Vagus nerve

I am having  the similar problems.  I feel dizzy and then my heart starts racing and I feel like I need to have a bowel movement. It is very scary.


This discussion is related to VAGUS NERVE and STOMACH or HEART LURCHES (spasms).

[paulw8]

Wow, is it sure good to here vegas nerve comments.  I also stumbled onto this website.  Have had the gerd, some heart palps, stomach lurches, anxiety, small hiatal hernia, arm and finger numbness, diarhea (diarrhea), breathing issues and my biggest problem of sleep starts/jumps/gasps all seeming to originate down by the middle of chest area. 42, male, have lost about 30 pounds in last 5 years, which is good but have driven people in my life nuts including myself.   I have a strong belief that the vegas nerve is the culprit, and after coming across this page I believe it more than ever...am considering chiropractic help but now real sure what path to take any more.  Big hugs to all!!  and someday we will get to the bottom of our problems.

Paul.

[oriental505]

Hi there,
I am a former Intensive/Coronary Care and Emergency RN but for the past 15 years have been  on the other side of the fence as an energy clinician.  Energy medicine works with the body's energy, ultimately the human body's nuts and bolts. Rather than dealing with symptoms we look for the cause of the problems!  I have been having all the symptoms you guys refer to since as far back as I can remember (I'm 54).  I am teaching my students of my theory of the super importance of the Vagus Nerve.  I am currently conducting research into this and how energy medicine can help. I'm astounded with what I see and how it all seems to relate back to the Vagus Nerve and more. Keep you posted.
Bx

[abbymae]

my personal experience began in feb 08. woke up one morning with chest pains. had no previous problems.  doc treated it like ulcer and put me on previcid 30 mg. chest continued to hurt. in april i got to where i couldn't swallow the pills anymore. had to take them apart and put in applesauce. had constant dirareaha. lost 15 lbs. only weighed 128. june 08 had EGD. tell me i have barretts esophagus with no prior symptons.  double the previcid which had never worked. could nt eat anything. pretty much lived on baked potatoes and pasta  for months. in july my heart started skipping and palpatating and chest and left arm pain. i can sympathize with all of you. that will cause stress which causes more palpatations which is a vicious cycle.  had all the cardio tests including EKG, echo, cardiolite adn the heart cath too. valves all good, no clots, no clogs, no heart issues.  So why is my heart not beating right???  taking xanax to calm me down because it is so stressful.  makes me tired, no energy. went back to the digestive doc last week. here is what i am learning.  the swollen esophagus from GERD and acid is putting pressure on the vagus nerve which goes around and intertwines with the heart causing the palpatations and skipped beats. he switched me to prilosec which has FINALLY taken away the chest pain THANK GOD and put me on a anticholinergies drug. it is suppose to inhibit the action of the vegus nerve on the heart. only been on it for 7 days so far. He said there was no quick fix and it would take awhile. have also found that taking apple cider vinegar and honey mixed together will help aid digestion by naturally producing bicarbonate which is your bodies natural antacid.  Which is also the main ingrediant in baking soda..  A dill pickle will also help with the chest pain by causing the same effect.  I hope my money and experience will help some of you out.
God bless

[Melissa1972]

I too have suffered with the same symptoms, relieved to know its not just in my head as some people make it out to be or that Im over sensitive. My childern have seen me when I have these "attacks" as I call them. They have seen me turn completely white, almost pass out and sometimes my hand or hands turn purple. Certain foods make my attacks come on or sometimes activity. I sometimes would even have difficulty walking across the yard. Im a 36 year old female, always have been very active, pretty fit and healthy. This has been very devestating to deal with.  I went to a med doctor last year and was tested for H pylori and it was a positive. I did not take the antibiotics for it. I have lost wieght, which I was thin to begin with.  I too have the dizzyness, pain down arms and legs, have upper chest pressure, heart palpatations, sometimes have to go to the bathroom right away (sometimes after I have a bowel movement it helps), strange feelings of my nerves pulsating- sometimes on the top of my head sometimes near my left shoulder blade or on the bottom of my left foot. Very odd symptoms and no medical doctors want to listen. I started seeing a chiropractor last year for another reason which I thought was unrelated. And it was the best thing for me.I told him about all my strange symptoms at the first appointmen and he helped me right away.  My symptoms started to go away and I was able to get back to my normal activities, and felt better than I ever had in my life. Couldn't believe I was walking around in such misery for so long!! I since moved and have went about 2 1/2 months without going to the chiropractor and guess what-- symptoms slowly started to creep back. Then 2 weeks ago I had to call 911, my heartrate was extremely fast and I was dizzy and very sick. I was alone at the time and couldn't get ahold of anyone so I called 911. My heart rate was over 137 and it lasted for almost 3 hours. The hospital did an EKG, and blood work which both turned out fine. I explained to them I thought it was all related to my stomach but never had my heartrate up this high and for this long,,,and could not get it to calm down.  The ER doctor thought I may have had a panic attack and I know I didn't and he seemed to just brush it off like I was crazy, (which maybe thats up for debate!!) They said maybe its a peptic ulcer and recommended I have tests done. Yeah right.  So I found a chiropractor in my area and went to him 2 times so far ,once a week and the heart palpatations have gone and the funny feeling in my chest and the pain down my arms and legs have also gone. I still get some upper gas pressure but not like it was getting again after not going to the chiropractor for those couple of months. I think there must be a connection with digestion and the vagus nerve but what is the cause, the stomach acid irritating the nerve or the nerve making the stomach produce more acid and the symptoms. Hmm interesting , I hope this has helped and maybe we can start to understand our bodies and hopefully get some answers somewhere. Im glad I found these postings it sure has helped knowing that Im not imagining this. Thanks, Melissa

[wm1]

I have had this problem for about 13 years now , It started when I was about 27. I can still remember my first attack. It was right after eating a fairly large meal at Olive Garden. I felt the thumping of the heart skips, got sweaty, heart racing, caused panic, etc. I went to the hospital, all fine other than elevated blood pressure.

After that I suffered pretty badly with it for about 2 years, thinking I had all kinds of problems, saw a number of doctors etc.  One actually told me it was a vagus nerve "attack". Those words did not connect until past year or so.  I started to learn to live with it.

It seemed to get better for a while (happening less frequently) but it would sometimes come back with a vengance but would seem to go into mangeable remission for long stretches.  Now over the past year or so it happens ALOT. I will sit there and analyze what is happening and I have come to the same conclusions as so many of you, it is the vagus nerve being out of whack or pressure on it,  if I can just find the pressure point in my stomach it would stop. (haven't found it) but have just realized that bearing down helps alot.  

I also have severe hpermobile joints in my neck and back causing  pain, tight muscles etc. I also wonder if that is causing stress on my vagus. It does seem that the stress of worrying over it makes it worse  but so many times it just starts out of the blue which leads me to believe it is not self created.

I think if this is ever seriously studied that they will find this is the cause of many diagnose's of anxiety disorder which I think is the symptom not the cause of these horrible sensations.

I have  2 close friends who have the same problems so it is either more common or the stressful lives we live make it worse thus more noticeable.

[INHIM709]

wm1
I went to my chriopractor today , I told him of my high BP reading and about this thread on the vagus nerve ,I asked if he knew of any on going studies on the vagus nerve , he is giing to look into it, I also did some reasearch on my own .The vagus nerve actually is the 10th crainal nerve it is one of the longest nerves in the body, you speak of your neck problems ,I also have cervical subluxation , my chrio, explaned to me that the vagus nerve passed thru the neck area , so any cervical neck problems  could very well disrupt the nerve and affect quite a few organs , my biggest problem is the effect it has on my blood pressure and pulse 210/102/92 the lurching , chills so hard I cannot get warm , I hear so many speak of the same symptions i have experienced ,but most of all I hear a need for relief , thank God these are seemling not heart related but the vagus nerve dose have 3 leads to the heart the stress and anxiety know matter how we try are there, also there surly is some toll on the body when we experience what we do , I am really intrested in this subject of the vagus nerve I will continue asking questions I am going to ask my dr. to really take an intrest I hope we can all get some
help
.inhim709

[pauly8]

This whole vagus nerve thing is extremely interesting.  I posted earlier about some of my symptoms and what I didn't mention before is that my identical twin brother also has exact similar symptoms as mine.  We both have small hiatal hernias, have been to countless doctors and never get anywhere.  We also have lower back pains, some upper leg pain and the big big kicker for both of us is the monkey jumps or gasps that we both have at night.  We are convinced that it is 100 % physical.  We are not anxious people no matter what the doctors say.  Have been on and off too many unneeded medications and seem to never have an exact diagnosis.  It always seems to be a mystery.  Having a twin to talk and experience this is great however we dont want to live with this forever.  We have analyzed and have noticed some observations that might be of interest. 1.  Too much sugar in our diets (always have liked it and lots of it.)
2.  Always eat (ate) too fast, gulping our foods and finished before everyone.
3. used to be a little bit overweight  10 to 20 Lbs (mainly in the stomach area where it sticks out a bit
4.  both have small hiatal hernias ( 2cms)
5. both have the sleep problem waking up with gasps and sometimes with unclarity.
6.  both have back pains that seem to wander; legs, upperback, shoulder etc
7.  both have always been active and sometimes wonder if excersice may effect us adversely
8.  moderate drinkers and big choclate and coffee freaks. (not anymore)
9.  Another theory (and i stress theory) we have is as we lose weight, we both discover that our problems increase for awhile.  We think this might be due to the stomach shrinkage causing more movement in the  somewhat damaged diagphram area where the vagus nerve could be pinched
... some of these are things in the past, but just trying to get information out there.
      We need to post as much info as we can.  Maybe if enough people with this problem can come together, we could get some sort of questionaire to all the sufferers, submit it to a doc who wants to do some research on the matter.  It just seems like no one is studying this bizaare **** that so many of us have in common.  We are in the process of going to the chiropractor.  I will continue to update this forum on our progress.  REMEMBER you are NOT CRAZY !!!!!!!!!!  This is a REAL CONDITION!!!!    How about a big find in 09

[Ronrich]

I went to the doctor about stomach pain I have had 34 years.  On and off I had scans etc.  nothing ever found.  I often get eye spasms and spasms up my neck and the side of my face when my stomach tightens.  When I told him of this symptom he said it sounded like the vagus nerve and stress.  I am being scheduled to go to a gastro doctor and hope to explore this vagus nerve theory.  I also have kidney stones quite often as well as prostatitis.  My general practitioner has me on 40 mg of Prilosec and an antispasmodic.  I also take Lorazapam and Lexapro for the anxiety I get along with the continued pain.                 Sincerely ROn

[Kats13]

(second time trying to post this) This has been awesome finding other people with the same symptoms, I was started to think I was falling apart and I am only 41. I am currently being investigated for racing heart, skipping beats, light headedness, have to catch my breath, all this started about 2 months ago. For at least 2 years, I also have constant right ear pain, right throat pain, saw an ear doctor, and had ultrasound of neck, and all negative. Right shoulder pain, saw physio, right handed numbness and tingling. My eyes feel buggy and have had my prescription checked twice. Now reading this, I am seeing that the 20 pound weight loss, and the sleepless nights over the past two years might all be related. In the last 3-4 years, I have also had two episodes of feeling like I was having a heart attack.  They did ECG, but decided it was GERD, and prescribed Nexium. I also experience twitching in my right groin, had a right kidney stone and what feel like "sparks" going off just above my right ear, which sometime lead to a head ache.  My doctor is trying to figure out what it all means, but I have to admit, I am only putting this all together, and have now written this all down to bring it all to her attention. If it is this vagus nerve, and something is making it act up, then it is worth investigating. Again, this has been very helpful, and thank you all for sharing.

[SMHaven]

Hello, I just came across this site looking for information on the vagas nerve and gastroparesis.  I have a condition called Fibromuscular Dysplasia, a disease of the arteries that can affect many different arteries.  I have the disease in 2 arteries leading to my stomach as well as my carotids.  The blockages in the stomach arteries caused severe gastro problems.  I spent several months seeing several docs in my hometown before going to Mayo Clinic - they diagnosed within 2 days. Unfortunately, the arteries were blocked for so long, I developed gastroparesis, so my stomach does not digest food properly or fast enough.  My new gastro doctor feels the vagas nerve was damaged by the blockages & caused the gastroparesis.  Gastroparesis can cause many of the symptoms you describe; it may be worth looking into. I had many of the same symptoms you discribe;  chest pain, heart palpitations, acid reflux, weight loss, inability to eat, constant abdominal pain, etc....

Good Luck to all of you, I hope you find your answers !  

SMHaven

[sarah555]

i have had very very similar experiences to yours...


can i ask you if youve found if certain foods bring on these symptoms more than others? or if alcohol affects any of you???

i have gotten 'anxiety' stamped on me numerous times --> i DO NOT HAVE ANXIETY... do these people not think you do not know what anxiety palpitions feel like by the time you are 27??! (my age).. i have had those since i was a KID before presentations... not when i accidently eat pasta made w/ vodka sauce/ eat spicy food / lift a 20 lb bag... ridiculous... i am sorry --> THEY must suffer anxiety themselves.. either that or be too stupid to throw around such a real term so lightly

my guess to why my heart condition is vagus nerve related is because i used to be bulimic when i was younger where i believe now would regularly cause wear and tear to the vagus nerve -- i have learned that eating alot/throwing up and gastro problems (laxative use) will aggravate it... i remember daily experiencing a fast heart rate and palpitations after eating alot and after throwing up along with anxiety... it went until one day i suppose my body couldnt take it anymore and my heart went nuts - up to 150 beats a minute/skipping beats/going crazy... since that day i havent been able to throw up/eat certain things (spicy food/alcohol/some dairy/etc)/burp excessively/smoke/overeat/get riled up or excited/lift heavy things and/or exercise w/o having very serious side effects ( high b/p or high heartrate w/ palps..)

i feel dead and alone and feel there must be some damage done there...


i experience other symptoms dissimilar to yours w/ the alcohol (cant have a sip w/o an attack) so obviously i have developed a sensitivity or a processing disorder where i cant filter the alcohol...


i do not know if the vagus nerve is the problem but because of the bulimia have been curious and ive been doing some digging on the topic and found that on some level this should tie into what is happening to me


it has been interesting reading your stories -- and helpful :)

[Debster808]

It so so exciting to find other people with the same symptoms!! I started having these symptoms 3 years ago after eating a large greasy meal (shepherd's pie) Had the thump thump feeling in my chest followed by my stomach in knots, light headedness, and immediate diarrhea and heart racing. I ended up losing 20 pounds because eating at night or overeating seemed to cause it. Then my doctor and I noticed that eating meat and greasy foods seemed to bring it on as well. She eventually decided it was my gall bladder which was filled with sludge and would explain the food correlation. However, it's never explained to me the weird spasm I get in my chest. I've since been a vegetarian, which seemed to stop the symptoms mostly, but I still get it every once in a while. Caffeine will immediately bring it on as well as alcohol.  Has anyone else had it relate to Gall Bladder before?

It truly seems diet related to me, when it's happening it feels like something is stuck in my stomach/intestines. Drinking carbonated beverages seems to help a lot. I get constipated sometimes, and that seems to trigger it as well. So something pinching on the vagus nerve makes a lot of sense.  

Thank you all so much for posting your experiences so I know I'm not going crazy!!

[gmichael66]

Wow. Interesting. I too get told I have anxiety for my symptoms. No, I do not have anxiety I dont have any fear, danger precieved or not. I am happy, love life and love my hobbies, family, friends, crafts, etc.....

I have trouble catching my breath and it all started the nweek of Superbowl, I spent the week eating way too much, fried foods and junk and drinking way too much soda.

Heart lungs all fine, I havent been scoped yet but Im sure I have GERD as I have all the symptoms, had them for years.

Im 42, overweight, just lost 52lbs since feb 3rd and have been put on prilosec two times a day, so far it seems to be working a little, bit, Im cautious but still scared and am interested in hearing more of the vegus nerve thing.

My Pharmacist claims that indeed Gastro problems can indeed cause breathing problems and most peolpe dont realize it. I can catch my breath if I burp, drink sips of water, or really relax. I notice if I have to go to the bathroom, or am slightly constipated, I have trouble cathing my breath, then I finally go and I can catch my breath much better.

Anyone else have anything similar ??

Geoffrey

[phyl48]

I have similar problems with the "heart jumbing into throat" and at that moment, I will become dizzy, almost feeling as if I am going to pass out.   This dizziness only lasts second or so.  I have Gerds and hiatal hernia as well.  It seems to happen when I feel really full.  I can't stand anything tight around my chest or around my stomach.  

[MoonLuna]

I have had similar issues for many years but they have been episodic and seem to be brought on in times of extreme stress. The sensation is very unnerving. At times it feels like my stomach is actually beating opposite of my heart. I told my doc it feels as if it have 2 hearts in my chest when this happens. I have this need to expel a burp that isnt so much a release of gas as it is a spasm of some sort...but after the burp, there seems to be a cessation in the thumping sensations in my chest and abdomen momentarily.  I am taking Nexium and have been for several years.  I've had issues with GERD since my early twenties at which time i had an onset of asthma.  I have noticed that taking Donnatol has helped in the past...also i have taken Librax and that seems to work as well.  Although you should be careful when using these drugs as they are addictive.  Of the two, i recommend Librax the most because it is not so sedating.  For those of you who are suffering with this problem, i urge you to try this drug and see if it helps.

[rita46]

I had a vagotomy 37 yrs ago and been having problem eversince
they cut the vagus nerve to prevent ulcers, but they no longer do this
when a doctor hears this they grimace, and say it was a bad thing
it affects the heart....pulse rate...
metabolism...weight gain is hard to caounteract
absorption
thyroid...adrenals and all horomonal functions
the vagus is the control for the autonomic nerve system and the centre of all functions that are automatic
I haven't had a regular bowel for 37 years and the acid is damaging my esophagus
it is very serious. I would like to know wo else had the surgery??

[BBeazley]

About 7 years ago I started having problems with missing heartbeats, Once I laid down to sleep, my heart would start missing, it felt like a waterbed in my chest, it worried me so much, I would get frantic, get out of bed and go and watch TV. I was not sleeping much at all, I would lay awake at night thinking I was going to die on the spot, then during the day everything would be normal except for the missing heart beats. I got totally fed up with it, heart specialists, treadmill tests, it cost me a fortune. No doctor could figure out what was happening. All they wanted to do is give you another tablet and another test, no mention of diet and excercise ( no money in that). A friend of mine said to me , give up Beer, Biscuits and Bread for a couple of days and see what happens, well, all the problems have completely dissapeared. I am now on Gluten free and I feel terriffic.  

[TisIDi]

What good is any drug (Librax) if it is only a bandaid?  We need to find wellness for these problems not bandaid the disease.

[medtour2009]

"Had the thump thump feeling in my chest followed by my stomach in knots, light headedness, and immediate diarrhea and heart racing"

I started having these episodes earlier this year.  I've been to many specialists, including a GI doc, and all my tests have come back normal so far.  A few outliers: an ENT doc found an inflamed voicebox (must be related to the sore throat I've had for months), and a Naturopath found recent Epstein-Barr virus activity and a possible peanut sensitivity via an IGG blood test.  I'm pretty sure I've got LPR reflux (acid taste in mouth upon waking, etc), and have had trouble with nausea for months (maybe reflux related?).  I'm 29, and have had perfect health prior to this sudden onset of symptoms in Jan '09.  Anyways, it's these spells with the dizziness, heart palps and sudden bowel movement that have all the docs most interested.  Phaeochromocytoma and carcinoid syndrome are two things they thought it could be initially, but there is no evidence of this based on blood/urine tests and an abdominal CT.  So I remain confused and symptomatic.  I heard one doc muse that it could be reflux stimulating the vagus nerve that gives me the acute little spells Debster808 described above.  Too bad Prevacid didn't help much.  I'm hoping the Naturopath can assist, and maybe a trip to the Mayo Clinic, too, if nothing resolves and I start losing weight again.  Best wishes to all.

[ldunn]

This vagus nerve thing makes sense to me.  I'm a 54 year old female and I have had chest pains (sometimes quite severe) for several years now.  I usually get them in the evenings, after a meal.  They are intermittent pain that gets really intense and then eases off.  I will usually get four or five "attacks" an hour for four or five hours and then it may not happen again for a couple of months.

Of course, when this first started, I went to Emergency, thinking I was having some kind of heart attack.  I had every test known to man for heart, upper respiratory and stomach ailments and the only thing they could tell me is that I have Acid Reflux (GERD).

I was reading about GERD and I am also very gluten intolerant.  Apparently, these two fairly minor ailments can combine to flare up the Vagus nerve.  I believe that's what's happening to me.

Does anyone know if this is dangerous, or just annoying?  I am certainly going to try the dill pickle cure ... I love dill pickles anyway.  

