severe pain

I recently woke up in the night with horrific chest pains. Went to the ER after taking nitro for the pain. The nitro did work. Went to the Cath Lab and was told my heart is fine and my stents were working great. My doc ruled out cardio problems and sent me to GI specialist. He did all the tests there are and still nothing was found. They had been thinking esophageal spasm being the nitro works for the pain. The pain is center and below the breastbone and when it comes on, all I can do is squirm on the floor and scream. It is very disturbing. I suffer as long as I can then i take nitro. It may last days or only an hour. I am on nexium and reglan for at least a year now.Recently. I was given a GI cocktail to try when the pain comes on. That would last about 1 -3 hours. Now the GI has prescribed Ativan twice a day. I thought that was for anxiety. My pain is real and it wakes me in my sleep. I do not think I am very anxious in my sleep.What are your thoughts on taking the ativan?  Is there any other conditions that can cause such severe chest pain and not be cardiac related? Food makes it worse and so does lying down. Thanks

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi kathy 426,
There are many causes of non-cardiac chest pain like GERD, esophageal spasm, local musculoskeletal problems and even anxiety.

To rule out esophageal causes you need to undergo tests like UGI scopy, pH monitoring and manometry.

Ativan might be helpful if other causes are ruled out.
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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.