Esophagus Spasms/Pain

I have been suffering with pain in my chest for 9 years.  I was diagnosed with GERD/Acid Reflux and have taken Prilosec, Protonix, and Ranatidine with varying degrees of success.  I was also diagnosed with esophageal spasms and have been taking Isosorbide for about 7 years.  This stopped the spasms for quite awhile but for the last year or so, I have been experiencing pain every night that won't go away no matter which meds I take.  I've had 2 endoscopies, swallow tests, motility test and the Nissen Fundoplication surgery which corrected my hiatal hernia but did nothing for the chest pain.  The surgeon says he doesn't think it is acid reflux anymore but spasms that cause the pain.  I have doubled the amount of Isosorbide (per my primary) but so far that hasn't helped either.  The only thing I get from my doc is that "this is very difficult to treat" but that doesn't help me much.  I worry about what damage may come from this constant discomfort.  I've tried everything suggested for acid reflux - changing my diet (lost 50#), all home treatments, acupuncture, etc. but nothing has worked.  I'm desperate and I see that I am not alone!  Any ideas will be appreciated!

[kev543]

Have they checked you for H-pylori? it is a bacterial infection that can mimic a heart attack. chest pains and all. I personally think that long usage of these stomach meds allow this bacteria to grow because they alter the amount of acid that your stomach produces. In some cases it may have been the H-pylori in the first place and by taking these stomach meds it has made a cozy home for the bacteria but it can be treated with a combo of antibiotics. i'm not a doctor. this is just my personal opinion. take it or leave it.

[kev543]

you could also look into food, spice, and/or perservative intolorences. if you drink alcohol, you should probably stop drinking sinse some of the meds will help it damage your stomach more.