2 hours before bed and nothing heavy or over filling as it really causes problems if I do.

I had to drop some weight as well. I did drop some when I got to the point I could not eat for awhile. Which was and is not a good way to do it. After that I dropped t he weight. DR told me not to drop it fast and when one does it will come back on easier and is not good for one to drop weight fast. I now am at the weight I should be and that has been a huge help. In fact I am a couple of pounds under. But DR say it is ok, and not to drop anymore. Takes awhile to do, so hang in there on that. :)

Have a great day and hope you feel better.

Mia
Posted 6/24/2009 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
I'm a 37 yr old female and about 3wks ago i woke up with really bad heartburn (which i have never experienced before)   for 5 days i was eating tums , rolaids, and nothing helped i finally went to the hospital because it was very painful and i could not sleep or move around to much etc..then i started to get a burning sensation in my throat and and my jaws were very sore, very hard to swollow and was there constantly so i had enough...The hospital told me i probably has gastaritis and prescribe some meds and they to this day have not worked for my...2 days after the hospital i then went to my Dr.'s and he sent me for some blood tests and a Ekg and told me to continue my meds ...i haven't recieved my results yet but now i have other symptoms the burning between my ribs is gone but now i have left chest pain and in my left armpit it's like a burning, crushing feeling i also get tired and have a hard time breathing when i walk up stairs, vacum, etc..It also keeps me up all night...I'm very tired and have no energy for anything,,,My Dr. has decided to take a 2 month holiday and won't get my results so does anyone have any idea as to what this can be?? Some one has mentioned Anxiety but i have never had that either.?????
Posted 6/24/2009 2:01 PM (GMT 0)

Hello smiley,

Welcome to the GERD forum.  I would call your clinic and ask to speak with the Doctor that is covering for your Doctor while he is on vacation.  You have a right to know what your lab work results are and waiting 2 months in unacceptable. 

Anytime you have the type of chest pain you are describing the first thing to rule out is a heart problem and from there move on to other causes for you pain.

Yes, your sx could be from anxiety too as just about any pain is possible in a person that is anxious.  I am not a professional so do not want to make any guesses but I strongly feel you need to follow up on your test.

Could it be GERD/Heatburn, yes it could but again you need to consult with a physician.

I am so glad you found us and that you posted here.  As you can see I am all for advocating for yourself so do not sit back and wait for 2 long months.  :)

Welcome aboard.

Kitt

Posted 6/26/2009 12:15 PM (GMT 0)
Wow - I hate to hear that so many people are suffering from what I am, but on the other hand I'm happy that I'm not just crazy.  For the record, I am a 39 year old male.

about 10 years ago I started waking up in the mornings and felt like I had to hack up something because my stomach didn't feel good.  So, I would hack it up, mostly just stomach acid and flem.  After several doctor trips, I finally made it to an allergist in Toledo Ohio who thought I might have GERD.  I finally started waking up an hour early and laying on my left side, and no matter how much my stomach may feel queezy, I refuse to hack it up.

He got me on Prevacid, which helped alot.  (I'm no longer on it because my insurance will no longer cover 'feel good medicines'.  Tried prilosec OTC, made me light headed.  Tried Nexium, didn't work)

about 4 years ago I started having chest pains.  A couple trips to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack, stress test, nuclear stress test, x-rays, EKGS, and endoscopy (I was too nervous to let them put me out so I did it awake, for the love of God, don't ever do that) etc, etc - nothing.  Heart is fine I keep being told, minor case of acid reflux.

Now, I don't help my cause at all.  I'm about 15 -20lbs overweight, I smoke, and I drink beer.  I have cut the caffeine down to only 2 cups of coffee in the morning.  But these chest pains I get, they almost drive me crazy.  I recently told my wife that they are pretty much running my life now, it's all I ever think about.

I get them where a lot of you said you did, upper left chest that sometimes wraps under my arm.  Sometimes I get sharp little pains from the heart that shoot down my body.  It constantly worries me, and I think that the pains cause me anxiety which just amplifies the problem.  I no longer really know what to do.  I feel like I should go back to the doctor and have my heart checked out again, but do I do this and spend more money on insurance premiums that arn't neccessary, or do I just let it go and realize that these are a part of my life now and I have to find a way to not let them control my life.

Thanks

Posted 6/26/2009 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hello SLS,

Welcome to HealingWell.  I believe you answered your own question on what to do?  You stated "Now, I don't help my cause at all.  I'm about 15 -20lbs overweight, I smoke, and I drink beer."