Laurie

[Deborah652]

This 'posting' has been such a blessing to read. I have had chest discomfort now for almost 10 years. Cannot tell you how many times I have gone to the emergency room thinking I am having a heart attack. I live in the Tampa Bay area and have found a cardiologist who is fantastic. He did not dismiss my problems. He did do an angiogram, everything came back perfect. I felt like a weight had been lifted until the news started saying that the angiogram was not the 'gold standard' of testing for women like it is for men. Well, that started the fear all over again. I have had an endoscopy and my GI doctor said I have GERD and a hiatal hernia, all of which should have no bearing on the chest discomfort. I tend to disagree, but I am not a doctor so I took him at his word. I have been a migraine sufferer for over 30 years. Each time I would get a migraine (which was once a month) I would vomit for 2 days, almost on a hourly basis. I expressed a concern to my GI doctor wondering if that much vomiting could be the reason I have such chest discomfort, again he said no correlation. I did mention this to my cardiologist and he said it most certainly could cause chest discomfort. Needless to say I believe it is time to look for another GI doctor. My symtoms (symptoms) seem to be more bothersome at night. I too cannot tolerate wheat and have just recently taken it out of my diet. So far no significant change in the discomfort in my chest. I would like to think that the vagus nerve is the culprit. Would love to hear if anyone has been tested for this and if so, what can they do to correct the problem. I am already on Lipitor on a daily routine. I have been given Klonopin for stress, which does seem to help calm the panic when the discomfort in my chest strikes. Because of the migraines and how severe they are I am also given Treximet and Percocet to prevent trips to the Minor Emergency for shots of Demerol. If I could come up with a real reason why I feel this chest discomfort and panic when it starts, I believe that would be half the battle. Thanks, Deborah

[bernz222]

Thanks to everyone who has posted on this site.
My problems started at the beginning of the year and symptoms are the same as most of you. I believe that my condition was brought on by the drug Cipro.  I was given this drug and developed  severe colitus which lasted nearly a month.  It left me with many food allergies too. The first Dr. I saw said "panic attack".......I knew it wasn't.  The vagus nerve theory sounds right on to me.  My cardiologist says PVC's........OK,
but they just came out of nowhere.....something must have triggered it, because it's not just PVC's, it's not being able to digest food properly, can't stand anything tight around my stomach (waist) or chest, sleeping problems, burping....gas.....all the things discussed before.
I'm exhausted and will see a new Dr. on Monday..........I'm praying that she will listen to the Vagus Nerve Theory.  Will keep you posted and thanks again to all of you for the support that you have given me in reading your posts.  

[Tomskie]

I have had my vagus nerve symptoms for approximately 10 years.

I have noted some triggers. In my case I have a small hiatal hernia and any irritation (stomach acid/bile reflux) or upward pressure (heavy meal) on my upper stomach toward my diaphragm will cause a very erratic heartbeat.  I have a heavy metals (mercury) complication that causes a lot of digestive problems. I suffer from SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) which, when it flairs, makes these episodes more likely.
I have concluded that problem is nerve irritation in my digestive tract and not heart related.

I few tricks I use to end the more severe episodes are:
A glass of sea salt and water (relaxes the Sphincter of Oddi).
Taking an ativan (relaxes the nervous system)

I also believe that people who suffer with this problem have dysautonomia (often from something as simple as bad posture or tight clothes compressing the nerves of the digestive tract!) but good luck finding a treating neurologist.

To prevent episodes I try to strengthen my parasympathetic nervous system with oral Magnesium. I like the citrate form. It tends to calm the digestive tract and the heart.

So you aren’t alone, nor are you crazy. Sit up straight, loosen your belts, eat small meals, treat your reflux and take your magnesium!

[April2]

I definitely believe there's a connection to PVC's and the vagus nerve and digestive problems. I first started getting PVC's a couple of years ago. After a bunch of tests and determining my heart was ok they did finally discover a mass in my small intestine. I had pain and nausea that got worse till I finally went in and had them take it out. They said I had Crohns but was in remission because they removed it all in the surgery. Things seemed to get better and interestingly enough the PVC's went away for some time. I only got them occasionally when I'd have too much caffeine, lack of sleep, etc. Now their back a lot more but I also have been having a lot more heartburn, and I guess Gerd. I'm going to go back and see my GI on whether the Crohns is back or it's just the Acid Reflux or what's going on. But yeah, the PVC's always seem to be more when I'm having digestive upset. There's definitely a connection. I think more and more doctors are starting to realize that.

[jilly619]

My symptoms started around the same time I went peri-menopausal. Skipped beats, palpitations, burping, general weirdness. I did the usual cardio tests -- an event monitor for a week, an echocardiogram -- and everything came back normal, except for a couple premature heartbeats.

I believe my symptoms are associated with a vagus nerve issue, but I also believe in a peri-menopausal connection. I learned about the vagus nerve on a website called power-surge.com, which is for menopausal and pre-menopausal women. There was a doctor there (from England, I think) who put forward his theory on the vagus nerve and heart palpitations. Anyway, maybe the vagus problem is triggered by gastro issues in some; in me I think it's triggered by fluctuations in my estrogen level. The symptoms seem to increase at times when my normal cycle is low on estrogen, and I have few symptoms when my natural estrogen is higher. My gyn prescribed a low-dose estrogen pill which definitely seems to help.

I don't worry about it quite so much anymore but I do wish it would stop, The most helpful thing for me is to not stress out about it, but also to just stand up and twist my body around. This seems to bring the vagus nerve system back in order and makes things better. I find it very comforting when I have the palps and then I burp! It means I don't have a heart problem, just a vagus problem. My mother had the same thing at my age (which is 47), and she is close to 80 now. Actually she had it worse than me. She started taking a beta blocker, but my heart rate is naturally low and my gyn advised against the beta blocker. My mother thinks I'm crazy to be on HRT but I think anyone who has had these palps, and the accompanying stress, would understand why I decided to try it. Hopefully it'll get better in a couple of years, when menopause finally kicks in. (Never thought I'd be hoping for menopause!)

[jilly619]

I forgot to mention the worst of the symptoms -- these amazing adrenaline rushes that would fill my entire system. It feels like there's a golf ball in my throat, lumps in my glands and a buzzing in my body that won't go away. That's really why I decided to do the estrogen replacement. The adrenaline along with the palps were putting me over the edge. Since HRT I almost never have these surges anymore.

This is hearsay but a friend of mine told me that Oprah talked about heart palps and menopause not too long ago. If this is true it's nice to hear of this being a little more in the mainstream. It's annoying when no one in the medical community seems to believe or acknowledge what you're going through.

[beast250]

15 year sufferer. When I get an arrhythmia(AVNRT) from this I take peppermint oil drops and drink hot or cold water, burp, then lay down on my back. I was surfing the web a few years ago and found an old case study (early 1900's) from a doctor who separated the vagus nerve from the esophagus and achieved a complete cure. When I first started suffering from this I used to use kava kava for anxiety. Over the years trying to keep stomach problems under control is a main goal. Keeping good oral hygiene seems to help. I found that learning to breathe from your belly not your chest helps out a lot. Use peppermint oil drops to help with breathing problems and bloating. Dr. Weil has great ideas on natural ways to improve health in general. I believe the cause of my issues started when I got salmonella poisoning (threw up for a week straight among other things), never been the same since. I think that’s where I got the hiatel hernia. I think the gallbladder and liver may also be involved with this problem.

Best Wishes,

[LawLady24]

Hi   It's almost comforting to learn that others have similar problems, pvc, palpitations, dizziness, etc.  I'm 66 and had my first episode at 14 (I even remember the date !!)
I was taken to the family m.d. at that time and was told by him to GO HOME AND GET A BOYFRIEND !!  What a diagnosis!  I have had paplps. as high at 180 for hrs. and am exhausted when the heart finally gets back to a normal beat--then I need to take a nap--this disturbance is almost always sure to happen while I am sleeping--and I wake up ALWAYS ON MY STOMACH and scared stiff!

This past wknd. woke up at 4:15a.m.  and had my husband take me to the ER (again !)
I was given an EKG (it was normal) blood test for electrolyte and thyroid prolbem (none found)  bp was 144/86 when I was admitted to ER and 122/81 after an hour.

The cardio. m.d. on duty said  I may need to have me atenolol increased (I take 25mgs.)
as well as the Atacand (4mgs) that I take and then he CAME BACK IN AND ASKED IF IF EVER HAD MY REGULAR CARDIO. TALK TO ME ABOUT THE VAGUS NERVE !!

I will be seeing my own cardio. in a few days and can't wait to bring hm some or your postiings on this site!  I hope it's helpful to my problem and I will certainly get back on and let everyone know what was decided or tested or whatever regarding my case with the hope that some of you will be helped too!

Helen

[LindaTX]

WOW!  I feel like I just hit the jackpot of knowledge. I have been an a-fib sufferer for about 14 yrs. First started with reaction to ephedrine in diet supplements. Started on one antiarrythmic drug after another.  Doctors said it would just get progressively worse. Then I would have to have an ablation and stay on coumadin. Well, I've started on the dreaded coumadin and my Dr's talking ablation and soon!  I never even knew I had a Vagus nerve until recently. They all, and I do mean ALL, just want to treat the symptoms and not really deal with the root cause, because they don't take the time to research the root cause, which I think is directly related to the Vagus nerve. They're too busy spending all that time talking to the drug reps. You know, I'm on Rhythmol, Topral  XL, Coumadin, Synthroid, and sometimes I take Glucotrol XL. That's a lot of money going to those Pharmacutical companies. And all those drugs carry with them thir own list of side-effects. I hate to think that I, and many of you, have spent so much time running around in circles with thse issues. I have spent many days in the hospital waiting for my heart to go back into normal sinus rhythm and I've been within minutes of having to have my heart shocked {cardio-verted}. I recently read that 80% of arrythmias are , in fact, Vagus-related. I think we need to get a Vagus website.  Thanks for letting me vent. We gotta stick together.         LindaTX

[betty_on_a_journey]

My 31 year old son called me a few weeks ago with a request that I do some research for him. He has been having several symptoms that he and his doctors did not see as related, but, when his fingers turned blue at work one day an astute, middle-aged co-worker told him he needed to see a doctor fast. He has had many of the same digestive symptoms as others on this forum, in addition to kidney stones, excessive yawning, and low O2 levels when the Air Force had him take certain physical tests. After posting a request for answers on "Just Answers.com" a doctor told me to have him get his vagus nerve checked out since he was yawning numerous times an hour. Eureka! I now believe that this could be the root cause of his problems as well as mine, my deceased father and my grandmother. Hereditary?

I have had "health problems" since infancy - mostly digestion related and asthma. About 15 years ago I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia - to accompany my GERD, IBS, hypothyroidism, overactive bladder, asthma, etc. A couple of years ago I asked a friend (who is also a neurologist) if there couldn't be something causing all these problems. He said "it sounds like you have autonomic neuroapathy also called dysautonomia." He referred me to a specialist here in Birmingham, AL (a medical Mecca in the southeast U.S.) who diagnoses and treats dysautonomia as well as mitral valve prolapse. I have undergone several dietary and medication transitions, but a couple of symptoms keep reoccurring: dizziness/vertigo, spasms from my diaphragm up my chest into my jaws, occasional spasms in my neck and upper back, and bruxism (tooth grinding/tapping). I have found that a tooth guard at night has helped effects of the bruxism and reduced some neck pains, but WHY am I still doing this? In addition to prescriptive meds, I take natural vitamin/minerals and Omega 3,6,9 oils and have a regular chiropractor. What about this vagus nerve connection?

Then I saw on TV's "Mystery Diagnosis" a segment on histoplasmosis causing calcified lymphnodes in the chest (calcification means they become hard, right?) I have had this since childhood when I used to go to my grandparents' farm in the summers! And I have calcified lymphnodes! In addition, I found in my internet research an article about how the pressure of a hiatal hernia can cause vagus nerve irritation or damage. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_241-242/ai_107201216/  I asked my chiropractor if either of these situations could affect the vagus nerve to which he had a resounding YES. Okay, now what? I've seen so many specialists and had so many tests, etc. run over the past 15 - 20 years I don't know who can help me with answers. If I need to have the calcified lymphnodes out and the hernia fixed, let's get the surgeon on the phone.

I need answers and solutions so I can help my son. I do not want him to live with escalating problems until he is 56 and rarely leaves the house, never driving more than 5 miles from home. I am so afraid of the vertigo and chest pains coming on suddenly, I took disability retirement from teaching school, and have given up most of my hobbies and activities. Of course, the fall I took in the parking lot at school in January 2008 when I broke both arms, my knee, and tore my rotator cuff requiring surgery do give some affirmation to my anxiety. Then there is the time my daughter and granddaughter were visiting from out of state and we were shopping for groceries for a family get-together. They were almost panicked when I had the chest pains and wanted to call 911. I have told my family about the "episodes" but only my husband had seen one. It's scary and embarassing because it's sudden and there is no quick solution. More affirmation that this is not "all in my head" - which is hard for a person with dysautonomia to say. :-)

Any ideas or suggestions? Keep the up-dates on all your progress and research coming! Betty

[sheila41]

I have mild regurgitation valved problem which the docs.dont seem to worried about, but wondered if anyone has tried GPL carnitine with CoQ10 which I learnt about on a website. The cardiologist on there said this helps with most "heart conditions" rather than drugs. But don't know whether mine is a "heart condiion" or a vagus nerve condition. I do get very bad digestive problems when the heart races.  In fact just before an episode my stomache seems to go all "curdled or acidy", (bad destrictption) sorry.
Any one who has a comments on any of the above,  I would be glad to hear from.  Sheila 41

[Gem586]

Its good to read everyones comments. I,m 28 and on Saturday I felt sick thats the last I can remember my husband heard a bang an found me on our bathroom floor he said I was fitting.  He phoned for an ambulance but before the got there I had collapsed again and was shaking on the floor when they arrived my poor 2 year old son watching me.

I had landed on my face so my eyes, nose and mouth were in a mess.  Paramedics told me that due to me being sick on myself I probably had a bug and hd fainted due to that.

In the ambulance I collapsed again and my HEART stopped for 10 seconds, when I came round everyone was panicing.  I was in A & E for a while where I heard them talking about pace makers, then I was taken to the CCU were after Echos and other checks I was diagnosed with a over sensitive heart, which basically means that when I vomit, am stressed or in pain my VAGUS nerve desides to stop my heart for a while.

I was just told taht to prevent this I am not to get stressed or vomit......easier said than done

[wittylorrie]

Wow, wow and wow!!
I have been having the rapid heart beat and palpitations for a long time now. I started thinking about it recently and realized that for the most part if not all it would happen after I ate. Not always would I have this happen after eating but when It did happen it was always after eating.
I mentioned this to the docs after several 911 calls and ambulance trips to the ER. They never even blinked an eye to what I said.
I suffered from Bradycardia with beats as low as 34 with a average beat of 45 but in the last year or so it became very evident that something had to be done after extreme exhaustion and dizziness.
This past Wed I had a duel chamber pacemaker placed. Checked out Thursday and everything was ok, I ate very little. Friday very little. Sat I decided to have a small bowl of Couscous which is a wheat like pasta. Within I would say 20min my heart started speeding up and stated palpating. The ambulance was called and by the time they arrived I could feel it subsiding this is after some pacing on my part. They mentioned I was very pale but my heart was at 60 which is where the pacemaker was set and all my vitals were perfect. After some coaching I went with them to the hospital, they followed up and all vitals were perfect. They prescribed and stated I had to start taking Toprol XL to keep the speeding and palpitation away. I read up on it and was shocked and scared at the side affects but I am more scared of the speeding heart and palpitations so today I swallowed it. 25mg.
I just new in my heart and mind that some how these symptoms were related to food digestion and after reading this site I am convinced this is so! Now what does one do? The Docs do not seem to recognise this as a possible trigger to the heart rhythm problem. I have never been checked for Gird or Reflux, who knows maybe I have that I do not know. All I know is I have a Pacemaker which was needed and now taking this pill for something that might be correctable.
I'm 56 and had my Gall bladder removed 9 years ago. Had a baby when I was 24 and a hernia 14 years ago and they implanted a screen. Never and I mean never have taken prescribed pills other then an occasional antibiotic so needless to say I fought taking this Toprol XL. Wow I am sooooo relieved to know what I suspected could be a realization after reading so many comments about people having the same symptoms.
At least we all know we are not mental....well maybe most.
Thank you.

[wdt2000]

Add one more to the list of "Oh my God, I can't believe so many people have the same problem."  My thyroid went hyperactive about 14-15 yeears ago.  It was destroyed by radioactive iodine a couple of years later.  I still have the symptoms described by many of you folks, but I never had them before the thyroid situation arose.  Now with no thyroid for the past 12 years, I guess the only thing to blame is the vagus nerve.  I guess it's time to see the chiropractor.

Thank you for sharing your stories.
Bill T

[Tomskie]

You might want to arm yourself with some information before approaching your docs with this information. Citing many people online suffering with the same problem usually doesn't impress a physician. The condition is not that uncommon.

"The role of the vagus nerve has never been well established in previous studies. Some authors have observed that gastric secretory response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia, a vagal-cholinergic stimulus, is impaired in some patients7,8 and that approximately 40% of patients with reflux disease have abnormal parasympathetic cardiovascular reflexes."
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1356483/

and "abnormalities of cardiovascular reflex function" in 40% of reflux patients.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2920926

and problems with your parasympathetic nervous system may even be the cause of your reflux:

"Disturbances of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) estimated by short-term heart rate variability recordings."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15608363?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DiscoveryPanel.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=4&log$=relatedarticles&logdbfrom=pubmed

[Robb S]

I have read through most every post, a lot of interesting experiences and helpful opinions.  Just a short history on myself, skipped beats started 8 years ago when running, gradually developing over the years into long periods of atrial flutter that can last 24 hours.  Triggers now include lifting heavy objects, shoveling snow, stretching, eating spicy foods and drinking coffee.  I can even set off the arrhythmia by vibrating my abbs with a massager machine.  Doc is sympathetic to my problem but has nothing to offer other than beta blockers and has suggested RF ablation but that is treating the symptom and not the cause.  I will be trying the glut-free diet and a chiropractor.  My wife is seeing one that specializes on manipulating the atlas vertabrae in the neck.  Is there a certain chiropractic technique that is effective in treating the vagus nerve?  By the way, sleeping with 3 or 4 pillows elevating my upper body really minimizes reflux and I think has helped reduce the frequency of the arrhythmia coming on while sleeping.

Robb

[kendallblue]

Hi there,

I first began suffering the strangest of these symptoms about a year and a half ago. I have GERD and have been on various acid medications, have the diarrhea and all, but I also have Crohn's, and so much got lumped into that diagnosis.  However, a year and a half ago I woke from a dead sleep gasping with the sensation in my stomach of falling, going down hill on a roller coaster, over and over. This was coupled with the feeling that I needed to have a bowel movement, or that there was pressure or tremors in the bowel. I would then begin to tremble uncomtrollably, shivering like I was freezing, very suddenly. It all hit me at once in the night, and left me feeling half crazy! I'm unsure if there was any heart rate problem, but I did also experience the skipped beat feeling, as well. It continued nightly for several nights, and then faded away for some time. Now it comes on with a vengeance every so often and stays with me for a time, making me feel totally out of control and like I'm losing my mind. I want very much to find a doctor who can help with this situation, but am almost afraid to try to explain these strange symptoms. Not to mention the fact that I am out of work and without health insurance at the moment! I'm not sure where to turn at this point, but I honestly thought I was having a complete come apart last night at the prospect of spending the night with these terrible symptoms again..

[Peawhack]

Thank God I found this site!  I'm sitting at my PC now, desperate for some re-assurance that I'm not going to drop dead!  Last night was probably the worst night I've ever had with this bloody curse.  It was only a supreme effort of willpower that stopped me waking my dear wife to take me to casualty (ER). I know that it is stomach and vagus nerve related, but all of the signs point to a heart attack.  Reading all of the above comments from sufferers having the same signs as me  makes me feel not so alone, and that's as good as any medication.  I've decided to radically alter my diet and cut out fat of any description and also to see if not drinking alcohol helps - this has gone on for too long.  I'm 58 and have had all of the usual tests for heart and stomach problems, I'm on Ranitadine for a hiatus hernia and Ramapril for high blood pressure.  Thanks to all the people who have posted comments, as I said it, helps a lot.  God bless you all.

[TisIDi]

I have had much better success with a kinesiologist than a chiropractor or a combination of both.  My kinesiologist does deep massaging of the vagus which provides tremendous relief.  Anyway, if you know of a good one, talk to them about it all; seems to be helping me a lot.

Anyone out there tried accupuncture or accupressure?  Wondering if that, too, might be of help.

In wellness ~

[momonamission2]

It is both sad and a relief to see all of you out there with similar symptoms.  My symptoms started with a vengeance around 3 years ago after a recurrent upper respiratory infection, although I believe that it started as early as my childhood because we found some meds at my mom's house for GI spasms and I was only 4!  It is safe to say that I have had a "nervous stomach" for a long time, and often suffered when I was a teenager and early teens with anorexia for no apparent reasons.  But over the past few years I have been examining my past and found a great deal of stress and anxiety producing situations which have probably repeatedly injured or caused Vagus nerve dysfunction, unless it has been there all along but just not as prominent and painful as it is now.  We didn't go to the doctors when we were little, my mom just gave us paragoric.....maybe that's the culprit!  

As far as what you can do or how to test for this area, you should keep a diary and list all the meds, doctor's seen and their recommendations (whether you agree or not) situations surrounding the attacks (you'd be surprised what can bring it on and what you forget when you are at the doctor's office), any other symptoms including sweating, feeling faint, thirst, feeling of needing to urinate or have a bm or having trouble doing either, any skin or hair/nails symptoms, bone or muscle pains, menstrual cycle difficulties/changes and how it affects the symptoms, feelings of anxiety or "doom" (be truthful if you are depressed or anxious, because these symptoms can do both to you) any pins/needles or burning pain radiating to anywhere in your body especially down arms or in fingers/toes, skin color changes or chronic body temperature regulatory problems (chronic chills, feeling cold, or fevers/sweats/flushing), and try to document preceding "feelings", "auras", or any precipitating event that occurs before during or after your symptoms (they may have a cycle if it is hormonal...menstrual cycle, or come and go like some of the neuropathies).   After you have documented this be sure to keep track of what the doctors are ordering and ask questions about what they hope to find out by ordering the tests....some of them will try to avoid answering the question.....I have found that taking a page of my symptoms with me as well as a detailed history of what has/hasn't been ruled out helps, as well as whatever test results have been elevated or borderline.  (you would be surprised how much a subclinical thyroid or adrenal dysfunction can affect you and most doctors won't treat unless you are way under/over).  

