Chest pain associated with GERD

[Nealy]

I have been diagnosed with sliding hiatal hernia, GERD,and have a Slotchosky's(sp) ring. I have used Prilosec, Previcid, Zantac to no effect.  I eat early in the evening and usually very light. Even though heart checks out ok I have serious sharp pains in the center of my chest at night when I lie down to sleep.  Sometimes there are spasms as well.  I usually take Tylenol and some kind of antiacid which helps, but not always.  It usually calms down about 1am or so.  My internist and gastro specialist have no answers other than "everyone is different".  They are reluctant to suggest surgery because of no response to Prilosec. Are there other possibilities for treatment or diagnosis that have not been considered?  Should I get a second opinion, and if so, from a gastro specialist or internist?

[Concerned lady]

I agree with the above folks who responded. I used to be a nurse, and I thought I had just about seen it all (regarding different approaches by docs and nurses), but even after being out of nursing, I've personally seen too much indifference, laziness, arrogance, ignorance, you name it. I too am still searching for some really good docs. Once in a blue moon, I see a good doc. Most are mediocre, it seems.

So do keep looking for a really good doc. Also, read the other posts here, for some food for thought!!

You can also try some non-invasive natural methods to see if they help. You can check on these methods with a doc (if it's a good caring one) to make sure they're OK in your case:

(1) Have you checked with a good chiropracter or osteopath, to see if they have any gentle adjustments that might help your problems?

(2) Check out Dr. James A. Koufman's (MD) webpage called PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET ON REFLUX. It's at http://www.bgsm.edu/voice/pt_info.html

(3) Read a great book by Michael T. Murray, N.D. (Naturopath) called "Stomach Ailments and Digestive Disturbances: How You Can Benefit from DIET, VITAMINS, MINERALS, HERBS, EXERCISE and Other Natural Methods" (1997). He has many ideas that have helped his own patients. One example is DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice) for GER (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux). DGL tablets must be CHEWED to mix with saliva, to be effective. Slippery-Elm throat lozenges can also be helpful, as can a little organic fresh carrot juice. MAKE SURE YOU'RE NOT ALLERGIC TO ANY OF THESE HERBS. MAKE SURE THE HERBS DON'T REACT BADLY WITH ANY MEDICATION YOU MIGHT BE TAKING. CHECK WITH A GOOD PHARMACIST ABOUT THIS.

(4) Have you gone to a health food store AND a good bookstore to look for books about regular and natural treatments for all your conditions? Such books can give you valuable food for thought. You can then lead your doctor to help you better.

(5) And, yes--get that second opinion from an EXPERT GASTRO-INTESTINAL DOC!!!

Good luck to you! I hope you feel better soon.

Sincerely,
Concerned lady ***@****  and website http://cantbreathesuspect vcd.com

[dolor]

doctors never cease to amaze me. Their indifferance to the human condition is sickening. I to have had a bad time w/ dr's. Definatly seek a second opinion. I have a hiatal hernia, extreme acid reflux and Crohns disease. One bright spot for me is that as a last resort, before surgery, my last dr. precribed "Nexium".
I am not real big on meds, but this Nexium has been a micacle drug for my reflux. I to had many of your symtoms and I sure understand your concern. the nexium actually starts to heal the esophogus and stumic lining. It took about one week to start to feel better w/ the nexium. Try to prop your head up a bit w/ pillows. This used to help me before the nexium. Sounds like your chest pains are from reflux. I would get them and sometimes I'd swear that I was having a heart attack. Find a gastro specilist, tell them all of your symtoms and watch the dr's reaction. Talk to them, get the nexium and if you don't like the dr. after you get your meds, see ya later dr. This Nexium will buy you some time while you search for the right dr. I am still searching for the right DR myself. We will all make it... together. Good luck and let us know what happens

[MARY ANN]

you could have ulcers in your stomach or your gastric area ingeneral you no doubt should seek the advice of another gastro/digestive specialest your internest no doubt is not a specialest in this area, he or she is  more than likely a family doctor .when it comes to specialties your internest normaly recomends you to a specialest in that field.by the way every one is different is a very of the wall statement for a doctor to make to a patient that is looking for answers.i wonder why having no responce to ascid reflux medications have to do with the repair of the hernia.if i were you i would seek another opion and try to have the hernia repaired .sometimes you have to go through a few quacks before you get to the real doctors.god bless a best of luck.