Is Chest/Shoulder pain linked to hiatal hernia?

[JonK]

I have had GERD for a number of years, but it largely has been controlled by daily omeprazole. Recently a chest x-ray followed by an endoscopy revealed a "large hiatal hernia". Since there was also some indication of Barrett's Syndrome but without any sign of dysplasia I will be having another endoscopy in a year. Meanwhile, I suffer from occassional pain (perhaps three times a week usually for a few hours each time) which appears in the region of the heart and raidiates to the shoulder and neck on the left side. This is not GERD-like "heartburn" pain. It is most likely to occur about an hour after eating, usually my evening meal, but I have not been able to connect it with any particular food, drink or other activity. I have had a stress EKG and my heart appears to be fine, nor does the pain occur after exercise. X-ray of the shoulder is negative. The pain can be quite disturbing at times, especially if I'm trying to sleep. Is this pain consistent with my hiatal hernia and is there any non-surgical way to relieve it?    

[CalGal]

It could be esophageal spasms causing the chest/shoulder pain, and that can be the result of GERD. The only way to change esophageal spasms is to get the GERD under control. But you might want to talk to your doc about using some anti-spasm meds or nitroglycerin - can help if it is esophageal spasms.