Aa
Vagus nerve
I am having the similar problems. I feel dizzy and then my heart starts racing and I feel like I need to have a bowel movement. It is very scary.
This discussion is related to VAGUS NERVE and STOMACH or HEART LURCHES (spasms).
This discussion is related to VAGUS NERVE and STOMACH or HEART LURCHES (spasms).
It sounds as though you have an issue with bile reflux which differs significantly from acid reflux. Eating fatty foods especially late can cause reflux that can irritate both the lining of the stomach and the esophagus and cause arrhythmia symptoms. The vagus nerve runs along the digestive tract. There are medications that are very effective in controlling this problem, cholestyramine resin.
As for anxiety, you probably need magnesium including Epsom salt baths, magnesium citrate with meals. The deficiency won't show up in a standard blood test but correcting the problem will make a world of difference in how you feel. Quick fix for the anxiety attacks might be lorazepam. Check with your doctor and I hope you are feeling better soon.
As for anxiety, you probably need magnesium including Epsom salt baths, magnesium citrate with meals. The deficiency won't show up in a standard blood test but correcting the problem will make a world of difference in how you feel. Quick fix for the anxiety attacks might be lorazepam. Check with your doctor and I hope you are feeling better soon.
I have been experiencing stomach and anxiety problems for the past year and a half and I am becoming convinced that my vagus nerve is overactive. I made the mistake of receiving a flu shot five years ago because I use public transport in a major city and was concerned about becoming infected during wintertime. I had some kind of reaction to the shot that made me pass out and when I regained consciousness, my heart was in a-fib. I was cardioverted back into a normal heartbeat and was told after three days of exams that I had no damage to any of my organs.
Ever since then, however, I have seemed prone to muscle spasms in my back, chest, and shoulders. After reading various articles on the vagus nerve since then, I am led to believe that the shot or whatever reaction I had to it triggered something in my brain to make the vagus nerve hypersensitive or simply not behave properly. More recently, I began experiencing anxiety attacks and these spasms have become more frequent and intense. I cannot sit for long periods of time on a chair or hard seat in one position, as my chest or diaphragm muscles will tighten or twitch. When walking after sitting for entire day at work, it feels like muscles are tying up in knots inside of body, as if they might be wrenched apart, yet I don’t feel pain.
Anxiety attacks also run in my family, as my mother and her mother also have experienced this. I have experienced four over the last 2-3 months but seem to have them under control, at least for now. I am in dilemma where I’m not sure if this is all anxiety related, or if I have anxiety coupled with some other muscular injury.
My biggest concern, however, is the change in my digestive system. For much of last year, I was having severe constipation that would sometimes last for three or four days. I made modifications to my diet such as high fiber intake to improve my bowel movements but I have also dealt with severe stomach acid. Previously, I could feel the acid laying inside of my stomach and would feel nauseous. That has improved, but I still have burning gums, a bitter taste in my mouth, and an irritated throat, probably from the acid climbing up my esophagus.
The past two or three months, after having a lot of problems with my home over the winter, I began experiencing chest tightness after eating lunch or dinner. It feels as if the walls of my chest are closing up and I will feel tension in my shoulders and back. I had recently gotten a physical and EKG and was told that my heart is healthy, so that helps to reduce some of the panic, but it is the worst feeling imaginable.
My primary doctor referred me to a GI and I had biopsies done last week. I am calling tomorrow for the results. He told me right after the endoscopy that my stomach was full of acid but he could find no problem with anything in the digestive tract. He prescribed pantoprazole until the results are looked at. It seems to help with the gas and bloating but it doesn’t really help with the reflux. While it’s possible that I have a bacterial infection, I’m not confident that anything will be found. I am almost positive that the digestive issues are connected in some way to the activity of my vagus nerve, but it is shocking how little doctors know about this part of the body. Or do they not want to know?
The chest tightness had only bothered me once over the past two weeks but it came back with a vengeance this afternoon. I ate a beef sandwich on whole grain bread and raw mushrooms, then a small pack of chocolate chip cookies. The beef or chocolate might have very well set off the reaction but I am sick of trying to figure out my triggers. I have lost a lot of weight and was told by my doctor that I need to gain about 10 pounds. I am a 36-year-old male, 5’10”, and weighed 136 pounds at the time of the physical. I do not smoke and have never drank alcohol or taken drugs. I need to weigh about 145 (I’m halfway there) and really don’t want to cut anything else out of my diet, regardless of whether it’s healthy or not. I am already looking too thin and my pants with a 32 waist are already being kept up by my belt.
Some things I have found that helps – Naturally, good, nutritious food that aids in digestion like fresh fruit, yogurt, and anything with bran. Do NOT eat fatty foods or meals late in the evening.
If you are feeling anxious, meditation is a great relief and helps you to control breathing and heart rate. Avoid stressful situations and try to keep a positive attitude.
Ever since then, however, I have seemed prone to muscle spasms in my back, chest, and shoulders. After reading various articles on the vagus nerve since then, I am led to believe that the shot or whatever reaction I had to it triggered something in my brain to make the vagus nerve hypersensitive or simply not behave properly. More recently, I began experiencing anxiety attacks and these spasms have become more frequent and intense. I cannot sit for long periods of time on a chair or hard seat in one position, as my chest or diaphragm muscles will tighten or twitch. When walking after sitting for entire day at work, it feels like muscles are tying up in knots inside of body, as if they might be wrenched apart, yet I don’t feel pain.
Anxiety attacks also run in my family, as my mother and her mother also have experienced this. I have experienced four over the last 2-3 months but seem to have them under control, at least for now. I am in dilemma where I’m not sure if this is all anxiety related, or if I have anxiety coupled with some other muscular injury.