My best advice to you is to keep on looking for information and print out the things that you think are relevant to take with you to the doctor's office.  They may argue with a medical article or information that matches your symptoms but may allow the tests to be ordered which will both offer insight or give you one thing to check off your list (I know you have one!) Then keep the doctor's comments and followup in your diary so that you can refer back.  Some of the most minute details can give a clue to diagnosis.

Some of the things you need to consider when you look at the body as a whole....is that these symptoms can be neurological which requires a neurologist, endocrine which requires an endocrinologist, or a neuroendocrinologist......cardiac needs a cardiologist.....GI needs a gastroenterologist or gastric dysmotility specialist........and then you need a good doctor to coordinate all of them.....Good luck finding one who can or will.....

My first statement to the new doctor or specialist is "I am a whatever it takes person, and I am looking for someone to help me in the same fashion to return to a healthy state....are you willing to help me?"  This has been most effective in making them aware that you are looking for them to be a team player and that you are "in charge".  It is empowering to you because you are telling them that you want answers and that you aren't going to give up or let them do it either.

As for myself, I have been diagnosed with idiopathic gastroparesis, idiopathic neuropathy, (idio...is the first part of the word idiot...hmm)  but have a history of pituitary dysfunction that they do not think is related (DUH!), as well as repeated problems with infections, both viral and bacterial, and blood anomalies that they can't figure out.  I have been worked from end to end and finally after a lot of research (and 4 hospital admits for chest pain) I took my xrays and films and looked at them myself.  I could see a widening at the top of my chest above my heart.  I took my labs and films with correlating diagnosis but when the doctor saw it he dismissed it.  He gave me a lab sheet for other bloodwork but it had the tests that needed to be done on it, and I checked them off myself. (desperation!.....I don't recommend doing this unless you are pretty sure the results will be positive.  Much prayer preceded my decision to do this and I believe that this was an opportunity provided by God to help me get well.).  The results came back as Myasthenia Gravis and the doctor then ordered a CT which showed a mediastinal mass.  In September, I had thymectomy which shows at present as thymic hyperplasia.  A big sigh of relief here, but I have more testing to do because of the blood dyscrasias that are still ongoing...now they mean something....HAH!.  It also doesn't necessarily explain the gastroparesis unless the mass was pressing on the vagus nerve which I am going to find out next week.  It could be a paraneoplastic type of reaction to the abnormal cells in my body, but I am whatever it takes...remember?  I have to have an answer so that I can focus on completely healing.

My biggest advice to you is to be fearless....you have been given one body to care for, and the doctor's are just a blip on the screen of your life.  Having a son with autism has taught me a lot about this....you have to just keep going UNTIL.... They can help you or not, but you can take charge and get answers or change direction, but you can't give up.  I have felt like I wanted to many times, and some days I was just as afraid of what the answer might be as I was of not ever finding an answer  (imagine what my brain did when I saw the mass on my chest xrays!), but you have to keep looking because the body works together with the mind, spirit, and soul and when one is "ill", they all go down.  Believe in yourself and let me know of your personal stories....Blessings to all for total and complete healing... Momonamission 2

[Robb S]

Can you be more specific on how the kinesiologist has helped you?  What were your symptoms and do the triggers to them completely disappear after treatment?  How often do you need a treatment?

I have decided to see the electrophysiologist next month but am still open to treating the cause over suppressing the symptoms.  I did a quick search of kinesiologists in the Milwaukee area.  I found one listing, actually a chiropractor who practices applied kinesiology.

I have tried accupuncture.  I honestly can't say that it helped at all.  This was a Chinese doctor.  She first tried sticking me in the back along the spine to treat my arrhythmia.  I explained to her that I thought the problem was coming from my vagus nerve so she then tried a few locations above my stomach.  After a few weeks of that I decided that it was a waste of my money.  It did nothing for me, maybe someone else would have better results.

[Woodey260]

What I would suggest is you all get together and see what is the common denominator.  From reading several of your articles, it would
seem that eating too much, being overweight, and stressed seems to play a large part in your systems.  Stress is a big one and can affect your body in many ways.  

It's the times we live in, and this generation certainly are overweight compared to past generations.  Our life styles, no walking, too many TV games, not enough interaction between yourselves other than cell phones which I believe with excessive use will cause brain tumors in about 10 years..

Don't mean to be a downer but that is what I have observed in this blog and in real life.  I worked in the school district and some of the teenagers were over 300 lbs.  You would not have seen that 25 years ago.  I notice to, you all real young to be having health problems.  When I was in my twenties I had no such systems at all.

Must be our environment, our fatty junk food, and the stressful life we live in.  Young people have to worry about STDs and Aids which we did not, for example.

[LindaTX]

I take it you're new here, Woodey, real new.  You should check out a few more discussions before you judge.  "Welcome to the Palpitations Room" is one that quickly comes to mind. There are almost as many triggers as there are people who have them.  Keep reading and you will see.  A lot of us are older, maybe older than you.  A lot of us work out regularly.  Its usually not exercise-related. Do you actually have a heart-rhythm issue? Maybe I just didn't understand WHY you posted here.  Sorry

[LindaTX]

Sorry, I thought you had posted in the heart rhythm forum.  Either way, I believe your common denominator is the incomparable Vagus nerve.

[kendallblue]

Well, I'm back again...and I wanted to run something by all of you.  I have read a bit relating hiatal hernias to this vegus nerve problem, and am off to my regular doctor to see if he thinks that this could also be what is leading to my own problems.  A few articles I have come across talk about the fact that a hernia could put pressure on the nerve and, in turn, cause these crazy symptoms.  Something I have noticed in my own experiences is that the worst of these episodes seem to often follow an episode of vomiting.  The last episode I suffered followed a bout with a stomach bug; a day or two later, bam.  This past week I was in the hospital for Crohn's problems and the combo of drugs and anesthesia had me puking a few times.  Then Sunday, a couple days out of the hospital and all of the symptoms hit me again.  I have to wonder if it is a hernia problem, perhaps the vomiting puts added pressure in that area and leads to these attacks.

Anyway, yesterday was pretty scary.  I have struggled with the stomach lurches, chills, trembles and all, but yesterday was the worst attack of palpitations I have had yet.  Just felt like my heart would stop for a moment, I had crazy pressure in my neck and head, felt like I was standing on my head, and frequently felt like I might pass out.  To all of you out there, is the pressure in the neck and head something you also experience? And also, has anyone looked into the hernia connection?  Would love some feeback... Thanks guys.

[darncart]

I've been having this problem for about 10 years now and I think it actually started earlier than that as I remember times from even 20 years ago in my 20s when I would have similar but milder symptoms.  

I too have GERD with a small hietal hernia.  This seems to be a persistent combination of diagnoses related to this problem.  The consistency of it reported here is enough to convince me that my problem is most likely caused by the effects these conditions have on the vagal nerve.  My doctor only last week mentioned this as a possibility after years and years and multiple doctors simply blaming it all on anxiety.  

Currently my symptoms come and go.  They can stick around for a day or a couple weeks and disappear for months at a time.  However for the past 6 months or so, they seem to come at least once a month and last for a varying number of days.  Currently I've been having symptoms almost daily since just before Christmas.

I've always had doubts about doctors claiming this was all due to anxiety.  A very low dose of Zanax does reduce the anxious feelings that inevitably come from the other symptoms, but it's not a perfect solution.  It doesn't relieve all the symptoms and it leaves me tired and with mild lightheadedness.  And it doesn't give me back the couple hours of lost productivity I can't afford to be losing each time I get an attack.

I'm currently taking omeprazole once a day for the gerd, but recently my doctor has been pushing for me to take it twice daily.  I tried it for a few days and it didn't make difference.  I went back to once daily, but now she's asked me to take ranitidine twice a day and keep taking the omeprazole once a day.  I feel like she's not sure what to do so she is just trying to treat the symptoms.  But these medications are more to reduce the acid and even though I am having reflux during the attacks, I am not having any heartburn or acid taste.  

I'm worried about taking too much acid blocker medication and the possible rebound effect I will have if I decide to reduce it or stop the ranitidine altogether at some point.  I'm also worried that less acid might actually increase the problem as my digestion will slow down even more.

With this many people having these same conditions and symptoms, I wish some Dr.s would chime in here and at least give a clue about some of the things we're reporting.  But of course they don't get paid to reply to people's problems on message boards.  And they are probly too busy to do so anyway.

Guess I'll have to call my Dr again and probly be asked to make another appointment just to re-talk through these things again before starting the ranitidine.  Another co-pay and another hit to the health care system.

[cowgirl8]

Mine started about 20 years ago. At first it started as i was just falling asleep at night. I would get a stomach ache. If my eyes were closed, I'd see a honeycomb pattern in colors, like if you were seeing stars. At that time I'd feel my pulse start speeding up and with each pound of my heart would get stronger and stronger.  I've had a pulse that reached 250 easy and each beat would move my body. I never felt faint. When my pulse would start to slow, in about 10 minutes, i would get a copper taste in my mouth, then the episode would be over. This happened about 2 to 3 times a month. I finally figured out after a couple of years of this, if i took a deep breath when i felt my stomach hurt or saw the honeycomb pattern and pressed in with my stomach muscles, i could totally stop it. Now 20 years later, i just get palpitations. Almost always in the evening while watching TV and sometimes it just feels like my heart is quivering, sputtering, jumping all over the place. I never feel faint or feel any pain. Lately, its making my heart beat 2 beats then a skipped beat. That will go on for hours. I can sometimes stop it by doing the deep breath and pushing thing, sometimes it doesn't stop it. It will come and go in the hours it does it and when it goes, I'm at complete relaxation, when my heart is skipping, my whole body feels just weird, like an electrical disturbance is going on.
I do remember after going to a chiropractor years ago, everything was in harmony again. After reading here, I'm going to try that and see if it stops my heart from doing this. I have suffered from neck pain for such a long time, maybe this Vagus nerve could be the problem. I've always felt it was electrical in some way......I will come back if i do go to a chiropractor and tell if it stopped the heart irregularities....

[cowgirl8]

I forgot to mention, I'd get hives after the night time episodes. Not at first but the last few times it did it, I'd get hives. I've always associated these episodes with food and it's given me a pretty good case of food phobias...lol...I've cut out most breads and sugars. I don't drink sodas ever regular or diet, even carbonated water. I pretty much eat the same things every day, the foods i call happy tummy foods. I cant eat MSG and stay away from food that has it in it. I don't eat out except if we are caught out and have to eat and when i do its at taco bell where, my tummy is always happy afterwards. Go figure, like i said, i'm a little phobic when it comes to food.
Also, I'm normal weight, i don't drink smoke or take any drugs of any kind. I exercise on a regular basis, I'm 48 and in good health.

[cotch57]

I am new here though not new to the condition having suffered with it for some 10 years and it is only through my own research I have nailed it down to the vagus nerve. However here in England the good doctors of the NHS barely believe in it's existence or rather it's potential for mischief. Wether or not there is a magic cure either now or in the near future i doubt for unless it becomes a huge problem affecting half of our respective populous i'm afraid the drug companies and the doctors will not see it as a viable financial option. I know I sound bitter and twisted but after ten years who can blame me? i like most of you have been diagnosed with GERD and over the years I have changed my diet or rather reduced the things I can eat until I am left with a very limited choice. However recently I have found that there is in fact no ryhme or reason to what I eat and the onset of my symptoms. for instance I can eat an Indian curry complete with all the spices and accompanying breads and be fine. Another day i can have a bowl of cornflakes and WHAM it starts with a vengance. I am due yet another endoscopy within the next few weeks though I have no doubt they will find nothing untowards. Thank you for allowing me this rant and I must say finding your site was like a breath of fresh air. For finding you are not alone is better than all the reassurances any doctor can offer. Next time I post I will let you all know in further detail my symptoms and the history thereof. thanks for listening.
Cotch57

[bowler103]

I have had the same problem for about 5 years.  Can't believe so many people have the problem also.  Have you found the answer since you posted this over a year ago?

[sheila41]

Hi cotch57, I am also in England, have had these palpitations for about 15 yers. they started right after a course of medication whilst in hospital for something else. Dreadful frightening, allergies developed, acute sensitivity to chemicals.  etc.   All the doctors I have seen completely ignore the vagus issue. They just want to shove another drug into my mouth, in spite of having no heart problems discovered !!  Another trick, is because they don't know how to accept what you have said is to test you for something minor, i.e. thyroid, etc.  find that there is a slight variation and give you another drug for that,  it gets you out of the surgery.  None of the thyroid issues which are very minor, has ever made the slightest difference to the palpitations and allergies.
Cynical !!    you bet I am, having been rushed into hospital and caused my family dreadful worry, many many times.   No solution. The nearest I got was one consultant saying "they didn't know what brings these attacks on",  well I have been telling them for years it's my vagus nerve and they just don't listen.  I have the pain down the arm, the stomache upset, then the palps.    Sorry,   another ranter here.    Would like to hear how you have faired with the NHS.  Also "alternative" practitioners have taken my money,   but never cured me.    I rest my case.   Cheers

[hellochello1]

i'm 23 years old..what's causing this? can't burp, bloating, irregular heartbeats..has anyone found a cure to this nonsense? i really feel what everyone here's going through..what can we do about this?

[LindaTX]

I completely sympathize with you.  Welcome to medhelp.  You've come to the right place. You may not find all your answers but you will get a lot.  I am one of those believers that the Vagus nerve has a lot to do with these symptoms.  When it is agitated it can instigate all sorts of issues. You will have to start identifying your triggers and there are more than numerous threads here on medhelp to help you with that. A couple of questions that might provide a link to your problems....Do you have high blood sugar levels?  Or do you drink a lot of sodas, reg or diet, or drink any carbonated water?  That can irritate your digestive system from top to bottom and hamper everything from swallowing to burping to digesting your food and beyond.  Read about gastropareses. Forget any alcohol.  If you haven't already, you need to make an appt with your Dr to discuss these issues, especially the irregular heart beats. You need to identify a base on which to work. The more you are on here and visiting the different forums the better you will be able to find your niche. You are only 23 and it's a shame you are having to deal with this but the reality is you need to learn all you can about your current symptoms.  This may sound overwhelming to you but just take one step at a time.  It will be worth it in the long-term to be as informed as you can.

[hellochello1]

I had my blood checked, plus abdomen ultrasound..all came back fine..as far as the diet goes, i eat fish, vegetables..i weighed around 145 a month ago but lost about 8-9 pounds because the symptoms seem to be stronger after i eat a lot or eat heavy. so i stick vegetables. but symtpoms are still there when i don't eat, just not as strong as they would be. i quit drinking alcohol too. the symtpms are... 1st I can't burp all the way..2nd bloating..3rd and most importantly is the heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats BUT even that came out normal on the EKG. help me!!! it's not encouraging to see that some people on here have gone 30-40 years with these symptoms and no solution at all. : / so..that's my story.

[LindaTX]

Hi again. I hear your frustration.  Things won't change overnight.  A Holter monitor will record any and all heart activity for 30 days.  That would be a good start.  I have been experiencing the same symptoms as you, the burping thing and bloating I have never had before.  I've been dealing with a-fib for several yrs.  If I stay away from carbonated drinks and processed foods, which are mainly wheat-based carbs, and get some exercise, I feel pretty much better.  All things work together.  If I don't overeat, I usually don't get the irregular beats.  The vagus nerve runs all the way from your brainstem to your colon.  It is part of your parasympathetic nervous system and it regulates your heart rate, swallowing, digestion and lots of other things. I am even having a swallowing issue, not bad but not completely normal.  Read about the gastropareses and see if you can identify with that. Then go on the heart rhythm forum, for example I get PVC's (premature ventricle contractions) and I take a fish oil capsule daily to keep me from getting them. It's an omega-3 EPA180mg-DHA120mg, I use the GNC brand and they really do work.  Just know that you didn't get to this overnight and it's not going to go away overnight.  Just hang in there, and do ask the Dr for a Holter monitor.  It will tell the Dr and you what kind of arrythmia you are experiencing.  Good luck and keep in touch.   PS.  A Dr who deals with heart arrythmias is called an electrophysiologist.

[vancouverbc]

I too have been through the barrage of testing and been told its anxiety. Damn rights it's anxiety when something else is wrong with your body and no one seems to have a clue what you are talking about.

To quote another posting here:
About 7 years ago I started having problems with missing heartbeats, Once I laid down to sleep, my heart would start missing, it felt like a waterbed in my chest, it worried me so much, I would get frantic, get out of bed and go and watch TV. I was not sleeping much at all, I would lay awake at night thinking I was going to die on the spot, then during the day everything would be normal except for the missing heart beats. I got totally fed up with it, heart specialists, treadmill tests, it cost me a fortune. No doctor could figure out what was happening. All they wanted to do is give you another tablet and another test, no mention of diet and excercise ( no money in that). A friend of mine said to me , give up Beer, Biscuits and Bread for a couple of days and see what happens, well, all the problems have completely dissapeared. I am now on Gluten free and I feel terriffic.  


Well I went off gluten and finally started feeling well again. Best I've felt in years (10 years to be exact) what a long time to find out I need to stay off wheat! This is not to be confused with Celiac's disease, which I have tested negative for. It seems there may be other underlying sensitivies to wheat that are just being explored.

Anyways, after 2 mos of being off wheat I start to feel normal and my doc tells me I'm no Celiac and I can go ahead and eat it if I want....  so I try it out again just to be sure (dumb move)

Well one week later and eating wheat I am getting the worst symptoms of my life. Back on the no-wheat train I go.

This isn't the answer to everybody's problems - I know that. But I definitely think we need to take a hard look at the crap we are putting into our bodies. A recent study noted that in today's foods containing wheat, there is 800 times more gluten in food than there was 20 years ago and our systems just cant process it. In my case, my system goes berserk. Sweating, anxiety, heart palpitations, feeling of dying...going to the emergency room etc. All of this processing, modifying, and filling (which is where the real money is in the food business) is killing us.  Not to mention the fact that some of us just plain have allergies and sensitivities. Try changing your diet - that would be the first thing you can do. Try a hypoallergenic diet....its extremely difficult especially if you have a busy life but it may save your life....as for the Vagus nerve I am sure its playing a role in these palpitations as I've had GERD for 10 years. Guess what, when I stay off wheat, my GERD goes away too. It takes about 2 weeks. Gee thats a bit of a coincidence.

[sparkeyjames]

  I have been experiencing a lot of the problems some of you here have had for the last 25 years or so. Starting with a bleeding ulcer when I was 25. I also have GERD. I am now almost 50.  4 years ago my problems got worse.
  I was walking through a store one day completely unstressed when all of a sudden I felt as if I had been hit in the stomach with a baseball bat. I must have passed out for less than a second because I don't remember seeing the shelves on the way to the floor. Luckily I came to and caught myself before my head hit the cement floor. The pain was pretty severe and almost nebulous as it hurt under my rib cage and in my chest as well. My intestines also seemed to tense up as well. I thought for certain I was having a heart attack or that I had ruptured my colon due to gas pressure or maybe due to a blockage.  Earlier that day I was having some intestinal gas problems and could feel it. I had the store management call 911 because the pain was so intense. By the time the EMS guys showed up and checked me out the pain had eased off somewhat and I refused to be taken to the hospital. Through out this my heart rate remained pretty steady so I was not sure exactly what was going on. The pain continued  for about 4 hours and then let up to almost normal. A heating pad helped somewhat and helped loosen the tensed up muscles around my diaphragm and made it easier to breath. Antacid tablets did not seem to have any major effect during this.
The Monday following that episode I made an appointment to see a NEW gastroenterology doctor. I had previous years had 2 or 3 upper GI endoscopy tests run all by different doctors. All inconclusive. The new doctor recommended I have another scope done of my esophagus and stomach. With as much pain as I had had I readily agreed. This time they found a minor hiatal hernia but he made a minor mention of the vagus nerve but did not seem certain that there was problem in that area. He put me on a regimen of Prilosec and Bentyl and it seemed to help to a fair degree but from time to time I still experienced some pain though not like the episode in the store. Fast forward about 2 years later and again the same thing as had happened in the store a few years earlier happened while I was at work. This time I took the EMS ride to the hospital. While in the emergency room the pain level slowly started to ease off so that in about 2 hours there was not much pain. They gave me some antacid pills and said see your gastro doctor. RIGHT, more tests that seem to be no help at all. Since that hospital visit I have taken 2 more EMS rides because of the sever pain that also feels like having a heart attack. During one of those trips they had me take a cardiac stress test because I was almost 48 years old and after that test they said my heart was fine.  

  I'm now closer to 50 and the pain during an attack is now very intense and travels to my left arm, upper chest. It tightens the musculature of my stomach, large colon and diaphragm which makes it difficult to breath. I also feel like the blood pressure has risen in my upper body though my heart rate only has a mild 5 to 6 beats per minute increase during an attack. I have noticed that severe job related stress can sometimes set off a severe attack.
Since the incident in the store it seemed as though I might have an attack once a years or so now it seems I have 1 per week if not more.  
  I also have milder episodes as well that can last anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes and go away when I feel gas moving in my stomach and large intestines. Belching oh yes we have that too. Sometimes it will stop a mild episode if I can massage my stomach and get myself to belch for a couple of minutes. If it is a more severe attack the massaging and belching seems not to help much.
  As far as food goes I try like crazy to avoid anything that can cause stomach gas. I do not drink alcohol anymore and miss having a beer but I was never an excessive drinker. Carbonated soft drinks I now avoid like the plague. Also major changes to my diet have proven inconclusive to it being a dietary problem. I can eat oatmeal for breakfast one day and be fine then the next day eat the exact same thing yet have an attack. I am also lactose intolerant so I avoid milk products or if I do eat them I take the enzyme pills. I have had an attack after waking up in the morning and doing nothing but drinking a small glass of water. Eating too large a meal can often cause an attack but not always. I find it better to eat 6 or so smaller meals during the day than 3 large ones and the doctors do recommend you do that when you have a hiatal hernia.

