Hi Shell1925,
Endoscopy and 24 hours pH monitoring will not rule out esophageal spasms.
For diagnosing esophageal spasms, you need either barium swallow test or esophageal manometry.
Manometry is the ideal one.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.
- Ratnakar Kini M.D.
I don't really have any answers for you but wanted to let you know that you are not alone. My ordeal began at least a year ago maybe two with cardiac symptoms. I had near constant chest pressure, palpatations, constriction of the throat, cough, urge to clear my throat and pain in between my shoulder blades. My doctor sent me to the cardiologist who said my heart was sound. The doctor decided to treat me for generalized anxiety disorder and put me on xanax which did nothing for the chest pressure and throat constriction. It was so bad that I felt like I couldn't breathe (I still feel that way). Anyway, my primary finally sent me to the ENT who diagnosed me with LPR (silent reflux) and vocal cord nodules due to the damage from the reflux. He put me on 20 mg Aciphex a day but still that has had little effect on my throat constriction. Now I am having pains on my left side under my breast bone which sometimes extends to my back. It feels almost like a gas bubble or maybe like the cramps you get when you've been running too long. The ENT referred me to a gastroenterologist for an upper GI endoscopy to check for damage further down my esophagus. That is scheduled for May 20. I hope you get your answers, please share them if you do.
I went to my GI doctor today. He is sending me for a repeat endoscopy and doing a 24 hour pH monitoring test. Will these r/o esophageal spasms? What on hearth could cause me to be having heart attack like symptoms? I am really scared and I really hope you will answer this. Thank you!
Does anyone have input on this? I just don't know where to turn anymore.... :-(
I also forgot to mention that the chest pressure awakes me in the middle of the night and the dizziness is mostly when I bend over at the waist. Thanks again!