Severe Anxiety Gas/Burps/Heartburn

[thewes]

I am having extremely debilitating anxiety right now. Mild chest discomfort but I focus in on it so much that it becomes unbearable. I am always aware of my heartbeat and like above I focus in to it where it just drives me insane. I am expereincing undescribable levels of discomfort and I just dont understand whats wrong with me. My heart rate throughout the day is 90-100 bpm resting, and it shoots up even when I do simple tasks such as walking. Ive been to a cardiologist and they did several tests and said everything was there and in working order but my pictures were "blurry" so that definately just increased my anxiety 10 fold. A long with this, I was told to wear a hear monitor for a month which did nothing except increase it even more, and I did not even wear the monitor in the end. The strangest symptons though are just constant vibrations or movements in my intestinal area, bad heart burn, bad gas, and a feeling like I have to burp but just cant. Im hoping that my heart is fine and the feelings are just from my focusing on it too much, but I just dont know. Can anyone relate to this? Its been 3 months and I cant even sleep anymore.

[suzi-q]

Yes, many of us can relate to your symptoms.  You did the right thing by first getting to an MD to check out any physical problems.  You never said what the outcome from cardiologist was.  Most likely normal.

If it is anxiety, the more you focus on it, the worse it gets.  You need to get a distraction and try not to think about it.  Much easier said than done, especially when symptoms are so severe.  Have you thought about therapy?  When I was in the throws of my panic, I went on medication and saw a therapist.  I feel that professional help is necessary to feel better.  Of course, there are ways to do it on your own, but it was too difficult for me.  I hope this helps.  Best to you!

[texmom]

Been there, and it is frustrating. I found that it seemed related to spring allergies. This spring and last (at the same exact time, when oak pollen was strong) I got the constant burping and anxiety. For me, taking some Tussin product helped somewhat.

Anxiety and allergies seem to go hand-in-hand for me and can produce some weird symptoms. Sometimes it helps just to know that's all it is. Hang in there!

[baskin546]

Any progress on your situation.  I am having similar symptoms and similar thoughts and feelings.  

[Spoookygirl]

I have the same issues. And have had my heart checked. Echo, stress test, EKG... nothing.
The anxiety and panic worsens when my stomach is full and I have reflux. It's as if the pressure is being placed on something triggering adrenaline. My heart races, I feel afraid. I'm wondering, does anxiety and panic CAUSE the reflux, or does the reflux cause the anxiety?
I am now on Paxil, reflux medication and Ativan.
This is debilitating. Only a few moments ago I was on the couch with a wet towel on my head, on the phone with a friend telling her I felt like I was going to die. I felt it in my stomach, that extreme knotting, feeling as if I wanted to burp but couldn't. My heart racing. After I sat up and forced myself to burp, maybe 20 times, the pressure was gone, then the anxiety left.
Now I feel fine. Well, I also took an Ativan.
This wakes me at night. I'll have a nightmare, and then wake up. My heart will slow down, then I'll be unable to sleep, start burping up stomach acid, and have a full blown panic attack.
My husband is ready to leave me, he doesn't understand.
I hope it gets better for everyone, seems as though doctors don't want to investigate and take these related symptoms seriously.

[tanns]

I have severe, painful heartburn.  I don't seem to be able to associate it with food and tums don't help.  It scares me to no end because of the chest discomfort I have been having.  It happens sporadically and every time I think I'll let it go because it's happened before -- but I can't.

I have worn a 30 day monitor too.  I had this nasty heartburn at the time and it recorded nothing, well except NORMAL cardiac activity.  I still have a hard time with that one.  It is so weird and misplaced I was sure it was my heart.  I still have it though and it still scares me.  I also have chest discomfort that I try to ignore, sometimes I can but mostly I can't.  I have seen too many docs to have all of them miss something.  I don't understand the reason and timing behind the pain.  I guess you don't have to always have a reason.  It sure would help me though.

I also get a weird vibration.  It's happened mostly in my left chest area but sometimes my right fingers would twitch.  And on two occasions I could feel it in my head, that's when I really started to freak out.

Anyway, I'm sorry that you have these symptoms but it helps to know that someone else has them too.  It makes me believe that maybe, just MAYBE it is "just" anxiety.  ("JUST" --what a joke that is!!)


SPOOOKYGIRL:  I think it is really hard for our loved ones to understand the total fear about what is happening in our bodies if they are not or have not experienced it themselves.  I very rarely tell my husband anything anymore, unless I am really, really scared.  I come here or call my parents or a good friend.  He can't get it.  He's been supportive but as the tests continually come back normal, his patience wears thin with the doc visits.

Good luck to all!

[kangaroojes]

Your comments have put my mind to ease, just a litlle. I think knowing that there is other people that have been having the same problems makes me feel better, like i am not the only "nut ball"
I have all these symtoms: burpy feeling, stomach pain, heart racing, chest pain, gas, cramps in my sides, headaches, and they are ussaully moer than just discomfort, they are unbearable, i ussually can not take my mind off of them so that makes it worse.
SPOOOKYGIRL: please dont let this rule your life....it has ruled mine for over 2 yrs and I am only 20yrs old, I am missing out, loosing jobs, it holding me back from college, loosing friends, irritating my bf, people just give up (like you said, after the negitive tests) so please dont let this rule your life,,,I am getting counseling...its okay. doesnt help me , but it might help you. But over all, i just think you should bring positive in your life if you can. Excercise, eat right, laugh, this is all medicine for your symtoms.

I hate what anxiety and stress can do to a person. what the funny thing in my life is, is that I go to the emergency room a lot when i get these same symtoms you all are talking about, and I get all these tests done, and it a different doctor, different hospital everytime, and they all have the same answer..that these symtoms are caused by stress and anxiety. One doctor sat and talked with me for a while and explained a little more...he said that anxiety and stress can really take a toll on our bodies and our minds. ( I also experiece temp blurry vison) He named so many things that it can cause and it made me feel better..you know that i am not dying. I thought i would tell you guys about it.  
I still freak out, not as much, I try to tell myself "dont stress about stuff you are not in control of, you did everything you could" this helps, i point my attention other ways and that helps too. I think just trying to get over all healthy would be the best idea. If you are to the point where you just cant take it anymore, i think the best thing to do is to just eliminate the problems, if feeling sick triggers anxiety for you as it does for me, then you should work really hard to be healthy. This could be as easy as eating healthier or it could mean exercise too. Are any of you over wieght? Think about it, IS THIS REALLY BOTHERING YOU? IS THIS ANXIETY AND THESE SYMTOMS TAKING A TOLL ON YOUR LIVES? I think that if this is true for you, you should really take it all seriously and get out there and exercise. For an example, The heart racing ...if you work your cardio more you will have a reason for your heart to be pounding fast, and you wont be scared. the heartburn...eat less acidy foods, eat right and you will feel better more of the time, i know that this may not eliminate all but it will make a difference.

[AlexParada]

i too am constantly aware of my heartbeat.
i am taking clonazepam and if i take a bit more than prescribed it goes away.
i only really feel the heart when i am extremely idle...sometimes if im going up a flight of stairs i will feel it in my throat.  i hate that.  or specially when im trying to sleep.

but really, you just have to realize, you are not going to die.  your heart is not going to stop beating.  being aware of your heart in a way is almost a blessing.  im getting used to it as it has been almost a year since i started feeling it.  it bothers me sometimes, but it could be worse right?

i have a panic attack at least 4 times a month.  
i use alcohol about twice a week sometimes nothing, and sometimes drugs....ive quit smoking though.  thats the good part of this whole entire anxiety thing!  

just now as i wrote this i felt like i was falling a bit and wave of fear went through my body...its weird.  i also have acid reflux disease and esophageal spasms...i hate em!!!

[KatiRN]

Hello. I have had anxiety that seemed associated with heartburn too. I treated the heartburn with 1/2 tsp of baking soda in 1/2 glass warm water,(it will cause you to burp because it is neutralizing the acid) and the anxiety seemed to lessen. The heart is right behind the esophagus, (in fact there is a heart test that is done by slipping a scope into the esophagus to look at the heart, called a "transesophageal echocardiogram"), and I think acid reflux can somehow cause your heart to race which feels like anxiety and a panic attack. Daily Prozac has helped me immensely with these issues. I also find that sipping some club soda also helps (it contains sodium bicarbonate). Wish you the best!

[mdot5384]

I am experiencing all of the same symptoms. As soon as the "knot" feeling under my left rib cage starts I have a full blown anxiety attack. I also can feel something moving under there (most likely the gas). I am also experiencing the diffuculty burping and back pain. I agree with one of the other postings that when our bodies become imploded from the gas, it must trigger adreneline. At this point I am at a loss. I can't sleep, don't want to go out and most of all frustrating the people around me because they can't understand how I feel. Any other tips would be helpful.

[a.padrino]

Funny how most doctors cant explain it 100% to tell people, they can control, not all but most all you can, They dont yet understand it,, doctors can only test you and then say its anxiety,, and put you on meds, which is not a cure, it can help some people but not all.. why? your not mental,, your not a nut,, as most think its a mental thing,, its not! I have anxiety for years, runs in my genes,, My own studies point to what is new, from italy 2007 reported sorry i dont web address, But they are saying, its a nerve which incase of sudden body damage like a car crash (say) the nerve is made in each of us, sends out a message telling our body its in trouble, and puts it into a danger mode so to say, well for us, we are fine, but that nerve for no reason sends out we are in trouble sending our body into a mode which it should not be in, it affects the whole body or can... thats why meds dont cure it, its not mental,, we have say? a damaged nerve that sends out the wrong info,, only thing we can do is to tell our body we are fine, put your mind into something anything,, calm down,, is the key,, walking helps a great deal,, hobbies,, taking away stressful things helps alot,,, on a UK website they tell almost the same story im saying here,, its not a mental case if they say you have anxiety,, its not mental,, your not a nut...   wish you all best of luck,, took me almost 2 years to understand im not mental,, and i need no meds,, just have to learn to beat it off,, which aint easy i must say... i suffer yet, but very little today,, before i couldnt even work or go outside to a store.. i lost my job, my wife... but today its all good... you can do it... it takes time.. sorry to say... read and learn online,, most say its mental... dont trust them... lol

[Carabear]

I'm 21 years old,and just started having anxiety attacks about a month ago.I am so terrified of dying that it worsens the attacks.I've went to the E.R several times in the past few years,with bad chest pains.I thought I was having a heart-attack.It runs in my family on the male side,so everytime my chest hurts I think i'm having a heart-attack even though I am female. lol . This past time I went to the E.R with all my syptoms (symptoms) .. tingling in my pinky fingers,chest pressure,upper back pressure and several other syptoms (symptoms),Of course he came back in the room after blood work,EKG tests and all the good stuff.. and told me it was anxiety!! He prescribed me Ativan.It worked for about 2 weeks,then I started having mild attacks.So I went to my family dr. and he prescribed me Lexapro.Just started on it tonight so it takes a week to get into my system.My mom even came to stay with me and we live 2 hours apart.( BTW thats part of my problem being away from my family b/c I am so close to them).SO anyways,this early morning I woke my mom up b/c I was having a burning sensation in my face,arms,and neck.Thought that maybe I am having with-drawls from the Ativan.I HATE taking any kind of meds, so I have these thoughts that its the meds messing me up when I take them.Retarded I know.But can't help it.I came to this website and read so many different messages from different people and there is ALOT of people that have these problems.I'm glad to know im not the only one.Sad though because I suffer from it and know how it feels, and hate that other people go through this too.It sucks.

[Totalmess]

I either experience severe multiple burpings and heartburn OR  hard, wide multiple yawnings, when I enter a social situation. It is never mixed but each seems to occur regularly in the same situations i.e.-- burping occurs when I enter one place, yawning occurs when I enter another place.

[Carabear]

I have this constant yawning thing too.I do it so much sometimes it seems like I'm not getting enough air.I cant really explain it.Its weird to me.To just yawn over and over again .Another sign of anxiety? i dont have a clue.

[bright_light7000]

I've been suffering from generalized anxiety since 1998 and now a clonazepam dependent.  Feel better now a days but I am still desperately searching for my real self, I mean, the way I was when anxiety was not yet controlling my mind and body.  Don't you feel it too?  That the REAL YOU is not there anymore, no where to be found?  Don't you always say to yourself, "This is NOT me!"  What do you think, guys, will we ever get back to our own world before?  BTW, scientists have discovered the so called "brain switch".  I read this is the real cure for anxiety and there's no meds involved, but have not really searched the step-by-step procedure on how to do this.  I hope if you'll happen to get across with this, please do share it in this forum.  

[tlj02002]

I'm very glad that I found this forum; I have been experiencing constant burping (my boyfriend thinks it's gross) yawning, and gas feeling; almost as if i have bubbles in my stomache and behind my ribcage. In July I had my first anxiety attack, and since then I have been on an increasing dose of Zoloft and Clonazepam (which they are trying to decrease). I really hate taking medication, my doctor/therapist tells me to try not to think about it. But how can you not think about it when you have a plethora of pills you need to take each day, twice a day? I can't anyways. I know that this is mostly mind over matter, and that I am creating things in my head, getting nervous, and therefore having these feelings of terror. But my biggest fear is that this wont go away. My doctor/therapist says that these are temporary feeling, but after reading about zoloft withdrawals, and clonazepam dependency, how are these 'feelings' ever going to go away!

[tlj02002]

I forgot to ask everyone if you experience vivid dreams? I have wild dreams, not nightmares, but dreams with so much detail I wake up wondering if it happened or not, or if i had that conversation or not. It's really weird, let me know.

[sarahrinee]

i have the same issue, many times its sucha  debilitating pain that i jsut don't tknow wahts wrogn wtih me.

recetly i was put on lexapro and protonix which is for reflux....i still worry. but "just anxiety" is getting annoying.

