Painful esophageal spasm

[JoeBryan]

At age 61 I have suffered from  bouts of very painful spasms in my lower esophagus for the better part of my life. It would go away for months at a time but would always return. It always attacks at night. Lasts for up to one hour and I would feel as if I am at deaths door with the excruciating pain. During these bouts I would pace the floor and be digging at my chest and groaning.Taking oral pain killers only worsen the situation. Over the years I have tried most things, including actually punching my chest as hard as I could from frustration and pain. The only relief that I ever get(apart from a petidine shot) is from eating crushed ICE. Yes ICE. I put a mouthful in my mouth and try to swallow as much as I can at a time before it melts. Sometimes I use a whole tray.  Apparently the ice freezes the muscle that is constricted and it relaxes eventually and eases the pain and with no side effects. The next day though my chest feels sore inside and I usually take only soups. Sometimes it hits me two or three nights in a row.  This brings a terrible fear of night approaching and not knowing what to expect. And that I think compounds the issue.

I have had H.Pylori and have been treated for it and it cleared up. I suffer from GERD and eat several small meals a day and sometimes sleep the first half of the night in a hammock to aid digestion. I have had several endoscopies done which showed no negative signs. Ultrasound on my gall bladder was OK. My heart's OK. I am presently on Lansoprazol(which I found was the best medication for my GERD) 30 Mg once a day. Sometimes I add Motillium to that. I have been on this ritual now for many months. Sometimes after I eat there is a semi acidy taste in my mouth.

I have the distinct feeling that these spasms are mentally related. I don't feel that there is any strong link between what I eat and their onset. But, I may be wrong.

I am getting older and very tired of the pain. When I was younger I could have handled it( I was macho then).

I am hoping that there is some medication for this ailment before I kick the bucket during one of these bouts.

Could someone help.

JoeBryan

[Jacestovall]

Joe,

I am 32 years old and have been dealing with this for almost 10 years now. My biggest fear is that I have to live with this the rest of my life. Were you an ever able to find relief or effective treatment?

[specialmom]

Hi there.  This is hard for me to read through all these responses but would love to hear what is happening with you.  Can you start your own thread if you haven't and I'll read and we'll talk about what is going on.  Sorry it's been 10 years of this!

[rukiddingme57]

I get these attacks, too. Usually during the middle of the night. I have found that taking Librax during the warning phase (pressure before the ungodly pain hits), keeps the spasms from progressing. If I am having the "something stuck in my throat" feeling during the day, ice water helps. I do think Zoloft helps in preventing these attacks. You don't need a high dose, half of a 25 mg. tablet works for me. I came off of Zoloft and am starting back on it. I didn't have these attacks when I was taking it. I also take Nexium 40 mg. once a day. Stress is a big factor.

[CalGal]

Joe, ask your doc to try some antispasm meds for the esophageal spasms. Some of the more 'general' antispasm meds include Bentyl and associated products. A 'step-up' (but stepping up also means possibly more side-effects) would be nitroglycerin which works extremely well for some people. Then there are also specific calcium channel blockers.

[MistyCK]

I have a Hiatal hernia and GERD and I have the same problem you do.  I keep sonic ice at my house.  I never leave or go anywhere without my ice water.  Its the only thing that works for me.  

Misty