One thing that I will suggest that is certainly worth a shot, is when you have true heartburn/reflux flare ups. Drink 1-2 tbls of Apple Cider Vinegar. When I get reflux this remedy works great and is much healthier than prescription meds. Apple Cider Vinegar has alot of benefits and this is just one of the few. Hopefully this will atleast bring you some comfort when other options dont work for you.
I know what you mean as far as this being scary! It stinks that something like hiatal hernia/GERD has to have very similar symptoms to heart problems, especially in someone like me that was diagnosed with anxiety in 2003. Through meds and therapy I overcame it but, it is always going to be there. I just have to make sure I don't let my mind wander too much.
I woke up this morning with the chest pressure, lump in throat, sore throat (like it has been burned with acid) and some bloody sputum. I go to my PCP at 1:30 for a test follow-up and hopefully she can either deny/confirm this is all from hiatal hernia/GERD. I don't have a trigger, it just happens. I am trying to find a link between food and diarrhea but haven't been able to. The only thing that I do that I know FOR A FACT can cause my symptoms is bending over I'll keep you posted with any info I get from my PCP today. Good luck to you and I hope you start feeling better :)
Shell
Dear Shell,
I too am in the midst of a health dilemma. I am sufferring same as you describe.
started 12 months ago with a bad heartburn with my heart beating irregularly.
Left hospital and the condition improved although now had ectopic beat. This also improved with time until 5 weeks ago.
I failed to mention my gallbladder was removed 10 years ago and stools are rarely solid.
Now, mainly, my symptoms I feel are related to vagus nerve syndrome as I discovered here yesterday from an old post.
I have chest pressure, lump or throat tightness,heart beat racing, stomach feels like bowling ball stuck inside, hot flushes with sweating, tingling in left arm and foot mainly, headache and foggy feeling in head. I think mine may be triggered by food.
not sure if I have hiatus hernia but going fro gastroscope tues.
Also have basically had my heart cleared but everytime this happens it is scary.
hope this helps.
I also forgot to mention that I have a constant stomach gurgling and either soft stools or diarrhea about 3-4x a day. Sometimes it occurs as soon as I eat something, I can't really find a link between certain foods.