[mdot5384]

I can sympathize with all of you. I am 23 and suffering from a gassy tight feeling under the left ribcage, panic/anxiety attacks and also severe left sided back pain. It is very labored for me to burp and when I do alot of times I get bile up with it. I also have a fairly constant gurgling in the spot and sometimes it vibrates or seems to bubble.All initial heart testing has come back fine but I am scheduled for a stress test this week. All bloowork, ultrasounds and a CT scan of the abdomen came back normal as well. I have gone to the hospital once for this and they brushed me off as just having a panic attack. As one of you mentioned, my family, friends and boyfriend are starting to grow tired of my dwelling on this but I just dont feel right. I feel like nothing is going to help at this point. Its comforting to know other people are dealing with the same issues.

[justwantotfeellikemeagain]

     It is such a relief to hear that I am not the only one having the back pain and pressure under my ribs.  My Dr. said that it was part of the anxiety attacks, but it's better to hear it from others who are also experienceing it.  I am so glad that I found this site.

[kyrapooh]

well im having heart burn and i have gas and it feel likes its buring on the insde. the heart bun has been going on for like a week or more now and the gas part just came last night. i took a pill for a headache and after that it felt like the pill was stuck in my chest but it really wasnt it was the gas. i took some peppermint herbal stuff my friend gave me and that was suppose to help me burp, it did but the gas is still there then i drunk a sprite (pop) soda and i was guessing that was going to help me also but it didnt. what kind of medicine and i suppose to take to help this pain i have go away?

[mommy44]

i am a 44yr old mom to two teenage girls and am married...my family thinks i am crazy..i have severe anxiety especially in the morning..i wake up with diarrhea, my heart is pounding and i want to jump out of my skin....i  have had upper left back pain and upper left  stomach pain...i have had ct, xrays, endoscopy, colonoscopy and all that was found was gerd...i take zoloft for depression for the past 6 months and it has completely stopped working...also taking xanax after another er visit the other day..told it was a panic attack..ekg, blood tests, stress test a few months ago all normal...i want my life back...everytime i feel these pains,i think i am dying from something the doctors missed...it has taken over my life and i am scared..am going to psychiatrist on tues...my husband thinks i am nuts..do any of you with gerd get these stranges symptoms? i am so glad i found all of you...

[Mandoss]

[Mandoss]

Iam a 31 year old male that has similiar problems as you. When I was 27 I had fast heartbeats and then I would vomit. The doctor put a heart monitor but it did not find anything. I also have had an endoscopy and a colonoscopy, I found out I had gastritis. The doctor gave me Nexium but it did not really help me. Now I have alot of pressure when I eat and if I do not burp the pressure out I will vomit. I do not know if my gastritis has turned into something else. I do not go out and eat with my family because Iam scared. My wife does not believe me. This has taken over my life. Today I passed a test to become a Border patrol agent but just by thinking of all of my problems I do not want to go any further with the job. I do not know what to do, can someone help!

[Michaelccc]

i'm going through the exact same thing. constant feelings in my chest upper digestive track. lower digestive track. heart always fast anywhere from 90 to 100 but shoots way up with anxiety. shoots up just by walking a few feet sometimes. pain in the chest . sometimes pain above the armpits. like electric pains is the best i can describe it. headaches. dizzy, flushed in face. seen docs and was told nothing wrong with heart. did a million tests. but i'm still freaked out how can anxiety cause me such physical symptoms and if it is anxiety then can't it hurt me with all this worrying. biggest concern still is my heart. i'm 35 year old male, very slightly very very slightly overweight by 10 pounds at most. heavy smoker, no drinking no drugs. lots of stess. HATE my job. so did you figure out whats causing those symptoms for you?

[mommy44]

it makes me feel better to know i am not alone in this struggle...i have a stress test today and if i pass it, then pretty much every test has been done....i am nervous about the stress test....if i do pass though, my husband made me an appt to go and talk to a psychiatrist tomorrow...maybe i do need new meds..i don't know..but i agree with michaelccc that it is unimaginable that anxiety can cause such real, scary symptoms...and in the long run i wonder how it will hurt our health...i have a theory too that some meds cause terrible symptoms.i have a hard timet taking anything for my stomach..i have protonix but that makes me feel worse...well, we will see what happens today...i am so glad i found you and a place of understanding when my family doesn't understand..

[Kim90]

I have spent my whole summer with the exact symptoms. I am a 39 yo female, wife, mother of 2. Back in June started with upper stomach/chest pain and tightness, increased heart rate. Nausea, fatigue.  Initially went to the physicians, blood work, generalized work up completed which came back negative.  I  had two events during the night that woke my up from my sleep, I ended up in the ER, more tests, blood work done, EKG, which all came back negative.  Over the summer, I have had a thorough workup for GI, heart, lungs that were all normal and finally the physicians have stated the symptoms are anxiety related. I found the book by Claire Weekes very beneficial and have started talking with a professional. I also was put on SSRI but did not like the initial side effects and decided not to continue with daily medication management. I do have a script for Ativan to be used sparingly.
Good luck with your stress test, I think the best thing you are doing for yourself and your family is to speak with someone professionally.
I just want you to know that you are not alone, your physical symptoms are real, once you accept that the symptoms are related to your anxiety, you can move forward.  

[kel247]

Ive had these feelings for so long...i stay up all night long with my fingers on my wrist feeling my pulse...its an awful feeling and i think my focusing on it so much only makes it worse but i cant help but think about it constantly ..its like my life has taken a backseat to my anxiety...i just turned twenty years old and i cant enjoy my life because i feel like every second of the day is going to be my last.  I'm also afraid to see a doctor because I dont want to be told that something is wrong with me and I dont have health insurance at the moment I have never been a person with anxiety and it just hit me one day out of the blue.  My best freind died in a freak accident last year and I;m thinking i have ptsd, but at this point im not entirely sure.  Ive done some research and have also found i have symptoms of death anxiety.  Ive been taking a vitamin b supplement which helps regulate the nervous system, it isnt really doing much but is giving me energy...I suggest it.

[Kimmas]

I recently suffered alot of the same symptoms as you with the gas, bloating, hearburn, chest pain, stomach ache, and excelerated heart rate. My doctor finally tested me for helicobactor pylori, H pylori for short. It came back positive and I was put on 3,000 mg of antibiotics a day for 14 days. However because of this sickness I have developed anxiety. I am starting to get better now that the only symptoms I currently suffer with are more physical tension and heart rate increase. I currently take 5 mg of Buspar twice a day and .5 mg of ativan daily. I am currently trying to get off the meds but am afraid the symptoms will come back.
It is worth asking your doctor to do a stool sample for H pylori, after the antibiotics it took about 3 months for my stomach to get back to normal, but now no more hearburn, gas, bloating, and I have gained back 14 lbs of the 20 lbs that I lost.
Good Luck to All

[mommy44]

thank you so much for your help and kind words..prelimanary results say i passed the stress test so on to speak with a professional today...i am actually looking forward to it....i know i need help because the anxiety has now gone into a depression and the awful xanax they gave me in the er makes me sick and more depressed...i am hoping to get on some meds that actually help..i also will look into getting that book by Claire Weekes...i will keep you posted..thank you so much for your help...

[tlj02002]

I have found that taking prilosec daily helps with the burping and the heartburn (I also have really bad acid reflux) all of these things make me feel anxious when i feel them. Especially the burping, because right before i burp it's like I have no air until the burp escapes. It's gross I know, but it happens. Seriously though, try prilosec everyday, and maybe some of the 'gassy' feelings will go away. Also do not eat acidy foods, espcially right before bed or 2-3 hours before bed, that's when I find it's the worst for me.

Hope this helps.

[melyndamw]

I also feel this way, I did however go to the chiropracter and my back was out, it helped with the heartburn feeling, it didnt take the burping away but at least the feeling of a heart attack is gone.

[seekaye1]

Hello people... I wish i knew this website was here 7 years ago when i had a pacer/defib implanted... all i did was feel for my heartbeat.... couldnt even walk to the mailbox... i am 26 now... i still struggle with annoying irregularities that have remained bothersome... but i have learned to live with my affliction... to those of you struggling.. go get some zoloft and take short walks every day.... the worst part is the stomach problems... but i found with a better diet and light exercise the symptoms are less intense.. the mind is a powerful machine capable of disabling the strongest of wills... dont let your life become wasted.... enjoy life and always think of the world as a gift... i was 19 when my freedom was robbed from me... no longer could i just take off and run without a care... but i also made it worse by jailing my mind and focusing on a heartbeat that would go into v tach even as i sat or rested...  i know i thought i was the only one in the world with my affliction when first diagnosed.... so if you feel alone and need some advice.. feel free to email me at ***@****... i have had anxiety so intense that i could not walk down the hall.. but through the years i built up resolve and actually last year i played in a basketball league!!! not bad for a guy with sudden death syndrome.... i had to be taken to the hospital during the second half of my teams final game of the season which was scary... my heart went into a rhythm of 148ish and stayed for probably 40 mins... pretty scary but ....  the reason i write is because i felt like every one thought i was crazy and i dont want any one else to feel that way..... please dont be scared to email q's.... anxiety and depression are worse than any affliction and can be overcome... the body is weak but the spirit is boundless...

[MMomma]

I have that same problems, serve chest pressure, bloating, gas, and it seems like I can ever get it out.  Which always seems to bring on a attack because you feel like your hear is stopping.. Its so "nice" to know that i'm not only one. If you woud like to talk pls email me

[sbspence06]

I have been having these symptoms on and off for the past couple of months, but the past week they have been consistent. I am constantly worrying about having a heart attack, all I do is burp. I even went to the doctor the other day to make sure I wasn't going to die. She listened to my heart and told me it was fine, but I really am not convinced. I have recently started having EXTREMELY bad anxiety, I've always kinda had a problem with it but since starting at a college that I don't want to be at in a major that is very stressful, I have had panic attacks, crying fits, and the thought of impending death over my head. It is starting to affect my everyday life, and that scares me to no end. I have been chugging Maalox for the past 5 days, as well as a twice daily Xantac 150 that the doctor gave me to try. None of this really helps, and the more I think about it, the worse it becomes.

I'm trying to make changes in my life to relieve stress, I'm most likely leaving school to get a job/live at home and save money. Also, I want to try to get involved in things that keep my mind off of the anxiety, as well as getting a prescription and going to therapy. This website is the first that I have found that is helpful to me, and reading about others like me makes me feel a bit better. Any tips for relief that have helped you? I would appreciate all the help that I can get, I'm sick of this consuming my life.

[K2S]

Hi,
Although it is terrible and may be easily associated with heart, you should remember that heartburn is NOT a heart disease. It is caused by regurgitation of gastric acid. I have it, too. Maybe you have a sensitive stomach or gastritis (something very common which I have, too, don't worry) and your anxiety just contributes to it. Heart rate 90-100 even doesn't mean tachycardia (it is abouve 100). So again - don't worry. It seems your heart is healthy. However, those heartburn symptoms contribute to your anxiety, so I think it is good idea to check your stomach and ask your doctor to give you something for it to help you feel more comfortable.
I personally prefer to eat smaller meals and less sweet which diminishes the heartburn to some degree.
All the best wishes ...

[Mehrdad2007]

Hi,
I tell you what, no doubt that most of us have had the same symptoms here. Mine started 7 years ago when too much stress started my problems.  Having all these symptoms and having muscle pains, anxiety attacks chess pains........, I personally can suggest a few techniques that will help you overcome or reduce your problems.  Keep in mind, you must make this a habit in your life, and not just implement it for a short time to get rid or reduce your stress.  1. Make sure, the issues you are having are not medical complications, get it check out and if (most likely it will) all your tests come back normal then: 2. Understand that you have an anxiety problem. Know that the more you think negative and the more you think you are going to die, the worst the anxiety is going to get. 99% of the problems that we have or think about are in our heads and will never happen. You will die, when your time is here, no matter what. The more you worry, the worst your anxiety is going to get. 3. Reduce the stress in your life. Find out, what or who is causing stress in your life and try to avoid it. 4.. Meditate 20 minutes a night.  Focus on your breathing.  Relax your body. 5. Exercise every night for 40 minutes. Treadmill, bicycle, etc... I don't recommend group activities for a while until you stop or reduce your attacks. Exercising alone for a while will gain your confidence.  Also note, if you exercise and your heart beat has jumped to 120-130 and you don't have any complications, most likely your heart is fine!!!. 6. Stretch. and walk around at work. Every hour, take 5 minutes and get up, walk and do a little stretch.  It will help a lot. 7. Eat healthy.  8. Get a message at least once every 2 weeks. ( I get it once a week). It will relax you.  9. Talk positive to yourself.  Brain is extremely powerful. If you have to fool it, do it. Train it, and convince it that everything is good.  Focus on the good things you have in your life and do things that make you happy.  Think about when you were healthy and bring those thoughts back to your mind. 10. When anxiety hits, acknowledge it, talk to yourself, calm yourself down. Think of it as a symptom or allergic reaction. Remember that when you exercised, everything was fine and your heart is ok and do what ever you have to do to distract yourself.  Just like anything else, once you go through an attack and you don’t panic, it will become a habit, and you will gain more confidence.  Its all in your head!!  Remember, its very hard to die!!  These steps will help you, get your life back and live a healthy life.  If nothing else, it gives you some tasks and things to look forward too. It will busy up your schedule and help you gain confidence.  Most doctors don't understand your problem because they have not lived through what we have experienced. Again, get all your test done, if they all come back normal follow these steps. I am trying to put together a hands on self help book to help people with anxiety, and I hope that I can help people overcome their problems.  if i can help you, email me at emailmikeshah at yahoo dot come.  I wish all of you the best.

