Chest pain and how long does it last ?

Ok for those who have the chest pain how long does it last ??? I have been having the chest pains for almost a month! It still scares me when I have it since it isnt a constant pain it just comes and goes....

Ronee'

Mine is very random.  Mine was hurting last night for first time in 9 years.

Had to sleep in a recliner all night for relief.

Joy

K9~

Thanks for your information!! Makes my mind alittle at ease!! The doctors have done an EKG and blood work nothing abnormal about either of them so they are leaning more toward my reflux, I was totally scared and worked myself into a panic attack thinking I was dying.  I also have a sliding hitial hernia which I am concerned about so when I go talk to the surgeon on Tuesday maybe he can check on that as well.  I have had reflux for years and never had the chest pains I am having now, but I am wondering if the position of the hernia has anything to do with it?!?!  So I am trying to be patient about this while I drive my husband totally nuts about freaking out that I am having a heart attack.  I am one of those people that if I dont get the answer right then and there I stress out wondering the what if's or it is this or who knows.   I kinda figured it was my reflux when I started getting the burning sensation in my throat no matter if I stand or sit down. So I just try to surround myself with positive people and prayer to get me through this but bless everyone that doesnt understand what the pain is that I am having! This forum has been a god send and I am thankful that I google everything! :) I am hoping this general surgeon that does this scope will say this is the problem and we need to send you to a GI specialist, yes these are the steps I need to take being a military wife since we are at a location that doesnt have those doctors on hand. So god bless you all for this support network, usually it is me lending out the support it is kinda nice to have people to lean on that are going through or have been through it already. I do apologize in advance as we are currrently stationed in S. Korea and I am a day ahead of most of you guys, I might sound pushy but I am not I just keep forgetting that everyone is asleep when I post.... I look forward to chatting with yall.

Ronee'

Hi Vicrayhoov,
So sorry to hear you're having so many problems. Believe me, I can relate. I had asthma as a child, and it improved--I guess I was in a "remission", but as I got older (I'm 57 now), it got worse and worse. I do get some allergic asthma symptoms, but nothing like I was suffering with the GERD inflammation. I went from one prilosec 20mg once a day, to twice a day, then to Nexium 40 mg, then twice a day. After a hospitalization with GERD related asthma that wouldn't quit (my GERD was out of control, and even in the hospital it didn't get much better, and I was on very high doses of IV steroids, without much relief. My asthma doc had to just wait it out until the GERD was under control, because no matter what he did, the reflux kept my lungs inflamed.)

At the hospital I was switched to 40mg Protonix twice a day. I would caution you to choose your GI doc carefully. Tell your family doc that you need someone who will really listen to you. I ended up firing my first GI doc/group. They did virtually nothing for me in the hospital, and afterwards basically told me that there was nothing they could do for me other than recommend raising the head of my bed and continuing with the PPI's. They didn't even give me a 24hr PH monitor test.

My family doc referred me to a GI doc he selected because he was well respected, and a good communicator. He was day and night from my first GI doc. He took the time to listen--really listen to me--and didn't discount what I was saying. (My first GI doc told me that I couldn't be experiencing what I was experiencing...very disrespectful of me and my needs.)

My lungs got progressively worse over the past four years, as my reflux increased. I was constantly coughing and wheezing--bringing up lots of phlegm. I had to use a nebulizer 2-3 times a day. (By the way, with what you described regarding breathing problems, you might find a nebulizer a better way of relieving your breathing problems. It's hard to get albuterol in when you're already having reduced airways. (Also a med called Xopenex is a good alternative to Albuterol--worked better for me with fewer shaky side effects. Also, the normal Albuterol puffer dosage is 2puffs every 4-6 hours. Your doc, I'm sure is trying to help you with a lower dose, but keep that in mind. Are you using a spacer? if not, you should get a script for one. It'll make sure you're getting the most from your dosage. Take one puff, then wait ten minutes for the next one--that will give you the biggest "bang for the buck".)

I ended up being on high doses of inhaled steroids (especially this past year), with some oral steroids during critical times. The result was that I ended up with adrenal insufficiency. And all those steroids didn't really help. My doctors pretty much threw their hands up and said that they couldn't get me any better, and they continued to encourage me to look into the surgery. All those steroids have left me with thin skin and bones--my arms look terrible. Whenever I bump them I get ugly purple marks, and it tears easily, so I'm always covered with band aids. Not nice at all.)

I read so many terrible posts online, I was scared to try the surgery. Finally, I got desperate, and sick of being sick. I found this very positive and helpful forum, and it gave me the courage to move forward. I had an excellent surgeon, and the recovery was a hugely pleasant surprise. It was much easier than the many GERD/stomach issues I'd had over the years.

I hope my posts will help you make your decision. Remember, if the GI doc you see is dismissive, fire him and find a new one. It'll be worth the wait. Also, if you do decide to have the surgery, take the time to do the research (so you know what to expect and have your eyes wide open) and find the most skilled surgeon you can find. Not generally skilled--skilled in the laproscopic Nissen Fundoplication surgery. It is a very specific procedure, and a skilled and experienced surgeon is the most important piece of the puzzle.

Good luck to you, Vicrayhoov! Be sure to continue to post and ask questions. There are lots of very caring people on this forum, who will be happy to answer your questions, and give your support and encouragement while you search out an answer to your problems.
Feel better!
Denise

The links to my posts follow:
(sorry, I haven't figured out how to make live links here.)

Pre-op
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1392590

Days 1 and 2
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1400327

Day 3
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1401655

Day 4
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1402680

Day 5
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1403765

Day 6
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1404600

Days 9-13
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1411473

19 Days
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1417831

Nissen Surgery Failures…my thoughts
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1407854