GIRD

I've had some problems with my period regularity that my OB-Gyn is trying to regulate (over the last month).  In the last couple of weeks, my GIRD has returned with a vengenance.  They have changed my daily prilosec (20mg) to two protonics each day (40mg each).  It's getting better, but last week my heart started racing while I sleep, along with the pressure and arm weakness that has come with my GIRD in the past.  I went to the emergency room where they did a chest xray, EKG and CT Scan and indicated there was nothing wrong and that it was just anxiety.  i went back to my GP the next day and she prescribed adavan to take while I sleep and told me it would be a few days (up to 2 weeks) before this all got back under control.  They did put a heart monitor on me last week and i've submited that to the hospital for review.  I feel weak for most of the day (especially in the morning and evening) and really have no appetite.  They've run all blood tests they say they can run and everything is normal.  Have you ever heard of anything like this?   i'd just like a second opinion.  Thanks.

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Hello,
I am not sure what to say about the OB issue or GERD.  The standard work up for a rapid heart rate is a history/physical and EKG.  If everything looks normal, an echo is sometimes ordered to make sure there is a structurally normal heart, but this is not done in every case -- it depends on the history and physical.  The monitor is helpful if you have an event while you are on the monitor.

Your doctor is right the 9/10 cases like this the cause is anxiety or panic attacks. If the ativan works and things settle down, it might be worth trying an SSRI to help with the anxiety (like paxil, zoloft, effexor).  If it continues, it is important capture an event on monitor to determine what you think the cause is.  Situations like this sometimes go away on their own.  If they continue, it can take some time to figure out the cause.

I hope this helps.  Good luck and thanks for posting.

[anacyde]

Hey there.  I also have GERD (severe).  I do experience increased palpitations when these GERD episodes get particularly bad, usually before and for a while after symptoms appear.  I've heard hypotheses about the vagus nerve playing a role in that connection.  I would believe it.

Do your best to find ways to manage the anxiety.  Ativan is a NASTY one to come off of if you're on it for any longer than a couple of weeks.

GERD plays havoc with my appetite when it's flaring up, and also makes me quite nauseated.  Anxiety will sap all of the energy right out of a person, that may contribute to fatigue.  Might be hormone-related in your case too.

I hope you feel better soon!