[Trebor9]

I'm glad I found this forum.  I've suffered through heartburn for many years now since 1998.  It has been especially bad the last week.  Right now, I'm up at 2:30 am, unable to sleep.  My symptoms get worse at night preventing sleep.  In the past, I have tried seeing a Psychiatrist who treated me with drugs.  I then went to a social worker who helped me deal with the symptoms and then divert my attention away from them.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy works wonders for those opposed to long term medications.  My gastroenterologist has me on a PPI.   However, I am concerned about the long term effect of taking 30mg Prevacid daily for over 10 years.  This cannot be good for the body.  This latest bout has me considering one of the new surgical procedures to sew up the hiatal hernia and add elasticity to the LES.  Does anyone have any experience with surgical intervention?

[ed13]

I'm happy to know that  there are others that feal what i feal. When I started having pannic attacks. I started having all kinds of crazy simptoms. Chest pains in the center and left side, pain in my left arm,jaw pain, My right side of my face and eye went numbed I felt electric shock fealings on my fingers My toung felt like it was burning i had blured vision my scalp was numbed acid reflux lots of pain in my upper stomach depression fear no energy. And all the doctors say there is nothing wrong with me. I think thats crazy. I have had this for 6 months I have a hard time working on doing  enything.Now my pain is mostly in the center of my chest and it can last for hours and I have them every day. Does this happen to anyone else?.
Hey lets not forget that there is a God that cares and can heal any sicknes. When everything else does not work our only hope is God.I am trying to trust in God for my healing it has not happend yet but I believe it will.
I feal your pain and think we should all start praying for each other.God loves us and he wants to help.We just need to lurne to trust and believe. The bad thin is that the fear we feal does not let us believe, becouse it couses dought. And if we dought we will not recieve. So we should ask God to help us not to be afraid and to take away dought.
I am not preaching, but the Bible says that fear is not from God.
  But thanks to all, I am going to start praying for you all.

[choosycowgirl]

Im 27yrs old been in good health. Im over weight,Im 5'2 and 200lbs.So when it comes to health i dont know much.about 3 months a go i had panic attacks everyday almost all day(just found out thats what that was when i read on here)for month.not had one since then.But now i have this pain in my chest right at my heart it is sharp and all time just about.It dont feel like gas that you get in when you need to burp,i dont burp much.my blood presure as not be to bad but it does go up i check it today and it was 141/89.bottom number has been as high as 130 just a few time.i dont have the money to go to the doc so i just deal with it.Does this pain in my chest sound like gas to you all.Like now its there right at my heart it a sharp pain sometime its a burning pain.I have had jaw pain,some times my right side get this num feeling but not num i dont know how to put it,it dont really hurt but my shoulder down to the bottom of my foot get this weird feelin.Just thought i see if anyone might no what this might be(gas?).

[Ryan_Trucker]

Hello,

24 here, Ryan Trucker from Racine, WI. Anyways, I have been suffering from General/Social Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Mild Depression, and OCD for about 5 years. (not officially diagnosed with OCD, but anyway)

I was on Xanax 2mg QID (4 times daily) until recently. Now I take Klonopin 2mg 3-4 times a day and 1-2mg of Xanax 2-4 times a day.

It isn't until I started on the Klonopin for the longer life span, along with some Xanax to kill the peaks, so to speak, that I have gotten any better.

I strongly recommend anyone who is coming down hard off the Xanax, which is practically a panic attack in itself to entertain the idea of mixing in some Klonopin.

In re: to the original poster, Peptic Ulcer is very possible. I have recently been diagnosed with a Peptic Ulcer. I was trying to treat it at home with Prilosec OTC, but that simply didn't cut it. I am starting my second month of AcipHex and thank God for that expensive prescription. (worst pains I've ever had)

From what I have read and heard, peptic ulcer and other Gastric type issues are very common for those of us with anxiety/panic disorder, etc.

Be careful, and don't wait like I did until I could barely move because of the Ulcer pain.

Also, I have had to cut caffeine out, atleast 95% of the normal intake (hehe), due to the Ulcer, and I can't say for certain but it may be helping the panic issues some.

I havent had any hot/cold flashing, tingling, chest pressure/pain, leg/hand tingling/sweating, etc. since I began the new treatment which involves the klonopin.

The fact that it has a much longer second half life is very advantageous, imho.

One doesn't see the drastic ups/downs, which you may not even realize you're having, if you're only taking high doses of Xanax. I would most certainly have to say that just Xanax is NOT a good long term solution for severe anxiety/panic disorder. I'm glad that I went to see a new Dr. for the first time.

Anyhow, that was way off topic but I hope it helps someone!

Happy Holidays to all... have a safe and relaxing time!


Ryan S. Trucker

[Mehrdad2007]

Your really need to get checked out by doctor to rule out any medical problems. No one can tell you what your symptoms are being cuased by.  You can get a bluecross ppo 3500 for almost $70 a month.  Keep it for a month an go get a blood test and a physical. Regardless, i recomment you lose weight, exercise, watch your diet and reduce your stress. That will drmatically drop your blood preassure and maybe get rid of your symptoms.  You are young and it seems like stress is your problem, but your weight is not helping you either.  Heavy wight, chest pains and high blood preassure is not a good combination, definetly get it cheked out for your own peace of mind.  I wish you the best and you are too young to have these issues, go and get your life back!!

[brokendollie]

I have lived with a man who has suffered for 10 years with these symptoms. I have stood by him watchin again and again md's telling him he's fine, watching as they would basicly throw him out of the er saying your wasteing valubale medical resources, etc. I have sat up with him for DAYS on end holding him rubbing his tummy, head, back only to offer a bit of relief. You all are deffanetly not alone. There are those of us that understand and support you the best we can. Please don't be discouraged. The only comfort I have had personally in all this is talking to God. Hang in there and don't give up.  Try and relax the best you can and find some peace.

[Candice78]

I am 29 year old female and have been experiencing similar symptoms for about 6 months now.  It started out with not being able to take a deep breath unless I yawned, and chest pain.  Then it progressed to pounding heart beats, sever pressure in the front of my head, jaw pain, and pain in my armpits.  I have been to 4 different doctors plus 3 different ER visits.  Every kind of X-ray blood test imaginable.  Everything comes back normal.  Cardiologist say I am healthier than a 14 year old.  It is debilitating.  Recently I have noticed my symptoms get really bad after I have drank alcohol the day before, my heart flutters in my throat, it skips beats and seems like my blood pressure drops so much I can barely feel my pulse at all.   I am recently married and my new husband tinks I am just crazy.  I was not at all like this 6 months ago.  It is very frustrating to know you were fine one day and the next day your body is not the same.  I was on Lexapro for about a month.  It made me feel nauseus and my arms felt like they weighed 100lbs.  I told my Doctor and she recommended doubling my dose.  That is when I lost hope. I have started looking into detox diets and invested in a juicer.  I did find information about the pancreas that some here might be able to relate to.  It aids in digestion and if it is blocked up with gallstones the digestive enzymes will acutally start digesting the pancreas itself causing nausea, rapid heart beat, and burning.  I also found out that if there is a blockage in the pancreas, alcohol digestion is slowed down.  Which will cause symptoms about 12hrs after consuming.  So my next step is to try and cleanse my liver and gall bladder of stones.  I am really glad to have found this forum.  Just talking about it with others who don't think I am crazy and making it up is a relief in itself.

[manz]

To Whom it may,
I read all the poor people with all these anxities and anxiety issues. In the dictionary i looked up Anxiety and there was a picture of me. All these issues are real and i truly believe the support of family members and friends is were it all starts. Every issue of stomach,heart palpitations ect. ect are real and very frustrating. Stress i truley belive is the number #1 issue to cause anxiety and all the symptoms it brings  , if you lower your stress you are better able to manage your anxieties. Easier said than done but what is more important than your health NOTHING . I was a victim of antiety and panic attacks for 10-15 years and currently take paxil and it changed my life for the better i slowly was able to work my way of zanax ( THANK GOD) and i finally realized all the symptoms were real and 90% of it was my  stress level and what that level can do  to your mind and body is simple scary.
Read and learn about your anxieties the more knowledge you have the easier it is to cope ,  do not be scared NO-ONE ever dies of an anxiety attack ( SURE DOES SEEM LIKE I WAS DYING) .
HOPE THIS HELPS SOMEONE OUT THERE YOU ARE NEVER ALONE

[Princessian]

i woke up this morning feeling like i was going to burp or be sick - then i needed to run to the loo because my stomach feels like a washing machine going round - this follows a rubbish night sleep where i jumped up twice with my heart pounding and ears ringing. had a series of bad dreams - i think i am getting anxiety attacks in my sleep aswell as when i am awake? ? i feel like i have run a marathon and its only 8.30 am.
I was diagnosed with having CFS/Viral M.E around 2 months ago - however I am getting new syptoms (symptoms) and I am so glad i found all of you because I feel like I am going to end up in a mental home. My boyfriend is sooooo Lovely but then I feel bad because He has to put up with it and for every 1 good day I have follows 4/5 bad days. I went to my gp yesterday and he told my that my heart is going a little fast - which I think has worried me even more. and now I am going for a 24 hour ECG scan , However I am finding myself worrying about the most random things like my ex boyfriend? my younger sister getting into trouble? thinking i am dying etc etc - things I know are not going to happen but I am doubting myself?????? I do have a heaache but i think this is bought on by lack of sleep, I get this pressure pushing on my chest then it crawls over my head and before i know it i am a tearful shaking mess.  . . .. I dont take any drugs yet My diet is perfect - no really it is! I dont eat any junk and my doctor has said its better than most . I know its not that . I cant get much excercise because of the M.E I have but I do go for longish walks once a week. But I feel myself concentrating on my heart then my breathing and going into really dark realms of my brain and getting scared? I sometimes choke on my food it just stops in the middle of my throat and this triggers panick - obviously. I donty drink alchohol and i dont take drugs or smoke - not that I wouldnt like too I just cant because it makes me soo ill.. please can someone just tell me if this a panic attack and what helps you best when that crawling feeling starts ????

lots of love to you all ....

a very tired and unhappy

Rhian xx

[JSGeare]

As you can see from the outpuring you've received, you're not alone. I'm glad you've come to the forum and invite you to become a member. Before we get down to your particulars, what you must know is that we need you as much as you need us. Your experience both with the disorder -and relief of it which will come- is now and shall be helpful to all. Therefore, please become a member.

I'll try not to repeat what you've already read, but let me sketch out a sort of typical scenario in terms of treatment. Your experience may differ somewhat, but what follows is the basic outline:

1. Get with your doctor as soon as possible. If you really are "in trouble," go to the ER. I see you've had some tests, but the idea is to rule out other problems that can have anxiety-like symptoms are simply cause anxiety.

2. You will probably be put on some medication to help you cope, but understand that the med does not cure whatever is causing the panic. If the cause is something temporary, like a family crisis or something else that will come to an end, then you'll recover as the crisis passes. But if your symptoms seem to come out of nowhere or for no reason, or became worse and include new and different problems, the prime movers may be deeper, and that probably means  ...

3. therapy. If possible and if recommended by your doctor, see a psychiatrist who specializes in anxiety disorders and who can also monitor your medications. The approach here is to dig down into your life and find those unresolved issues that are driving the panic.

Understand that the panic, while clearly very alarming in and of itself, is there for a reason -you are getting a message about something that is "not right." Somewhat the same as the "ouch" you get from touching a hot stove, or the sting of a bee. The difference is, you can identify -and act on- those kinds of messages, whereas panic is hard to pindown as to source and reason.

Understand also that all those physical symptoms are completely real, as real as anything else. Everything we sense -EVERYTHING- no matter the source, is in the head. It is the brain that processes sensory inputs and gives us pain or pleasure, hot or cold or whatever we feel. If there is no brain, there is no pain. And this is why amputees feel pain in arms and legs they no longer even have. So, please, understand that the "its all in your head" remark applies to everyone.

Your self-administered therapy can include reading and making posts on the forum. Use the seacrh box to locate material using key words of interest to you. You can also put in a member's name and see everything that person had to say. You'll find insights, ways to cope and the strength of support.

I'm glad you're here.

[MrGreen]

So many long posts. Not sure if Motilium was mentioned in any of them. Works great. Can be bought in any chemist over the counter. Tiny little tablet. Stops all that wind / burping, etc, etc, and helps your food digest.

[vk1974]

34 male having same symtpoms for last two weeks. Heart beat 90+,
excessive burping, left side mild pain in chest and arm, cold fingers and toes, chills n shivers, uncontrollable but normal bowel movement, fullness and stiffness in stomach, dizziness, dry mouth..after meals o r without meals too, no acidity just small burps. heart tests all gud, been on antibiotics fo last two weeks but to no avail, these episodes ae severe during night time, symptoms tends to lessen a little while i make myself busy wth something, Docs are having different opinions ranging from amoebiasis, peptic ulcer to subacute lung infection leading to abscess formation in chest etc. etc. ......some says drinking lot of water may help. plz post any remedy u find in any discipline like homeopaty, allopathy, ayurveda, yoga, acupressure, anything........ppl plz try drinking lot of water and tell me whethe it helps u tooo,,vikas_baghla at the rate of yahu dot com

[Krissy777]

I thought I was the only one experiencing these conditions. I too have been to the ER many times thinking I was having a heart attack and was told it was anxiety and stress. I have the acid reflux, the burping, the dizziness, the bloating, racing heart, tingling, and left chest pain, the weird pains etc.,the worry then ultimately leads to the panic attack. All tests come back negative, heart is fine. It's so frustrating.  I am on klonopin but the doctor seems to think I need to be taken off of it. It stops my panic attacks and calms me down. I only take it when I need it not on a daily basis.  When I do get acid reflux, I try to drink water slowly by sipping and sometimes it does help. I've tried Rolaids and sometimes it helps along with the sipping water, keeps the acid down.

