Joe,
I am 32 years old and have been dealing with this for almost 10 years now. My biggest fear is that I have to live with this the rest of my life. Were you an ever able to find relief or effective treatment?
I get these attacks, too. Usually during the middle of the night. I have found that taking Librax during the warning phase (pressure before the ungodly pain hits), keeps the spasms from progressing. If I am having the "something stuck in my throat" feeling during the day, ice water helps. I do think Zoloft helps in preventing these attacks. You don't need a high dose, half of a 25 mg. tablet works for me. I came off of Zoloft and am starting back on it. I didn't have these attacks when I was taking it. I also take Nexium 40 mg. once a day. Stress is a big factor.
Joe, ask your doc to try some antispasm meds for the esophageal spasms. Some of the more 'general' antispasm meds include Bentyl and associated products. A 'step-up' (but stepping up also means possibly more side-effects) would be nitroglycerin which works extremely well for some people. Then there are also specific calcium channel blockers.
I have a Hiatal hernia and GERD and I have the same problem you do. I keep sonic ice at my house. I never leave or go anywhere without my ice water. Its the only thing that works for me.
Misty