  Only 1 time since my digestive system problems started has there been any long term relief. When I was in my late 20's they discovered that H. pylori bacteria could cause ulcers and my GP decided to give the cure for that a try. There was no test for H. Pylori at the time. After taking that for I was pain free for 2 years and had no ulcers or digestive system problems. Since then it has been all down hill. For the life of me I cannot get a single doctor to write a scrip for Flagyl (which kills H. Pylori) no matter how many times I tell them of what that did for me. Why? Because I now do not test with a HIGH enough level of H. Pylori to indicate taking it.

  Drugs taken (Acid reducers) Prilosec, zantac, tagamet. (digestive system relaxers) Bentyl and donnatal. (pain relievers) Ibuprofen in low doses as larger ones can cause stomach upset, tylenol including prescribed tylenol with codien, coated aspirin, and when I can get a doctor to prescribe it  Darvocet.

I remain frustrated and in pain.

Jim

[sparkeyjames]

Some more things I just remembered. That last post was to long and my mind wandered along the years of pain.

I forgot to mention that at night just before I go to bed when I get very relaxed just before falling off to sleep I sometimes get spasms of the stomach and esophagus. It may last from 15 to 30 second then everything calms down and I can go to sleep.I find that my best friend these days is a heating pad. It helps relax all the muscles in the area of the stomach and diaphragm. It can most times cut he severity of an attack. I keep a microwavable heating pad at work and it helps there to. I do believe that my attacks are related to the vagus nerve problem most of you are reporting although I do not get the heart palipitations just chest and abdominal pain along with difficulty breathing to do the tension.

Jim

[CM1000]

I have had cardiac issues, rapid heartbeat, arrythmias, and passing out.  Seemed to be vegus nerve related (my acupunturist's idea), and my cardiologist gave me a clean bill of health physically with the problem being electical signalling in my heart.  
To get to the answer for me (at least), it was multi-dimensional.  Probably the best lead was from my old (and VERY smart) MD who spent hours on me and finally said "take digoxin (digitalis) and you will be perfectly fine".  So I took digoxin, started doing timed 10 mile bicycle rides to strengthen heart muscles and "train" it to beat steadily, and found a yoga teacher who created a stretching regimen to loosen up the muscles around the vagus nerve.  Results are pretty close to 100% fix and I am a 58 year old male.  Took maybe 3 or 4 years to sort out.  Seemed that the key piece was the digoxin which costs maybe $20 every two or three months, and made everything else possible

[hellochello1]

so i had the holter monitor and my doc told me to go to cardiologist. i did, had the stress test and a echocardiogram. He said i have pvcs and that they're not dangerous and gave me atenolol. i started it yesterday but i don't think he grasps the fact that i have belching and bloating issues along with this, and i know for a fact that they're related. is there a real-life doctor house somewhere?

[beast250]

I have posted comments before, but to those with bloating I have two suggestions.
1.Use some type of peppermint product.
2.Try organic unfiltered vinegar with lemon juice in water (2T and squirt of lemon in a glass of cold water). This takes a little while to help(1/2hr or so). I just sip a glass during the day and after meals.

[lyn2323]

I hope that my experience can maybe add another possibility.
I began work in a large, relatively new building and after complaining that the air didn't seem quite right, found out that people had been complaining since it opened. Many had cited health difficulties. I asked for the air to be tested in my office.The air quality was confirmed to be poor, a very low relative humidity (20) and a high carbon dioxide content (indicating poor ventilation). This explained my tiredness, flyaway hair and sore eyes. I persevered however and it got to the stage where I could almost taste the air. It was chemical like. Two months after starting, I began to feel a pain in the right side of my chest, almost a flutter and my pulse began to skip beats. This sensation corrected itself shortly after leaving work each day. Breaths then became difficult and a pain developed in a band under my chest. I noticed that pressure on my back seemed to help and also noticed that passing wind did too (I have never burped in my life!). It got to the stage that the sensation was no longer subsiding when I left the building and seemed to be getting worse. Pain in my stomach, windy, nervy, tight feeling in my chest now. I had to leave the building and have been working elsewhere for the last few weeks.
I notice that I am now having daily 'attacks' which can last a number of hours always involving my pulse and leaving me feeling restless and a bit agitated.
I am sure that something in the air in the building triggered the vagal nerve and that in turn has acted on my stomach. I believe this nerve has implications for the digestive system.
This is my theory. I have been thoroughly checked out and have been told that I am fit and healthy!!
Any comments would be gratefully received. I have found that ginger calms my symptoms a bit - with water or chewing a piece.
Good luck.

[kjp999]

Dear all,
hello from cyprus what you are describing here had happened many times in our lives from our very childhood since today. it makes as run to hospitals and think we have a very serious condition. most of us during these attacks think we are dying. hiatal hernias even very small ones can make us suffer. i am a physiotherapist and i am using almost always for my patients a device called physiospect a bioresonance device. after using it watching on screen what were my organs doing during these attacks i was completely amazed. the vagus nerve can cause you complete bronchospams for seconds you think you will die from lack of oxygen. it can create spasms to the esophagus and push your abdominal aorta in such an extend your heart is searching blood it cannot find it and boom sudden pulpitations. I suggest you all check your larynx and trachea for damages from the acid during especially night. please stop manipulating the hernia with hands and massage and all this stuff. it can give you releiaf  for a while but is coming back and you can make hernia sliding like ping pong ball.try triger points. we cannot play with the vagus nerve. hiatal hernia can even mimic exactly heart attack terrible thing but its all pseudoheart attacks thank God. now the time that is happening is not an accident it has a clue. it can happen during eating your first bite. because of the vagus nerve position it can be pinched very easy by an allergen food and cause you to jump from the symptoms. if possible eliminate supplements open the capsules and dont eat this glycerin and this cellulose kind of supplements are killing you. stop eating brown/black chocolate coffee smoking and check if you are ok for cow food. now after you eat the stomach drops down (never overdo it with eating) after an hour or two it starts coming up and here it is pushing.  your anxiety and pressure is from the pushing of the stomach toward esophagus sphincter and the interractivity of the vagus nerve. in times of relaxation parasympathetic nervous system is taking control and there activity of the vagus nerve is much more so i will give a piece of advice. drink water to put it down again or run for a while to move to sympathetic nervous system activity it will calm down. please dont eat very late and especially at night. we should start eating less and more frequenlty. after 15 o clock big meals will disturb your peace. i will suggest to you all not to drink water during meals and when leafting heavy things if you cannot avoid them  breath dont keep the air during leafting stomach is pushing up. if someone is singing and i am not jocking here breath dont make long notes. there are three major things to do to cure this conditions above all this small advices
1) find anywhere arround you sahaja yoga centres and work on the left nabhi chakra arround stomach area
2) find a specialist arround you with physiospect it can correct some damages and find the allergens of the transition of esophagus to your stomach and watch frequently your current condition
3) homeopathy but find a proffesional doctor and remember dont overdose it can give you bad time

regards to all an attempt to help everybody

[Timidly1]

HI to all, i have to honestly say that after reading all of the posts, i am not sure if i should feel better or worse. but the education and the knowledge has been extremely wonderful from everyone. I am a 44 year old female and have was diagnosed in 1995 with mild mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation but nothing to worry about my cardio god (really a god) said just needed to say at a certain elevation level and there shouldn't be any problems. Started having GI symptoms in98 and they spiraled bad. vomitting, bloating, heart racing, heart on fire, cramping in the stomach area so bad that i thought i was having another baby. Finally found a good GI doc back then and had a endospe done and they found hiatal hernia, peptic ulcer, GERD, acid erosion of the esophagus, polyps, and my sphincter that is suppose to close to keep the acid out does not close, it stays open so no matter what i eat or drink instant acid erosion and heart is on fire along with heart pressure and feeling like my heart is in my throat. I also have a history of panic attacks that started in 98 and have been treated for that but over the past 5 years or so its just gone down hill. i can't find any good doctors here in Montana that will listen. sure i am a little over weight but to say to a patient your fat thats why you cant breathe or thats why your legs are triple there size and cutting off cirulation is bogus. i have also had all the tests and nothing heart related so far but they wont check my arteries, they say i am just worrying over nothing. right. Women are very under diagnosed for cardiac issues and gi issues. I have constant pain in the check now, the left arm, neck area and the shoulder blades. the worst so far was yester on Friday. i was sitting at the kitchen table attempting to take some cold medicine since i had been sickish for a few days and i went to swallow my 2nd dayquil and took a drank of dr. pepper, i felt this pain in my upper chest area, i clutched it trying to change positions and then about 5 minutes later my husband is looking down at me trying to bring me all the way to. he said that i leaned back stiff, went limp, and fell out of our kitchen chair hit my head hard on the wall, then hit the floor like a ton of bricks and was out cold breathing strangely. he said i was out about 10 seconds but it seemed like a long time for me. We ended up in the ER and after tests and bloodwork, er doc stated it was a vagal esophogus spasm and since the pain was so intense that it made my bp plummet and i was out cold. she stated that it can happen just from the severity of the pain of the spasms. i am very scared now, my husband is very scared and we dont want this to happen ever ever again. i am now trying to sip slowly, small drinks, and to make sure that its all the way down before i take another drink or bite to eat. i take 10 mg pepcid a day, 2 mg of valium a day for neck spasms, hp bill, and promethozine for nausea. no heart meds. Has any one else blacked out or passed out due to the paid from the spams in the esophageal area?? i have never heart of this before. i knew about the bowel movement vagus syndrome that you could pass out if you beared down to hard but not from drinking or eating. Any help would greatly be appreciated. I am totally freaking out that this is going to continue.  It can make you feel like your going crazy at times.

[MissB342]

These comments are fascinating. To think that the heart and stomach really are related...
I have had the same symptoms.  It started in my stomach.  I thought it was gall bladder attacks, as they run in my family, but every time I've gone to the doctor, they said no, the pain isn't central to that location, nor is the spot tender, but my stomach is tender.  It would radiate to my back and left side, and make me nauseous.  It comes an goes.  About the time I started having those problems, I started having panic attacks.  Lastly, within a year or so, my I started having the heart problems.  Everything comes back normal in tests though.  It started with the feeling like my heart hiccuped, but since is just a pain...not burning, but pain.  Changing diet definitely helped on several occasions.  Right now I'm having the worse episode ever, where my chest has been hurting for two weeks, which scares me, and so I have a panic attack regularly, with the shortness of breath and numbness and all that jazz. I also have nausea and the left side pains again, and both flared up on the same day!  I finally got into the dr. and she said, b/c i was taking ibuprofen AND clyndamycin  (not sure on spelling of that antibiotic), and b/c the top of my stomach was really tender, that I most likely had gastritis.  She said that the vagus nerve transferred the pain to my chest.  I never knew the connection with the nerve and panic attacks, which makes me wonder too if it is a nerve problem...but you also have to wonder, is it a heart problem affecting the nerve and everywhere else? Is it a stomach problem that effects the nerve then everywhere else?  A brain problem?  In my case, I believe it's either the nerve or the stomach, b/c it started there.

This is a little comforting knowing though that I'm not crazy.  I used to think it was all in my head when no one could figure out what was wrong with me.  I thought I was insane! Thankfully, I no longer do.
As far as the doctor goes, she gave me some liquid that coats the stomach and generic prilosec. I've heard on here that many times this does not work, so we shall see and I will have to let you know.  If it is the nerve...is there treatment?  And how do you bring that up to the Dr?  How do you even test that?  The pain as of recent has really wiped me out.  I'm already on a quest to lose weight, and I need to be ok to go to the gym! I was going so regularly but the past month has been horrible!

[Linssue55]

Here is all you need to know about the Vagus Nerve.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagus_nerve

[t4me]

hi all
i just wanted to say that i have been suffering off and on for 10 years with this same crap...i am 50 and my palps were getting more frequent and worse over the past year so i went the cardio doc and he did an ekg and holter monitor and told me i just needed diet and exercise...then, after taking 4 different antibiotics in 2 months for an infection i never had (blood in urine, no infection) i started having right upper quadrant pain...went to GI doc who did endoscopy and colonoscopy--found nothing and said i was fine...then the chest pains started,  horrible palpitations, "shock" feelings in my stomach at night when i was about to fall asleep...i felt totally miserable and sick everyday---i had pain in my chest, my arm, my ears felt like they were about to explode, then one night i got heart racing of 160 bpm...we live 40 minutes from a hospital, so by the time i got there, my heart rate was down to 100 and i was sent home saying everything was ok...i was kept overnite another time with chest pains--ekg, blood work, nuclear stress test, all ok....but the fast rates kept coming and they seemed to be triggered by stomach issues...one time i bent over to pick up a piece of paper and wham 140 bpm...3 days later i burped and  this time i had a hand recorded that got it at 180 bpm....cardio doc said i had psvt and take a beta blocker, see ya---i have a thyroid tumor, which they say is benign after biopsy and a goiter...i also have softball sized cysts on my ovaries and am scheduled to have them removed next month, but today i went to my internist for a pre op physical and he refused to let me go ahead with the surgery because i have cardiac issues that need to be resolved....i related my whole story to him and told him, i thought my heart issues were related to the stomach and he said..."there is no way the stomach causes heart issues---if you can prove this, you will be the nobel prize winner for medicine".....we all can't be wrong can we?????  my cardio docs (and i have seen 3) say i'm fine as far as they are concerned and they want me to see my GI doc...the GI doc says i'm fine, see the heart docs....argh, i am sooo frustrated....funny thing is, my internist called my latest cardio doc (who i must say has been the most helpful--got me a loop 21 day monitor, instead of one you put up to your chest when you feel something---the loop monitor records beats continuously so they get what happens before, during and after an episode) who agreed that i need to have the heart issues resolved before surgery--hmmmm, that's not what he said to me---i have brought up the vagus nerve thing and most of the time the docs look at me like i'm crazy---years ago though, i had a GI doc who gave me metaclopramide for gastroparesis (even tho the test came back negative) and that really helped, however, he retired and unless there is a test that comes back positive the docs refuse to think outside the box....anyway, i just wanted to vent after another disappointing visit and an evening where i am sitting here in pain, feeling sick all over....i hope that all of you feel much better soon, and get some answers that can help all of us...God bless.

[Try2BPositive]

Believe me the wickipedia definition does not tell the whole story although it is a very good synopsis. I am married to someone with Vagus Nerve Damage and it wreaks havoc on your/their life.  What everyone (& you) need to know it that damage to it AFFECTS YOUR ENTIRE LIFE. EVERY DECISION, EVERY MOVEMENT AND MOST CONVERSATIONS REVOLVE AROUND IT - BECAUSE IT MEANS YOU LIVING OR NOT.  There has to be someone related to a DR. or Health Care Provider who can help all of us.  Pass the word let everyone know we are not crazy this is a VERY SERIOUS LIFE CHANGING INJURY.

[sheila41]

As a poster on this site trying to find out what causes these palpitations,  I have wittled it down to this:

ALL WHEAT OR GRAIN PRODUCTS...........acids.
ALL PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS..............acids.
MOLD INHALATION....................................acids.
EATING SUPERMARKET FOODS...............acids   (the rubbish food is loaded with this)
INHALING CHEMICAL CLEANERS ETC.......acids.
INHALING SOMEONES PERFUMS.............acids.

My body and chest area will also seize up like a wrench around my chest especially if I inhale above.
If I eat the above,  I will get the palpitations
I now have to "dowse" all my foods for acid content (I know that sounds crazy, but it works) Obviously the ph of the body is affected and I think this aggrevates the vagus nerve, or it may just be the acid.
I note that you all keep trying medication, whenever I have it has brought on the palps.
The other week I was given anti-biotic and steriods for a chest infection,  I was in hospital by the next morning, that says it all for me.
I THINK   ACID IN SOME WAY IS THE PROBLEM.  I stay away from supermarket food, full of chemicals etc.
Whenever I deviate from this, I am in trouble again.

[JohnnyFla]

Hi, and thanks for your input. Like everyone else on this site I'm desperately seeking relief. I feel my situation started when Drs.
botched an emergency ulcer repair. After over 4 years of 'recovering'
from what should have taken 30 days I actually started to feel some
relief. Found info' on vagus nerve damage and it fit. I was already
fit and into sports, but it took every bit of effort to make improvement.
Then last year it happened. After finally returning to work, I was repeatedly
reaching over my head with my left arm, and then all symptoms came back with a vengence. It was as if healing must have taken place, and then maybe the nerve got stretched.  Eating like this and being like this
is getting old. I'm interested in finding out more of what was mentioned
earlier about Physiospect. Who practices it in Florida? Please let me know. Thankyou everyone and hang in there.

[HOLMER]

Good day to everyone!

I'm on medication of Omeprazole to treat my acid reflux, and other symptoms and metorpolol tartrate as maintenance for my blood pressure . Been experiencing the same symptoms like dizziness/vertigo, heart burns, skipped a heart beat (feeling of something pressing from chest to throat, like choking).

ECG and numerous blood tests turned out fine. Even consulted a neurologist but no sickness was determined or no causes found for symptoms. Doctors only seen my acid level high and the cause for my high blood pressure is hereditary in nature.

I will try this Vagus Nerve Stimulation as explained below. Hope this works or show positive results. Will post what ever happens.

VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION (VNS) may also be achieved by one of the vagal maneuvers: holding the breath for a few seconds, dipping the face in cold water, coughing, or tensing the stomach muscles as if to bear down to have a bowel movement.

[Nattyc64]

Wow, is all I can say!  I always knew there had to be a connection between the fast heartbeats and stomach pain that I experience!  I do have Graves Disease (hyperthyroid) and got diagnosed a few years ago; however, with medication, the doctor claims I am on the right dose.  Lately, though, I have had rapid heart beats, shortness of breath along with stomach pain! I especially get these symptoms at night and when I wake up.  After reading these posts, it's a real eye opener!  I have gone to the the emergency room twice over this and they accused me of having panic attacks  I told them that I felt a fast pulse in my stomach along with the common symptoms that you all explained but they still asked me if I was stressed.  I just want my life back and reading these posts, has given me hope!  I am going to watch what I eat and start taking magnesium!  Thank you all for sharing your stories!

[Anthony369]

Hi everyone,

I've been suffering these same symptoms for almost a year.

Started last November, in church of all places. I was fine, then all of a sudden, felt like I was going to pass out. Dizziness, sweats, the works. Thought maybe it was a subtle hint from above, heh.

Anyway, after that, pretty much started having anxiety and panic attacks regularly. It stopped for a few months. But shortly after, I went on a two-week all-expense paid business trip and ended up putting on 15lbs or so.

About a month later, I had some of the worst attacks ever, two of which put me in the ER. But all test results came back fine and the diagnosis was always anxiety. Except...I'd never suffered anxiety. My father apparently has suffered since he was a teenager so maybe at a certain age it begins to surface, I dunno. But I like my job, have a good family, no real money issues or anything that would make me anxious.

Eventually saw every doctor for every possible test, and most of the results were normal, except for a vitamin D deficiency, which I corrected but had no effect on the attacks.

During the worst attacks, I was afraid to eat anything. I'd have very small portions of anything, if at all. I ended up losing the weight I'd put on, but was still about 20lbs overweight, with most of it being around the typical male beer-gut (except I don't drink beer).

After I lost weight, the symptoms "seemed" to become less frequent. Then about 2 months ago, I somehow ended up with thyroiditis, which basically spammed my entire body with T3 and T4 for about 3 weeks straight. I lost about another 5lbs because of that. Again, the symptoms seemed to get better.

Apparently, there's a rebound period after thyroiditis where you go from hyperthyroid to hypothyroid for a while. So without any real diet changes, I've already put back about 10lbs. And guess what, the symptoms are getting more frequent again.

My belief is that having excess mass around the waist is causing my internal organs to compress and irritate the vagus nerve somewhere.... somewhat akin to a hiatal hernia (or an actual hiatal hernia that hasn't been diagnosed yet). I also noticed that when I put on weight in my abdominal area, my abdominal muscles will be much more tense, as if trying to hold up the added weight. The stress of the tenseness seems to put more pressure against my abdomen, worsening the symptoms. If I lay down and relax, with my head elevated, symptoms seem to get better.

Also, when the symptoms are really bad, I have to urinate very frequently. Probably a good 2 or 3 bladderfuls in the course of about 90 minutes. This could either be due to anxiety or due to vagus nerve irritation as well.

Aggravating factors seem to include caffeine, overeating (puts more pressure in the midsection), alcohol, poor sleep (which seems to cause headaches that trigger anxiety...but after I yawn several times, the symptoms improve...could it be lack of oxygen as well?) . Sometimes I have neck aches, and perhaps as someone else here already mentioned, may also aggravate the vagus nerve. And finally, occasionally if I am already in an anxious state, increased heart rate due to a fast walk or going up a flight of stairs may aggravate the symptoms. Note that I had very little issue with light exercise or going up stairs during the time the symptoms subsided.

So my own diagnosis seems to be dysautonomia caused by vagus nerve irritation due to excess weight. Aggravating factors include caffeine, alcohol, overeating, and poor sleep.

Mitigating factors (what seems to help) include weight loss, getting a good night sleep, taking deep breaths, fresh, cool outdoor air, doing some hiatal hernia massages and, believe it or not, burping, passing gas or bowel movement, if it is causing additional abdominal pressure. I do take a Xanax if the symptoms are heading towards a full anxiety attack. I've also all but eliminated caffeine and drink alcohol very rarely.

I'm trying to manage my weight again to see if this is truly the issue or if it's something else, like a true hiatal hernia (which may have been caused by being overweight in the first place). If losing weight doesn't help, my next step will likely be to see a gastroenterologist.

Just my experiece and $0.02. Good luck!

[Anthony369]

Wanted to post an addendum to my previous post.

I noticed something recently that also fits my symptoms and I discovered almost accidentally.

A few weeks ago, I bought some bags of Halloween candy, including the popular Smarties candies, which are basically just flavored sugar.