[lb1961]

I am trying to learn to control my anxiety before it gets the best of me but don't seem to doing very well. I was gong to post a letter of thanks to the forum. I too have had ALL of the cardiac testing done and am now on to more GI testing. I already take meds for ulcers, HH, GERD and IBS. I had developed a new symptom and was ABSOLUTLY SURE that I had progressed to Cancer. I am due to be scoped again on WED. and have been a nervous wreck. My anxiety has reached a level so high that I actually tried to join the forum to write my letter of thanks and DID NOT remember already being a member. To those of you who experience scary heart/GI sympyoms I am truely sorry but am VERY relieved to hear that upper left back pain can be an anxiety sympyom. I was convinced I had Cancer. Thank you for being a member and sharing openly. God bless you all. If I can help anyone with the explaination of a particuler test or procedure, please, feel free to write. I feel better already, ***@****

[shugg32]

Its funny how u find so many people going through the exact same thing u are. It's only been going on with me for about 2 weeks now and it has already started to take a toll on my life. I go days wondering am  I dying or what is wrong with me. I constantly check my pulse and my heart, thinking its just going to stop or my shortness of breaths as if I'm just going to stop breathing. In the past 2 weeks I've been in the ER room, constantly call the ambulance and seeing my doctor. I've been to her at least 5 times in the past week. I get chest pains that make me think I'm having a heartattack and a feeling in my throat that makes it hard to swallow. Sometimes my whole chest and back starts to hurt. I wake up constantly in the middle of the night. All of this has caused me to have multiple EKG tests. I haven't had the stress test but the way I'm feeling makes me want to have the stress test, MRI and other multiple health screeenings. My medicine has begun to make me sick and I constantly have headaches which only make my mind wonder to if I have a tumor or something of that nature. My Anxiety has made me just want to not even go out because of the fear of having a Panic Attack and not being able to control it. I just stay at home and be around my family. I am only 22 years old, I was always told I was healthy. In high school I was very active in sports. I played Basketball and ran Track but now I can't even enjoy playing anymore because of my fear. I've been told to seek therapy and hopefully it will be a better outcome. I'm just so afraid that I will not be here for long due to the outcomes of my attacks. Its so scary. Is there anything else that can be done? I'm in the need of help..

[Jeff4]

After 8 years of all of these multiple symptoms described by many above... multiple ER Visits, Heart tests (all normal) etc, I have become a real pro at all this stuff. As scary as it is at times, I now know that I am not going to die!

Unending Burping, chest pains of all sorts, back pains, heart palpitations, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, shooting pains to the heart, arms and legs, tingling, shortness of breath, dizzy and light headed, huge chest anxiety and, intense stomach tightness like I'm going to explode, Regurgitating  etc..etc.At least they don't all happen at the same time!

Here are some of the causes: overeating, hangovers,late night eating, caffeine, cigars, carbonation, alcohol (usually the day after) juices, fruits, tomato sauce, fatty or fried foods, chocolate, spicy foods, popcorn, excessive weight, stress, red wine, coffee, tea etc. Some times it will happen with none of the above! Always the worst later at night in bed.

If you can limit these items...it might get better. Weight loss is by far the best remedy for me. When I dropped a good chunk of weight it totally disappeared! If I could keep the weight off it would be great.

I have seen a dozen stomach doctors and have found that many of these symptoms are the result of Gerd or Acid reflux disease. Unfortunately they all talk to you like you are out of your mind. Why does everyone have the same symtoms, yet the docs seem to be clueless. One doc told me that they were esophageal spasms caused by Acid reflux.The acid is splashed up the esophagus and causes our bodies to go into a state of shock. I must admit he makes the most sense. Especially considering the acid reducers rarely solve the big problem. When it was real bad, he prescribed Limbitrol which is a muscle relaxer designed to relax the esophagus muscle. It is used for this specific reason.

What do you know when I first used it 5 years ago...all my problems disappeared instantly!!!!

This was after years of intense pain, suffering and constant fear. The problem was that it made me a bit tired. The more consistently I took it the better I was and began using 1/2 and 1/4 doses so I didn't get too sleepy. Now I just save it for the real bad episodes! I hear that there are other brands available that might be better. You will also need to take one of the prescription meds: nexium, prilosec, protonix etc.

I could go on forever and would be happy to share other symptoms and remedies, but most of all you just need to realize that you are not going to die! Just keep on burping and it should help out a little. 2 Shots of alcohol also help me (you can drink it slowly), but too much will only make it worse in the morning.The alcohol relaxes the esophagus muscle which causes the problem. The symptoms are quite wide and varied...As my present doctor described it to me...We have thousands of tiny nerves in our chest that run all over the body and acid reflux will cause them to go absolutely haywire!

Hang in there and just try to relax!!!! I'd be happy to help out however I can.

[ayan123]

Its great that i found this site, I have the same problem, can't burp, can't yanw, always in fear, I dont want to go to a doctor cause my mother had the same problem last year like this. The doctor just gave her antacids and anti-anxiety drugs, but nothing changes in her. In my case when i burp, its a haleluya. Praying and singing help me a lot. It calm my body and mind. after doing that burping and yawning start. God bless us all

[Jill917]

Wow. It makes me feel so much  better to know that I am not alone in the feelings that I have! Sometimes I feel like I am crazy...but reading all of your stories makes me realize that I am not, and this is a real problem that so many people suffer from. I think my anxiety started about 6 years ago....I wasnt having panick attacks,  but I started having really bad GI problems. Gas, horrible stomach pains, constipation/diarrhea, heartburn. I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Then about 2 years ago the painic attacks began, and like most of you I started having the chest pains which scared the **** out of me! I have had every test in the book done and I feel like a total hypochondriac because I am only 27 and live a healthy lifestyle. I try to tell myself that all of these symptoms are in my head but when I start having chest pain or shortness of breath it is really hard to ingore and think rationally. In the past 2 years the stomach problems have gone away, but now I think my anxiety has manifested into the panick attacks and other feelings. I have been to see a psychologist for CBT but I really don't feel like it has helped. I am in nursing school right now...which is probably the WORST profession I could go into because every illness we learn about I think I have! I have tried Cymbalta (which made me feel like I was really nuts!) and Lexapro...which I didn't really like either. I do have Xanax which I take only when I need it....but it is really scary to know that an attack can come on at any time...anywhere. I really try to just be strong and think positive and try to talk myself down when I feel like an attack is coming on...but it is a contast struggle...always in the back of my mind. I have always been a really strong person and I feel like this is making me so weak and helpless...its scary. I dont want to let it take over my life. I am so glad I found this website. It is comforting to see that others experience my same feelings and that I am not crazy. Thanks everyone!

[CaliGirl48]

I love how we can look up symptoms and pull up old posts that can help us relate. I got alot form this post and the comments posted regarding it.

What amazes me....this post is a year old. Yep a year old. Now thats awesome!

Thanks MedHelp!

crystal

[Jack0427]

I have the same problem and I went to a CHIRO and he said that my spine is the resaon that I have the following heartburn, gas, burping and the severe anxiety. Before I went to the CHIRO I also went to the E.R. and they hooked me up to every machine and said that couldn't find any problem. I will be trying this CHIRO and update after I take a few treatments.

[gs84]

I was looking through this site and realized that I wasn't alone! about a year ago I was diagnosed with anxiety and like all of you I had experienced palpitations, my left arm would numb up evertime my heart felt as if it was going to pop out of my chest. my left leg and arm would feel weak after the anxiety attack was over and I would feel scared. scared for my health...I thought i had a heart problem but like all of you my doctors would say it was anxiety!! I hated it cuz the symptoms wouldn't go away and I was starting to believe that maybe...just maybe it was a heart problem and the doctors didn't check good enough...I began to worry for my life...I was scared I would get a heart attack and die. My anxiety was taking over my life...and it really was....I didn't want to drive anymore, I didn't want to go places because I was affraid to get an attack. What made me change and do something about this was the fact that I was begining to see what an impact it was having on my husband. He became more stressed over my situation and I feared that he would soon be like me!! I decided to take charge and take control over my life again because I was realizing that my life was just spiroling down and I didn't want that for me my husband and my family.

I began to read self help books and they helped a lot. I realized that the key to be emotionally healthy is to think positive out of every situation possible. if you ever catch yourself saying anything negative just change that thought into a possitive one. I assure you that with practice and time you will get out of it because thats what I did. I pushed myself to get out more and pushed myself to think possitive and cherish the simple thigs in life. we have the choice to take control of any situations that arises...either you decide to worry about it or act on it and think of what we can do to make it better.  thinking possitively really helped me move on in life and since then I've been 10 months anxiety free. yes...I know it takes time and its a slow process but there is a way out and the best thing we can do is think about our families who need us to stay healthy. having that motivation in mind we can start to think of ways to make ourselves live better lives!!

these are some books that helped me along the way:

The Power of Your Subconcious Mind by Dr. Josheph Murphy
Women Who Think Too Much by Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

these books say little about anxiety however they have helped me to see life and troublesome situations in a new light and have helped me to stay possitive. having practiced this has helped me stay calm and feeling better.

I hope this helps!

[Jack0427]

Can you let me know how yours started and what were your symptoms were and how long you had them.

[Ava123]

I am 22 years old and have anxiety/Panic attacks for 5 years. The funny thing about anxiety for me is i want it to stop but im scared to take prescription pills.Im scared I'll have an allergic reaction or they messed up when they made it. The constant fear flight or fight feeling is awful isn't it? I go through stages where Im fine, I went to Spain a couple of months ago and had a great time and was not nervous at all. Now going across town I get lightheaded , throat closing panic.I keep quiting jobs and scared I have become agoraphobic. This site helps me because now I really feel Im not alone. The best thing is for people to be honest , truly honest like the fear your going crazy and will end up in a mental hospital or the heartburn , tingling in fingers, stomach problems(always fun)heart racing and Blurry vision.Why do we do this to ourselves?I have tried to cut caffeine out and watch my sugar levels.Thank you for your honesty everyone.

[michael22w]

Two things that helped me a lot to deal with panic attacks/anxiety/heartburn was to stop drinking coffee (even decaf - still very acidic) and alcohol.  Whenever I don't drink both I am fine but when I revert back to them because I enjoy both, everything seems to come back.  This seems to be the only way to solve my problems - stop drinking coffee and alcohol because that stops me from having heartburn.

At least for me and it sounds like some of you as well - the bad heartburn spurs on the feeling that you are going to die because it starts causing pains and then you stress out and cause more pain.

I hope this helps someone.  Just try to keep thinking positive!!

[Jack0427]

Has anyone got better since they have replyed to this web site I have went to a Chiro and it has really helped me. I still have times when everything doesn't feel just right and I am not sure what is going on inside. I just don't feel like myself Now I have a problem with the pinky and the ring finger being numb not sure what the cause of this is but looking into this now.

[remar]

it sounds like you may have a pinched nerve in your neck, i've had the same problem with my pinky and ring fingers going numb, my daughter worked for a chiropractor and told me to come in for an some adjustments, it took care of the problem. of course anxiety causes weird things to happen to you also so it could be that. i'm having problems with my stomach right now, it goes on for days sometimes. it could be my meds or the depression and anxiety, but i think alot of us here at this site have stomach problems, mostly us that have anxiety.this whole thing really sucks for all of us, my husband and family understand, thank goodness for me. i've read alot of the other posts and some of the people here don't have family and friends that understand that this is a real medical problem, if we could make it go away we would in a heartbeat.  remar

[Jack0427]

I have problems with my stomach also I feel like the upper part of my stomach is swollen and I have like a hard not in the middle and I have no idea what that is all about I know it bothers me I been to the DR. so many times for different things and I have also been to the ER. nobody can tell you nothing which makes you think you are crazy.

As far as the chiro I have been several times but still have the problem and my arm seems to be weak.

Jackie

[remar]

i have that problem also with my arm, it was out of joint and i found a way to put it back in place. when i first wake up in the morning i do my twisting in bed to pop my back, then while on my side i grab the headboard and pull with my hand, if my arms been bothering me it usually pops into place. it sounds weird but it works for me. sometimes it pops on its own in the middle of the night, my daughter says i'm hypermobile, meaning my joints pop in and out easily. next time you go to the chiro ask them to adjust your arm or shoulder joint and see if that works. if that's the problem you will get a good pop, they may have to do it a few times. i hope this helps. as far as your stomach, is the chiro adjusting the area of your back that has to do with the stomach ? my husband pops mine into place when i get an upset stomach and it helps. remar

[JSGeare]

What is most interesting about this thread is that the original poster -"thewes," has not yet responded to it. I think I'll pop a PM over there and see what's going on...

[I_HATE_ANXIETY]

Hi, I am amazed that so many people have contributed to this thread. It def not a good thing so many people must suffer from this but at the same time its a good thing because it makes me feel like Im not alone. So, when I have the anxiety/stomach pain next time, I will think of all you and know that I am not alone in this struggle, that should help me out.

Now then, for me, I have been told I have GERD and have been prescribed Omeprazole to take everyday for the next 6 months. The weird thing is, I dont have any of the Acid reflux symptoms, I do however have pain right below/around my sternum, especially when I eat or eat a lot of food. Once this pain starts it causes mild-severe anxiety. I notice that once I burp , or fart (hehehe), The pressure/pain in the upper stomach area goes away and my anxiety seems to die down.

This leads me to believe that I have problems with trapped gas. and it is this trapped gas that is causing my anxiety, stomach pain/pressure.

Does anyone know anything I can take to relieve this gas pain ? I bought this stuff called gas-x but its not that effective. Its been about 2 months and ive seen so many doctors in the emergency room to general docs, I literally have a dozen bottle of pills now, 2 sleeping pills, 1 tranquelizer, 2 different anti depressants (celexa and effexor), ativan, clonazepam, Omeprazole,  rabeprazole and famotidine.

I sometimes feel as if I will wake up dead like heath ledger one day.

If anyone has come up with a cure or solution to this problem (I think its trapped gas), please message/email me and let me know, thank you!!