Over-the-counter treatments that may help control heartburn include:

Antacids that neutralize stomach acid. Antacids, such as Maalox, Mylanta, Gelusil, Rolaids and Tums, may provide quick relief. But antacids alone won't heal an inflamed esophagus damaged by stomach acid. Overuse of some antacids can cause side effects such as diarrhea or constipation.

Lifestyle changes may help reduce the frequency of heartburn. Consider trying to:

Maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus.

Avoid foods that trigger heartburn. Everyone has specific triggers. Common triggers such as fatty or fried foods, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion and caffeine may make heartburn worse.

Don't lie down after a meal. Wait at least two to three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.

Don't smoke. Smoking decreases the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to function properly.

I hope these simple tips help you decrese the amount of heartburn you are experiencing.

Take care and let us know how you are doing.

Kitt

Posted 6/26/2009 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the prompt reply Kitt. 

Only thing is, I don't consider it heartburn.  I have heartburn every once in awhile, and I know what that feels like.  What I feel, doesn't feel like that, it's just a constant pain, sometimes almost intolerable and scarey, most of the time just annoying (and still scarey).  It's not a burning sensation, and it's not on my breast plate.  Its over on my left side, mostly above where my heart is, and sometimes, like today, is wrapping around under my arm and even onto my arm.

I used to think that maybe i've pulled the muscle tissue in that area somehow, but that would have to heal eventually, I would think - thus the reason I am always stressing out that it is so much more than that.

I don't have any family history of heart problems, but that isn't to say that I wouldn't have them, especially with the life style I've chosen to live (smoking and alcohol). 

Posted 6/26/2009 3:12 PM (GMT 0)

SLS,

From what you described I would seek out a second opinion by a cardiologist or an internal medicine physician if you do not feel your discomfort is coming from your mild GERD. GERD along with Anxiety and many other disorders can cause unusual chest and arm discomforts but it is always best to rule out the cardiovascular system first and then move forward from there in looking for the dx.

Take care and keep on talking to us.

Kitt

Posted 11/10/2009 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
 

 Hello,

 I found this thread to be very insightful. I am experiencing what I believe to be GERD for the last few weeks. I took a klonopin ( anxiety) right before bed but worse before I ate a large meal. I think the med caused my splincter to relax and acid to flow back up. Now I have a constant pain in chest even when I don"t eat. That is my first question, is it normal to experience GERD related chest pain when you haven't  eatten anything. CAn GERD cause pain the lower neck area.

   

  I had a physical last week and my primary said it was just heart burn and would take care of itself. I did have a heart test where that hook up the sensors (ECG, I think its called) that came back abnormal. But Dr. told me it was nothing to be overly concerned with since it had not change from the test 5 years ago. I think to relieve my fears she schedule me for an ultrasound test on my heart that  I go in for this this Friday.

 I have tried Pepcid, Mylanta, tums to no real relief. Just got Prilosec OTC and will see how that works. Hopefully, my ultrasound will show no real problems. Having anxiety doesn"t help my situation as I constantly worry.

Posted 11/10/2009 6:45 PM (GMT 0)
Anxiety can cause your GERD symptoms to mulitply.
Try to stay calm. Gerd can affect others differently. Some have pain. some don't. Some burn, some don't (I don't).

Good luck in your tests.

Joy
Posted 11/10/2009 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
about the only symptom of GERD I had were palpitations. My GI specialist told me that my palps may be because the area affected by the HH and now the surgery is soo close to teh heart that its possible that its bothering my heart.

Now 3 months post op I still have soreness in my esophogus and still get palps with the throbbing pain, in my esophogus. I know the palps are related to this and I have been cleared of any herat issues.

Rafael
Posted 11/11/2009 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
My GERD started earlier this year with nausea and a lump in the throat feeling, but now I'm experiencing more chest pains. (I almost never get a true "burning" sensation, like heartburn!)

Also earlier this year, I was experiencing heart palpitations and was diagnosed with PVC's. (I assumed it wasn't related to GERD since my mom and brother also get PVC's and they don't have GERD....) I had several EKG's done, a Holter monitor, and a heart ultrasound and the doctor insists my heart is healthy. I'm still fairly young (28), slender to underweight (high metabolism), eat fairly healthy (but still splurge), all bloodwork in normal range, but admittedly don't get much physical activity and sit at a cubicle all day....

Tried Prilosec a month or two ago and it didn't really help so I quit. I was on no GERD meds for a while, and I started getting chest pains -- it started out as mild, quick pains (<1 minute) in various areas of my chest, right or left side, sometimes upper abdomen. Those pains combined with the fact that my doctor could feel my pulse when he felt my stomach made him suspect an aortic aneurism (yikes!! now that gave me some anxiety!!) and he ordered an abdominal ultrasound, but everything looked normal on the ultrasound. He concluded the pulse in my stomach was probably just because I'm thin, and the pains from GERD. I have been losing weight since developing GERD -- I tend to lose weight easily when I'm sick, and when I feel nauseaus it's hard to eat enough!