I binged on them at work, probably had like 10 or more rolls of them. Then about 6am the next day, I had a major attack that woke me up, that lasted about half hour.

Started noticing that everytime I'd eat several rolls of Smarties, I'd have an attack several hours later, but wasn't in any way related to pre-diabetes or sugar high or anything like that.

Then I thought back to something. Just before I developed thyroiditis, I was applying Olux (a steroid) for a nasty poison ivy rash. A few days later, I had a foul taste in my mouth, which then led to cracked lips, and a nasty white coating on my tongue. I figured the steroid had impaired my immune system and I'd gotten thrush (candida / yeast infection).

I started taking a pau d'arco tincture which seemed to have cleared it up in a few days. I only used the Olux for a week or so until the rash went away.

It was a few days later that I'd developed thyroiditis, which I later read could indeed be caused by a candida infection.

During that time, the anxiety symptoms subsided and stayed subsided for several weeks.

Now I realize, by eating Smarties and other large quantities of sugar, I might be feeding the candida and causing flare-ups. I kept telling doctors the symptoms I get almost feel like a reaction to something, like an allergy, or something like mild food poisoning. Some articles claim that the toxins candida releases can affect the nervous system and brain, as well as digestive system, which explains the anxiety, brain fog, ringing in my ears, abdominal noises and the rest.

I started taking the pau d'arco again, as well as an anti-parastitc called Microb-X that my chiropractor prescribed, just before I go to bed, and it SEEMS like the symptoms are clearning up again.

None of this can be proved since doctors dislike these kinds of diagnoses, but whatever. I'll give it a shot and see if it helps. Also going to try staying away from sugars and other foods that encourage candida and overgrowth of other parasites/bacteria, and will also take a probiotic to help balance out digestive flora.

We'll see how it goes...

[violafield]

I was so relieved to read these postings.  With all of the commom symptoms, why can't the Dr's. see the connection? I had an attack in the car yesterday. It was after a big breakfast and I was scrunched driving.  All of my attacks seem to happen in the car.  I am going to look into the magnesium.  What do the chiropractors due to help?  I have never believed in them, but I am beginning to change my mind.  I have also had all the tests and even went to a neuralogist.  It is very frustrating.  I feel better knowing I am not crazy.  

[nancy208]

Hi there, I am 44 year old female...have been feeling pretty overwhelmed lately...thinking I am the only one with these symptoms and getting frustrated with doctors.  Thank you for all the comments...they are so helpful...woke up one day 2 months ago with heart jumping all over the place all day...thought I was dying....we definately take the heart for granted...because you never feel it working...until it starts doing jumps and beating incorrectly...then you definately appreciate it's functioning all these years...scares the hell out of you...or did me...anyways...started having other symptoms...pac's, pvc's, tachycardia, lightheadedness, went to hospital, had stress echo, tests for pheocromocytoma, etc...I am an R.N. and Holistic Practitioner...don't you find you have to really ask a lot of questions and be your own advocate?  
When I lay down in bed they will start up if I have eaten to close to bed time...I will then get...pressure in my carotids and upper chest and also feel big adrenaline surges....sometimes my heart rate will go up and stay up all night making it difficult to sleep.
Was doing fine for about 19 days and then started up last night after I ate a muffin...and now all day...and exacerbates after I eat a meal...my chiropractor thought there might be some vagus nerve involvement which I had thought also...will speak with my cardiologist tomorrow and see my internist tomorrow as well.
I have  been reading alot of books lately about perimenopause, menopause, etc... donna edens energy medicine book...all very interesting and helpful...have been keeping track of my cycle and I do think estrogen decreasing brings them on for me at least, estrogen affects digestion as well.....also cortisol produced by the adrenal glands can be low or too high...it is supposed to start high in the am and taper off during the day....this can cause problems with the heart and digestive system ...same with estrogen and progesterone...estrogen levels should be checked in the beginning after your menses and progesterone mid cycle...to get accurate readings...cortisol should be checked in the early am and then later around 4pm...to see what it is doing...check on adrenal fatigue...it is more common then you think and linked to many things.
I have been seeing an  acupuncturist which has made a huge difference in keeping them at bay or go away for periods of time...
I dont know what to eat these days that wont stimulate them...will check into gerd or hiatal hernia...makes sense with pressure on vagus creating a sensory problem in the heart....
I will let you know what I find out...
Also a naturopathic physician is my next place to go if I dont get anywhere...
is any one else experiencing neck pressure on both sides and upper chest pressure and pressure in your ears when your heart is in full swing with pvc's and pac's????
this would sound like vagus to me....
Nancy

[UUzul]

Finding this forum has been a real gift.  Everything written applies to what has been happening to me. Many of the solutions found by the posters are right on -
**** diet -- no gluten, no yeast, minimal sugar (NO GMO SUGAR), careful on the acid.
**** Breathing exercise - the ancient martial arts/ yoga breathing technique called Buteyko is wonderful.  It emphasizes keeping CO2 in the lungs instead of oxygen.
**** exercise like Tai Chi, massage and chiropractic work on the neck especially
And so on.
BUT WHAT HAS NOT BEEN DISCUSSED IS THE EFFECT OF HIGH LEVELS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY on the vagus nerve.  If you want a primo example, try walking through the electronics department of WalMart.  This can be a knock-out experience.  No joke.  Sit in front of a device like a TV set or radio emitting high EM, or a refridgerator --- not good.
THE WORST VILLAIN IS .... HAARP.   Yes, the massive force behind the weather modification program going on. Several countries have these giant devices.  I can tell instantly when it goes over our coast line.  Nausea, vertigo, weakness and more...and I can tell instantly when it moves on or is turned off.  
You can be sure HAARP is working over you when you see the chem trails/ chem puff clouds that have been laid earlier begin to glow electrically and start warping into strange striations and V shapes like ripples.  Our local weather guy (and the weather forecasters all know this is happening) often tells us privately that 'they' will be spraying before a storm comes in or when 'they' are moving a storm past us --- thus storm fronts and these severe pressure changes can really upset the vagus nerve, as well as your entire vestibular system... ringing ears, dizziness.
If continued for several days, HAARP effects on the vagus nerve can cause (faux) heart attacks, palsy, epileptic looking 'fits', awful intestional reactions, emotional - panic outbursts -- and so on. Even attacks of shingles (herpes zoster) and Eppstein-Barr (mononucleosis) exhaustion.  
And you must be aware that the chem trail/ chem puff stuff being sprayed is full of aluminum and barium, neither of which is good for you.  

****All of this can easily be researched ---more is being done to enlighten people about it in Europe than in the US.  No surprise.

[miserable52]

I know the feeling.  Have dealt with this for years and no one can seem to pinpoint it.  They do think it's all in your head.  Have had every test imagineable.  Two years ago had esophageal plication ( staples at end of esophagus for acid reflux and have more acid now then ever before.  Attacks are getting more frequent and you feel like you are dying, seriously.  It takes your body over.  The numbness, head feels spacey,  tingling, heart discomfort, nausea, belching, backpain; an overall out of body experience.  It wipes me out.  Lasts for hours and will either not let you fall asleep or will wake you up making you think that life is over.  Doctors are clueless and only treatment they seem to know is diet and antacids.  Doesn't work.  I feel like the quality of my life is being taken away.  I sympathize with everyone out there who is going thru this.  Will there ever be an end to it.
Darlene

[kcferret]

All I can say is wow. I don't feel alone anymore. I've been suffering from numb hands and feet, tingling in my spine, heart racing, feeling of not breathing correctly, constant fatigue, and dizziness for 3 years now. I also started having anxiety attacks for no good reason. I'd be sleeping and wake up with one. The first time it happened I had my husband rush me to the ER where I was told I had a migraine...(WTH seriously)  90% of the time this is exacerbated after a large meal (I no longer eat dinner so I can sleep) or before a large bowel movement. The sporadic diarrhea has become so bad at times that I lost 14 lbs in just over a month and I am not large to begin with. I've been for every blood test possible (all looks great), nerve conduction studies (all good there too), and EKGs (nothing notable). I'm the picture of good health according to my docs.


BTW changing my diet only helps mildly, any food can trigger this as I have tried eliminating almost everything at one point. I don't eat chocolate except on rare occasions or drink coffee as often as both of them tend to act as a mild laxative for me and anything that stimulates the bowels seems to trigger the symptoms to flare up more than usual.

I'm so tired of the docs saying I have IBS or Anxiety. I am not an anxious person, I am one of the most happy go lucky people you could meet and generally don't stress about anything. Over the last 6 months though I have gotten more and more tired from the lack of answers that I am irritable and frustrated but NOT anxious. I know what anxious feels like...and as for the IBS, my guts were iron clad before all this other stuff started and tend to act up when the tingling/heart racing is at its worst.

I have a gastro appt coming up on the 22nd of this month so I am going to bring in a list of my symptoms and see what he says. Is there a "test" for whether the symptoms are related to the Vagus nerve being irritated somehow?  Thanks to all who have shared and I hope we all find answers.

[jpek]

Thank you to everyone for your posts.  I could just say "ditto" to you all.
I feel so lucky to have found this post.  I had been in the heart rythme community for over a year.  I have a hiatal hernia.  Doctors told me it was stress.  Gave me anti anxiety meds.  After 8 months, I was scoped and found to have a hernia.  SYMPTOMS;  from worst to mildest;

arrhythmia, anxiety, restless sleep(strees over condition), chest pain,  upper stomach fullness, left arm nerve irritation, occasional throat pain

TRIGGERS;  Stress, alcohol (1 drink of irish cream), tough to digest foods, wheat, coffee, body position ie using my left arm to hold a phone, neck position ie leaning forward and putting pressure on the throat, breathing hard ie on a tread mill, lifting weights,


REDUCING Effects.  Relieving pressure from the stomach ie burping, bowel movement, relaxation techniques, Nexium seems to help sometimes, staying warm, lots of sleep (its 4 am now and I am writing because I just had an arrythmia attack)/

I think my only hope is to find a doctor that has experienced this personally.  Short of that, I am sure I will keep finding doctors that think I am a hypo condriac.  There is nothing worse than a doctor that blows you off or minimizes your condition.

To all:  keep the faith.  Sooner or later an effective treatment will be discovered.  PLEASE SHARE ANY SUCCESSES YOU COME ACROSS.

All the best.

[Nashville_nelly]

I am just joining, feel so relieved to find this forum.  I am a 38 year old female.  I feel for everyone on here, and am experiencing various symptoms myself.  I believe without a doubt now it is Vagus nerve causing them.  I have a theory, not sure if I am correct, but am wondering if there is any correlation between myself and these symptoms and anyone else out there.  Trying to fing a common thread.  My one leg is almost an inch shorter than the other.  Not noticable to the eye, but have had chiropractic problems all my life and was diagnosed with leg length discrepancy when I was 14.  Am now 38.  Forgot about things for years, didn't wear my orthodic, as I was young and dumb and wanted to wear all the fashion shoes.  But now, I am having more back problems than ever.  I've been getting my husband to "crack my back" almost every day.  He is no professional, but pushing on it while I'm lying on the floor seems to provide some relief temporarily.  I feel the nerve pain all the way from my neck, shoulders, through my chest, my abdom, on down through to my vagina.  Sometimes the pain is intense, other times, just a dull awareness of it being there.  Also, sometimes it feels like it is radiating through my vagina, ovaries, up through my whole body to my neck, including breast.  I should also mention that everything I feel is all on the left side of my body only.  Now this is going to sound weird, but during sexual activity, If I press around on the left side of my abdomen, the orgasm is crazy intense.  I read about the vegas nerve being connected to orgasm on wikipedea.  Such strange symptoms, and I am tired of dr.'s saying I am suffering from anxiety.  I am generally a very happy person, and the episodes of heart palps, then light headedness/faintness that come on out of the blue are what causes my anxiety.  The first few times it happened I ended up in the ER/911 thinking i was having a heart attack and in a major panic attack because of it, just like alot of you.  Now four years later it is a regular part of my life.  Learning to live with it, and not going into full blown panic attacks about it anymore, but just try to stay calm and get through the episode.  I really don't wanna spend the rest of my life living like this.  When the attacks happen, they are so frightening, and I always feel embarrased to tell anyone what I'm going through because I don't want people to think I am crazy.  Anyways, I am just rambling on and on.  My main poing was to see if anyone else has a leg length discrepancy and the fact that it throws your whole body out of whack, could that be the culprit?????  And oh ya, I also have GERD, am on Omperzole for that, have damage to my stomach, and also get those sudden stomach lurches.  Any feedback from any of you would be appreciated.  I was unsure if I should post the "vagina/ orgasm" stuff, but figured if we are ever going to get to the bottom of things, we all need to put it ALL out there.  Thanks, :-)

[Nashville_nelly]

And oh ya, I have also had every test under the sun done.  Halter, echo, treadmill, I see a neurologist, you name it, I've done it.  All to find nothing abnormal except GI Doctor did endoscopy and found damage, and diagnosed the Gerd.  And since we're putting it all out there, I have been a pretty heavy drinker and smoker most of my life.  Quit smoking 6 months ago and drink sparingly now. Thanks everyone.  

[Tomskie]

It is very difficult to directly impact or treat the vagus nerve or any nerve for that matter so I would suggest an indirect approach. Those of us with a hiatal hernia or GERD component to our arrhythmias should take steps to heal and strengthen our mucosal lining. This lining is typically the only barrier of protection for the vagus nerve along the digestive tract. How would one do that? Several ways. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is a therapy developed by a Harvard neurologist that has shown promise as a treatment for a variety of autoimmunity problems including Crohn's disease. A cheap compounded med, it helps heal the mucosal lining and helps strengthen the barrier between vagus nerve and the acids in the digestive tract. Virgin coconut oil (unprocessed) is a saturated fat source which has the ability to completely redistribute the lipid profile. (Note: This requires that you relearn everything you have read or been told about palm oil, saturated fat and cholesterol.) Cholesterol itself is not without its benefits. It is necessary for proper hormone production and is used by the body for repair. Without it the body lacks the ability to maintain muscle (think heart) and other tissue. If you have low cholesterol (<180), you may be unable to properly maintain the mucosal lining. Taking a spoonful of virgin coconut oil with each meal should, overtime, normalize your cholesterol and raise your HDL. This would have benefits beyond healing your mucosal lining as it can also help with yeast overgrowth and dysbiosis. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in circulation and there’s a reason. You need a lot of it for maintaining the gut lining. Getting an adequate amount will help ensure you maintain the gut barrier. In chronic illnesses, glutamine is often below normal. (http://www.thewayup.com/newsletters/041501.htm). Wobenzym N is an enzyme supplement that can correct certain deficiencies where enzyme conversion is a problem. As always, never become magnesium deficient. You can buy a pound of magnesium citrate for very little that will last you years. Keeping the mucosal lining healthy should lessen the number and severity of the arrhythmias by protecting the vagus nerve along the digestive tract.  

[janni20]

Thanks everyone for listing all your problems so specifically. I can identify with you and also don't feel so alone. I am a 57 year old female.

I have a history of Grave's disease, fibromyalgia, loss of normal curvature and disc narrowing of the cervical spine, and paroxysmal atrial fib.

3 months ago I had a broken molar removed and it set off some old and new problems.
The tooth extraction site continued to hurt like a raw nerve all the while the tissue was healing. I also developed a burning feeling on my tongue. The oral surgeon put me on clindamycin which landed me with diarrhea (negative for c diff) and oral thrush.

After the thrush cleared up with mycostatin, I developed an annoying tickle in my throat and cough after eating fudge on 2 different evenings. The tickle cleared up but cough lingered. Then I woke up one morning with a numb hand and now both hands tingle at times with wrist and shoulder pain. The doctor prescribed Prilosec, which I have been taking for two weeks now. I also had a neck xray which showed narrowing of disc spaces and worsening of the neck curvature beyond the staight position.

I also have been getting strange heart sensations (like a pinching or sticking sensation) and more frequent PVC's and went into atrial fib one evening which lasted only 5 minutes (thank god). My hands and feet are freezing even more than usual and I get the urgency to move my bowels and get shaking and jerky...this happens alot, mostly first thing when I wake up. Before, I was constipated for 99% of the time for years.

I also have neck and back spasms.

I never know from one moment to nexk what kind of weird crap is going to happen. I believe the vagus nerve is being irritated.

Have any of you ever had myofascial release treatment?  I am planning to go to a place near Philadelphia, run by physical therapists, this week and see if my muscle trigger points are behind some of these problems. I have been searching my symptoms and myofascial trigger points has been coming up alot. I researched it and found that the science was developed by Janet Travell, President Kennedy's doctor.

[jpek]

Great information.  I have been on the magnsesium supplements. I will try the coconut oil.  
This is the kind of help that makes these sites so valuable.
Thank you very much for taking the time to post this.

[ladyonamishn]

Wow.......really interest site.  I've been going through some of these symptoms for a weeks now.  I've been going to Chiropractor for a neck injury (my own stupidity...just because they make a laptop carrying case with a shoulder strap, doesn't mean you should use it)...and the heart palpitations have started like crazy.  Hmmm the Vagus nerve runs down the neck..  The last 2 years I have major stomach problems....lost 15 pounds....I'm 5'8 and am now back up to 127....  it's just interesting that one nerve can do this much damage and yet, in the 5 doctors I saw about my stomach no one brought it up.  My brother had 2/3 of his stomach removed at 20 due to ulcers and at that time they cut the Vagus nerve...he still has trouble with his stomach but no ulcers....  This nerve needs further investigation.....or maybe just doctors need to learn more about it.

[sue2011847]

I can almost cry with relief after reading everyones posts.  For the past 7 or 8 years I've been struggling with your same symptoms.  I've also went through all of the heart tests a few years ago with the diagnosis that all I have is anxiety with GERD and a hiatial hernia.  They think you're crazy when you say you have shortness of breath or have spasms than feel like you can't breath or stomach lurches or wierd feelilngs in your shoulders, head and neck.  I have cut out all the foods that cause heartburn, especially sugar  but still dread eating as I never know when the next "attack" will happen.  I've been doing yoga every morning for the past few weeks and deep breathing to try and slow my heart and nerves down .  I'm also going to mention the vegus nerve connection to my alternative medicine doctor.  I feel so much better just knowing I/m not alone.  With everyone working togetether, I think we will find the answers

[Illusions63]

Well this site is just perfect for me!
I have been through so many tests I can't name one I haven't passed and all is always NORMAL...
I have a hiatal hernia, GERD and have ALL the symptons noted in this forum.
What worries me the most is the sensation that happens when I am just about to have what I call an attack. I feel it coming through my body and feel lightheaded for hours on.
I keep wondering if anything is not being looked at that could explain all these symptoms and if taking Nexium for the rest of my life is a solution. But I can't even begin to try and stop it as within a day or two I will be in bed and unable to get up, that is how bad it gets.
I started last month taking Probiotics and also Omega 3 (twice a day) and have seen some improvement but nothing to party about.  However I can now go back to work and suffer through my day.  I was 2 months in bed it was so bad.
The vagas nerve is in my view directly linked to my situation as as soon as I feel the attack coming I sense my lightheadedness around the corner.  I have lost 30 lbs and trying to lose another 30 to see if that will help with the hernia. I am trying everything I can to help my condition, Chiro, Omega and Probiotics along with the Nexium. I am seeing my doctor on Tuesday and will ask him to dig some more, he also seems clueless to what he needs to do next !

[Nashville_nelly]

This article is very interesting.  I am going to try all of these suggestions.
http://www.aloelife.com/aloeverapages/aloedigestive.html

[Asiakat8]

Wow! Guess I'm not alone. I have tilt table confirmed vagus syncope. I can't really handle elevators or anything that moves when I'm standing. Hot showers or weather trigger fainting. I cold sweat constantly. I have MALS syndrome ( a disorder of external compression of the celiac artery), GERD, constant edema in eyelids, chronic stiff neck that leads to migraines, rheumatic heart disease, ear pulsations; jerking at night, visual disturbance, and occasional face pain after eating. I also have peripheral neuropathy of unknown cause; oh and generalized anxiety disorder with ADHD. This is really annoying- I'm actually going through medical school, and I grew up in love canal where I was exposed to chemicals. I'm starting to feel like a 33 year old nut-bag! I also get severe stomach pain; and always have. I feel for you all.

[Snookie30]

All I can say is wow!!! I an so excited I came across these articles. I too have been suffering with all the same symptoms. This has been going on for years now. I have been diagnosed with Gerd and have scar tissue on my esophagus. I have sinus tachycardia and PVC's, when the heart feels like it is skipping a beat. Also have had many EKG's and nothing wrong with the heart. Have been to the ER numerous times with my heart racing around 150 -160. Sleep disorders, waking up gasping for air in the middle of the night. I have been talking Nexium now for almost a year and have had major side effects. I started having major anxiety, forgetfulness, difficulty concentratring and blurred vision and major weight loss. I have been baffled by all of this. I have been to so many doctors and they all look at you as if you are crazy. I too recently started to see a chiropractor and am very excited at what they can do for me. I can not believe I have been suffering for all these years. AMAZING....I hope more people continue to discover this and can get help.

