GERD Chest Pain - Front & Back

[jaysonrl]

Hi everyone!

I'm wondering if other people have similar symptoms to what I'm having and what they've done about it.  I know the basic ways to cut down on acid reflux.

Back Story:
For the last 10 years I was living with acid reflux.  I'd pop a Pepcid Complete almost 3 times a day for 9 years.  Last year my doc gave me omeprazole.  It was fine at first and I didn't have any acid reflux feelings (the burning sensation in the lower throat).  But, I still had a tough time swallowing foods.  I also felt some chest pain sensations below my left pectoral, near the center of my chest when I'd feel anxious about something.  One night in August 2014, it was pretty severe.  I went to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack (I'm 30 btw and weigh 195 lbs., been a runner, cyclist and active my whole life).  They did the BNP test, ECG and gave me the ER cocktail.  The pain didn't really go away.  I ended up having this doubt in my head that I was unhealthy.  I started eating gluten-free, avoiding all dairy, red meats and high fat foods.  I also stopped working out because I thought my heart would give out.  In early September I was referred to a gastroenterologist for an upper endoscopy.  They opened up my throat more, found a hiatal hernia and no ulcers.  My IM-GP gave me the full workup of cardiac stuff too.  Chemistry, ECG, Echo, Holter and found everything was fine.  I was pretty worked up and had lots of chest pains.  He diagnosed me with anxiety and prescribed me zoloft @ 50mg daily.

Today is about 6 months later.  I'm still having chest pains but more recently they've manifested into a pain that feels deep inside the chest.  From right behind the left shoulder blade to the front of my chest.  It doesn't last long, but it comes and goes, sometimes with intensity.  I also have the fullness in the chest feeling and slightly bloated feeling when that happens.  I'm sure that my gerd is not in control.  I've been having a lot of decaf coffee the last week and lots of wine, bread and cheese.  The works things for gerd probably.  Has anyone else had those types of pains in the chest.  Almost you could stick a rod RIGHT THROUGH that area and they'd line up perfectly?  Anyone know what that is?  Even though I'm a hypchondriac, I know it's not a heart attack, but still has me concerned enough to ask on here medhelp.org.

Thanks!

[jaysonrl]

Thanks Selma.  It's definitely hard to avoid the acid causing things.  I've also come to realize  in the last day that my gerd can cause chest pain but ALSO stressors come out has somatic symptoms (which does help with gerd).

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the GERD forum

I am glad you had a full work up on your heart....it is important to rule that out...also look to your families medical history as well.

Although you have modified your diet somewhat, you may still be consuming things that can be triggering your reflux...alcohol is one...so the wine may be something you will want to avoid until your symptoms calm down.

Greasy, spicy, acidic, foods are what we typically know to avoid...but caffeine and carbonated bevs are also on the list...as well as making some lifestyle changes...
no eating  3 to 4 hrs b4 laying down-
elevate the head of your bed-
avoid tight clothes-
any change in weight...up or down can cause a flare of symptoms as will stress...so do try to relax and follow your Drs instructions on meds.

Keep  us posted on your progress