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New member intro: reflux + anxiety

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Posted 7/20/2013 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi folks!

Want to introduce myself. I'm Ruhr, just joined yesterday.

My full intro is here on the GERD forum:

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2798089

In a nutshell though, I'm experiencing shortness of breath, lump in my throat feeling, and occasional heartburn. When it gets REALLY bad, heart begins to race, and the anxiety flares up.

I haven't had really bad, full blown anxiety attacks recently, though that's a part of my history. Around 2005-2006, I went to the ER twice thinking it was a heart attack, before I figured out these were panic attacks. I am lucky enough to have a doctor that has prescribed Ativan 0.5 mg P.R.N., and luckily, haven't really abused it and only take 1/2 or a whole pill when needed (I don't want benzo dependence!).

I might have some NON-benzo dependence, though, since I do take 10 mg Ambien almost every night. I know that getting off these things--benzo or non-benzo--can give some serious rebound anxiety.

That's it for me. I hope I can meet other reflux + anxiety sufferers, and also lend a helping hand and share my previous experience dealing with anxiety, full blown attacks, and dealing with meds.

Looking forward to hearing from you!
Ruhr
Posted 7/21/2013 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Ruhr,

I also suffer from bad heartburn with my anxiety. I have major health anxiety and the heartburn just makes it worse for me. I worry about dependence on meds so much that I resisted when my doc first told me to increase my dosage of paxil. It wasn't until another major panic attack that I finally relented.

This forum is a life saver for me. Everyone is so helpful, kind & extremely knowledgeable.

I've heard that aloe juice is really good for heartburn and the few times I've tried it, it really helped settle the burning in my chest. It's quite pulpy but that doesn't bother me.

Any way, welcome!
Posted 7/21/2013 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Panicgirly, thanks for the warm welcome.

I love aloe juice! Little nice bits of aloe in them. Kinda weird swallowing though. And I did not know it helps with heartburn. All the more reason for me to get some.

I don't suffer from bad heartburn that much compared to the shortness of breath and lumpy throat feeling, though when I do, I take Gaviscon antacid. Have you tried it? Lovely, it coats and forms a nice foam barrier to keep down the acid! Oh, and Gelusil too is another thing I use--it's a combination antacid/antigas thing. I haven't seen a combination like that. I think Gaviscon works best for me for heartburn. I don't use straight up Tums any more.

Well, when either the heartburn or SOB gets really bad, it does trigger some anxiety for me. Heart begins to beat fast. Sometimes skips beats. What do you do for your anxiety in such a situation? I cop out and take half a pill, though I guess I should try some breathing exercises to be "med-free"?

Ruhr
Posted 7/21/2013 7:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I get acid reflux and anxiety too. I have to take Salpraz every day - whenever I miss a dose I seem to end up with the heartburn pain sometime during the day. When I do get it, I use Gaviscon too - it helps. The first couple times I got heartburn, it developed into panic attacks. Once I finally found a doctor who actually treat me for acid reflux instead of glancing at me and saying "it's probably just part of the fibromyalgia", I found that I didn't get chest pains as long as I took the meds. Oh, and it took me a year of complaining to various doctors who didn't treat me seriously (because of the fibromyalgia disgnosis) before I finally found that helpful doctor, whom I have now made my regular GP.

Knowing the cause of my "chest" pains has relieved some of my health anxiety, although I'm afraid I still struggle with anxiety over my numerous other health problems. I'm starting to cope with things a bit better since taking up mindfulness meditation and CBT and an also added an antidepressant later on when the psychology treatments weren't enough. The antacid and antidepressant are the only regular medications I take (and trust me, I'm in 24/7 horrible pain so I could be taking other meds, but I'm scared of ruining my insides). ~Edit: my antidepressant happens to be citalopram too.~

Interesting about the aloe juice... I'll have to buy some! Maybe I could wean off the regular med after a while if I use aloe juice? Of course I would still use Gaviscon when I actually get heartburn.

Do you have any other ideas for non-medical treatments? I really want to not rely on meds to get me through each day.

Jasmine
Posted 7/21/2013 9:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Ruhr, my symptoms sound pretty similar to yours,i have the lump in my throat/globus sensation, which feels like it is running my life at the moment, I take gaviscon too.
I also take citalopram for my anxiety. I don't very often post on here(basically just because I find it hard to put down what I feel), but I find the forum a massive help!

katy :)
Posted 7/21/2013 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all! It is comforting to know that there are people like me out there! I also suffered from GERD and anxiety. My GERD was not treatable with drugs or diet, so I had nissen fundoplication last year and now I am completely acid reflux free. I would encourage anyone out there with acid reflux to see a gastroenterologist. The surgery isn't for everyone, but it might help you.

My anxiety definitely got worse while I was going through my worst GERD episodes. It got a bit better afterward, but now I am having more panic episodes again. I'm on Zoloft and have been on Lexapro, neither of which are habit forming (so I am told). I have had good luck with them in the past, but they don't seem to be controlling the anxiety quite as well as before. I also have Xanax to take as needed, which helps, but it makes me incredibly tired. I've also started exploring other avenues, like meditation and yoga. Those help in the moment, but I haven't seen much crossover in my day to day life.

Alison
Posted 10/14/2013 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
Alk301 did your GERD come before your anxiety or after, and how many people here deal with stress? I never knew I had anxiety until I was in the ER from a severe panic attack which looking back was related to recent onset strong GERD symptoms. Its like it is a vicious cycle, the two feed into each other and make them worse.
Posted 10/14/2013 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi cmljw...and welcome.

Yes there is definitely a connection, and I agreee that one exacerbates the other!

It is always good to let your doctor know of both issues so that they can be treated simultaneously...lowering the anxiety levels to reduce acid levels and other stress effects on the body.

...and treating the GERD, so that the physical symptoms do not spark anxiety/panic.

I hope that you find a good treatment plan for both issues. Keep posting with us, and we will be here to support and cheer you on.:)

Scaredy Cat
Posted 10/19/2013 9:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi fellow sufferers of acid resucks disease! I myself have had it for over 10 years and just recently have been having severe anxiety/panic attacks in the middle of the night due to it. I was recently diagnosed into the high blood pressure family as well with my poor health habits. I'm taking blood pressure and reflux meds and they seem to have a something to do with these attacks.

Its comforting to know there are many others like myself going through this and I have the greatest sympathy for you guys. The aloe juice sounds cool, Gaviscon used to work pretty good but I think I graduated from any antacids working it seems. I know the bottom line is I just need to take better care of myself. Smoking, drinking, eating unhealthy and lack of exercise have caught up to me. I need to take control and so can you! Oh and Phillips helps out as well, if you 've had too much to eat or know that you will probably get bad reflux that night take some with a cpl glasses of water. Just be careful not to become dependent on it because when you're finished flushing the crap you feel great. God bless you all in your fight to control this and don't be ashamed to get as much help as possible, we all need some. This page/site is part of that healing process that I am thankful for as a new member.

Post Edited (clapps) : 10/19/2013 4:12:25 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/19/2013 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi clapps and welcome!

We are glad that you have joined us:) Read other's posts and older threads for more great info and sharing!

Post with us anytime. We are always here to understand and care.

Looking forward to getting to know you better.;)

Peace and wellness.

Scaredy Cat
Posted 10/20/2013 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
I had reflux many years before PAD, just last week I ran out of prilosec for three days, good God I had forgotten how miserable i use to be, got me some today at walmart took one in the store, yes I chewed it
up, I know were not suppose to but I thought I was going do die. I have taken prilosec for over 10 years
and I have no intention coming off it. Peace.

Larry ***
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