- b -

[nursegirl6572]

Hey there!  So, you're a gassy mess, eh?  Remind me not to have you over for dinner.  (LOL)  :0)

Anyway...first, you're obviously being followed by your doc, right?  If so...that's good.

A few things stuck out in your post...the pain you describe, especially after eating.  I went thru a year of VERY similar bouts of this type of pain...in the epigastric area.  It felt like a lot of pressure, like there was a brick laying inside.  I thought mine was related to constipation...b/c that was when it would flare up...if I was having regularity issues.  Seems like when the "flood gates" would finally open, the pain would go away.

So, I dealt with this pain for a long time until last year when it got SO bad and lasted for several days (the longest it have ever stuck around)...and I landed in the hospital with pancreatitis due to a gallbladder FULL of stones.  

Now, of course this is just MY experience....but be sure to at least shoot the idea to your doc to do some GB studies, like perhaps a ultrasound and some lab work, to rule out any issues with that.  Your symptoms could be related to acid reflux...but also, they sound very typical of gallbladder issues as well.  Just something to keep in mind.

As for the gas in the meantime?  Have you tried "Bean-O"?  A lot of people swear by the stuff.  I personally like Pepto...it's more of a universal "cover all" for GI symptoms IMO.  Of course, run it by your doc....but those 2 meds may give you some relief.

Also...until this settles a bit, or you are given a different Dx....stay away from heavy large meals...it will just make you miserable.  Smaller more frequent meals will be more helpful.  And stay away from things that will irritate you more...spicy or heavily seasoned foods, nuts, a lot of raw vegetation that is difficult to digest (salads, corn, etc), and stay away from a lot of fat in your diet.  Try eating blander foods for a while, see if that makes a difference.

Let us know what the outcome it, okay?  Hopefully you can get it under control soon.  If your symptoms are anything like mine were....it's horrid.  There were days I couldn't even think the pain and pressure were so bad.  What's funny...is I never thought about it possibly being my gallbladder, b/c usually most issues with that present with Right Upper Quadrant abdominal pain and less frequently epigastric pain....so I never gave it a thought...till it got so bad that I ended up with the pancreatitis, which bought me 5 days in the hospital with NOTHING by mouth....nothing.  It was icky.  And yes, "ICKY" is an approved medical term.  ;0)

Good luck.

[Jack0427]

Thanks for the advise. I have been dealing with this for a long time and I have not been back to the CHIRO as I also have other issues in my life and that would take up alot of my quality time. My husband has CANCER and is taking CHIMO at this time which takes alot of my time.

So as you can see I have to take care of me when I get time.

I will take your advise about the ting in the fingers and as far as the bloating in the upper part of the stomach I have no idea. It feels like I have a brick in the upper middle part of the stomach but I have no pain it might burn sometimes.

If you have any other suggestions please let me know.

Jack0427

[Jack0427]

I have been suffering with this for a long time but I have no pain I just feel like I have a brick in the upper middle part of my stomach. I do feel when I burp it gets better but that might be in the mind. I refuse to let the DR. put me on a bunch of pills and they have no idea what the problem is. I do take a anxiety pill and I try not to take them to often as I don't want to be hooked on any drug.

I try to walk it off when it gets bad and that seems to help me with the anxiety.

Just to let you know I have been to the E.R. several times and they had no idea but I laid in the e.r. for a few hours for them to tell me that it wasn't my heart. which made me feel better as that is what I thought it was.

Thanks

Jack0427

[leo240]

God I am so glad I found this page, for the past few months i have been going crazy, I have been having panic attacks for seven years now and lately its gotten worse. I am always tired, i hate going out because i feel like i will faint and i am scared to eat coz everytime I do i get alot of gas and keep burping then i feel like i am going to faint but dont know if i am or if its in my head and my anxiety is making me think it, I had blood tests and they were fine but i always have a bad feeling and i feel trapped within myself, i have stopped talking to my friends, i hate going out, have no job, its taken over my life and i duno what to do anymore.

[leo240]

someone at the top said that they are scared of taking prescription pills, so am i, I took one the other day and i made myself feel like it was harming me, it prob wasnt but because i think it it feels like its really happening. whoever made this thread, Thanks at least i know i'm not alone.

[kcoz]

I'm a 28 year old father of an insane 2 year old.  Also have the gas/burpy feelings...  left back pain, extends to shoulder, etc...  going to the chiro tomorrow...  Hopefully will help...  glad to see I'm not alone.  Just had an EKG done 2 weeks ago, and my heart is a-ok.  Can't seem to shake the fears of a heart attack (doesn't run in the family, but Bo Diddley, Tim Russert, & George Carlin all just died of such)...  Just started seeing a therapist this week...  Going to get some acupuncture as well.  Never had panic/anxiety problems until July 3rd of this year....  Since then it has consumed my life...  Glad to see all the support here!

[Roxy0290]

Im an 18yr old female and have been having a throwing up feeling just under my rib cage for about 3 weeks now, which sometimes ends up being painful. It happens sometimes only in the morning then goes away but always comes back. I get such terrible heart burn that I end up not being able to breathe and have to hunch over which doesnt always help. While walking to work in the morning, which takes about 10 mins at a slow walk, i arrive at work out of breathe and my heart is racing, and im not an unfit person. I have to burp all the time even though not having anything fizzy. Can anyone tell me what it might be?

[gunit410]

"Been there, and it is frustrating. I found that it seemed related to spring allergies. This spring and last (at the same exact time, when oak pollen was strong) I got the constant burping and anxiety. For me, taking some Tussin product helped somewhat.


Anxiety and allergies seem to go hand-in-hand for me and can produce some weird symptoms. Sometimes it helps just to know that's all it is. Hang in there!"

That's really odd. My original anxiety attacks were brought on by spring allergies/sinusitis too.

I'd guess there's a predisposition to anxiety there and the physical symptoms bring on the anxiety.

[gunit410]

As far as the need to burp, anxiety unsettles your stomach and can often cause nearly all of the listed symptoms.

[worried42]

i am just 16yrs old an have anxiety and panic disorder i can relate to all of you because i get the same symptoms sometimes i feel like im going to die and i cry all the wishing i was normal again my symptoms scare me i get vibrations in my chest, chet pain,headaches, heart palpatations rapid heart beat i even fear sitting in the car because that is where i got the firt attack i feel like im going crazy

[mikey_lynch89]

well i just turned 19. i have been having these damn panic/anxiety attacks for about a year and a half now. I too have the whole shabang as well as you guys. burping, chest pains, knots under your chest, and the oh so terrible acid reflux. ive been taking alprazolam for about 1 month now. it seems to help but i have heard that it is really addicting. when i dont take it its horrible i start to have a panic attack and the one thing that i was wanting to know is if anyone elses eyes dilated. its really starting to freak me out. and does anyone else have problems being out in the day when its hot? i feel like i am instantly drain of all my energy when i go out in the sun. even if i get  a great night of sleep

[mikey_lynch89]

oh yeah another thing was that i took paxil for almost a week. but i think i had an allergic reaction to it but i wasnt sure. did anyone that took paxil get over the board panic attacks when first taking the paxil?

[Spoookygirl]

I had forgotten that I posted here until someone left me a private message.
I can't believe it's been a year since I posted!
I did start taking Paxil and Aciphex. The Paxil helped me, a little TOO much because I was able to eat again and gained some weight!
After about 10 months I went off the Paxil because I was "feeling better", and then my symptoms came back. I ended up in the ER AGAIN, with my stomach hurting and my heart racing. My doctor ordered an Upper GI test. I have reflux and a hiatal hernia.
The hernia affects your diaphragm which affects breathing.  It makes me feel as if I can't take a deep breathe. Also, a FULL stomach is what I learned makes my heart race. During EVERY episode, one thing they have in common is that I had JUST eaten a big meal and I had heartburn. I started eating VERY SMALL meals, maybe up to 6 everyday. I gave up fatty foods, and kept my blood sugar even by not allowing my stomach to get empty or over eat. It REALLY has helped.
I think there is a difference between a panic attack (which I have had!) and a GERD attack, which causes the heart to race, where burping helps. I have learned what causes the feeling, and when I do have the occasional attack, I know what it is, and that it WILL PASS. Also, I stopped lifting heavy things because of my hernia and have had little problems breathing now.
I did go back on Paxil for awhile, with Aciphex again, and I think the Aciphex was making me WORSE. So, I am just on the Paxil, 10mg, eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, and going OFF the Ativan. I am feeling better. Not cured, but better. I read some of the posts and my husband too was not understanding, and he was SO IRRITATED when I went to the hospital or doctor and nothing was wrong!
It is so hard for them to understand what we go through!!!!
But, over the last year he has been better, talking me down from an attack and getting me water if I wake up at night with reflux and my heart racing.

I hope everyone is doing well!!!!!

[verne8]

I am 59 and have had panic disorder for 32 years. I have been disabled with it for the past 15 to where I can no longer work. I have had long bouts of agoraphobia also. I have tried every medication---many twice---and can tolerate NONE. (I can take Xanax but all it does is put me to sleep on days when I literally can't take any more.) I am just touching base with you all to say that everything you report is totally "standard" for GAD and/or panic disorder. If it helps anyone please know that I have not yet died in the 32 years that I have had this. I can tell you when my life with panic improved; it was the day I stopped waiting for it to go away and I started learning to live my life WITH the disease to the best of my ability. It isn't easy but you only get "X" amount of days of life; please don't waste them if you can help it.

[bec88aus]

Hi Everyone,

I have only recently been diagnosed with Anxiety. It started two months ago (when I gave up caffeine..funny that) and they first diagnosed me with heartburn.. Fine.. So I took some tablets and that helped. Until I went on my 2 yr anniversary holiday with my boyfriend and that was a total nightmare (never ever go on holidays with your inlaws). My chest became sore, almost like a hand was gently grabbing it. I was freaking out so I paid money to go see a doctor. 70 dollars later and I was so angry because all she said was, it was stress. I knew this was a joke and I wanted more tests. I have now had 4 ECG's and they all come out fine. I had a blood test which described me as having inflammation in the chest. I honestly felt like I was having a heart attack. The pain has been all over my chest, up both arms, my shoulder blades you name it. Aparently if you press on the part on your chest where it hurts, and the pain gets worse, thats not your heart. Its inflammaition. I have looked on many websites. DO NOT DO THAT. IT WILL INCREASE ANXIETY. I typed in my symptoms to think that I might get an outtcome and it said "heart attaks" "death".. I freaked out and had a mild panic attack which was scarier than anything. Please, do not do that. If you are worried, go and see your GP or hospital. So now I have anxiety because of Costochondritis. Talking about my anxiety has helped me dramatically. I have started up an annonymous blogg to let all my feelings out and express what I am feeling without getting ridiculed. I am going to see a psychologist and dietician (medicare is paying) to help. I have found some really good websites that deal with anxiety and I have been so good. I havent read most of these posts yet but I wanted to let everyone know it is very unlikely it is your heart. If you have been tested and there is no family history, the likeliness of a heart attack is like flipping a coin and it landing on its side it is that rare!! What helps me is I take 5 minutes out (at work) and put my head on the table and think I am at the last place I was truely well, happy and anxiety free. I was amazed they went away. I think my anxiety was brought on by stress. Always worrying about what people think of me. I used to think that if people were laughing, they woudl be laughin at me. Which I still do. I must admit, I still have chest pain but I know its all in my head and I am keeping myself busy. I know that people have all diferent sorts of symptoms and severities. I have been to the emergency room 3 times now. I have made my boyfriend wait hours upon hours to hear that my heart was fine. He is getting frustrated but its with me no matter what. You would be surprised with the amount of people have anxiety and they dont know it. OMG I used to think the doctors at the hospital were nuts. But, there is over 500,000 a year who have chest pains, so the doctors must know what they are looking for. I know most of you out there might have bad thoughts aswell when the symptoms occur like "That pain is on the left side it definately is my heart" "OK im gonna die".... I have thought of thoughts like this over and over. Which is making the anxiety worse. Instead of thinking that when the pain is there... Think of positive things. Focus on your breathing, take a shower. Think of anxiety attacks as a wave. It comes and goes... Just ride the "wave" and you will be fine.

Dont just associate chest pain with heart attacks.

http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-symptoms.shtml?gclid=CMfiqKmC9pUCFREOewodd2UA6Q

I havent subscribed to this site yet.. Dont pay any money, just read up on this.. It is an EXCELLENT website. And believe what they say!!!

Write back and let me know how you are all coping.

My heart goes out to all of you suffering anxiety :)

Bec
xo

[KJ1967]

OH my gosh! I am so glad I found you guys!!!  I have severe panic/anciety attacks... I have the burping, gas, diarrea (diarrhea), pain in the shoulder blades.. whole nine yards. I too have called my doctor on his cell phone in the middle of the night!!! I am so embarrassed.  It gets triple worse when I have little to no sleep.

THank you all for your posts. For me.. it is better than any medication!!!

[innerstatejt]

hello everyone,
I first want to say that I was in the middle of a pretty severe panic attack when i found this site, and after reading all of these posts, I worked through it and am starting to feel normal again.

I have had anxiety for 8 years and it has come in many different forms. Lately I've been suffering from gastritis and panic attacks. A few times over the last year I would wake up in severe panic, very disoriented and confused like a bad acid trip. Total non reality feeling.Complete mental meltdown. My stomach would be in pain and I would have all the burping etc.. I would have to run to the bathroom and throw up. I assumed I was getting food poisoning but obviously I was wrong.

I've been battling this without meds. I did years back take paxil, but it changed my personality and just made me want to sleep like 16 hours a day.