The chest pains got worse over the course of a week or two until I had pain nearly all day, ranging from mild to moderate. (Surprisingly, it's only during the day -- the only symptom that wakes me up at night is occasional nausea.) It feels like pressure in my chest, usually near my breastbone or just to one side or the other. It is much worse when sitting down and I feel better almost instantly when I stand up, so now my doctor suspects hiatal hernia. I have an EGD scheduled for next week to find out.

While I was getting these chest pains, I started Nexium and the pain improved for a few days then came back. Since I had previously been eating whatever I wanted (including lots of OJ, tomatoes, garlic, etc.) I decided to get strict with my diet. I started eating smaller meals more often and am avoiding the following the foods (with the possible exception of small amounts in processed foods -- e.g. garlic powder in flavored crackers or something) and within 24 hours the chest pain was nearly gone! So I am avoiding:

Alcohol (but I never drank before...)
Caffeine (I only had small amounts before)
Chocolate
Mint
Tomatoes
Citrus fruits
Vinegar
Garlic
Onions
Spicy foods
Really fatty foods (still eating things like diary, healthy fats like nuts, etc.)

Sadly, all my favorite foods are on this list -- chocolate and lots of ethnic food (tomatoes, garlic, spices, etc.) :(

Unfortunately the last few days the chest pains have been trying to come back... Maybe I need to get even more strict with my diet and only eat really plain, bland foods? Also, if it is an HH, sitting at a cubicle all day probably doesn't help!

Also, bluewillow mentioned giving up dairy in an older post. I have not seen dairy listed as a GERD trigger before, is it a common trigger? Because if I can't eat dairy or fatty foods, how in the world am I supposed to keep my weight up? I'm already down to 105 lbs at 5'5" :(
Posted 11/11/2009 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
High protein drinks without lactose may help. You get the calories, but no lactose which can cause mucus build up.

Joy
Posted 11/12/2009 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
Been having heart palps since last January... along with shortness of breath... after 7 docs they found the shortness of breath was from my throat narrowing from what they THINK is GERD... >:-| I went to a cardiologist because of the horrible palps... like YOU he told me it was menopause related and did all the heart work up tests... said my heart was fine.. I just turned 49 last month.... I've been on estrogen since 2001 when I 'HIT IT'.... so I really questioned the meno thing... phhtttt!!! I have been on Nexium since 2005 when my gallbladder came out... it's funny now though.. since I found out what the breathing issue was... the heart palps have stopped... hmmmmm... anxiety??? BUT.. I've also stopped the Nexium... and am trying the samples of Kapidex that the GI doc that did an endoscopy on me gave me... I will be going to the UW in Seattle for throat surgery in Dec... THEN we have to figure out what is causing the narrowing of my trachea... :(

yes I have chest pain.. but mostly right in the center between my breasts.. feels like a dagger is stuck in me and someone is twisting it (ha..like I know what that would feel like!) at times... hurts through to my back... when the palps were going on.. my breasts hurt... chest hurt.. arms hurt.. neck hurt... therefore me running to the cardio.... also saw a pulmonologist... and finally an ENT.. who sent me to an ENT in Seattle... this is getting soooo old... :( :( now I'm only concerned with getting my breath back... can't do anything without getting out of breath.. doc says I'm breathing through a straw.. :-o
Posted 11/12/2009 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
I'm doing that right now... pnuemonia.

I hate GERD!


Joy
Posted 11/21/2009 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
I just recently had the stomach virus on 11-3 and was vomiting and had diarrhea, since then I have developed the worst indigestion, to the point my left arms tingle, back and have chest pains. I thought I was having a heart attack so I went back to the hospital for a follow up and they said I was fine. 2 days later made a cardiologist appointment and came back fine. Well I was getting indigestion from drinking water, my stomach would bubble all day and I could only sleep in half our intervals with alot of pillows on the couch. Then I made an appt with pcp who gave me prevacid. Well after 1 day of taking it and the terrible pain, scary palpations that I could hear in my throat, pillows, everwhere, chronic fatigue, dizziness, I googled home remedies and they said to take apple cider vinegar. So I place 2 tblsp in a cup of warm water(coffee type mug) and drank it in the morning afternoon and night. I started this 2 days ago and I can actually say it is working. My bubbling has gone down, I have energy and was able to lay flat for the first time since. I hope this continues. I still have the indigestion but only burping every now and then verses every 5 minutes. I was so scared to eat that I lost weight because I didn't want the pain. Now I am starting to eat again comfortably.

