chest pain

[Ironpony]

So after all of the Dr.'s scared me with the talk of blood clots and dangers of anemia, I am still having the pain in my upper heart area. No one ever mentioned gerd or reflux at the hospital. Someone here mentioned it on my last thread and I am curious if that can be the cause. Is there a safe otc antacid that I can use with treatment? It has to have no interaction with Incivek in particular. I would like to try this and see if it gets better .

Thanks,
Laura :)

[Ironpony]

You are too sweet:)
You would think the Dr.'s would have suggested this.  I hope it works! I am definitely not comfortable as of lately.

[Dee1956]

You guys are funny, so happy your are ok

[Ironpony]

Yeah they are super attractive man burps too.... ;p
poor hubby x2

[jules2551]

glad you have no left arm pain and you are burping!  LOL must have been from the bloody steaks!  ROFL

[Ironpony]

Crap! Thought I had some I'm out. will send hubby out once again, poor guy ;p

[Dee1956]

So very happy to hear!!!

[Ironpony]

Thanks so much everyone. I do have omeprazole here. so I'm going to start it. No left arm pain and I'm burping. My heart was checked with and echo and looked good.

[HectorSF]

Omeprazole (Prilosec) is over the counter. Take for up to 2 weeks. Should notice the difference in a few days.

http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_gerd/page3.htm#tocc

Proton pump inhibitors

The second type of drug developed specifically for acid-related diseases, such as GERD, was a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), specifically, omeprazole (Prilosec). A PPI blocks the secretion of acid into the stomach by the acid-secreting cells. The advantage of a PPI over an H2 antagonist is that the PPI shuts off acid production more completely and for a longer period of time. Not only is the PPI good for treating the symptom of heartburn, but it also is good for protecting the esophagus from acid so that esophageal inflammation can heal.

Heartburn

When acid refluxes back into the esophagus in patients with GERD, nerve fibers in the esophagus are stimulated. This nerve stimulation results most commonly in heartburn, the pain that is characteristic of GERD. Heartburn usually is described as a burning pain in the middle of the chest. It may start high in the abdomen or may extend up into the neck. In some patients, however, the pain may be sharp or pressure-like, rather than burning. Such pain can mimic heart pain (angina). In other patients, the pain may extend to the back.

Since acid reflux is more common after meals, heartburn is more common after meals. Heartburn is also more common when individuals lie down because without the effects of gravity, reflux occurs more easily, and acid is returned to the stomach more slowly. Many patients with GERD are awakened from sleep by heartburn.

Episodes of heartburn may occur infrequently or frequently, but episodes tend to happen periodically. This means that the episodes are more frequent or severe for a period of several weeks or months, and then they become less frequent or severe or even absent for several weeks or months. This periodicity of symptoms provides the rationale for intermittent treatment in patients with GERD who do not have esophagitis. Nevertheless, heartburn is a life-long problem, and it almost always returns.

Good luck.

Hector

[Dee1956]

Hi here is another about gerd heartburn, looks like you can take something to help you.  Sorry I am searching then copying and pasting

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Tightness-in-chest/show/1577238

I hope you feel better soon

[jules2551]

Hi Laura, I agree with Dee.  Try some baking soda and water and see what happens.  It definitely can't hurt you.  Is your left arm hurting you?  If so call 911

[can-do-man]

Yes this very much could be the cause as its quite normal to have during treatment, try one of the PPI's OTC like prevacid or prilosec, both are safe to take and the timing of them does not matter when.

[Dee1956]

Hi I just did a search and found this post from August, I hope it helps you, yes it can be heartburn
Best wishes, Dee

www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Heartburn/show/1623760

[Dee1956]

Hey there, hang in there.  I am pretty sure that this can be caused by tx, I will look and see if you can take anything.  In the mean time you could try some hot water, and/or baking soda to see if it is indigestion.  When I was pregnant and could not take much I tried the hot water and baking soda and it did help.  If you burp you pretty much know it is gas.
If it is really bad perhaps you should call 911.