I have had many many symptoms.. where to begin,,,,

many with my stomach, gas, burning, acid reflux, my stomach seems to tighten for no apparent reason,  vertigo (this is about 6 months new but I will lose my balance and feel like I am walking on an uneven surface or like a raft on water.. very scary). I have had the changes in heart rate both slow, fast as well as the palpitations. All tests I've had have been normal except the gastritis. I get the feeling I can't breath, ringing in my ears, blurry vision, an almost out of body experience, crazy vivid dreams, numbness in my hands and feet, racing thoughts that seem to constantly repeat and intensify, dilated eyes, panic from heat, panic from change in lighting, I feeling that someone has grabbed my arm extremely tight (this would sometimes switch from left arm to right arm in a matter of an hour or so), Hypocondria, the inability to watch certain sci fi or drama shows without getting anxious, anxiety when I eat, what seems like electrical shocks in my head, headaches or a buzzing in the back of my head, body vibrations, difficulty focusing and concentrating.......

There is likely more than this, but my point is that yes, I've been there and can relate to you all. there are a few things that help....
I agree that a couple shots of alcohol can help calm you down.

I take Gaviscon for heatburn which helps the gas....it's only temporary though. Sometimes I have to restrict acidic fruits and spicy food as well,

  Cleaning and organizing as well as throwing things I don't need away really helps clear my mind. Also daily meditation and walks. this basically helps you clean out on the outside and the inside.

Also understand that you will never go crazy, crazy people aren't aware that they are crazy. That fact that you are aware that you do feel/think right. You will not have a heart attack, and you won't pass out.

Also realize that the sensations you feel are only 'sensations' until you give it meaning, usually that meaning is that something is wrong and that causes anxiety to become panic. It's a good excercise to just tell yourself "ok my stomach feel off, but its just a sensation and it will pass when I tell my mind that there is no need to intensify the sensations because this is a false alarm".

sensations plus feelings of doom causes panic which thus increases the sensations. its like a microphone feeding back on itself.

I know much of this seems useless once an attack has hit you, but always keep it in mind and it will help.

also understand that fear is the fuel for panic, so instead of trying to run from the panic, move towards it... yes, i just said that! Move toward the panic and ask for MORE! Say "oh heavy heart beats and tight chest and crazy thoughts.. is this all youve got? you can do better than that!"
I know that sounds completely crazy, but once you tell your mind that you aren't afraid, the panic loses its fuel.

I am not an expert at all these things and I still suffer at times, but it is almost never out of my control and it usually passes. Today was a rough one because it was related to my gastritis and that discomfort and panic are closely related. It did pass however within about 20 min. my stomach still burns a bit but the gas has lessened.

I also have people who don't understand what this is and jsut tell me to choose to make it go away, but sometimes its not that easy, and the pressure of having a partner that you know will react negatively to your issues causes even more stress.

Its wonderful that I found this forum... I hope together we can all help eachother. reading this tonite definitely helped me.

all the best,
jason

[innerstatejt]

Just a quick followup,,,,

I got back to sleep around 2:30an feeling pretty decent, not amazing but ok. It is now 6am and I am back awake. I've been having this anxiety attack in my sleep and it even krept into my dreams etc. I.m sure without a more clear idea of what is happening, I would have been in the middle of a long lasting full blown attack. Since I know it is being caused by acid reflux, I just have to take what I can and waiting it out.
I'm wondering if reflux worsens when you lay down. Perhaps it doesn't "feel" as bad, but maybe the acid travels to a spot that tel the mild to have anxiety and wont let up until it has being mostly eliminated.
I'm pretty sure I know what has caused this. I just got a vitamix juicer and made a juice with carrot, beets, red lettuce, lime, ginger, orange, apple and celery. Unfortunately the product i got to filter the pulp didnt work at all. since I didnt want it to go to waste, I ate this strange concoction with a spoon. Although probably really healthy overall, for my sensetive stomach, it was quite a pounding. I've taken both beeno and gaviscon and attempted to go to the bathroom but not much happened. Now I am supping on water like someone here suggested. My stomach is rumbling, so I know something is happening.
I am wondering if sleeping sitting up might give me better sleep without this panicky buzz in my head. I will say that bending my stomach at all usually makes it feel worse, but maybe it will hold the reflux down and stop it from triggering more panic symptoms.

i'd love any comments or suggestions that I could put to use in the future. boy oh boy I can use some solid peaceful sleep

[ginapooh]

I just happened to run across this site. I used to have anxiety attacks when I was working at my old job. Then they stopped. Last week I was semi-diagnosed with acid reflux (basically they went based on my symptoms and didn't test it). Since then, I have had some bad anxiety attacks. I do not take any medication for it. I can't eat. I don't know if thats from the anxiety or the acid reflux. Feels like my throat tightens when I try to eat and then it feels like some of the food is still in my throat. Its driving me insane because I am so hungry and just want to enjoy a meal. Thanksgiving is next week and I am not sure what to do. I have stopped going to lunch with people and my boyfriend can't seem to understand the problem. Do anyone know of how I can control this or at least start back to eating something other than water and soup broth? Until reading thru a few post, I had no idea that acid reflux causes anxiety in so many people. I don't feel crazy anymore. Anyone can tell me how long this feeling will last? They have me on Prelisec but told me I should be able to work thru the anxiety.

[Caveman24]

I go through all the same symptoms everybody has mentioned, I am glad that I found this forum so I know I am not crazy. The only thing I did not read and was wondering if any of you have recently quit smoking or quit smokeless tobacco? I recently quit a little over a month ago and thats when the symptoms started. Any thoughts?

[miracleworker]

I'm having same symptoms. Went to hospital and they did ekg and chest x-ray because of wheezing heard with stethoscope and found circulatory and pulmonary seemed okay, so they gave me pepcid ac 20mg. I went to company party few hours later, and a loud noise rattled my senses (everything seemed slow motion, loss of balance, hard to focus), later my right leg felt numb and toes on my left foot like cramps). I did not drink a drop or dance. I did eat though from buffet table a large healthy portion. I had similar panic attacks 4 years ago and what cured me was changing my diet. Caffeine amps me up tremendously, so I stopped cold turkey. Major headaches ensued but eventually vanished (discovered black pepper triggers them). I went to elimination diet and food combining (which is very boring). And I felt like a million bucks. I gained my nerves and senses back. Holidays came around this year and I ate every type of food for a couple of weeks. Now my nerves and senses are on the fritz again. Maybe I did not notice the heartburn association the first time (years ago), but I have same "reaction" you all are talking about. And the explanation that esophagus reflux is felt by heart and triggers impending doom makes sense. I suspect a few things. The esophageal sphincter is damaged or out of shape (people have complained for years that my breath smells very acidic). Or an ulcer, which is what doctor in September suspected. Or two unrelated conditions (heartburn and certain foods playing havoc with endocrine system).
Suspect foods : chocolate (theobromine like caffeine), goitrogens (ginger, bacon/nitrates), mushrooms, red wine, butter, something in thomas english muffins, msg in bbq potato chips. I'm hoping I'm wrong about list of foods and am leaning towards the burning esophagus triggers panic attack. If I tell myself its okay, it goes away immediately. Sorry about the long post. Hope we find relief sooner than later.

[innerstatejt]

hello everyone,
I'm noticing months after I made my initial posts that this is still happening to alot of people. It has since subsided with me but I know how serious this can be. None of you are crazy and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. One of the last posts really hit on something that I'd like to elaborate on. What you eat definitely effects your acid reflux, gerd and anxiety etc.

How you mix your foods makes a HUGE difference in whether you feel good or bad. Some suggestions...

Eat fruit by itself ONLY on an empty stomach (first thing in the morning or 3 hours after your last meal).
Drink water inbetween meals...you don't want it diluting your digestive juices.
A vegan diet is the easiest way to start feeling better, but you can eat meat and dairy if you combine it correctly......

Non starchy veggies will mix with anything....
Starchy foods (breads, carrots, potatos, beans, tortillas, rice etc) should not be mixed with Proteins (meat, cheeses, dairy, nuts, seeds).
The reason for this is that we use different digestive juices for different food, when combined, those juices cancel eachother out leaving undigested food to sit far too long in your stomach.

Most of the meals we eat or big no-no's for digestion...
meat and potatoes
fish and rice
grilled cheese sandwhiches or burgers (veggie patties, no cheese is ok)
all fruit desserts... fruit should never be eaten after a meal
any meat breaded
pizza
cheese on pasta
the list goes on........

Also bite the bullet and get rid of your antacids... they seem like temporary relief but its stops digestion which allows food to rot in your stomach, then the stomach creates even more acid to make up for what the antacids do, thus more pain...

Stop drinking soda also... very bad for digestion.

Do this and you should start feeling better within days, or a week at longest.

I got this information from an ebook called "great taste no pain". I'm not affiliated with them at all, but I highly recommend it as it very much helped me.
I'd love to hear if this helps any of you


best of luck to you all!

Jason

[081040]

Almost 2 years ago, after a healthy life with no medical issues, I started to get hearburn.  Took several endoscopies, motility tests, went to 3 different GI, ENT and esopogeal specialists and nothing was found.  After taking almost every medication, including the purple pill, mylanta, tums, etc., a doctor in New York said they were all wrong to think I had GERD and said I had Sensory Neuropathy.  I took Clonopin and for a while my symtoms went away then several months later came back.  I am in therapy and my doctor is almost convinced it's anxiety and I would like to believe him, but something tells me that all these doctors who can't find anything just give up and claim it's nerves.  I am at my wits end and am slowly going into a depression.  I have always been an energetic person who has survived much in life.  I know there are many out there who can identify with me.  Can someone help me with similar symptoms who have been able to find a way to modify these feelings or gotten rid of this every day killer heartburn.

[arilisa]

Hi my name is Ari and i have been having anxiety sense i was 17 but things got better 3 yrs ago were i didnt feel any anxiety or panic i really thought i was out of the woods but guess not, Due to medical reasons i had to get a surgical abortion about 2 weeks ago, and ever sense then i have this big issue with anxiety and excess burping im hoping that it will go away they put me on ativan because of my anxiety but i think its just making things worst sense yrs ago i was prescribed xanax and became addicted and found out that once i stoped taiking it i felt better than ever and my anxiety went away. my question is that could i be having the same addiction to the atavian even thou i have only been taking it for 8 days?

[tanyatanya]

I am 21, female and a little overweight.
I have bad heartburn today, and had it last night accompanied with a racing heart. I had a bad dream (coincidentaly about my heart racing) and woke up in a panic and felt extremely anxious because I was lying down still but i could feel my heart pounding in my chest and in the ends of my fingers etc. It took a long time to relax and go back to sleep, which is making me feel down today.
I had a strange sensation in my chest and back but it seemed related to the heartburn.. I'm not sure if I'm saying that to put my mind at ease.. but I wonder if its worth me going to my doctor about my heart (I also have a funny heartbeat, it will skip a beat now and again) but I feel silly to suggest heart problems at such a young age, etc.
Any advice?

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

can i say i been oing throught this to , i have the chest pains lots of belching and just dont feel good, feel at times i am out breath, so went to my cardio dr they did a stress/nuclear test friday 7 and it was good so i know its not from heart blockages , its all from stress and gerd. so try and relax , if not it dont get better, mine is better but still some there stress takes a while to go away once you into it.  look how many of us all has the same thing , wow this is a long page of it should make us all feel better . hope all has a great day.

[tanyatanya]

Im liking your screen name, i think appropriate for a lot of people here!  It's good to see that we're not alone.. I feel so assured that other people have the same things (obviously it would be better if none of us suffered!).

But just to add, i've also been belching, etc all day.

I've been for a long power walk and felt better for it, tbh. It's still there a little, but I hope I can sleep better tonight without worrying, etc.

[miracleworker]

I am posting again, because I am doing great. I am half way through with an antiparasite herbal treatment. I won't mention the name because I am not here to sell a particular brand. The one I am using is giving results. Needless to say, after two days (it's a 35 day program), I feel wonderful. The infection (yellow mucous) I've had since Thanksgiving vanished virtually overnight. If I eat sugar stuff, it returns. They recommend not eating sugar during treatment because parasites (bacteria, helminthes) eat your sugar. I was told to starve them. Sure some parasites drink your blood, but regardless I had a few tiny worms (thread worms) which I picked off my bottom at night when they come out. And I am feeling great. I just eat green vegetable soup with onions and garlic, tumeric, oregano and chicken at a separate time, and last night chick peas. My blood levels have become regular (not spiking). I know yuck, parasites and no sugar. But I figure if I can beat them, and keep them away by being sanitary and not eating at dirty restaurants, then soon I will be able to eat pie again. I learned my body requires green vegetables (which I cook to death because you are more likely to get parasites from lettuce then meat) and so I have a better handle on "fueling" myself correctly. You might want to try this, it may be what you need. Also I intend to do a three day raw pineapple chunk fast which kills tapeworms which are hard to kill even with herbs. good luck.

[sixxer]

I'm so glad i found this post, i feel alot better, when i start feeling all the symptons coming on, i get on this post and start reading, and it helps me, its alot better than going to the ER and having all the tests done and then being told that im ok, been there done that.

[Kirsten1]

Recently ive been feeling alot of these things and i really thought i was like taking a heart attack or somthin but once i came on here i realized that i could have Anxiety problems with considering whats going on right now could be the prob.

[monstertruckguy]

It really comforting knowing Im not the only one! I to am on protonix but I really dont want to rely on anxiety meds, Ive tried and they dont work for me, as a matter of fact it makes my anxiety worse! But thanks to all of you!

[gmichael66]

O god Im so confused. Ive been unable to get a consistent deep breath since Feb. I was eating bad and not getting enough sleep. Went to ER found out since that my heart, lungs are fine, no asthma, etc, ....Went to a Gastro diagnosed with gastritis and a  hiatal hernia and they removed a pollup. Told me to take prilosec and see him in thw months(umm, I cant breathe, hello !!) I am overweight, lost 75lbs since feb and my regular doctor says just lose weight and you will be fine.
I have a therapist who claims its anxiety and guarantees it will go away. I take Xanax .25 daily and tried Buspar (too many hallucinations) and Cymbalts(not happpy) now Im on nothing, I also have sleep apnea and am starting to lose hope, I have good days and bad days and am terified this problem will never go away..any help ? suggestions ??
Im starting to lose hope and my will,
I was happy and well adjusted the day before this happened..