I say give it a try. I will keep ya posted. I am feeling much better now.
Posted 12/17/2009 5:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi All Had gerd myself for a couple of years..(only 26 yrs old)...started with really bad burning chest pain....thought I was having a heart attack as well at the time and ended up in a and e . ive been on and off PPIs for the last two years, and theres been periods for the last couple when I actually thought it was completely better (some of these times I was off the drugs) ben really bad for the last coupl months though...decided to drastically change diet 2 weeks ago...cut out milk, caffeine, alcohol, dont eat three hours before bed, and drink camomile and acv (oh and been taking no drugs)...thought it was getting better, but just woken up at 5am again with my chest feeling almost as bad as it did 2 years ago. Just wondering how your all getting since your last posts? desperate for some positive news as this is really getting me down. wonder if anyone thinks im better off saying with the diet or getting back on the drugs? any ideas, experience gratefully recieved!
Posted 12/17/2009 5:50 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, I was just marveling how this

thread got started back in 2007 !! And it is still keepin on !!! How cool is that ?!!

Hope you all find comfort. 

I like the idea of diet working to control symptoms of Gerd rather than drugs. I am in fact going to give that idea a solid try after , and I do say after ... the Holidays!! I am much too much of a lover of food that I cant think about it until after Christmas !! However I think anytime we could go off medicine it would be beneficial for us..in lots of ways...healthwise, costwise and just not having to worry about taking my pills everyday !!

Well...sleep well everyone

Anne

Posted 2/23/2010 5:52 AM (GMT 0)
Just a question for those of you with chest/back pain:

Is this a constant pain for you?

I have been having chest pain, below my left breast and on my left side for 2 years, and just recently in my left shoulder blade and between my shoulder blades. This is basically a constant pain. The shoulder and back pain started after I had my baby about 4 months ago. The funny thing is that the pain was minimal while I was pregnant, but I have read that it usually gets worse.

Also, does anyone ever get a tight, almost breathless feeling in your throat?

My doctor just started my on 40mg Nexium, it's only been a few days so no results yet.

It's hard to believe that symptoms like this can be caused by stomach acid.

Thanks!

Posted 2/23/2010 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
My back has not hurt any since I had my surgery. I believe I had some kind of side effect from the PPIs I was on. They keep you from absorbing calcium and other important minerals.


Joy
Posted 2/24/2010 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
gen doc said I have gerd but I've never been through more extensive GI testing other than a barium swallow. here's what I feel:
when it's really bad burning just below sternum, radiating prickly burning to upper parts of chest and back, and lately I feel burning in my ears and throat when it seems to flare up.
something I would get sometimes, with no other symptoms would be that my face would seem to feel really hot like a fever despite a normal reading on a thermometer, which would usually coincide with a meal before especially when it was more discretionary rather than necessary.
I have also had non-stop sinus drainage and runny nose for 6+ months.
I've had palpitations but those I believe were a side effect of asthma inhalers.
Posted 4/22/2010 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all, I'm new to this site and very thankful I have found it. If at least to not feel alone. I have had a lump in my throat sensation since December and it just does not go away. In January I had some serious indigestion, so much so that I went to the doctor and had a gastroscopy done. All check out fine.
This is the thing, I had 2 stents inserted last August and am worried that this may be the cause, but my GP says he does not think it is my heart since the feeling does not come and go but is constantly there. It has settled a bit from Jan/Feb and I do not have heartburn. I had a bout of heartburn about a week ago after drinking homemade lemonade.
I will be doing exercise ECG in about 3 weeks.

These are my symptoms:
1. Lump in base of throat;
2. Slight pain/sharpness in centre of chest. Sometimes at the base of my oesophagus, sometime at the top and sometimes in the middle. This last only milliseconds.
3. Sometimes, something resembling a quick cramp under my left arm.
4. Gas, especially after eating;
5. Lump sensation reduced by eating. Sensation was gone for a whole day after gastroscopy.
6. Constant shoulder, chest and back muscle pain (not really soar). This may be due to doing weights in gym. I am on a rigorous gym plan with lots of weights and cardio work.

Any ideas
Posted 4/23/2010 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
Amazing! Thanks to all of you for sharing your symptoms. I've just started experiencing the same sort of symptoms, and a brief bit of research on the internet made me almost 100% certain that it is GERD. However, like many of you, the sharp pain in the left side of the chest had me worried. And, like many of you, it seemed to move and be relieved with burping. Do any of you in America recommend any Over-the-counter medicines for it? I'll probably eventually have to go see a doctor, but for now, I'm just wondering if there is anything readily available that works well.

Thanks!
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