[inasnap]

Hi all, I was under quite a bit of stress for the past 10 years and extreme stress with a situation that I thought at the time had changed my life forever. Once I "decided" not to let that event ruin my future I have been searching for ways of dealing with the irregular heart beats and panic / anxiety attacks. These symptoms have been going on for 5 years or so.                                                                                                           I also have "Eagles Syndrome" which is the elongation of the styloid bones, calcified styloid ligament which is causing quite a bit of facial nerve pain.  I've been seen by one of the best maxiollfacial surgeons that is familiar with this syndrome and he can do the surgery but I think I will wait.                                                                                                          I have found that Magnesium Malate has helped alot. I take 1 tablet 3 times a day. I still get a few palps but not hundreds. I have been doing this for 3 months now and so far so good. Of course I would love to get rid of them all together and I still believe some day thay will be gone.  I do notice more of them when I eat to much. I went 1 week and only ate half portions to see if this helps and it made a big difference. Now if I could only keep this up, it's alot easier said than done.                                Take Care and Hope you all feel better soon. Ann                                        

[spaceengine1821]

I am a 53 yr old man with Parkinson's and Degenerative Disc Disease. I think its all related to a pinched vagus nerve that was in a slowly eroding condition. Problems first arose about 25 years ago with severe upper back, and chest pains. Then i started having attacks that required emergency room treatment. It felt like being impaled in the chest with almost too much pain to breath. EKG's found nothing. Strangely, these attacks would just completely go away instantaneously. No explanation was ever found, and eventually I found that a muscle relaxant, and hot hot shower on the backbone spot would release it from being pinched. One doctor told me i had pinched vagus at T6-T7 disc, but many years later this was disproven. As years went on i started having problems with shakes and although I didn't see it as a problem I was having some problems with constipation. One doctor diagnosed essential tremors, and missed the symptom of constipation as a trait of Parkinson's. Several years later the upper back problems were becoming so debilitating that I sought MRI and an experienced neurosurgeon. By that time bowel movement was not occurring without use of laxatives. Thats when the Parkinson's was diagnosed, and spinal pinching of Vagus nerve was disproven. Although that diagnosis showed what was the trouble, the answer to why is or was still a mystery, as well as the question of how to cure. I've done a lot of research that I'm posting on newearthsociety.org
Vagus nerve cells are each very long and microscopically thin. These cells are bundled like a huge wiring network with billions of individual wires. Each cell is like an individual wire with one end  at the brain, and the other end at a muscle or organ. The nerves come in pairs so as to enable two way transmission to or from the brain and organ. The path of the vagus nerve travels from the brain into the spinal column. It leaves the spinal column in the chest where it wraps around the outside of the esophagus. Both esophagus and vagus nerve thread through the hiatus opening. After going through the hiatus opening the vagus cbranches apart so that many strands follow the stomach, and intestines, and others branch off to go to all the major organs, When a hiatal hernia occurs the narrow hiatus opening is streched over the stomach in a mild stranglehold formation. It is impossible for the vagus nerve to avoid being caught up in this scenario. The big question then becomes which strands of the vagus nerve become effected. Typically a slow degeneration taking decades to fulfill occcuers before symptoms progress enough to call it a specific disease.
In my case, I have recently undergone Nissan fundoplication surgery to repair the hernia. Hopefully this will stop the further progression of Parkinson's. I must proclaim that the surgery has eliminated much of the upper back and chest pain. I also attribute some of that pain loss to a diet change eliminating nightshades foods. Among the critical damage that may have been done by the hiatus hernia is disruption of the nerve neurotransmitters to and from the adrenal gland. The adrenal glands takes in  tyrosine and may send back dopamine, and adrenalin, and a few other things needed by body and brain. Currently i feel I'm on the mend but will continue to strive for more. My next hope is to try an L-Tyrosine supplement with hopes it may alleviate fatigue and a few other symptoms. I've been trying to avoid the traditional drug therapies as they rely heavily on strong amphetamines, and have notable mind altering effects.

[jover]

i feel that you all on the right path, i have the same problems.  I would liked to know patients that has had there hiatal hernia surgiclly corrected if there symptoms have cleared up.  I feel if this problem is corrected mechanicly then we will not have to depend on drug therapy to mask the symptoms.  Also I here of a new magnic band device that is place around the esophagus to help augment the LES to control acid reflux. maybe with this coupled with hiatal hernia repair will finally fix our problem.  

[pinkshell]

Love and sympathy to all who have posted on this forum.  Along with the rest of you, I also suffer from these nasty attacks.  I first started experiencing these nasty symptoms when I was pregnant with my last child and like many of you on this  forum my heart was beating out of control accompanied with arrhythmia.  The night before I had downed a huge steak which was largely undigested the next morning. I remember bending over to clean something on the floor and Whamoo! that was the end of my life as I new it and the beginning of this palpitating, arrhymic, indigestion reality that I now try to live.  I was 28 weeks pregnant at the time. It went on for hours and hours, the rhythm would be normal and then it would start up again. I had my husband take me to emergency.  I nearly passed out with the erratic heart rhythms on the way in. I was tested, ECG, blood tests and the like and nothing!  I was given a large dose of Mylanta and noticed the symptoms drastically reduce but they have never completely left me since this time.  I noticed  a couple of weeks before this major attack I was having alot of reflux which I thought was just pregnancy related and months prior I would notice a little skipped beat here and there, usually after a meal but nothing that really worried me. I have tried water with gastrolyte powder for electrolyte imbalance, magnesium citrate (very easily absorbed), PHion (american company), a powder form of magnesium & potassium citrate along with iron citrate etc to keep body ph alkaline.  I have tried increasing my iron levels (I was quite low) with easily absorbable forms such as citrate & Spatone. I have tried ulcer medications (to reduce stomach acidity), I have tried chiropractic, massage, anti anxiety medication, aloe vera juice and threelac which you buy off the internet for candida infection, all to no avail.  One thing I have noticed though, I took 3 different antibiotics over a course of 10 days and believe it or not the symptoms were almost non existent until my mother inlaw gave me a tin full of home baked bikkies, and of course, I over indulged and within a day all the symptoms were back. I also take digestive enzymes with every meal but this doesn't always seem to help.  I have also tried betaine hydrochloride (to increase stomach acid). Overall, when my stomach doesn't feel right you can bet your bottom dollar I will get the usual dose of arrhythmia's and when my stomach feels good (not very often) I hardly experience them at all.  One thing I can tell you is white flour products, carbonated drinks, icecream, chocolate even grainy products such as muesli bars, breads etc will trigger the palpitations even before I get the stomach symptoms.  I have noticed, when my stomach  is not feeling the best, I put the food into my mouth and even before I start swallowing the palps start. Could this be my own internal doctor warning me? I am now  going to try virgin coconut oil (read about it on the web). Apparently it kills H.pylori and other microbes and parasites but the kilojoule content worries me although they say it increases your metabolism and helps you to lose weight (I can only hope!) Along with my many other theories as to why these palps occur I am now thinking it is H.pylori which is an extremely resilient parasite hence the temporary relief with antibiotic treatment I mentioned earlier in this post? In the early months of my pregnancy I had all day sickness so the only thing I lived on for 3 months was orange juice (bottled) and yogurt. Note: very acidic food. Coupled  with pregnancy and diet bringing down my immunity hence H.pylori overgrowth? The erosion of the stomach lining that this causes overtime irritates the vagus nerve (heart palps) via the stomach hence the growing intolerance to acidic foods that further irritate stomach lining. Remember the days prior to this that you could indulge from time to time without all these symptoms we now experience? This H.pylori has the ability to alter the normal digestive environment hence intolerance to acidic or hard to digest foods. This creates gas pressure from indigestion which presses on the heart and irritates the vagus nerve via stomach and esophagus as the acid is pushed up? Coupled with a baby in my stomach to boot only serves to prove that the symptoms will get worse with increasing pressure.  Extra weight around the abdomen? My problems started to get really bad when I was 28 weeks pregnant which is when the baby starts to gain weight rapidly, at this stage the baby sits up high in abdomen until the last few weeks when it drops into the pelvis ready for birth. Funny, I noticed the symptoms abate quite a bit at this stage of the pregnancy. I think the possible link here is H.pylori lies in wait, your immunity drops for whatever reason, environmental toxins, stress, dietary stress etc and it creeps in until the symptoms  hit you and then you develop chronic inflammation of the stomach lining and all the things that go with it.  Antibiotics were only a temporary fix for me (by the way, I haven't been diagnosed with H.pylori but I believe I have it and will work on this principle for the time being). I will now try virgin coconut oil and see what happens and I will keep all you comrades in the know about the developments. Cheers to All my comrades in Palps!  Michelle (from Australia).

[patient915]

To all that have posted recently: You have responded to an old, outdated thread from 2008.  The people who originally posted these comments may very well have moved on.  Rather than reply to an old thread, we recommend that people start a new topic to discuss the subject anew.  To do that, please click on the green "Post a Question" button at the top of the page.  This will get your post the attention it deserves. Thank you.

[LindaTX]

This is the first thread I ever posted on.  You can see my enthusiasm and appreciation for finding so much information....yes, this thread maybe 1 1/2 yrs old but much can be gained from reading it.  It is one of the best threads on here....and threads are resurrected on here all the time.  Wnen someone like pinkshell and the others post...it does become a new post and it does get updated.  Most of us have the reminder's list that brings up these older posts just like the comments on the brand new posts.  No post will ever contain the same info and some of these old posts bring up the best.  If MH is so concerned about them being outdated then maybe they should just remove them....but I think that would be a big mistake and a disservice to the members here.  Maybe that's why MH has left them, and justifiably so, alone. ;)

[LindaTX]

Hey, I just read back through this thread and noticed it is an ongoing thread, not an "outdated" thread, as you mentioned.  Lots of valuable information in this thread. Leave it alone!  Comprende' Patient?

[patient915]

There is no need to be impolite.  I am just trying to help people get their questions answered.  I never said that this post shouldn't be read or looked at for information.  I think this is a very informative post that is great for people to look at to get information.  However, because it is so old, people are asking questions on this that are never being answered.  If they ask their questions on their own post, they are more likely to get answered.  By "outdated" I mean that the ideas that were brought up in the beginning of this thread, may not be accurate anymore.  As a community leader, I can let you know that in the future, MedHelp will probably make posts over a year old available for reading, but not for posting anymore.  I am not trying to be mean, I am truely just trying to help people get their questions answered, so I would like for you to be kind too.

[LindaTX]

I should not have added my second comment.....I did sound rather short.  I apologize for my "impoliteness" but I am not unkind.  I was just taken aback with your post about this being such an old, outdated thread.  I don't think MH members on here need to be told where and if they should respond and to which thread.  So basically you are saying it's fine to read certain threads (after they are a year old) but don't bother to comment on  them?  I can't believe you are speaking for MH when you say that. As you felt my comment was inappropriate, I felt the same about yours. Both of them. Comprende?

[patient915]

I'm sorry for the misinterpretation, I just meant to say that your words were unkind, not that you as a person are unkind.  I also don't think that your comment was inappropriate.  Currently, you and other members are free to post wherever you like.  However, in my experience people who post on these old posts, do not get their questions answered.  I'm saying that these threads are informative and helpful for members to read, however it is hard to get an individualized answer on these posts.  I am truely just trying to help people get their questions answered.  I think that we have both made our points and I would not like this to turn into an argument.  If there is anything more you would like to discuss about this, you can send me a personal message, and we will get a moderator involved to help out.

[bengal210]

I was happy to find this forum and that I was not alone in this seemingly un-diagnosable and untreatable condition.  I wanted to share how I was at least for now, able to put my condition into remission (so far for about 6 months) after having rather debilitating episodes on and off for  6 months. Without going into a long history, I found myself with these same symptoms about one year ago, never experiencing them previous to the initial onset. Not knowing the reason for these sudden lurches, skipped beats and palpations along with bloating and indigestion, I found myself in the emergency room.   This visit was followed by the same battery of tests described in other post (heart stress test, halter, endoscopy) all negative with the exception of a small case of gastritis.  The skipped beats were seen during the stress test while monitoring during the resting period as well as identified in the halter test at various times during the day.  The doctors said that skipped beats were nothing to be alarmed about as the heart muscle was strong and there were no abnormalities in the actual heart beat itself.  I have always had a strong heart, low blood pressure etc., as I am an avid runner, do some weight training and am generally pretty active.  However I believe my activities leading up to the onset of the condition may shed some light on what causes this and thus what may cure or help keep it in remission.  I have an extremely stressful job in Aerospace with long hours.  I also try to find time to do my running and other fitness activities usually requiring me to get up around 5am so I can do it before work.  About 3 months prior to the initial onset I was regularly getting only about 5 hours of sleep a night (max).  I also found myself getting heavily reliant on caffeine.  I would drink caffeinated sport drinks during my morning workouts (they contain about 250mg of caffeine) ech day and then black tea throughout the day.  I would them get home late and find myself drinking a few beers or glasses of wine to unwind.  In my normal routine, I rarely drank during the week.  I had continued this cycle for a good three months prior to my initial symptoms.  

I tried a number of things, antacids (doctor prescribed),  Mylanta, aloe juice, enzymes but with no real relief.   I then decided to try a more natural remedy that my wife had success with when she had some stomach issue.  I stopped taking everything else and start taking Acid Ease along with Enzymatic Therapy DGL Ultra which is supposed to help support and repair  the stomach lining.  I also took a probiotic.  Additionally and the most difficult, I completely stopped all caffeine an alcohol consumption.  I tried to minimize spicy foods in an effort to heal my stomach and vagus nerve irritation which I believe (thanks to this forum) was the root of the problem.

It took about two month with this routine and suddenly the condition completely subsided.   I stopped taking the Acid Ease and the DGL a month later but continued to this day to take the probiotics while continuing not to drink any alcohol or caffeine.  I am actually scared to take either in fear of the symptoms returning.  I think one day I may start to have a drink once in a while  but I don't believe I will go back to drinking caffeine as I believe that was the key catalyst.  

Just wanted to share my experiences with hopes that some else on this forum my benefit or find something useful to apply to their own treatment.

Peace.

[marybell29]

I am a 23 yr old mother of three with no insurance at the moment but have been noticing these irregular heartbeats and the feeling of it coming up to my throat,I google everything and thats how i stumbled on this site,I do have a history of gall stones(which havnt been removed) and Acid reflux and my babies were born with GERD.I take antacids and it kinda helps.I also feel like i need to make a bowel movement and get dizzi and all i want to do is sleep,after seeing this site i feel this may be my problem,everyone thinks im a lil crazy and says its jus gas.I can totaly feel it like my heart is beating hard.I do drink coffe regularly here lately and thats how i think it started these past couple of days to the point of me wanting to go to the ER.Im going to stop all caffien and stay away from spicy foods. . .I feel like crying cuz i want to be here for my babies but this site helped me feel better

[mad_about_shoes]

My symptoms started very recently . I believe it is nerve damage related..neck issues from doing cna work for yrs ..now office work on computer..gargolye pose any way started with eye twitching then all over muscle twitching..thinking I had parkinsons or neurological issue, I was walking through my kitchen it was as if someone punched my stomach lost breath my stomach pulsated my neck was pulsating so scared went to bathroom beared down on toilet and it stopped,,kept having twitching ..then numbness in left hand, then the heart palps ..then feelings of passing out..went to emergency room ..they detected an arrhythmia ..which I believe it was vagus irritation,,,,.they admitted me wanted to rule out heart issues..after being in emergency room 9 hrs hadnt ate anything for a day and a half by that night my stomach was so bloated had right side belly button pain could hardly bare to lay on my back..thought maybe gallbladder told the nurse they gave me morphine to let me sleep then did a ultra sound on stomach all negative..then next morning still having palps they took me for a mri of heart with stress test,,,negative...whole time stomach lurches, three days of tests cat scan of head,heart, x rays on thyroid ..the doc actually chuckled when said I had a very small lump on thyroid..
that was all they found  ...went home was having terrible bloating upon eating small meals and palps..one of the docs mentioned gastroparentisis  .which is caused by vagus damage ....hmmm...so I drastically changed eating lost fifteen pounds..stopped for awhile ..but they have returned mildly starting with eye twitching...then I know I am out of alignment..since starting to use inversion table it does help usually to realign me and subsides symptoms..but If any heavy lifting to much computer gets me out of  alignment wham they start up again..I believe my vagus nerve is being irritated in neck area ..by the way it has also affected my pulse rate  I go into tach symtoms (symptoms) the doc has started me on atenenol.....I hate this ..she also checked me for an abdominal dissection in aorta ..normal..because of my pulsing stomach ...so many dang symptoms...when I go back to see her I am gonna ask if this could be a pinched nerve in my neck..oh yeah I forgot another symptom right ear hearing loss or muffling when I turn my head not continuous ..thanks for letting me ramble and vent :}

[kimmie3840]

About six weeks ago I had a stomach virus and started having crazy symptoms. I felt like I was going to pass out (never did) and my heart races, sometimes stomach pain but usually that "butterflies in the stomach" sensation. I also felt like I couldn't regulate my body temp, hot/cold, chills/sweating. The I suffer from depression and anxiety so the dr. added another pill to my regime to get me out of the "loop of anxiety". I started feeling better after a week. Then last last week I started feeling strange and my symptoms are coming back. I want to lay down but I start feeling like I can't breath. My family thinks I'm crazy and that it's all in my head. I had my gallbladder out about 1 1/2 yrs ago. I looked up some information about problems after gallbladder removal and my symptoms look like biliaty reflux. That is how I found this site. I think my stomach inflamation (inflammation) has my vagal nerve messed up. This is effecting every aspect of my life. I don't know how much more of this I can handle!!!

[P3bbl3s]

Hi fellow sufferers, I too have a lot of these symptoms, and have had all the tests to check my heart and all is ok. Thats really great, but doctors don't do anything beyond that about heart palpatations if they aren't life threatening. They are still very unpleasant and can make your life a misery. They don't look further into what may be the cause so you can prevent them. I took things into my own hands and started researching evrything I could find on the subject on the net. One thing amazed me, and thats how many of us are out there suffering. I found the causes are anything from menopause to food intolerances to food additive intolerances to anxiety and now all this with GERD and hernias and the Vegus nerve. Finding this sight is a blessing, I love reading your stories. It is comforting to know you are not alone and you are not going crazy, even though I wish you all well and for these things to leave us alone forever. I can tell you one thing, I have been seeing a Chiro for 3 years now, I see him once a month, more to take care of my back because of the work I do. But it does help with the palpatations and other things too. Chiropractics is an amazing thing, its not just about fixing a sore back it is a complex healing science. I wouldn't be without it. Thank God for the internet and sights like this one. I am tired of doctors saying "don't look things up on the net, its all rubbish", What do they expect when they won't help . Maybe thats what we are meant to be doing, learning to heal ourselves. Listen to our bodies and what its trying to tell us. Maybe Eastern medicine is the way to go. Has any-one had any experience with this? Good luck and EXCELLENT health to us ALL.
Deborah

[pamember]

I believe my vagus nerve was damaged while seeing a chiropractor.  I have acid reflux, trouble breathing and swallowing, a numb tongue and a full feeling when I eat.  I DID NOT have any of these issues before going to the chiropractor.  What can be done to help fix a vagus nerve?  Is there a test than can be done to see if that is really the problem?  

I have had an endoscopy and chest x-ray which have turned out fine. I have gone to another chiropractor and it has helped a little.  I am nervous though that something will happen and make it worse.

[penny_aus]

I've got the same symptoms too like...heart palpitations, upset stomach, chest & throat pressure. I have a gassy drink when I get the palpitations which helps a lot..also I have difficulty in burping, so I live on gassy drinks everyday to relieve the pressure. the vagus nerve is easily irriitated by stomach ulcers which leads to heart palpitations

[footylad]

Halleluiah! After reading this thread I feel as though I've had a Eureka moment.

Can I ask how to broach this subject with my GP?

[LindaTX]

I got to the point of thinking that the endoscopy i had gotten years ago caused my Vagus Nerve to be irritated.  i started getting palpitations right after that which let to episodes of a-fib.  Do you think there could be any connection?  My acid reflux has been greatly alleviated by Omeprazole.

[chevy66]

I am new here and believe I have finally found some answers. I get 3 or 4 episodes a year starting about 10 years ago. Starts as slight pressure in upper abdomen and sort of takes my breath away coming up my throat. Heart starts to race and irregular, about 160 bpm.  Can last 3 to 4 hours - really unerving. Had all the tests, ekg, echo, stress, upper gi barium, all ok. What can be done? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Do think alchohol may bring this on as well as certain foods.

[chevy66]

Has anybody tried braggs organic apple cider vinegar? My mom swears by it.

[rrrobino]

I have been following your entries on several forums, starting in 2007.  It started when I put in keywords "arrhythmias caused by vagus nerve" and found you on Asktheneurologist.com.  I think my boyfriend has matching symptoms to yours and I am wondering how you have been progressing.  It is Oct 2011 so hopefully you have prevailed in finding a solution or at least ways to mitigate the arrhythmias.  Please update.  Thanks RobinD

[bird469]

I have all the same stuff. What an initial relief it was to find so many people with similar pains and at the same time I feel horrible for everyone.

I almost don't know where to start. I am a very happy go lucky person. It all started a little over a year ago in July. Extreme stomach pain that was abnormal for me. I just kind of went with it. But then I started to have heart palpitations that had me gasping for breath that also hurt.

So after an episode I made an appointment with my dr. (not working I found a college that offers free insurance to people who don't make much)
Four months earlier I was fired from my job and my grandpa had passed earlier that month. She told me I was stressed and had anxiety. I told her I wasn’t stressed anymore than normal and that I have had some anxiety in the past and that wasn't anxiety.

I also told her about some other symptoms. I feel like my blood pressure goes through the roof and get a light headed feeling. That I'm starting to wonder if it's the electric synods or whatever people have posted. which would make sense because I've always been sensitive to electric things ( mostly they just make me irritable) I also told her my ears had been ringing a high pitch noise and sometimes I lose my hearing in my right ear.  That I have muscle spasms all over and sharp pains that come and go throughout the day. Also tingling. I’m usually really cold but sometimes I get really hot too. The stomach pain usually in my upper stomach that I had never had before. And then there is my eyesight hasn't been as clear with more floaters than normal and also my eyes have been dry which has never been an issue before.

The symptoms continue to get worse. The pains now last all day. I have yet to mention the heart palps. Which have recorded on the heart monitors. Nothing on the EKG’s. The gastro dr says I IBS. Which I find as BS.

I currently don't have insurance and am trying to get back on....it is a process.