Geoffrey

[ribit]

Geoffrey,

First some background of my experience:

I just started having symptoms describe (again) for the first time in 6 years.  When I was 19 I had shortness of breath, chest pains and dizziness.  Turns out I had acid reflux which caused the shortness of breath and chest pains (acid gets into your windpipe and causes inflammation).  I started having reflux because of stress at school.  I became anxious not knowing what was wrong and it exacerbated the chest pains and made me dizzy... some days I'd wake up with all of my extremities asleep... terrifying!  

After half a dozen doctor visits an EKG and an endoscopy she eventually said it was reflux.  Even after going on Nexium, I wasn't convinced that GERD was the culprit.  I continued having anxiety and so chest pains and dizziness and numbness in my hands and feet continued.  

The only thing I found to reduce my anxiety about my health was to get back into a regular exercise routine, to focus on work and have fun with friends.  I had always played sports and weightlifted but once I started having pains from reflux, i quit all that as a precaution.  All it did was give me more idle time to contemplate the status of my health.  After accepting it was all in my head, the pains didn't go away overnight, it still took a good month or so to feel normal.  

You need to fake you're not worrying about your health at first.  Go do activities you enjoy.  If you are worried while doing something, just fake you are having a good time.  Eventually you convince yourself and you actually start having fun and forget about anxiety.  Also, playing music you like while working or doing menial tasks helps elevate your mood.  Just stay active and surround yourself with people you like.

6 years later, after grad school is finished, i started getting anxious about finding a new job... my acid reflux has returned and the anxiety symptoms I had are back.  Even knowing that it's probably just anxiety and reflux, I still have a sense of doom.  My plan: go to the gym twice as often, eat plenty of fresh, healthy foods, create projects around the house to work on during the week and go visit friends on the weekends.  Hope this helps, goodluck!

Brian

[ASM72]

Its really sad to see all these people suffering from this same thing.  Anxiety is a vicious circle.  I have noticed that my anxiety symptoms come mostly when I am sick.  Now I'm not sure whether I'm having gastrointestinal problems or I'm just getting axiety over getting anxiety. (If that makes any sense).  I think stress causes ulcers which cause physical health problems (heartburn, stomach pain, etc.), which in turn cause more anxiety and stress.  I had a sleepless night a few nights ago, then felt okay for a couple of days and then another sleepless night last night.  I've been having all these symptoms you all listed on this forum.  I'm taking medicine for acid reflux and stuff to coat my stomach incase I have some ulcers that need to heal.  I still am waiting to get tested for H. pylori (bacteria in the stomach that causes ulcers).  I had it once when I was in grade school and it caused lots of anxiety as well as stomach problems.  I'm now 22 years old; I just really hope I get this under control before I have to start veterinary school in a couple of months.  Has anyone tried any homeopathic remedies?

[T4SH4xx]

i have to started to suffer from what the docs keep telling me panic attacks which i dont see as panic attacks as i dont feel i am paniacing! i have been in bed for 4 days no energy dizzy on and off heartburn all day i was taking into hospital had my heart monitored because of these heart papultations they checked my blood for salts and come back and just asked me if i am a worrier or do i wrry alot which is what they all keep saying no real explantation to my symptoms which just doesnt help! i also have had like a ringing feeling in my ears feeling like i need the toilet alot but when i get there its just wind! i feel very confused bout it all just wondered if anyone else suffers this bad were they just cant get out bed??????????

[JayHatesAnxiiety]

hey 26 year old male with a 18 month old son played sports all thru life up to college after college started having anxiety issues one day outta blue been tested up n down ekgs,endoscopy,urine,blood,physicals, all normal my mother had a anxiety issue and was born with a chemical imbalance had few minor attacks when yougner but much worse now everyday thing it ***** u have no where to turn and no one understands i been living life tho trying to fight thru it and ward off the bad thoughts i love spending time with my son which helps im too scared to take the medication.. few beers seems to help but not the day after been to the er so many times saying im dieing my hearttt and they look at me like ok.. did tests all normal . discouraging and i become a hypocondriac so every sneeze or cough is a serious illness :(

[edwino]

I started to have that discomforts in my body since year 2000. I also experienced rapid heart beats specially when I get focus to what I am feeling, and sometimes I thought I have a heart attack. My heart burn was very destructing to my everyday function and seemed I can't do anything but to focus on my bad feelings. Until such time, I went to Medical Specialist and did some CBC, liver ultrasound and lately endoscopy and found I have a REFLUX disease. I am now taking omeprazole pump inhibitor but still feel the symptoms. My advise is, let's not just focus on these things WE HAVE TO MOVE ON.

[VG1004]

I hope I can help some of you with my story.  I know I am on the right track and getting considerably better!

I am 35 male in average to good health.  I have been experiencing anxiety for about 15 years.  Most of the time I just deal with it by making it worse in my head.  Yes make it worse.  I tell myself I am going to die etc., I cant feel myself breathe.  Usually goes away in 10 minutes.

Then things changed!  I started getting anxiety after eating certain foods then like clock work I had to run to the bathroom and have diarhea (diarrhea) and poof I felt better?!

So after some reading and a visit to a Natural Doctor ND. I was told I was sensitive to GLUTEN.  Quit it cold turkey and within 3 days regular stools.  You have to understand I was having diarhea (diarrhea) 3 times before lunch if I had certain foods.  

So a year pass's and I am feeling much better and used to my diet.  Took me like 3 months to get my diet in check and affordable.

Then out of no where I woke up 2 in the morning arms and chest rigid, my heart was 160 bpm, my vision was extra vivid and my stomach hurt like hell.  When the ambulance showed up they said I was having a heart attack!!!!!  As I get lifted in the ambulance my wife and parents watching all I could think was after all the ******** I have gone through and that I finally have the life I wanted I am going to die.  Boy I was mad as hell about the thought of death.  Almost taunting it on my ride to the hospital as the nervous EMT fumbled over me asking where the nitro was...........

After 7 hours and a stress test I was released with no diagnosis and a $5000 bill.  I think now is it really insurance that costs us or the hospitals that wack the insurance co.?!

I learned one thing while I was in there getting questioned about what could be stressing me.  That we are not immune to stress and that we need sleep!

I just got married and had a baby.  My wife has 5 children of her own.  I own 2 businesses.  I was getting 4-5 hours of sleep a night.  I used to drink 4-5 cups of coffee a day atleast.  I used to eat till I was full.  I ate **** food and loved ice cream and candy.  Open the door to my truck a wrapper would surely fall out.

OK HERES WHERE YOU NEED TO READ!!!!

So I stopped everything cold.  I eat only fruit, veggies, grilled chicken and tofu.............thats it.  I eat small portions 4-5 times a day.  Nothing processed besides the tofu.  Sounds crazy and hard huh.............its easy because I feel better and when I had some chips or something out of line I paid for it and its not worth the anxiety.

STAY WITH ME

I wake up panicked still once in a while after vivid dreams or racing mind..........fart and go right back to sleep.  You need to lay down and massage your gut and see if its sore.  Really get your finger tips in there and I am sure on the sides and upper center it hurts like hell.  When I have a episode I rub my gut and try and push the gas down and as soon as I fart I feel better.........I am writing this because last night for the first time in weeks I had to rub my stomach for and hour.  Thats when I found you guys.

ONE MORE THING

I went to my ND after the ambulance ride and she gave me a take home test.  Urine and saliva test for hormones.........a regular doctor wont give you this because its preventative and I think they are just dumb.  Anyway after getting my test results back I found several things out of whack,  I am not an angry person but when my switch goes off I could eat your face.  I say this because I had rush's of adrenaline or something that just wasted me, and the night in the ambulance proves my results.

I have half the seratonin levels, barely any adrenaline(cortisol?), twice the testosterone, half the melatonin.  The list flips back and fourth.  I am a mess hormonely.  Its all in our guts!!  All this stuff is made in our guts.  And if you dont have one you could deplete 5 others.  

I was given a few different pills like 5htp and a few others.  Building blocks for repair. Non perscription!!

This process can take months but I am loving it.  I have lost 25 pounds.  My back doesnt hurt I feel great better then well ever.

I know this is scattered and rushed but well I think faster than I type. LOL.

email me if you want to know more ***@****

[VG1004]

matt "at" fournierhomes "dot" com...........

[Cmurda]

I am a 19 year old male, and I have anxiety definately about health issues and hypochondria. People think I'm crazy because I am in perfect shape, a division 1 college track and field athlete, and eat as healthy as anyone I know. I have had numerous visits to the ER and they never have found anything wrong, I have had chest pain, terrible bloating/gas problems, stomach pains, and just regular panic attacks. I have been on Prozac for a while and it helped a lot, but I just recently tried to get off and it all came back again, so I am going back on it as of a few days ago. Anxiety just *****, its all in our heads and it can cause your mind to think crazy and unrealistic thoughts that translates to your body which causes you to panic. Best of luck!

[Jillie413]

This is amazing to see how many people have the same thing I do .. I always feel like Im going through this alone! My anxiety is totally out of control. I have had every symptom of anxiety and panic it's horrible. I always feel like I'm going to die and it terrifies me.. I can't turn on the t.v or watch a movie or sit in class without freaking out in silence of course The feelings are s0 real it's almost impossible to convince myself there is nothing physically wrong with me..Lately I noticed a connection between heartburn and gas and getting horrible attacks does anyone know whats the connection?

[Daron23]

Hello, my name is Daron and I am a 39 year old male who has suffered with severe panic attacks off and on for 18 years.  First and foremost let me assure you that anxiety panic attacks want kill you.  If they did I would have been dead a long time ago.  I also use to have night terrors where I was waking up several times at all hours of the night gasping for air with my heart racing.  I have gone to the ER at least one hundred times with these panic situations.  Panic attacks are extremely horrifying because they mimic the symptoms of a heart attack and other potential fatal conditions.  Once you have a major panic attack it is so mind altering to your brain that it is immediately stored into it's track like one of the old time records your parents use to own.  After this happens the smallest of things can bring the onset of panic.  You start becoming acutely aware of your bodies natural functions.  Here is the deal that you have to remember.  We are all animals meaning we have a flight or fight mechanism instilled in our brain.  I have done a great deal of research in this area so take heed to what I am about to tell you.  What you are experiencing has gone on since life first came into factor on Earth.  Think of an animal that is being stalked by a predator.  The first thing that comes into it's mind is fear.  As a result a whole bio chemical reaction takes place within it's body.  The heart starts beating faster taking blood out of the stomach and placing it into the major limbs for fight or flight factors.  The pupils become dilated to improve vision.  Many animals defficate under threatening situations to releave their bodies of extra weight in the midst of confrontation.  I am saying all of this to make you aware that if your brain registers fear to life threatening levels this same process goes on within your own body.  In essence your body is doing exactly what it is made to do.  In a way it is protecting you.  Here is some more facts.  Nobody has ever died from a panic attack.  When you are having a panic attack you think you are not getting enough air when in reality you are actually getting to much air.  Hyperventalation means that you are directing to much oxygen to your brain thus causing a dizzy feeling all the while your mind is racing trying to understand your distress.  There are many remedies to deflect a panic attack.  Medication is one way to cope with the problem as your body is not producing enough seratonin( the calming chemical that your body produces).  Always remember though you are scared that you are about to die that you didn't die the last time you had a panic attack.  Try and force yourself to acknowledge the attack as a learning situation meaning what is going on in my life right now that is causing me to feel this way.  On the onset of a Panic Attack acknowledge it and rate it on a scale of 1 to 10 than get your mind off it by doing something constructive that will get your mind off it.  Meanwhile keep rating your attack until it goes away.  For instance if your anxiety level is at a 7 and reduces down to a 4 you are actually curing yourself.  Try and stay in the moment and don't let your mind wonder into future events.  This is called the "what if" factor.  What if I loose control, what if I have a heart attack, what if I stop breathing, what if I pass out.  Instead reassure yourself that you are having a panic attack and that your body is doing what it is exactly expected to do.  Believe me when I say I have gone through everything you have gone through.  I have slept in my truck outside the ER for days at a time scared to death.  I have been on the floor in tears wondering what is happening to me.  I have avoided situations that I remembered initialized anxiety attacks. And so on and so on and so on like a hamster in a wheel.  After 18 or so years I am still here.  Am I over anxiety panic attacks? No not completely, but at least I recognize them for what they are and thus they are not as severe.  You owe it to yourself to not allow this emotion to not rule your life.  Please realize you are a unique individual that under extreme conditions could deal with issues far greater than the average person because your body is already accustomed to quick response actions.  I hope this helped someone if you ever need my help my email address is drn.***@**** have been in your shoes and I care about you.

[MrTim]

I just joined. Umm, i can totally relate to all of your symptoms. the random uncontrollable muscal spasms, heart rate, bad heart burn and indigestion from time to time.. im new to this whole anxiety thing. for me it started about mid feburary when i smoked some weed laced with pcp with my friend.. ofcourse we didnt know it was laced and point being, i felt as if i was going to die all night long. but, it was axiety it was the drugs.. i was vommiting prefusly i was shaking an going into what seemed like convulsions my heart rate was beating 90 to nothing, i had a serious fever. I placed a rag, soaked with cold water on my forhead and in about 5 to 10 minutes the rag was hot. I didnt want to go to the hospital due to of fear of getting us into alot of trouble. So i got through the night with just nothing but will it seemed like. That was the worst or closest to death i feel like ive ever been. um.. after that.. the symptoms kind of started out slow.. and ofcourse i havnt smoked weed since. but now months later even with me staying away from the drugs and alchohol my symptoms have increased and have done nothing but gottin' worse. At first i didnt know what to make of it all. I thought that i had messed up my body or had put too much of a strain on my heart. But.. as you guys(and girls) have mentioned i went to the ER numerous times and went through multiple EKG's and everthing was 'normal'. But my anxiety has gotten so bad that to the point where at times, i feel completely drained. These are a little list of all my symptoms: Tiredness, Mild chest pain and discomfort, Left arm pain, Should back and neck tenseness, Clamminess, Dialated pupils, Uncontrolable Frequent Muscal spasms(and these can happen anywhere from my legs up to my neck. but i think the most frequent is in my arms and bicepts), Feeling as if im not 100% mentally(For example yesterday i was in subway with my dad and its like i was there but i wasnt. if that makes any sense), Difficulty swallowing sometimes, Heartburn and Indigestion, Lack of appatite, Difficulty falling asleep and or, staying asleep and, Shakiness. Those are all just off the top of my head theres probably a couple more i could name. Is anyone having anything simular to the wierd state of mind like, the feeling of not being there 100% mentally?

