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620004 tn?1227825306

severe pain in chest...GERD?

Hi...I have extreme pain and pressure in my chest!  It feels awful!  I feel like I am going to throw up my food at any minute!  I have anxiety disorder so this doesn't help of course!  lol  I was on Prilosec and it didn't seem to work completly so the Doc switched me to Protonix.  It was a God send!  It worked amazing!  But after a few days I couldn't hold up my head it gave me such awful headaches so I had to stop!   I am scheduled in next week FINALLY with a GI doc, what kind of tests will I have to go threw?  I was also told that I would probably have to change my diet and stuff, is this true? Thanks in advance for all the help!

~Julie~
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620004 tn?1227825306
Hi...thanks fro all of the great advice!  Everything helps!  I actually called my doc 2 days ago cause I felt as though someone was stabbing me in the heart and he told me I was just anxious and hung up on me!  I couldn't believe it!  What if I was having a heart attack?!  I am so tired of being told that all of my problems are anxiety!  I know there is so much more!  I am having an awful sinus headache right now and I feel like my head is gonna explode at any moment!  I went to the GI and this particular one was so incredibly rude!  So I scheduled with a different (hopefully nicer)  GI doc, but I cannot go til January.  I really don't want them to find anything, but at the same time it would kinda be a relief!  LOL!  Thanks again!

Julie
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Avatar universal

Hi Tatted;

I appreciate your response to my headache post; and, I happened to notice your question. I have some good info for you:

1. The above comment from Dr. Kini is right on.

2. Fifteen years or so ago, I was having "panic" attacks over a couple years' time (I put panic in quotes because the diagnosis which ultimately helped me was that my attacks were caused by GERD. I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder, given xanax and anti-depressants. The xanax certainly helped the symptoms (tightness in the chest, inability to swallow (even water) followed by difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat and definitely panic. Fortunately, I was travelling and had an attack elsewhere. I'm really thankful to have met another doctor; because, she looked deeper. I was a big fan of spicy foods, drank often and was in an extremely high-stress occupation. She ordered an endoscopy before writing me off as another victim of panic attacks.

It turned out my esophagus had eroded along w/ the valve which prevents acid from returning to my esophagus. The acid had burnt my esophagus to the point where my esophagus was having spasms and mostly clenching tightly closed (I hope this description isn't sending you there...it brings back bad memories for me).

I was given similar advice to Dr. Kini's.

3. The good news is...I've learned to avoid this problem without necessarily changing my lifestyle that much. Everyone is different; but, I know Dr. Kini's advice (along w/ a few tips I would add) can't hurt.

The things I found most helpful in recovering from and preventing this (in order of what helped me the most) are:

- Definitely be aware of the foods/drinks in your diet that even begin to affect your stomach acid. I slowed way down on caffeinated beverages, tomato sauces, nicotine and spicy foods. I stopped drinking anything  alcoholic. Yet, now, in moderation I can enjoy all of the above. I think it took me a few months of really avoiding the above before I started slowly starting back on those things...All I can say is...you may or may not know that some or none of these things is affecting you...but this is my experience. After 6 months to a year, I learned to just balance these foods/drinks in my diet a lot better...and now it just comes naturally.

- I've taken Zantac, Prilosec, Prevacid, etc...and I found that Prilosec along with the above diet considerations did the trick for me. Extra-strength Gaviscon is also good for immediate relief; but, I don't think it's good to take too frequently. If you're able, I'd definitely recommend getting diagnosed and possibly an endoscopy by a professional and take it from there.

- I also did some things to manage my stress level. I was working 16-18 hour days sometimes, sleeping very little, and had a daughter in intensive-care. All these things definitely add up. I noticed you're a mom (which people take for granted as being very stressful); and, you may have many other things going on that you don't immediately recognize are part of your physical situation. I got into martial arts (which may not be your thing...but just an example). It helped me because I had a few hours every day where I was so focused one one GOOD thing, that I temporarily blocked out all the stressors. Even if you find the time to lock yourself in a room or go outside and relax all your muscles and breathe deeply, it's better than doing nothing at all.

- I also think seeking out other people you can talk to or vent with...helps you process any stress you might have.

I'm sorry for such a long reply; but, it was important for me if just one thing I've suggested helps. I've been there and it's a horrible feeling. I even felt guilty for taking up a doctor's time once (because it was apparently all in my head). I hope you don't hesitate to seek professional advice.

Take care and hang in there...and thanks for your response to my post.

Rick
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Avatar universal
I am sorry to hear about anyone who ends up with G.E.R.D.   I have had it for many years and have had good days and very bad days.  Trying different medications and learning what I can do and not do.  First of all the list that Dr.Kini isent you is so very important.  I know that it is a lot of changes in your life but it does make a difference.  I also have an anxiety disorder and I know form expierence that it does contribute to my problem with G.E.R.D.  I take 1/2 mg. 3 times a day of Lorazapem.  Yes it is addictive but I have found that my anxiety is kept under control so much better with medication and that helps my entire system.  I am not pushing medications but I had to come to the reality that my struggle was that taking medication made me feel like I was weak and that is not the issue.  I am a strong person with a medical problem.  I was once told that I have a Spastic Colon which goes along with that feeling of shakiness.  The doctor told me that if he put my intestines on the table they would shake.  That helped me to understand that I did need that extra help.  I also grind my teeth and wear an appliance to keep my jaws from clenching.  It is difficult to also have to give up so many foods that you may enjoy but it helps to feel better and it is a much healthier way of eating.   The pain that I would get in my chest felt like a heart attack and what is was is a Hiatial Hernia. That is when a small portion of your stomach pokes into your chest cavity.  Once it calms down the pain goes away.  My medication helps keep me calmer.  When your tested they should be able to tell if you have a Herina.  This test do not hurt you.
I also had H-Pylori a bacterial infection in my intestines make sure to ask for this test.
This is my day - Take 75 mg. Zantac morning and evening using directions on box.  There are a higher dosage, I only needed the 75 mg.  Lorazapem 1/2 mg. morning, noon and evening, loose clothing, watch what I eat and small portions every couple hours, I can not wear a bra because it causes pressure that aggrivates my Herina and that can become very painful. Wear my TMJ appliance when driving, stressful or sleeping and please elevate your bed so your head is higher, not so much that you slide out of bed. I had to buy a second hand bed that the head and bottom are motorized.  It sounds like alot to adjust to but it does work.  You may have to tweak your daily rountine because we are all different.  It is important to adjust your life because if you do not it can beome so much worse.  If I can do it I know you can.  I hope this has helped you.  Going without a bra is awful but very necessary for me.  The sad part is that I am 62 years old and not so perky anymore. Ha Ha  Good Luck to you  
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620004 tn?1227825306
Thanks!  I appreciate your feedback!
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Avatar universal
Hi,
GERD is confirmed with upper GI endoscopy and 24 hours pH monitoring test.
Treatment is with PPI and lifestyle modifications.

Lifestyle modifications -
1. Head elevation while sleeping
2. Small frequent meals
3. Going to bed 2- 3 hours after food
4. Avoiding bed time snacks
5. Avoiding smoking and alcohol
6. Avoiding tight fitting clothes
7. Avoiding cola, citrus drinks, carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, spicy food
8. Weight reduction

================================================================
The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.
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