I also want to mention that I am a female now 29 started when I was 28. With no heath issues ever. Usually I'm between 115 and 120 pounds. This last year I all of a sudden grew to a whopping 133 and have not been able to lose a pound with exercise and changing my diet.
Usually I poop every other day and it has been that way all my life. And has never bothered me. Now I have troubles going every four days and I die of pain the day my body decides to release.

I have had them test my thyroid and for diabetes. I am going to have them test my T3 and T4 to make sure it's not my thyroid. Because I have a really low pituitary gland which could mean it’s damaged and wouldn't show signs of thyroid issues and Graves ’ disease runs in my family. Also rheumatoid arthritis does too. I want that one tested I thought it would explain all the pain I feel all the time.

But I’m writing here because lately the chest pains won't go away. I have a constant ache in my chest that stays after the palpitations stop. My chest just feels weak and tense. I can feel it coming on. A slight release of some stomach acid up my esophagus and then a slight heart palp. And if I don't calmly breathe and rub my throat it will be a full blown episode.
And I can forget about bending over cause that brings it on.
So I like the thought of the vegus nerve because that is the closest think that explains it all so far.
I was at my best friend’s wedding and had to leave because they wouldn't go away. This is ruining my life and no one will help me.

My family thinks it's all in my head and that I’m letting it control my life.
So here is what the plan is....

I’m one year into my dietetics degree that I am hoping I will learn everything I need to get rid of this forever!!

But till then I have started taking 1000 mg of MSM. Which is water soluble and is suppose to be a natural laxative and help relieve muscle spasms
Also a multi vita (I don't care to take folic acid but am getting desperate.) every day
These two I have been taking for a month. I have had minor relief of the muscle spasms but not much of the pooping yet.

I also forgot to mention that I was a smoker for a few years and have been quit for a year now. I also like beer and usually have a few during the week, but have not been able because one sip brings on a palp. Also was an avid coffee drinker all my life with a cup to a whole pot a day....and I almost cry every morning because I can't drink it. I feel the cup tense up my whole body.

I am going to start taking yoga classes. And work on whatever it was someone mentioned to be able to relax the muscles around the vegus nerve and to help relieve stress.
I have always been sensitive to dairy so I am going to completely cut it out. I have been tested for celiac and came up negative. but this last month of constant palps with stomach bloating I have ate only fruit and veggies fresh!
and have lost 8 pounds. Has to say something for the gluten right? So I am going to cut out gluten.

My grandmother has diverticulitis but the doc says that I don't??  All my aunts have diabetes 2 and have never been over weight. (There are 4 of them) they all have stomach issues but not as bad as mine. One of them has cut out gluten and says she feels better than she ever has in her life.
So
Vitamins: multi and MSM
Adding fish oils omegas three.

Can’t eat dairy so I’m going to find probiotics in pills and take those.

No gluten.
Yoga

I’m also thinking of trying coconut water and apple cider vinegar.... because like I said at this point I am desperate!

I don't drink soda either but lately have been drinking ginger ale to help me burp.

I forgot to mention that too.. I started burping last year...I neverburb ever!! I told the doctor it was odd, that it was happening all the time that my family and boyfriend think i'm disgusting, but I can't help it. So weird.
But the last few weeks it's like I don't burp enough and the ginger ale helps.
I feel for all of you. I hope we figure this out! I will repost in a month to inform how my trial goes and the soon to be dr visit I hope!

[bird469]

I have all the same stuff. What an initial relief it was to find so many people with similar pains and at the same time I feel horrible for everyone.

I almost don't know where to start. I am a very happy go lucky person. It all started a little over a year ago in July. Extreme stomach pain that was abnormal for me. I just kind of went with it. But then I started to have heart palpitations that had me gasping for breath that also hurt.

So after an episode I made an appointment with my dr. (not working I found a college that offers free insurance to people who don't make much)
Four months earlier I was fired from my job and my grandpa had passed earlier that month. She told me I was stressed and had anxiety. I told her I wasn’t stressed anymore than normal and that I have had some anxiety in the past and that wasn't anxiety.

I also told her about some other symptoms. I feel like my blood pressure goes through the roof and get a light headed feeling. That I'm starting to wonder if it's the electric synods or whatever people have posted. which would make sense because I've always been sensitive to electric things ( mostly they just make me irritable) I also told her my ears had been ringing a high pitch noise and sometimes I lose my hearing in my right ear.  That I have muscle spasms all over and sharp pains that come and go throughout the day. Also tingling. I’m usually really cold but sometimes I get really hot too. The stomach pain usually in my upper stomach that I had never had before. And then there is my eyesight hasn't been as clear with more floaters than normal and also my eyes have been dry which has never been an issue before.

The symptoms continue to get worse. The pains now last all day. I have yet to mention the heart palps. Which have recorded on the heart monitors. Nothing on the EKG’s. The gastro dr says I IBS. Which I find as BS.

I currently don't have insurance and am trying to get back on....it is a process.

I also want to mention that I am a female now 29 started when I was 28. With no heath issues ever. Usually I'm between 115 and 120 pounds. This last year I all of a sudden grew to a whopping 133 and have not been able to lose a pound with exercise and changing my diet.
Usually I poop every other day and it has been that way all my life. And has never bothered me. Now I have troubles going every four days and I die of pain the day my body decides to release.

I have had them test my thyroid and for diabetes. I am going to have them test my T3 and T4 to make sure it's not my thyroid. Because I have a really low pituitary gland which could mean it’s damaged and wouldn't show signs of thyroid issues and Graves ’ disease runs in my family. Also rheumatoid arthritis does too. I want that one tested I thought it would explain all the pain I feel all the time.

But I’m writing here because lately the chest pains won't go away. I have a constant ache in my chest that stays after the palpitations stop. My chest just feels weak and tense. I can feel it coming on. A slight release of some stomach acid up my esophagus and then a slight heart palp. And if I don't calmly breathe and rub my throat it will be a full blown episode.
And I can forget about bending over cause that brings it on.
So I like the thought of the vegus nerve because that is the closest think that explains it all so far.
I was at my best friend’s wedding and had to leave because they wouldn't go away. This is ruining my life and no one will help me.

My family thinks it's all in my head and that I’m letting it control my life.
So here is what the plan is....

I’m one year into my dietetics degree that I am hoping I will learn everything I need to get rid of this forever!!

But till then I have started taking 1000 mg of MSM. Which is water soluble and is suppose to be a natural laxative and help relieve muscle spasms
Also a multi vita (I don't care to take folic acid but am getting desperate.) every day
These two I have been taking for a month. I have had minor relief of the muscle spasms but not much of the pooping yet.

I also forgot to mention that I was a smoker for a few years and have been quit for a year now. I also like beer and usually have a few during the week, but have not been able because one sip brings on a palp. Also was an avid coffee drinker all my life with a cup to a whole pot a day....and I almost cry every morning because I can't drink it. I feel the cup tense up my whole body.

I am going to start taking yoga classes. And work on whatever it was someone mentioned to be able to relax the muscles around the vegus nerve and to help relieve stress.
I have always been sensitive to dairy so I am going to completely cut it out. I have been tested for celiac and came up negative. but this last month of constant palps with stomach bloating I have ate only fruit and veggies fresh!
and have lost 8 pounds. Has to say something for the gluten right? So I am going to cut out gluten.

My grandmother has diverticulitis but the doc says that I don't??  All my aunts have diabetes 2 and have never been over weight. (There are 4 of them) they all have stomach issues but not as bad as mine. One of them has cut out gluten and says she feels better than she ever has in her life.
So
Vitamins: multi and MSM
Adding fish oils omegas three.

Can’t eat dairy so I’m going to find probiotics in pills and take those.

No gluten.
Yoga

I’m also thinking of trying coconut water and apple cider vinegar.... because like I said at this point I am desperate!

I don't drink soda either but lately have been drinking ginger ale to help me burp.

I forgot to mention that too.. I started burping last year...I neverburb ever!! I told the doctor it was odd, that it was happening all the time that my family and boyfriend think i'm disgusting, but I can't help it. So weird.
But the last few weeks it's like I don't burp enough and the ginger ale helps.
I feel for all of you. I hope we figure this out! I will repost in a month to inform how my trial goes and the soon to be dr visit I hope!

[bb2]

I am so glad I found this site.  My first spasm I woke from a sound sleep at age 12, 3 AM and was rushed to the hospital.  Test were run for heart, gall bladder etc.  Pain in upper stomach (not abdomen!) was so severe I had trouble breathing.  Then nausea.  A shot of demerol and phenergan later and I was fine.  Now I have spasms any time I take narcotics.  I actually wear a medical bracelet that says the only narcotics I can take are demerol and Fentanyl.  Anyone else have this problem?  

[EEMW]

Tonight I was doing reseach on the vegus nerve and saw this blog and felt I should share my story incase it can help even one person go for so long in horrible pain.  Let me know if what worked for me helps you in any way.  One day in July 2009 I woke up in excruciating pain up the back of my neck up through my head, cheeks, ears, nose and behind my eyes. . Most Drs at first brushed me off and said I had allergies and kept giving me Flonase.  I was in excruiciating pain! I dropped Drs in a desperate attempt to find one who could diagnose me. After many primaries, who I kept dropping in a desperate attempt to find someone who could help me the final straw was the last uncaring primary I came across.  She told me to keep taking the Flonase, even after she could see I had been on it for 3 months and getting progressively worse. She said and I quote, "you have allergies so keep taking the Flonase for 2 more months..." I said pleading with her that I was in so much pain and it wasn't working, she replied, "Like I said, take the Flonase 2 more months, if the pain is not gone then frankly there is not much more we can do for you."  Terrifying for a patient to hear.   I knew something was really wrong with me. The Dr quickly shoke my hand and quickly left the room.  I knew I was in serious problems.  After 3 1/2 months I asked for an allergist. When the allergist saw me I was in a panick as i was having a real hard time coping with the pain throughout my head, ears and cheeks.  To make a very long two years short, I found out I have abosolutely no allergies after ooodles of tests he performed!  I had silent acid reflux he said or Larygopharyngeal reflux (LPR for short).  As the months went by I continued in excruiciating pain, Drs treated me first for a bacteria of the stomach. I continued to burn severely. Its now 5 months later and no relief. Then I got a GI scope. Everything looked fine and finally got into a ENT 5 1/2 months later. My clincal presentation was a severely red burnt throat that was burnt almost to a ulcer. Then many months of trying different PPIs. None worked for me. Not even Nexium at its highest dose.  It gave me pnuemonia (pneumonia) within 6 weeks of taking it.  So I was sent to have a fundoplication surgery 15 months from the onset of the horrible head pain. I came out of the fundoplication 10x worse!  I writhed in pain for 4 months.  The Drs thought it was a mental health issue.  They gave me psy drugs and pain pills.  I kept telling them it wasn't stress.  I told them over and over I was burning to death! I even went into the ER and the Dr had no idea what to do for me.  Through all of this I was taken back at how mean and uncaring Drs are if they can't help you with pills.  They just want you to go away and not bother them.  All I know as a patient was that I was 10x worse after the surgery with a searing throat.  I couldn't take the pain.  I spent many a day thinking that not waking up would be ok as I couldn't get through another day.  But I have a beautiful family I had to live for, so I hung on inspite of horrific searing throat pain.  Since I retired during that time it took 5 months for to get into a new GI, who grew angry with me ,during my exam with her.  I think she thought I was a psh patient but I was incorrectly diagnosed after surgery.  When the new GI examed my surgery sites and came up to my neck I winced in pain and she coldly asked me if that hurt when she touched the back and side of my neck.  I was in so much pain I could barely anwser.  Without any comforting words she walked over to the phone and placed a call to someone and said she wanted to have them exam me to "just be sure" before she referred me back to a primary. At this point I just can't believe these Drs refute all my previous history of LPR.  I'm just in disbelief how incompetant Drs are beginning to look to me.  A week later I walked into the new ENT and his exam showed that I was so burnt that he wanted to do a biopsy.  I told him I could barely eat.  I had been losing 1-2 lbs a day and I felt I had balls in my throat.The biopsy was done in Feb 2011 and came back no cancer but all my new Drs said there was not much more that could be done for me for a searing throat.  The only thing they could give me was Carafate.  I took it for a few months but only gave me a 15% improvement. I needed desperately to get off Carafate, as I was worried about aluminum in it.  I put myself on probiotics and my newest GI (I had the previous GI removed from my case as I did not want someone who was so cold taking care of a problem that there was no answer for.  I needed someone kind who at least showed some compassion for their patient.) said that it was ok and gave me a medical strength probiotic, which I improved on.  Not much but better than the Carafate.  I limped along being about 20% less pain but burning is still burning and very hard to get through each day.  I started in earnest doing my own research.  I read that there could be many reasons for LPR and diet changes help alot.  Since I read pepsin really pours into your stomach when you eat meat I eliminated it in April 2011.  I only eat seafood for my "meat" portion.  I had a significant improvedment.  More reading.  I asked for a Vit D test.  It came back low.  So I started Vit d3 drops.  Improvement right away!  I was starting to have my life back!  In Aug 2011 I went to see the head GI for the northern region of our state and he kept saying, "you  have to learn to live with the pain, there is nothing more we can do for you. You have sensations..."  That was it!  I couldn't take him saying I had sensations without explaining what that means.  So in desperation I told him that I read some articles that indicate it could be vegal nerve problem with LPR.  I asked him, "is it my vegal nerve causing the burning?"  He didn't want to answer but I forced the question and he replied tartly, "of course its the vegal nerve."  He told me it will take 10 more years for research to find out what it was that I had and that he did not believe in the diagnois of LPR.  He said they did not know what I had but I had to learn to live with the pain.  That is the first time a Dr confirmed something I had seen in my research.  I ran home and questioned the web in every way possible and one of the threads throughout the articles was that Omega 3 fish oils could repair nerve conditions.  I ran down and bought some Omega 3.  I continued not to eat any type of meat, no nitrates or citrates and all the usual things LPR patients shouldn't have.  I continued with  Vit D3 drops and added Omega 3.  I have had a incredible reduction in pain in my throat!  Last week I went in to see my ENT and he said my upper throat is still red.  Only 10% improvement since last April 2011.  But when he went down into my lower throat he was so surprised to see that the burnt spot he had biopsied was healed!  He was shocked.  He said "it looks real good, if I didn't know your history I wouldn't believe it."  It has been a dibiliating journey to get my quality of life back.  I thought I would wither away from not being able to eat for the last two years and I'm shocked that no Dr. ever recommended testing me for Vit D levels nor recommended something so simple as Omega 3.  Just had to share this.  I continue to do research to understand why Vit D and Omega 3 have improved my serious dibiliating condition.  Maybe there are other things I could be doing to get my upper throat healed.  Any ideas?  Have any of you experienced  something similar?

[ahart]

i too have all of the things everyone is talking about on here.
and also have one leg slightly shorter than the other and wear a lift in my shoe.

my bouts or episodes are also sporodic and it's unclear what the triggers are.  it is very frustrating !!

i am currently seeing neurologist, gi, cardio.
i'm set for a tilt table test next week.

its strange, my neuro said i should to avoid going to the chiropractor and having my neck cracked- which is funny because since i've been struggling with these bouts (since june 2011)  the only relief i can say i have gotten is from the chiro....

anyway- neurologist also said (i think accidentally) that my cardiologist is just going to diagnose me with chronic fatigue syndrome if the tilt table test is negative.  (cardio doc is apparently only looking for postural tachycardia to be ruled out...whatever....)

maybe  that's why they refer to doctors as "practicing".....???

so, i am like all of you- having these issues and symptoms and attacks and episodes that scare the wits out of you-trying to seek help and get answers from anyone, anywhere and everywhere but not really finding anything.

there's no consistency-no confirmed triggers-no significant relief for whatever this is that's happening- such a mystery.

i do feel very grateful for finding this site- it's given me the most significant peace of mind since this whole nightmare started for me.
thank you everyone on here !!

[ahart]

i too have all of the things everyone is talking about on here.
and also have one leg slightly shorter than the other and wear a lift in my shoe.

my bouts or episodes are also sporodic and it's unclear what the triggers are.  it is very frustrating !!

i am currently seeing neurologist, gi, cardio.
i'm set for a tilt table test next week.

its strange, my neuro said i should to avoid going to the chiropractor and having my neck cracked- which is funny because since i've been struggling with these bouts (since june 2011)  the only relief i can say i have gotten is from the chiro....

anyway- neurologist also said (i think accidentally) that my cardiologist is just going to diagnose me with chronic fatigue syndrome if the tilt table test is negative.  (cardio doc is apparently only looking for postural tachycardia to be ruled out...whatever....)

maybe  that's why they refer to doctors as "practicing".....???

so, i am like all of you- having these issues and symptoms and attacks and episodes that scare the wits out of you-trying to seek help and get answers from anyone, anywhere and everywhere but not really finding anything.

there's no consistency-no confirmed triggers-no significant relief for whatever this is that's happening- such a mystery.

i do feel very grateful for finding this site- it's given me the most significant peace of mind since this whole nightmare started for me.
thank you everyone on here !!

[chokeul8r]

Wow! This is amazing! You guys are reading my mail or something!!! I have been experiencing very similar symtoms (symptoms) for the past five years. It started with  sever anxiety attacks, rapid heart rate, rapid and shallow breathing, dizziness, feeling faint etc etc. All of it triggered by GERD. I have been to numerous doctors, have taken both anxiety meds and acid pump inhibitors with moderate levels of success (usually temporary). When I have an episode it will sometimes start with sharp pains in my fingers, arms and legs accompanied by numbness (tingling) in the same. Then pain radiating from my chest (used to scare the hell out of me and trigger anxiety attacks) and sever acid reflux. I have explained all of these symptoms to my doctors and many of them just give you the paternal brush off. You know what they say...thermometers have degrees to and you know what they do with them don't ya? Woke up at 3:00AM today with numbness in my limbs and pinching feeling under my left arm - along with a reflux of course. Been sitting upright long enough to read many of the posts on this site and I am already feeling a bit better. Jeeze...will it ever end?              

[ntti]

I read your response and I was a GI Nurse for 15 years, I have all the same symptoms. I was also put on tenormin long ago. An internist felt it was mitral valve dysautonomia. I have more symptoms lately and  I am on zegrid. I was love to know about the reseaerch you have done, and offer some help in finding answers and help.

[EarthHart]

I have not had a chance to read all the comments but a lot of the symptoms listed in the thread can be symptoms of Lyme disease. Has anyone here been tested for this?

[JMaio]

I have had the tingling in the left hand/left arm weekness, headaches and it was determined to be slight herniation in my c5 c6 area with muscle spasms.  I have been going to PT for this.  
I also started getting feeling of indigestion, heart skipping, lump in throat, shortness of breath, dizzy, and sudden diarrhia.  Went to emerg room twice, ekg fine, chest xray fine, elevated blood pressure, pulse ok and they sent me home.
I'm wondering if the herniation in my back could be causing problems with the vagus nerve.

[ittybitty12]

hi my name is shaniya nd im 15 years old , i,ve been havinn the same symptoms its like my stomach is shocking me and i cant sleep , ughhhh !!! i just wont to get better.. can anyone help ??

[ce_smith]

I too have had most of the symptoms everyone has mentioned for the last ten years.  Had gallbladder removed, three heart caths, tons of tests. All pretty much normal. Also had a parathyroid tumor removed about five years ago. Tried all natural meds, ect. Then two and half years ago I had a cat scan of my upper neck for a growth on my jaw. The ENT said it was ok, but I needed to address the growth on my spine. Turns out I had a bone growth on my vertirbrae that was compressing my spinal cord about 50%. So I had surgery (ACDF). The neurosurgeon went in thru the front of my neck on the right  of my esophagus. In recovery my heart rate dropped into the low 30's which was strange. I now know it had something to do with my vagus nerve.  For the first month I was on steriods and pain meds. After the swelling went down and I got off the steriods, ALL of my symptoms went away. I felt better than I had in years. No anticids, no constant upper stomach pain, no feeling of malise. After three months I went back for my final checkup with the neurosurgeon and was released to do anything I wanted to. So I started working in the yard, picking up things, ect. You guessed it, all my symptoms returned. That is when I started looking for answers and discovered the vagus nerve irritation info.  

So  I think what  happened is the neurosurgeon shifted my vagus nerve  where it was not getting irritated or over stimulated. Then when I started doing the physical labor the vagus nerve shifted back and all my symptoms returned.  So it makes sense that a chiropractor might be able to help. I will definitively give it a try.

I ran this theory by my new doctor and he agreed! So he put me on nortriptiline (Pamalor) which is an antidepressant. He said that the vagus nerve secretes triptiline and nortriptiline counter acts it. It seems to help, but I have had to increase the dosage lately to be effective. I still have episodes but the daily upper stomach pain is not as bad. I think I might need to quit coffee and alcohol to see more improvement .

I hope this might help some of you that are suffering as I have.

[jms2012]

I was diagnosed by a nurse at my local surgery in Feb 2010 as having Emphezima after having a rather inferior spirometer test, it has gone on and on, i changed surgeries, and after various visits, same thing, COPD etc. I used to go to a chiropractor, and am after reading all this will be visiting again, i think all my problems are Vagus nerve related, undoubtedly i have had more problems since going though the change, i am 60 and female, seem to have developed alergies (allergies) i had bad ezema on my hand also Feb 2010, that cleared up and completely disappeared after about  10 months, i have never had it before and nothing since,my problem at this moment in time is breathing related, i have been using tiotropium and seritide 500 for 8 months, this led me to this site, wish me luck at the chiroprator, and happy christmas all

[SillyFish]

Hi,

I had something similar happen to me after having what seemed to be a panic attack.  I was having adrenaline rushes, that felt like they came from the stomach to my head.  Or it would be like the nervous butterfly feeling that would hit my stomach really quick. Anyway, it would happend as soon as I tried to close my eyes, and it would wake me up and keep me up all night. I think my body was stuck in some sort of fight/flight mode. One thing you could try is deep breathing from your nose. Close one nostrile, and breath deep through the other, then let it out slowly, and repeat a couple of times. Then try the other side. This helped me when I had butterfiles/adrenaline type hits to my stomach. I was able to sleep pretty good that night. I had also taken a warm bath with epson salt and some lavender essential oil to help relax.  Not sure if what you are experiencing is the same thing or not... Do you have anxiety or any stress in your life right now?