My biggest concern, however, is the change in my digestive system. For much of last year, I was having severe constipation that would sometimes last for three or four days. I made modifications to my diet such as high fiber intake to improve my bowel movements but I have also dealt with severe stomach acid. Previously, I could feel the acid laying inside of my stomach and would feel nauseous. That has improved, but I still have burning gums, a bitter taste in my mouth, and an irritated throat, probably from the acid climbing up my esophagus.
The past two or three months, after having a lot of problems with my home over the winter, I began experiencing chest tightness after eating lunch or dinner. It feels as if the walls of my chest are closing up and I will feel tension in my shoulders and back. I had recently gotten a physical and EKG and was told that my heart is healthy, so that helps to reduce some of the panic, but it is the worst feeling imaginable.
My primary doctor referred me to a GI and I had biopsies done last week. I am calling tomorrow for the results. He told me right after the endoscopy that my stomach was full of acid but he could find no problem with anything in the digestive tract. He prescribed pantoprazole until the results are looked at. It seems to help with the gas and bloating but it doesn’t really help with the reflux. While it’s possible that I have a bacterial infection, I’m not confident that anything will be found. I am almost positive that the digestive issues are connected in some way to the activity of my vagus nerve, but it is shocking how little doctors know about this part of the body. Or do they not want to know?
The chest tightness had only bothered me once over the past two weeks but it came back with a vengeance this afternoon. I ate a beef sandwich on whole grain bread and raw mushrooms, then a small pack of chocolate chip cookies. The beef or chocolate might have very well set off the reaction but I am sick of trying to figure out my triggers. I have lost a lot of weight and was told by my doctor that I need to gain about 10 pounds. I am a 36-year-old male, 5’10”, and weighed 136 pounds at the time of the physical. I do not smoke and have never drank alcohol or taken drugs. I need to weigh about 145 (I’m halfway there) and really don’t want to cut anything else out of my diet, regardless of whether it’s healthy or not. I am already looking too thin and my pants with a 32 waist are already being kept up by my belt.
Some things I have found that helps – Naturally, good, nutritious food that aids in digestion like fresh fruit, yogurt, and anything with bran. Do NOT eat fatty foods or meals late in the evening.
If you are feeling anxious, meditation is a great relief and helps you to control breathing and heart rate. Avoid stressful situations and try to keep a positive attitude.
I go through same things and like you my one leg happens to be shorter than the other...If you'd like to chat please let me know...Thanks
Ben
Ben
has anyone tried AtlasProfilax treatment for this? this sounds amazing. very few practitioners though.
http://forums.prohealth.com/forums/index.php?threads/cranial-nerves-vagus-nerve-digestion-atlas-profilax.190804/
also check out allergyantidotes.com, the work of sandi radomski. you can use an inexpensive soft laser to treat food reactions that are probably vagus nerve related. there are other modalities as well that don't use a laser. for $177 you can get the laser and manual. i've gotten a lot of relief. http://www.allergyantidotes.com/etox_lasers.htm
http://forums.prohealth.com/forums/index.php?threads/cranial-nerves-vagus-nerve-digestion-atlas-profilax.190804/
also check out allergyantidotes.com, the work of sandi radomski. you can use an inexpensive soft laser to treat food reactions that are probably vagus nerve related. there are other modalities as well that don't use a laser. for $177 you can get the laser and manual. i've gotten a lot of relief. http://www.allergyantidotes.com/etox_lasers.htm
I too began having this problem. Exceedingly scary. I discovered that taking probiotics help immensely. Eating yogurt, including frozen yogurts is very beneficial. I also take Natrol, a probiotic. There are many brands to choose from. Culturelle is a big one alongside Natrol etc.
I also discovered that chewing your food very well, and drinking water intermittently while eating helps a great deal. I have learned that if I go without eating anything for several hours that when I do finally eat and then it is a significant amount, that that is when I am in the most danger of having these scary symptoms. I also take Apple Cider Vinegar tablets on occasion and Anti Gas pills when I do get the symptoms and effects we have all come to dread. Moving around seems to help lessen the intensity also. I can not stress taking probiotics and eating yogurt enough. I have also found relief by taking Hemp Oil. The non THC kind like Nutiva. I thank the Lord, Jesus Christ as I believe He guided me to find the above things I have mentioned that work.
I also discovered that chewing your food very well, and drinking water intermittently while eating helps a great deal. I have learned that if I go without eating anything for several hours that when I do finally eat and then it is a significant amount, that that is when I am in the most danger of having these scary symptoms. I also take Apple Cider Vinegar tablets on occasion and Anti Gas pills when I do get the symptoms and effects we have all come to dread. Moving around seems to help lessen the intensity also. I can not stress taking probiotics and eating yogurt enough. I have also found relief by taking Hemp Oil. The non THC kind like Nutiva. I thank the Lord, Jesus Christ as I believe He guided me to find the above things I have mentioned that work.
I have suffered with most if these symptoms of the vagus nerve but now have had almost a complete cure and I swore that if I found what worked I would spread the news so you too can get your life back. First if all, quit the caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, fatty foods, and starchy foods. Read the article below and get the supplements and follow the directions. (Mostly the licorice root works the best for me.). And also try a dill pickle at night. Quit the antacids! Good luck! I am going to now enjoy a glass of wine that I can do once in a while again without problems! No more heart trouble or pain! Yeah! Oh did I mention exercise? Exercise too as much as you can fit in! It all helps! Good luck and God bless!
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2006/dec2006_report_stomach_01.htm
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2006/dec2006_report_stomach_01.htm
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Gastroenterology Community
Learn which OTC medications can help relieve your digestive troubles.
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
Discover common causes of and remedies for heartburn.
This common yet mysterious bowel condition plagues millions of Americans
Don't get burned again. Banish nighttime heartburn with these quick tips
Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem
