You have clearly undergone a pretty comprehensive evaluation.
To answer your questions:
1) Without knowing the echocardiogram report, it is difficult to say. There are instances of benign valve abnormalities - however, the best way to elevaluate this would be followup with your cardiologist.
2) Yes, chest pain can be a manifestation of those diseases.
3) If the cause of the pain is due to GERD (i.e. as seen on a 24-hr pH study), then one option to discuss would be to use a H2 blocker in conjunction with the PPI.
4) I would consider a 24-hr pH study which can be discussed with your gastroenterologist.
5) Lexapro can certainly be considered - however if you had an allergic reaction to Zoloft, it may happen with the Lexapro, since it is in the same class of medication.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Thought I would share that I am in an anxiety panic online group and some people in there started taking Lexapro and they said it is like a miracle drug. Had very few side effects but worked wonderfully for all of them who have tried it. Sorry about your rashes and chest pain. I also suffer with the chest pain, mine is right where my breast bone is and anxiety makes it worse. However I do have alot of heartburn. The new pepcid which is a higher dose works wonderfully for me. Be sure to ask the pharmacist about drug interactions with your medicine. Good luck to you!!
ScaryPains
For Anxiety I've tried; Prozac, Wellbutrin, Paxil, Lexapro, Xanax, and Xanax XR.
Prozac: Caused me to wake up wired, as if I drank 15 cups of coffee.
Wellbutrin: Suttle, really not effective with me.
Paxil: Gave me strange side effects but helped.
Lexapro: Surely would recommend. First week or so may be strange, get passed that and you'll feel the benefits.
Xanax: Of course a great fix, but 1 leads to 2 and so on.
Xanax XR: The best yet from my own experience.
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For reflux symptoms, I get the best result from Prevacid.
I would suggest you toss all medications except for those which are absolutely necessary and focus yourself towards healing in a natural and healthy way. Eat the right foods. Get plenty of sleep. Check into behavior modification for the anxiety and IBS. Yes, IBS can be brought on by stress and anxiety. Learn how to RELAX. Stay far away from anti-anxiety drugs because they are not the answer. Xanax is the worst. Very addictive and frequent use can actually cause your anxiety to become much worse. The more anti-anxiety meds you throw at your brain, the more adrenaline the brain is going to produce to fight the drugs. Hence, the increased anxiety. You should look into this course to fight anxiety: http://www.expert-help.com/anxiety/
I was nearly agoraphobic and it saved me. By the way, I have also taken Prevacid, Nexium, and Aciphex. Prevacid gave me heart palpitations. Nexium worked but my body eventually stopped responding to it. Aciphex is what I use now but I'm trying to get off the PPIs and switch to Pepcid. I don't like the side affects of PPIs and wonder what damage longterm use will cause to the body. I used to get bad burning pains in my chest and between my shoulder pains. You would be surprised what a change in diet, smaller meals, and relaxation will do for you. Good luck.
Jsouth
I'm going to look into this now.
http://www.expert-help.com/anxiety/
I think you will find it very useful. Anyone with anxiety or panic attacks should take this course.
Last year I experienced pain on my right side and after I ate I felt I needed to belch but couldn't. I had an upper GI and an ultrasound and the test came back good. The Dr. put me on previcad. Now a year later , which I must attempt I didn't take the previcad as prescribed for two months, has come back worse. Three weeks ago I went to the Dr. with the feeling of hair in my throat and tongue. Also, now I have severe belching. The pain on my right rib stays there constantly, sometimes moving to my right collarbone and shoulder. Prior to going to the Dr. this time I had some heart flutters and chest pain. The Dr had ran blood test and and ultrasound again, and everything was fine. I have been on Nexium for 8 days now and have the feeling my food is struck in my throat. The hair feeling is gone, thank goodness. I am a worrier and have a stressful job. I just want and have to start feeling better fast. Any suggestions.