[EFHerne]

Please--look into Parasite Infections....tapeworm and NEOSPORA!  Yes, this is the same WORM that neosporin treats the infection of.  They don't advertise that on the box though.

GMO Corn-fed cows have massive amounts of Protozoa/Neospora worms.  So don't GMO vege's and fruit as they are LACKING ENZYMES TO FIGHT THEM!  Yeast infections is the first sign of worms.  Theobald Smith figured this out in 1880's and went to work for the USGov shortly thereafter.  He was recruited by the Rockefeller institute and his work was NEVER made public.  

From the Merck Veterinary Manual--"Grain overload(in Cattle) is an acute disease of ruminants that is characterized by indigestion, rumen stasis, dehydration, ACIDOSIS(aka life-threatening REFLUX), toxemia, incoordination, collapse, and frequently death...most common in cattle that gain access to large quantities of readily digestible carbohydrates, particularly grain....Ingestion of toxic amounts of highly fermentable carbohydrates is followed within 2-6 hr by a change in the microbial population in the rumen. The number of gram-positive bacteria ( Streptococcus bovis ) increases markedly, which results in the production of large quantities of lactic acid."

Back then farmers knew to NEVER feed too much grain to cows--as they ALWAYS GET YEAST INFECTIONS...aka Tartaric Acid is lethal to them.  If not caught in time they will suffer badly with severe ACIDOSIS and most DIE from it before reaching two years of age.  High yeast caused the cows to spontaneously abort their fetus as well--anybody got fertility issues?  This is why.  

If that isn't bad enough--from Theobald Smith's work came other Doctors with the SAME FINDINGS--->CANCER STARTS WITH BACTERIA FROM YEAST OVERGROWTH that affects Neo-plastins(Burzynski Cancer Institute treats cancer w/anti-neoplastins).  So to clear this up--our human flesh or "meat" is no different than animal meat....we all get worms.  But we have to keep them in check by eating ORGANIC VEGETABLES containing the proper enzymes & minerals from good soil deposits.  Good vege's gives us the 'good acids' like hydrochloric acid that breaks down all that BAD ACID like yeast overgrowth.  Antiacids not only kill bad acid, but kill the good too---also killing YOUR ABILITY TO DIGEST PROPERLY on your own.  Eventually, your tummy's lining will give way.  And with Monsanto DESTROYING all the soil, and injecting vege's with mutated DNA to remove these enzymes, then forcing Cows to be fed GMO corn ONLY--you are guaranteed to get MASSIVE worms.  Google "symptoms of parasite infection in humans"---ALL THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS FROM EVERYONE ARE ON IT!

Excess Parasites--Neospora/Protozoa's--cause your body to overproduce Yeast(tartaric acid)--the acid eats through the worms, but they learn to fight it.  Your stomach WON'T.  You'll RUN for anti-acids--but they'll destroy the GOOD ACID leaving you with nothing to digest--say bye-bye to digestive absorption!  Eventually, H-Pylori sets in, you'll gain or lose weight, your teeth & gums will slowly ROT, you hair will fall out--and you'll acquire any number of infections along with other cancer causing bacteria.(Look up Dr. Virginia Livingston--she's been curing cancer for DECADES)  

This is all tied together and if we don't do something we'll all be dead SOON!

[EEMW]

I've had severe LPR (sometimes called "silent acid reflux" or burning throat) from Jul 2009-Aug 2011.  I was prescribed strong PPIs...didn't help me one bit.  Had a funodoplication surgery and came out 10x worse.  Suffered horrific throat pain throughout the back of my neck up through my head, ears, cheeks, and throat.  My throat looked burned to a crisp.  All my Drs said last Aug 2011 there was nothing more they could do for me.  I had to live with horrific throat pain for the rest of my life.  Lucky I had been reseraching all that time and really understood the logistics and cause of my problem.  I came home that day, all alone, with no Dr to help me and decided to help myself.  I went on line and knowing that my main problem was the LES/UES wasn't working and that they are small muscles of the esphogus, I entered a question into the web asked, "what strengthens muscles"  and got a few articles that mentioned Vitamin D.  I decided immediately not to waste one more moment and I studied what was the best Vit D to take.  I asked for a lab test on my vitamin D level and it came back low.  I research Vit D levels and put myself on my own treatment plan.  I took Vit D and I slowly but steadily improved.  I continue to improve 7 months later.  I also took a good fish oil that was free of toxins as I read that it could also be a damaged vegal nerve.  I'm so grateful I took my devasting health issue into my own hands and became my own Dr.  I would recommend that if you have a gastro (or any other health problem) issue that you run, don't walk, to get a Vit D lab test done.  If it's not a score of 65 get it there and keep it there.  And sit in the sun every day for at least 10-20 minutes.  Have your family and friends get checked.  It will be the best gift you ever give them.

[doli10]

this is absolutley great!  I was convinced it was not panic attacks but rather pressure on vegas nerve cause from perhaps compression from hiatus hernia?  Thank you so much for your comments, - i feel so totally excited!  I have had to find my own way around this as drs. just say panic attacks and that is it!  They dont "hear" one!!

[EFHerme]

If you read my above post and EDUCATE YOURSELF MORE...you'll find out that the vitamins that parasites destroy are A, B(12 especially), C, D, E.  Replacing vitamins WILL NOT CURE PARASITES.  It will only make you better for the short run, but if you're dragging in a couple months when your body(and the worms) adjust....you'll know why.  Also, Pro-Biotics are mandatory with parasites infections.  Anti-biotics will make you worse as they destroy the lining of your stomach and create more yeast(parasite fodder).

Also, worms in tissues compress Vagus Nerve around the neck and shoulders.  This, coincidentally, is also where the worms infest cattle.  Causing severe pain and headaches as well.

EFHerne

[GreenMe]

I have been to the ER many times sure that I was having  heart attack!  Every time they have not found anything wrong with my heart, but thats where  my mind thinks it is coming from.  The Pain RADIATES down my left arm...heart attack typical symptom, RADIATES into my jaw, left side...typical heart attack symptoms...I have had Stress tests twice on the treadmill with Pulmonary folks on stand by, I have had EKGs, Blood Tests all with no issues leading the Docs to give me some anti anxiety drug and send me on my way.  I have had Panic Attacks and know the differences, the pain is real and not imagined.  I have had an upper GI where a hernia was found they considered it small and deemed it as "not likely to cause problems."  I have even (perhaps foolishly) exerted myself beyond my normal exercise just to see if it would get worse, really raising my heart rate quickly inducing fatigue and really trying to cause a real medical issue cause I am fed up with the anxiety thing.  Thank God nothing has ever happened, but a rational 39 year old man trying to get his heart to have a problem just so he can get an answer is not being rational at all.  As I have read so  many times today, it is refreshing seeing at the other folks have the same symptoms and the same concerns without receiving much help from the medical community.  I have to wonder why I can run a successful business, deal with some extremely stressful situations and be able to handle ANY issue between a number of different personalities  bending those situations to my exact desire for the outcome but I cant seem to "nail" down a DOC., and do what I do in my daily business life, make them produce results or find someone who can.  We have to be our own health advocates, but it is difficult even if you do find a sympathetic ear in the medical community when they tell you what it isn't but offer little help to the process of finding what it is.  I want someone to tell me they "[I] haven't the foggiest idea, I have some potentials and will do what ever it takes to get to the bottom of your problem.  We will work together and get you results and answers and solutions where and if there are any." Thanks for the Ear, God Bless and keep fighting to find the one who can help.

[SherryAR]

I have recently discovered the cause to all my recent problems! 25 pound weight loss in 6 months, ice cream headache turned seizure, postural hypotension, etc.Vagus nerve damage! I went to the doctor for severe dizziness and they told me it was low blood pressure due to DEHYDRATION. I drank all the water in the world, ate better. NOTHING worked. Then I did research. Lots of research. Pinched nerve theory came about. And I can definitely remember several times I've gotten a pinch in my head or neck when I turned it too quickly during a stressful moment. I felt my head and neck for knots, and sure enough, found something on the left side of my head, which I believe is either a lose/sore muscle or nerve connected to the vagus nerve. Then I started stretching, and got a massage. The difference was amazing! No more dizzy spells, I feel the blood flowing thru me again! I don't have to live in as much fear anymore. Chiropractor on Friday. Thanks to everyone on this board for making me believe I'm not crazy and this is real and the reason. I mean, obviously it is. I don't need no doctor to tell me that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[EEMW]

Thank you EFHerme.  I sincerely appreciate your efforts and taking the time to write.  Yes, it occured to me to have myself tested for that possiblity last summer.  My tests show no parasites.  But I thank you, as every possiblity should be checked.

[didgens]

I just want to let you all know .. the big M word has alot to do with all of this .. yep ... MENOPAUSE

[rockytopgirl77]

I started having problems right before i got pregnant, they said it was my gullbladder (gallbladder). My whole pregnancy i had what i called "Gullbladder (gallbladder) Attacks" when my daughter was 6 weeks old they removed my gullbladder (gallbladder) but i still have these attacks where i almost faint with a pain in my right side by my lungs i turn pale white and have cold sweats and i drop wherevever i am and almost faint..I just recently had an umbilical hernia repaired with mesh and tried eplaining to the surgeon my symptoms but he basically made fun of me an said he would set me up with a neurologist...Yea like it's in my head are they kidding! My husband has witnessed these attacks and had to lay me on the bathroom floor at 6 months pregnant, and the day before my hernia surgery i had to be rushed to the hositatal in ambulance while my  19 month old stayed with her 84 yr old great grandmother till her dad could get home i would never fake that! but by the time i got to the hospital i was fine so they treat me like nothing is wrong..these attacks happen then they just disapear like nothing happened and they have me on prilosec and bloodpressure medicine but now i see it could be this vagal thing...Thanks for showing me im not crazy but now i have to convince the doctors:)

[Canebaby]

I just started this. I have been under a lot of stress lately. Son is having a baby, etc. yesterday I got a big skipped heartbeat and  felt it in my throat then I got lightheaded. So glad to find this Place.

[laura120]

I KNEW it!!  I've been experiencing this for years. I have a lot of gas after eating, especially on the first meal of the day, and I always knew that when I wasn't taking my Prilosec OTC that I would experience it.   I had very strong feelings that it was due to the nerve that runs down from your brain all the way through the intestines...I, too, think Prilosec is the best heartburn medication I've ever taken...a little pricey but soooo well worth it...thank you, abbymae, for your well-spent money!

Laura

[Ongoth2012]

I too, had an umbilical hernia repaired with mesh. Not sure if that messed up my nerve or I am allergic to the mesh but I have been miserable for 31/2 years. Did all the dianostics, suspected Small intestine bacterial overgrowth. Have GERD, small haitel hernia and gastrparesis. Didn't have any issues before the surgery. For me it's burning stomach and horrible bloating.  Sit at a desk at work all day and press on my stomach. Sleeping with a hot water bottle helps, can only lie on my left side. Last thing the gastro doc said to after the "really clean and great looking CAT scan" and his diagnosis of gastroparesis was - "you might feel like your dying but your not".
Am glad to find this sight as I will try chiro and some of the other suggestions

[marisol78]

I agree so who starts this questionarre(misspelled)? you can email me at ***@****. If anyone wants to talk,your not alone.Im tired of being the only one i know with this kind of problem.

[Cindyhealth]

For YEARS been telling different doctors off and on that I cannot take a short nap without my stomach twisting PAINFULLY and bloating when I get up (I do not nap anymore...).  Had to lie back down and push my guts around and wait for gas to pass.  Doctors acted like it was anxiety.  If only.
  Now when I am sitting slouching it feels like it's affecting my heart rhythm.  Doctor thinks it may be hiatal hernia and we'll do CAT scan.  Glad to hear it may not be heart problem at all.
   Not nice when doctors act like you're crazy.....

[granny49171]

hi since you are a nurse id like to ask you aquestion. I have been havng what feels like eart palpatatiions really bad. But it also feels like my stomach is jekng at the me time. Heart monitor says i am fine so now im thinking vagus nerve. What do you think? Lisa

[compact7470697]

I have similar symptoms to yours. I have been diagnosed with candida. worth checking out. google candida spit test. good luck pete

[metoo2023]

Just wanted to suggest that you try walking around with one shoe on for a while in your house. I also have the left side pain from the shoulder to the groin. I figured one side was shorter than the other and when pain is intense I would try this and also sit with a small pillow on the short side. It seems to help the pain. I also have the rapid heartbeat that comes on out of nowhere and make me want to rush to the er but they don't do anything. I also have had test and a event moniter and told my heart is fine. But I don't want to live like this, never knowing what will bring it on. I am glad
I found this forum.

[velinka]

I had same problems for a year but doctors just tell you it is a panic attack which is totally wrong!!! then why is it that when is not happening you live a normal life??? it all starts when I have a gas stucked in my throat I eat or I have a bowel movement I eneded up at the ER in many times for last year and since they are totally unaware of this condition they tell you you just had a crisis of anxiety WRONG!!!!! this is real and it happens to a lot of people how incredible there is not a doctor capable to treat this condition so these are some tips
Try to relax as much as you can do not strain or force or can get worse dring cold water before a bowel movement and after lay down in your tummy even dough you have a bad taquicardia have a cold carbonated soda next to you and drink it slowly while you lay on your tummy  ibuprofen before or right after so it will alleviate inflamation (inflammation) the sensation of pressure will be less put a very cold patch on your chest I grab the icecream pint and put it on my chest this alleviates and slows you down from panic just a little!!! but little  by littel you will slow down you can go to the er but you know they will not have a solution there, find a chiropractor ask your husband to massage the muscles from the left side of your spine that are very close to your spine and ask him/her to massage them strongly and towards the spine this will help you have a less traumatic vowel movement the next day.
I also have hiatal hernia and a lot of pain in neck and middle back when my husband began to massage my back I trully felt some muscles moving and my stomach also moved so they are all connected!!! go gluten free take claritine everynow and then it  helps a lot!!! have water when you wake up buy coconut water dust and believe me this condition dehidrates you a lot even dough doctors don't believe it the more water the better bowel movement will be next day the ginger tea helps for inflamation (inflammation) in such a way find a good quiropractor that understand vagus nerve and digestive issues a nucca doctor can be the best for sure but expensive I also lost around30 pound after a year with this condition and never gain weight I hope we find a correct health professional to hel us with this in the meantime laying on your tummy can help you have a milder taquicardia or stopp it soon we are not alone remember the best Doctor has been always Jesus Christ

[vhjfc]

Jesus was a carpenter... might be wise to put your faith in someone with a little more education, lets say, a dokter ;)

[DAV_Ron]

Do you have a history of severe whiplash? Maybe years ago?

I have many of the same symptoms and a history of a severe whiplash incident 40 years ago. My hypothesis is the whiplash caused a stretch injury in my brainstem near where the vagus nerve attaches.

[HealthSleuth]

I've had exactly the same experiences. It has something to do with the cranial nerves which all go through our neck. The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve. I think it has something to do with subluxations in the cervical area or thoracic areas that are pressing on the vagus nerve. That is why some people who go to chiropractors are getting relief. I may finally go back to one even though I'm afraid of getting my neck "cracked", if you know what I'm talking about.

[TERRY555]

hi i also suffer when my bowels move and open , lung are clear before ,but wheeze and crackle when bowels move ,the sputum then starts to leave me with every cough , i receive a repair to a hiatus hernia in 2009 but this has happened ever since , every doc reckons it is the vagus nerve but the surgeon who did the opp is denying  it , but the NHS has done nothing to help , my GP wants e to go private but with no money how can I .

[mo457]

When my atlas goes out my symptoms are cascading flushing throughout my body and anxiety which lasts about 45 seconds at a time . After the atlas is adjusted it takes about 3 days to come off the tension the episodes caused in my body. Very debilitating. Anyone have similar symptoms?

[manderz82]

I am currently dealing with these same symptoms. Was wondering how you guys are doing now after dealing with it as long as you all have and if you ever got answers.

[era3999]

My symptoms are almost identical.... Wow! Its amazing that I have been suffering with this for too long without knowing whats going on. Some times of the year are worse and some are better.

[avilabeachbum]

I had ulcer surgery some 30 years ago, and the surgeon cut my vegus nerve. I was left with a dumping syndrome that occurs when I drink anything too soon before or after eating. I also have suffered from irritable bowel for so long I can't remember whether or not that started before or after the vegotomy. At any rate, I now have suspicions that my heart palpitations and stomach spasms might be related to that vegotomy. My daughter, who is a medical doctor, told me that the researchers are looking at the vegus nerve and the heart. However, one thing points in another direction in my family. My grandmother's heart raced and jumped all of her life (and she lived to 100). So, how much is genetic and how much is due to the vegotomy? At any rate, I will remind my doctor about my vegotomy and let him research it. I actually think he might.

[hector321]

Hi Linda, I am in a-fib as i type this. This is my fourth episode and third in just over a year. They did not keep me in hospital this time so its a bit scary at home. Must lkook into this vagus nerve. It definately makrs sense. . Thanks for your help and hope you have good health. God bless, Trevor

[WittsEnd1958]

Hello,i am a 54 yr.old Female.On July 30,2012 I had a complete Thyroid removal in which it left my Vocal cords paralized for 2 months and the Dr. severed my Vagus nerve in my neck. I couldn't speak of almost two months.Now one vacal cord is working,i get choked all the time for no reason,can breath, headache,neck pain,sometime i think i am going criplled ,can hardly walk,have blood clots in one leg phagized (Miss spelled)in the other leg . Have a Hernia in my stomach,already had heart problems and now have MORE..Have dirreah and Const. never now what i am going to get!!Have Deppre. all i want to do is sleep....THIS is NOT ME,i always thought it was a sin to sleep in the day.you sleep when your gone !!LOL.I am at my wits end,this is the hardest thing i have ever been through!!don't know which way to turn..some one HELP!!thank you!!!

[lily7777]

Botox injections given cosmetically or for medical reasons can cause damage to the vagus nerve and all of the symptoms you are describing.  If you have had botox in the last 2-3 years, suspect it as the cause of your symptoms.  Go to botoxsupportcommunity ******* for more info.

[AllanV]

Reading these comments in this forum means I'm not going nuts. Got all the same symptoms but I noticed elsewhere that another guy with the same symptoms was on the same medication, beta blocker, Cardicor - asprin - Ramipril - Omacor - Simvistatin. Anybody else in the boat. Al

[Phil_DW]

Hi Allen. Did you call me? I'm on these meds and I have these symptoms. I realized a long time ago that my bumpy afib  was related to my hiatus and reflux, although not all the time. It's another trigger, sure, but not entirely. But try telling that to the docs. Also the meds trigger indigestion and reflux at times. It'd all a viscious circle and delicate balancing act. Glad I found this thread, people. Sorry you all got these probs, but good to share.

[adrummersmom]

I know its almost four years later, but how are your sypmtoms and have you done anything new? i too have mild regurgitation.

[dogandbutterfly]

Do any of the members here have a sensitivity to fluorescent lights?

[didgens]

Everyong finding this post should totally change their diet for 1 week.  Eat totally vegan for 1 week.  see if you see a difference.. i did in just 3 days. Also raw veggies seemed to hard on my tum, so most were cooked. avoid refulx veggies like onions (raw) and tomatoes.  beans can create to much acid to as they are high in carbs. brown rice,, no meat, no cheese no dairy .. just 1 week.  

[perilouskiki]

Hey ya Sarah 555 & all; First of all, Sarah, you are absolutely not alone, nor dead (hopefully-tho Zombie culture certainly seems to be expanding). IT IS VERY EASY TO FEEL ALONE @3:3O A.M. WHEN LAYING IN THE DARK & FEELING LIKE CRUD!! DON'T THINK THESE WEIRD YUCKS ARE ANXIETY ATTACKS-BUT THE HEART IRREGULARITIES, ETC., CAN MOST DEF CAUSE STRESS THEMSELVES! This reminds me of telling my doc abt my legs going bonkers at night & moving by themselves. I get this long stare, can totally pick up on the lack of empathy, then he suggests that "perhaps something else" is going on "in my life". Gee, waking up household by moaning & not sleeping most of night??-That's not enuf?? Scream!!! Its like--- if they don't have a drug out there for your complaint----well then, yr makin' it up for attention.  Then once the drug is out there-golly-here have some this for whatever ails you. Twinks!
When I was 12-hit puberty & got heartburn, & would end up involuntarily barfing anything that wouldn't digest...beef, canola oil, fried shrimp, anything spicy- which I adore-but- I actually sweat like jalapeno chilis out my skin-which would burn excruciatingly ya don't realize what an extensive organ shin is 'til its all on fire-Whaah!
Now when I get heartburn, my left arm burns in this odd line, hafta massage it like crazy or would go nuts.
In conclusion, I'm sorry that most of us are treated so disrespectfully by the medical 'profession'. I've actually been yelled at by a highly recommended (didn't even apologize after READING the chart)doctor---I finally went to an acupuncturist -he just happened to 'notice' I was hyper-thyriod & anaemic.
Anyway, would strongly recommend a well-trained naturopath/acupuncture specialist. Regards,

[sher861]

We have been searching for some answers and we came across this old article.My husband had surgery in  1983,86,91 the end result was a total gastrectomy with a roux y and a vagotomy.He lost55 ibs. after this but over the years has slowly gained back.He has had a lot of issues over the years ,one being decreased energy,depression etc,etc,ectJust wondering if you are still actively sharing any new information