I havnt been diagnosed yet. But my primary docter and the ER docters all blamed my symptoms on axiety and panic disorder. In the last 3 months after recognizing my symptoms ive had 3 or 4 full blown panic attacks and it really wasnt a cool experience. I thought i was going to die for about 5 minutes every single time. Its like if i didnt have medical attention right then and there i was going to die and there was nothing i could do to stop it. I went to the ER about 2 weeks ago because i was laying down in bed and it was hard for me to swallow and it felt like my throat was closing i could sleep and it started to scare me a little so we went to the ER and the doc there after checking me out said he thought it was anxiety and gave a 1 miligram Xanax and.. it worked wonders i actually felt completely normal. I was blown away. My docter tried me out on beta blockers because he didnt want to risk me becommin dependant on anti- anxiety meds but they, did nothing but make me drowsy. i mean they helped a little bit but i still had the symtoms an it made me feel even worse because of the extra tiredness from the blocker.

Sorry for posting so much, its just i havnt really got the chance to actually talk to people who are going through the same thing i am. I hope this helps someone. But yeah, can someone answer my question about the wierd state of mind and the feeling of not being 100% mentally? it would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Tim.
    

[akstealth]

I've been recently diagnosed with acute anxiety I totally get the not 100% mentally there deal. I was standing in the store with my girlfriend and I just kinda went into drone mode I stared the opposite direction she walked away and had to come back and get me haha... also I will screw up on my talking and I will wrap my head around that all night just repeating the sentence wondering how I came up with that or if Im going insane. My short term memory ***** too, It almost seems like I focus so much on my anxiety I ignore reality. I reallly do love this site it has put me at some ease. Im so afraid that I will live with this fear for the rest of my life but reading and writing to people have an instant good feeling. Also reading that all these people have the same symptoms and that I am not the only one in the world feels great, dont get me wrong I dont want anyone to have anxiety problems!

[slayten]

This is such a relief to read.  Anxiety makes you feel so alone and like know one else understands what you're going through.  I had my first panic attack in April and has since progressed into daily fears of dying and experiencing all the symptoms...including fast heart rate, tension in my shoulders, jaw, neck and the forceful burping.   I'm afraid to go on to meds because i don;t want to get hooked.  If anyone has just seeked therapy and has found it worked out for them, please share your story!

Best of luck to everyone!

[tryingtolivelonger]

I think I had panic attack which caused gerd. And gerd caused more panics. I take Klonopin .25mg during day and .25mg at night with traozodone 15mg for sleep. If I do not take them, I can not sleep at all. My gerd symptoms come back when my body is low on Klonopin. Also, I feel tremor around my jaw area. My teeth chatters, too. Does anybody have symptoms like mine?  

[JustinMichael]

LISTEN EVERYONE PLEASE LISTEN I WAS AND AM A SUFFERER OF ANXIETY BUT YOU ALL KNOW YOU CAN DEAL WITH IT OBVIOUSLY IF YOUR TYPING TO A MESSAGE BOARD YOU KNOW YOU ARE ALIVE AND YOU ARE REALLY YOU. THE SYMPTOMS ARE 100 PERCENT MENTAL JUST STOP IT STOP TAKING THE STUPID PILLS AND LIVE YOUR LIFE TAKE A DEEP BREATH. DONT TELL YOUR SELF HOW DO I GET RID OF ANXIETY TELL YOUR SELF I DONT HAVE IT <3 please listen you are not having a heart attack you are not going to go crazy time is not skipping yes you have to burp alot awesome its better then not at all. JUST LIVE!..LIVE LIKE TOMORROW ISNT GOING TO HAPPEN

- justin

[tryingtolivelonger]

Can you tell me not to take the pills when I can not sleep at all without medication? Is total insomnia just mental thing that I can just forget about it and go to sleep?

[Melbell30]

My boyfriend is 36 years old and has recently started feeling anxiety.  (we think).  Both times it happened on his way to work.  He said his heart started racing rapidily, slight sweat, trembling.....he felt like his head was caving in.  He said he an overall "weird" feeling he could not explain.  He drove himself to the emergency room and the doctors ran their tests.  Eveything came back normal...very similar to what you all are stating.   He said after it dimished, he felt drained and exhausted.  He also feels like he has a massive air bubble in his chest.  All day he has been worried about it.  I know he felt fear when it was happening.  Is  this a panic attack you think?   what's up with the wanting to burp feeling?

[carvaltriseb]

I have been suffering from Anxiety/Panic Attacks/Mild Depression/Heartburn/Lightheadedness/Nausea/Difficulty Breathing(but not really) and chest pains (sort of). Funny how all that leads you to think that there is something wrong, that you are dying. Right now as I write this, I am experience Anxiety attacks and I can feel a tingling sensation on my whole body. Why doesn't this bother me? Because I read everything in this forum and forced my mind and body to believe that there is nothing wrong with me. You want to know how my Anxiety attack started? I was anxious to lose weight so I was exercising and lifting weights. I tried one of those Protein Shakes with maximum muscle building ****. Next thing you know, I was rushing myself to the hospital because every thing in my body went numb and I thought I was having a heart attack. They checked everything and everything came out fine. I was released in the hospital the next day with nothing but a note saying that I need to buy Prilosec OTC because the protein shake caused me to have GERD/Acid Burn. Hahahahaha. I guess in a way, just that dreadful feeling retained in my head and everything I have acid burn or indigestion, my head remembers this experience and triggers my Anxiety atttack. I have been in and out of the emergency room twice and I have always had a feeling of calling 911 everytime but I hesitate and fight the attack. I have been successful lately but since I have a heartburn at the moment, it seems to put more pressure in my body that it triggers the anxiety. I read here that your mind does what it is intended to do, to protect the body. This is what we feel. Our mind thinks we're dying so your heart raises to pump more blood for adrenaline, you breathe faster to get more oxygen in your body and so forth. IT IS ALL IN THE MIND. For me, I kinda like just challenging myself. I will not go to a psychiatrist nor take medications for it. I love to fight it myself. To see how strong I am mentally. Once I have battled this, I know I can  do anything the world throws at me. Going through this is like going through LIFE AND DEATH. Imagine having that constant feeling that your dying. If you can get out of that, you can get out of anything. BELIVE ME WHEN I TELL YOU, IT IS ALL IN THE MIND. I now am finding a way to fight it. Just IGNORE IT!!! When your about to have an attack, do something. Do the laundry, clean your house, talk to a friend about random stuff, play GUITAR HERO or ROCKBANK:BEATLES (one of my favorite anxiety breakers) or just distract yourself. If you feel that it's getting a hold of you, push yourself and walk out the door and go to a mall. Let your mind think that breathing fresh air will help you relax. I have done this and it helps me a lot. PUSH YOURSELF. Don't think of the ANXIETY ATTACK, JUST GET OUT THERE AND WALK. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU. With that said, believe me when I tell you, I have not had any panic attacks for the past 3 months and i thought it went away. I was exercising, doing EXTREME WORKOUTS(P90X, INSANITY) which makes you think, why would I have a heart attack when I can do these kinds of workouts. It took my mind off the anxiety attack. Recently, I became too lazy to workout and started eating in not my usual time. One thing lead to another and I was getting stomach pains then escalated into a panic attack. I was in Vegas and didn't even enjoy it because I was thinking about my anxiety attack most of the time. I hated being around crowded place fearing I might pass out. Anyways, I got so pissed that I took a bath regardless of my Anxiety attack, never talked about how I'm feeling to my wife even though she was concerned, and left the hotel. Walked and walked, shopped and it's like nothing happened. No anxiety, NOTHING! I learned how to battle it, so should you. NO MEDICATIONS, FIGHT IT! Just make sure you go to your yearly physical and if you know your healthy and your doing everything to stay healthy then there is nothing wrong with you and IT'S ALL IN THE MIND!! Good luck and I hope my experience helps you in any way. See, just now after I''m done writing this, my anxiety attack went away. God bless.

[carvaltriseb]

This is totally normal for Anxiety attacks. When your nervous, you feel knots in your stomach. After, you have tremendous gas pain that gets stuck in your sternum/chest area. Since Anxiety attack causes nervousness and panic, you tend to have these gas pains. It gets worst if you don't fight it. You try to burp but when you do, another bubble of air takes it place. Its a normal thing that happens. What's ABNORMAL is that this feeling was caused by NOTHING! It's just the mind telling your husband his dying but in reality he's not. Tell him, if his test came out fine and the doctor keeps scratching his head thinking why he keeps on going to the emergency room when he could just be riding on a motorcycle. cool breeze hitting his face and thinking it's so GREAT TO BE ALIVE instead of lingering in that feeling that OMG, I'm about to die because I THINK I AM! No one knows why we have anxiety attacks, it's different with each one and how they had it. Mine was unusual. Thanks to this forum, now I know that I'm not alone and I get other techniques from other people so I can deal with it until one day, it will all be gone. Hope this helps and tell your husband to grab a beer, sit on the couch, put his feet up and watch a good game because there is NOTHING WRONG!! :)

[Kt406]

I know how so many of you are feeling!  For the last three months or so I have had uncontrollable burping and pressure in my chest and stomach.  I did as much research as I could about my sympoms and I also appreciated any insight that my mom or other friends could give me.  My one friend said it was that I was swallowing air, my mom thought it was a hiatal hernia, another friend thought it was GERD, and the internet sites I researched all said the same possiblities.  Finally, after much pressure from my mom (and after concerns that I could have some serious issues if it was acid reflux and I didn't do anything for it) I went to go see my doctor.  I told her when this all started and how:
One day I was working on my computer looking at some websites, and my computer got this dibilitating virus.  This happened two days before a paper for one of my grad courses was due.  I freaked out and was panicing like crazy.  That night, I started burping and I continued to burp a LOT - EVERY DAY!  I was going crazy! I wasn't sure if it was something I ate or what!  I always had this pressure in my chest and stomach, so I thought it was acid reflux I took Mylanta, Prilosec, Zantac, and Pepto Bismol but nothing worked.  Finally after about 2 months I went to see the doctor.  After talking with her for a while, she was convinced my burping was a result of anxiety (due to me telling her not only about my burping, but about my long lived anxiety), but she prescribed an antacid just in case.  After about a week or so, I went for a check up and told her nothing happened.  She then prescribed me Citalopram for my anxiety.  In about a week I started feeling better.  I fell asleep faster (it usually takes me at least an hour to fall asleep due to my racing thoughts and tension), I was able to concentrate better (I had zero attention span - I often zoned out during class, during work, and even when someone was talking directly at me), and my burping stopped (I honestly did not think that was going to happen with an anxiety med.)  After the doctor told me that it was anxiety issues, and it really hit me hard.  I am a social work major attending graduate school, and it is so easy for me to diagnose other people, and to encourage medication and/or therapy for emotional issues, but it was hard for me to hear that I too had an emotional issue.  I started paying more attention to myself, and I cannot deny it any longer that I have an axiety disorder.  I just visited the doctor again today for a check up with how the citalopram has been working.  It worked the first week, but the second week it stopped and my burping began again, and by the third week, all of my symptoms were back (burping like crazy, not sleeping, panic attacks, no concentration, tension in my neck and shoulders, worrying, etc.) So today I told her of what happened, and she told me that that is not uncommon, so she upped my mg on the citalopram.  I am convinced that it is anxiety (because of my doctor, from my own research, and from reading everyone's posts on here).  I am not only starting medication, but I realize that I need to exercise (which releases endorphins to help me feel better), eat better, and I should look into finding a therapist, counselor, or someone qualified to talk to about my anxiety.  I encourage you all who also have similar feelings to get evaluated on anxiety.  Don't be ashamed.  So many people have this, and there is no reason to fear it.  Accept it and go from there!  When we have a cold, we don't deny it, we accept it and take the necessary steps to make ourselves better, we should do the same with our anxiety!  
Best wishes to all who are experiencing this!  It will get better!  

[chico180]

It makes me feel so much better reading all of this, I too suffer from all of these symptoms and its is controlling my life... And once it starts I cant take my mind off of it, I think I am going to have a heart attack or that my throat will close up and it just gets worse and worse till I cant handle it anymore.
I don't know what to do... Has anyone found any ways to deal with it besides not thinking about it, or medications?

[crystalrollen]

I have the same problem, Anxiety what a horrible word to hear when you experience it and go to the doctor and tell them all these horrible symtoms and comes to find out after the doc. does like test on you, he comes out and says "Listen you have nothing but a mild case of Anxiety, nothing to worry about" But reality is their not the one's who experience it, so they don't know how it feels. All they know is what they read up on, all but book knowledge. You see thats why I stop going to my Doctor about Anxeity. I find what is very helpful for me is to find out what triggers it? It could be all sorts of things for me, Death, Asthma, Acid refulx, Stomach ache, Someone die in the Family etc. Whatever the case might be I always tell myself "Why are you freaking out Crystal?" Then I brethe in and out 3 times and it helps.