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Esophageal Spasms?

Hi.  I am a 34 year old male and have had some disturbing spasms in the center of my chest just under my sternum for the past three weeks.  I have seen my primary care physician and have tested negative for H. Pylori and I have been put on Prevacid.  I have not seen any blood in my stools or have had any nausea.  However I can feel a burning sensation every time I have an attack of spasms.  Empty or full stomach seems to have little affect over the frequency of the spasms.  I do seem to have spasms of greater intensity when my stomach is full.  These spasms can be so sharp as to actually take my breath away.  I should also mention that I do not seem to have any trouble swallowing.  I also seem to have quite of bit of gas but I am not sure if this is related to Prevacid that I am taking.  I am wondering if you can shed some light on what I may be experiencing?  I am very concerned and it does not appear that I will be able to see a GI specialist until at least a week.  Thanks.
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, Esophagus Problems & What Helps was started.
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Avatar universal
I do take comfort knowing I am not alone with this problem
Here is my story.

I'm a 45 yr old male,whos suffering from chronic stomach/esphogus
problems, over 15 yrs, can't get a clear diagonosis,it started in the 80's when I got a virus/fever. I began having short bursts of pain in chest followed by the feeling of my heart skipping a beat these continued about every 30 secs for a couple of days, then stopped.6-7 yrs pasted without incident, then I woke one night with severe headache/fever I was taken to ER where I was xrayed & diagonosed with a severe sinus infection,then sent home,bursts of pain & skipping heartbeat returned, frightened & ill I went back to ER & was admitted.the ER EKG showed an abnormality, mutliple PVC'S The Dr was concerned becuse of the fever. I have had other EKGS that were normal. I have had the following tests, 3 endoscopys, CAT scan chest/abdomin,MRI of head,2 acid tests on stomach, the only thing found was a small hiatel hernia,echocardiagram treadmill showed no blockages, I was told by several Drs. that I have severe acid reflux (note no erosions found on scopes)the esphogus had some inflammation, I am taking Nexium but it has not stopped the pains or spasms. Does anyone know what these symptoms are? OR has any Dr. heard of these symptoms?
I do have borderline high blood pressure, I am taking Verapaxil. A specialist said my esphogus has some inflammation & the pains may be spasms. The reason I don't think it is anxiety is because it happens when I am in a calm state, ie: going to sleep.It happens more when I am lying on my left side or bending over. I have been reading about the Thymus gland, it appears to be in the same place in my chest as the pains. I wonder if this gland could be causing my problems?

  

  



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Avatar universal
I started having these spasms about ten years ago.  This past Thursday, I had a severe spasm during a workout.  It took my breath away and brought me to my knees.  It was the worst that I ever had.  I take Nexium and do all of the typical things to keep the acid reflux and hiatal hernia in check.  But, I can't seem to control the spasms.  My doctor doesn't seem very concerned since my recent endoscopy and colonoscopy were negative.  Regardless of this, I still need help.  It is affecting every thing I do.  Any suggestions aboout this matter?

Thanks,
Slipdisco
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Avatar universal
I have been going through the same situation for a while now.  I had my GB taken out and its not a year yet.  I have just boing through all types of test, they did blood work, x-ray I also had a upper GI to look into my stomach to see what was going on.  My dr told me I had a little inflame esophagel, but nothing for what I am going through, they thought it was with my heart, that was checked out and nothing there.  I am nausea, I can't eat anything, when I try I get to like I want to just gerjitation, I am always spitting like something wants to come out, but nothing.  Would some explain what is ERCP and is it dangerous or what do you have to go throug when you have this procedure done.
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Avatar universal
Thank heavens someone feels the way that I do. When i originally went to my doc and told him I felt someone was squeezing shut my esophagus, he put it off to panic. But i have been getting really bad acid reflux and what you describe...but not so much in my chest as right above my sternum...its like a flutter that lasts a second or two and takes the breath right out of me. It is so terrifying. He put me on protonix which i started yesterday and it has not happened as often...i hope it goes away completely. He said if it doesnt lessen within 8 weeks I have to get the scope, ick! Good luck with your tests...sounds like it is JUST gerd. Keep us posted!
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Avatar universal
Just a bit of a follow-up to my saga...my ultrasound came back negative for gall bladder/liver problems.  Only slight fatty liver was seen.  My primary doctor put me on some Xanax and Zoloft to go with my Prevacid to help me calm down...I was really freaking out over this.  My appointment with the GI is in almost 4 weeks.  It does seem that my Prevacid has helped to quell the spasms...but I am still worried.  I am scheduled for an upper GI test soon (I think Barium swallow) to help speed up the process and my doctor has taken more blood work to review.  He did remind me that my bilurubin was within normal levels and that jaundice has not occurred which are good indications that everything is likely normal and that GERD would be the most likely culprit.  Will write more when I know.
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233190 tn?1278549801
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
GERD, an ulcer, or inflammation of the upper digestive tract are all possibilities.  The next reasonable steps would be either an upper endoscopy or upper GI series which would evaluate for the aforementioned conditions.

If negative, you can consider more specialized testing.  This can include a 24-hr pH study (definitively looking for GERD), esophageal motility studies (looking for motility disorders), as well as a gastric emptying scan (evaluating for gastroparesis).  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician or gastroenterologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
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Avatar universal
I have experienced some of what you are. I have a hiatal hernia which is causing all the acid to push up.  My dr suggested to me to elevate the head of my bed at nite I am on Nexium at nite and Aciphex in the morning. You might want to mention that to your dr.
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