Chronic chest pain and heaviness for 10 years now with intermittent sharp chest pain on left side only

[PisceanAge]

I begin taking oral contraceptives about 10 years ago.  Within a few weeks, I began having chest pain, heaviness with intermittent sharp pains (lasts a few seconds).  I have it most of the day, everyday, and it does not increase with activity or go away at rest.  It makes it difficult to sleep.  Does not go away when I lay down a certain way or with pain medication.  I had a full medical at that time (10 years ago) with xray, ECG and stress test.  I passed all normal.  My doctor said stop taking the pill to see if that helps.  I did, but the symptoms never went away.  I have a new doctor now and she had me do another ECG more recently.  It showed I have sinus arryhthmia (normal), and nothing else to explain my symptoms.  The last few months, it has been getting worse, making it really difficult to sleep, and a little dizzy.  I'm not sure what the cause is, or if it is as simple as anxiety, but everyday all day for 10 years now and it started when I began taking birth control??  Please help

[PisceanAge]

Thank you.  I have considered this briefly before but usually discarded as I don't drink alcohol or coffee, or even tea.  I also have had a sharp intermittent pain on my left side at the bottom of the rib cage (front side) for approximately 10 years also.  An ultrasound back then showed nothing.  Perhaps this is all somehow related to my digestive system?antacids have never helped me, perhaps my doctor can prescribe something like you mention.  Please let me know if you have any further ideas.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the forum!
OCP is known to cause severe acidity, gastric reflux and worsen the case of hiatal hernia. This is what has probably happened in your case. Omeprazole is a good drug to combat this. Along with it you can try over the counter antacids. However I would recommend you see a doctor and take medication under a doctor’s supervision. Avoid heavy meals. Avoid too much of caffeine, tea, fried food and drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic fuzzy ones. Avoid heavy exercises within 4 hours of a heavy meal. Raise the head end of the bed by pillows to 30 degrees. Go to bed at least 2 hours after food.
Try these tips and see if they help.
Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!