chest discomfort and fear of heart problem

[narge1]

Ive been having what I first thought were GERD symptoms now for a few weeks and wondered if they WERE a heart problem how long would it take for them to manifest themselves to a full blown heart emergency, Been an anxious person my whole life and have had these feeling before but these seem some different in that i don't taste acid in the mouth for one thing..This morning i woke early with it..came here and read the message boards and have calmed down some after taking a 0.5 mg klonopin whichIi take  routinely morning and night. Its gotten so I fear the fear itself..Need some help here and seems to be a lot of fellow sufferers..Right now it's just a generalized mild tightness in my chest but usually located directly under sternum..Have taken Prilosec in the past but usually takes a while to work and read where it's not advisable to dry up ALL one's stomach acid . Intread I take probiotics each day after having  C Diff 3 years ago  and that's under control.This is incapacitating me with fear ...Help! I am retired pharmacist and guess that makes it even worse on the mind..

[remar]

I think it's great that you finally went in to get checked out. Now you know what's going on, and it is not your heart.
I do hope you can get back to your walking soon and I also hope the Prilosec starts helping very soon.
You may want to ask your Dr if you can stay on the pro-biotic and also ask about aloe vera juice. I have stomach issues too, just like many of the other members here on this forum, and I drink aloe vera juice when my stomach gets really bad. It sure helps with the burning and nausea.

[birdie0907]

Sip water all day to dilute the stomach acid, and Google bland diet.

[narge1]

It's me again ,, On Wednesday at midnight was awakened once more with chest burning,... decided it was time  .. went to the ER... was admitted and tested over that evening and the next day with EKGs,   blood gasses.. and the vitals..etc. and the next day had a stress test (non nuclear) . Was on the treadmill 6 mins.  and had the before and after heart ultrasound.. I passed all tests and was discharged late on Thursday  with the Dx  of GERD and put on Prilosec  twice a day  amen,, Thanks one and thanks all.. I was asked to choose a best reply..  ALL were good and I choose not to choose. PS I am 80 years old..but walked each day  4 to 6 miles prior to this flareup...

[narge1]

thanks to those that replied..

[gofio]

Unless you get 'checked out' by a qualified Doc. you will remain uncertain about your condition. As a retired pharmacist you should know what the probiotics contain regarding the bacteria, & source of those bacteria? Anxiety's a swine, it can cause lots of physical conditions as well as making life hell sometimes. If you can find a way to relax ~ music/exercise/hobbies etc then do it. Meditation works for some, mayne the cause of your problems originates in your mind, but since we can't look inside our own minds then it's best to get a qualified person to help. I hope you get relief from pain/anxiety. Good Lucik

[MYoungAtHeart]

I too suffer from GERD and thought I was dying last spring with an especially early onset of spring allergies in our part of the US....I did have to have a medical consult even though I swore to the doctors receptionist that it is " The Flu, only the flu" and that is when the GERD was discovered.

The acid was actually pushing my lungs up into the upper part of my chest and by the time I did quit fooling around could not even walk into the bedroom a few feet down the hallway at my house without almost passing out....After 2 months on prescription Prilosec I was feeling much better but my script ran out and am now on OTC Zantac which does the trick faster and better.....

Even though you are a professional, you still need to see your doctor to get whatever is going on checked out.  I hope you do that soon before any damage that needs  to heal gets worse...

Good luck to you

M

[specialmom]

Hi there and welcome.  Well, I would always recommend that you get a physical by your doctor to rule anything out.  Have you done this recently?  My husband has believed he is having heart issues when in fact it was anxiety.  But you want to make SURE that there is no underlying cardiac issue.  That will help reassure you.

Gerd does feel terrible, doesn't it?  Have had that myself.  If you've taken prilesec in the past and it worked, even if it takes a while to work----  I'd start it again.  I've personally taken tagamet and it works great for me.  It is an otc product and I get relief from acid quickly.  

also, for the anxiety and anxiety over anxiety, do you see a psychologist or psychiatrist to work on this?  Perhaps a different med would help you more than what you are currently taking.  I would discuss meds with your doctor.  And talk therapy is very helpful and important to treating anxiety.

I would recommend that you try to exercise.  This helps stress, anxiety as well as digestion.  Yoga and meditation are also very helpful for stress relief.  And I'd keep a journal looking for any triggers that may be adding to the issue.

Wishing you lots of luck.  Glad you are feeling better after reading that your symptoms match those that are common to anxiety.  But again, do make an appt. soon to get a work up from your doctor looking for any other issues going on.  peace and luck