hospital

[ed34]

I went to hospital last night with terrible chest pains. They were different than I've experienced in the past, in that they were coming and going all evening, whether sitting, laying or standing or walking. They last for anywhere between 2 mins to 20. On a scale of 1 to 10, I have to say the pain gets to 10 and it is like a crushing pain in the chest, which goes up to my throat. The hospital did a troponin which was negative and said it is most likely a different issue. A chest x-ray revealed nothing. I will be sent  an appointment for the chest clinic and this can take weeks. I have no idea what it is. I've noticed that today the pains didn't start until about an hour after eating. A friend said it sounds like reflux but I have no idea what this feels like. The pain is intense and there is no burning feeling in the throat, just pain radiating up from the chest area. When it wears off, I get a break of about 30 mins before the next wave. I had no problem all morning or afternoon today, because I didn't eat, and walking around the shops was no problem. I've never experienced pains for digestion so high in the chest before, it seems to be behind the sternum. When I've had heart attacks before, or angina on a similar scale, I have sweated heavily and felt dizzy. This is just pain. I hope someone here knows how reflux feels and can put my mind at ease because I'm worried.

Many thanks.

[Flycaster305]

ed34, trust me on this issue...  Take your Omeprazole at least 1/2 hour to 1 hour before eating your major meal of the day.  If taken otherwise, you will just make expensive urine.  Consider raising the head of your bed about 4-6".  Adding pillows doesn't work.  An Endoscopy is the gold standard test to determine digestive issues, but as Smiley can tell you as well, a Manometry test is important.
Smiley is sort of the poster girl of someone who has sorted out cardiac and digestive issues, she's been there and done that!  Hope you get relief soon, my friend.

[erijon]

Not gallbaldder, it soungs like Esophagitis brought up by reflux, but I'm no doctor, as you know......................

[ed34]

This pain starts just below the sternum, right in the centre and seems to go up into the throat and jaw. The pain is strongest in the middle of the chest and the throat.

[erijon]

I'm on Omperazole for my reflux, it's great stuff, just make sure to take it BEFORE you eat in the morning. It has made me reflux free for years.

I too have had my Gallbaldder removed due to stones, but the pain is different from Esophagitis, it's more of a dull, drilling right through your abdomen kind of pain that originates in your lower ribcage area on the right, that's the easiest way to know if it's gallbladder. Plus it comes on usually after eating a fatty meal.

Good luck,

Jon

[ed34]

had 2 lots of gaviscon and tried having something to eat. The pain is nearly gone and it seems to be really helping.

[ed34]

Just got back from Doctors. She has prescribed Omeprazole, and Gaviscon liquid. She agrees that it sound like Esophagitis but it could be a more serious underlying condition. I am to see how it goes over 48 hours, but if the pain gets really bad again, go to the emergency. If no better after 48 hours, she will send me to a gastroenterologist. She seemed surprised at how quickly it came on. I am now sure it isn't my heart. The pain has been dull all morning, but after the doctors I did some shopping and carried it all the way home, walking up some pretty steep hills with no pain increase or other problems.My blood pressure is up again tho, around 146/91.

[Occupant]

As far as I am concerned nothing beats Gallstones as far as intensity of pain is concerned, but thtis doesn't sound like it.

[Smiley2000]

Hi ed34,

I've answered you on the GERD forum also.  I really think you should get an ultrasound done to rule out Gallstones.  They are nasty little things that almost cost me my life and they can cause terrible pain that sounds a lot like the ones you are having lately.

[ed34]

Hi
    All I had that evening was hard boiled eggs, cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, savoury rice, and a tiny bit of ham.

[Flycaster305]

I've had to have two surgeries for digestive issues, and can tell you it isn't always easy to sort out what is digestive and what is cardiac.  What you experienced sounds to me like an issue of digestive origin.  You have been under tremendous stress, Ed.  It's possible you haven't followed your regular dietary patterns, and sometimes stress and certain foods can stop the ability to swallow correctly.  What is called a Manometry test can determine if you have a problem, but I assure you it is a nasty procedure.  In my case, I had a big time GERD problem, but it was complicated with certain 'trigger' foods that I had trouble getting down the gullet... I'd have pain like you mentioned if I made the mistake of eating oil-packed tuna fish, or peanut butter.  My chest felt like it was on fire.  Nitro pills didn't put out the fire, but I literally would feel like I was choking to death.  I've had what is called a Nissen Fundolplication surgery for GERD, but I assure you I avoid peanuts and oil-packed tuna fish!
Given that your blood tests ruled out heart issues, I'd think backwards and determine what you ate the day of the chest pain.

I trust you have some peace in your life, Ed.  

[ed34]

Thank you so much, I just read up on Esophagitis and it seems to fit the symptoms exactly. I forgot to mention that my jaw also aches with the discomforts and from what I just read, this is part of Esophagitis. I am seeing my regular Doctor tomorrow and hopefully she can give me something or get me an early appt with the specialist. Thanks again.

[erijon]

Esophagitis can feel EXACTLY like a heart attack. Also, it will respond to nitro as both organs transmit pain via that vagus nerve. If you've had reflux, it could very well have irritated your esophagus which could indeed be your problem, especially if it comes and goes.

Please keep us informed on how you're doing.

[ireneo]

My husband has had severe reflux for years now, makes him gag and cough and clear his throat. He often loses sleep due to the acid and pain but it doesn't sound anything like your pain. I do hope they figure out what's happening ASAP.