Question for anyone with knowledge of Gastro issues

[SarahMarcon]

Im American but live overseas so I really appreciate any advice. About 3 months ago started having weird vibrating in chest, went to a local doctor who did an ECG and other tests, no abnormalities, blood work was good. Lately I started having bad heartburn, and kind of weird spasms,( possibly PVC's) in middle of chest exactly were ribcage meets about one a day, usually after eating or laying down. Kind of feel like I'm catching my breathe and tingles outward. Went back to the doctor, who told me I probably wouldnt want an endoscopy and put my on LANSOPRAZOLE to block acid. I still get these weird spasms. I'm kind of troubled they didnt bother to do an endoscopy. Could this be a serious problem, should I change doctors? He did take a chest xray of the gas in my body and said it all looked normal ( no odd shapes ) uhmm I guess he is the best doctor in town. The lansoprazole says to not stop taking it suddenly but I'm tired of taking it, been on it for 8 weeks now. Confused as if these are GERD issues, can GERD cause PVC's or is this a Heart issues. The ECG was fine though a bit high heart rate ( 100 ) which went down after I left the hospital.  Thanks for any advice.

Sarah

[SarahMarcon]

Thanks for the answers.  I had the endoscopy at a different hospital without sedation here in Japan, it was no big deal at all by the way for people who are thinking of going the non sedation route.  Anyways -- it is a small hiatal hernia, stomache looked fine. and I have been told to continue with the prevacid and was also given some chinese herbal meds (kanpo) which is common here in Japan. All symptoms cleared up within the week. Finally feel normal after a year. Mostly because Im not stressing about having undetected heart problems anymore. Thanks to everyone who answered. I really believe hiatal hernia along with GERD cause rapid heartbeat and gas pains and many other mysterious things. My doctor said the body's natural pacemaker is often effected by GERD and hiatal hernia and sometimes sends mixed messages to the heart which doctors are quick to pass of as panic. I have had every test under the sun, MRI CT bloodwork you name it. Its' the only thing wrong with me and I do not have a panic disorder. So in my opinion there is a relation.      Sarah

[bigkev414]

I have had these symptoms for over 20 years including the wheezing, irregular heartbeats and full on SVBT's about every couple of months. It is definately all connected to my stomach (hiatus hernia), stress, acid reflux and general digestive system inflammation. I suggest you have a barium meal exam to check for a hiatus hernia which will at least tell you what is wrong . I agree with your doc not to have an endoscopy at this stage because any invasive proceedure is to be avoided if possible. The pain in the chest can be from a hernia ot from inflamed cartlidge where your ribs join - I had this for years so bad it drove me crazy! It seems to be all connected and if you strain or bend a lot it gets worse. It also waxes and wains without any real definate reasons. I've had all the tests and the drs don't seem to agree about it all. One says hernia doesn't hurt, another says it does, another says SVT's are not connected to it and another says they are, and so non and on. Good Luck.

[SarahMarcon]

Just a follow up.  I have a sliding hiatal hernia. The doctor did mention it can mimic signs of heartattack. Hope this helps anyone who reads this. Took them a year to figure it out. Geez.

[SarahMarcon]

Some wheezing when I breathe in and out throw my mouth, usually when laying down, acid is gone on lansoprazole but still burping a lot, feel worse after eating. Bouts of high heart rate when the burping gets bad ( 160 ).   Thank you for your answers. I'll request these tests.

Sarah

[boron]

Any problems with breathing, short breath, wheezing?
Burping, early satiety, stomach burning, bloating, constipation, gas, diarrhea? Changed stool color?

Any improvement after Lansoprazole?

Propoesd tests

1. Test for H. pylori
2. Gastric emptying test
3. "Upper GI" = x-ray with barium swallow (to check for hiatus hernia or eventual major ulcus)
4. then, if needed (to confirm ulcus) endoscopy