I have had horrible indigestion every time I eat the past two years on and off. I have lost 30 pounds. The pain goes across my chest into my breastbones. The doctors say I have reflux but I never feel the burning, only horrible chest pains after I eat and at night it is horrible. I have stabbing chest pains in my esophogus that lasts for hours. I also get this strange scrapy feeling down the back of my throat. I feel like this has to be more than reflux. I have had all the tests done and the docs say everything is fine. Does anyone else have these feelings? Also, taking zantac and it does not help at all! Thinking about trying Nexium,
Nothing exactly like that, however, 4 years ago my chest was so sore. That was probably the reflux, I just didn't know it then
Everyone has different symptoms.
I don't have burning in my stomach area either, but do have needle like stabs along the left outer ribs at time.
Hope you figure this out.
Sound like its gastric related though.
The key is to find relief and get it under control.
Then you can build up a healthier digestive system
I was gettting dreadful pains in the sternum area too. I was told it is reflux. PPI's didn't work for me but I am on Amitriptyline and that acts to calm the nerves down.
Sometimes reflux is down to an irritated vagus nerve and the Amitriptyline is used a lot to sort it.
Google vagal nerve and amitriptyline -it may hekp you.
The problem is - any reflux can have different causes. Stress, lifestyle, weak valves, damaged nerves etc etc. Once you have identified the cause the rest is easy. I have also been advised by an eminent expert in theis area, that food intolerances also can play a part
Hi yes I have gastritis, but the burning feeling has gone, thank goodness. Only taken a year! But I have the weirdest feelings, not pain but discomfort, under my ribs and in the middle near my sternum. There most of the time. Feels tight and like a weight. I wake up and can feel it straight away. I'm off my meds so can't be side effects now.
Thanks so much -it is helpful just knowing your not alone in the pain...I try not to get depressed about it but its frustrating when you see everyone eating anything they want when you know you can't
Thank you for your response, very interesting!
Hi Dane,
Have you had an endoscopy? I had to ask for mine to be done as on originally seeing one doctor - who diagnosed reflux, a second opinion from another doctor led to an endoscopy which found my hiatal hernia. It's good to find out what is going on that way anyhow!
Wow, moonbuggy.
As long as you get comfortable that's all that matters
Jayne,
These bodies are so unique.
Dane.
I understand.
Life is what it is!!!
We have to accept ourselves the way we are.
This will pass, we have to have faith and see it.
Hi Dreaming
A horrid 2 years I must say. Going round and round from one to another. One test contradicts another etc. GP didn't have a clue - ended up diagnosing LPR myself which actually proved to be correct. Had the Nissen done a couple of months ago. No more acid reflux - still have the other LPR stuff going on. Back to ENT next week/ What fun lol
Moonbuggy,
Life is definitely an adventure.
Guess we have to make the best of our current situation and still have happiness inside.
Sounds familiar, chest pain is definitely part of the condition but where the ribs form a Vee-shape about six inches above the belly-button.
Pains in the esophagus will be the acid creeping up especially at night where it can travel easily if you lie flat.
Use three pillows (laid overlapping, not directly stacked) to elevate your upper torso and head at night, this helps stop acid from travelling to your mouth region where it can cause upper reflux symptoms of sore throat etcetera called LPR (laryngo-pharyngeal reflux)
What dose of zantac are you on? (I take 150 mg four times a day).
The other PPI's (xxxprazole group give me bad skin itching redness and inflammation in genital regions.
What is LPR? if you don't mind me asking.
Yes, I had a scope done and I did have a 2cm hiatal hernia. But the doc said that would not be causing my symptoms. Up again last night with horrific stabbing pains in my chests after eating 2 bites of dinner at 5:00. The pains started at 10:00 at night....so weird.
Zantac twice a day but it doesn't touch the pain. I think I want to try Nexium.
try gaviscon 'double action' mint (32 tablets pack is more economical) if it doesn't ease the pain quickly it may well not be GERD-related at all.
Or try 'Peptac' liquid, available on prescription.
Hi Dane,
I think this is nothing to do with the size of the hernia, but how it effects you. My hernia is classed as small as it is 3cm but it gives me no end of trouble. I am hoping to have corrective surgery as I don't tolerate the meds well and I would like to eat tomatoes again. Sounds silly but I love eating them and right now I can't!
Hi glennie I've just been reading your reply I've got a h hernia and I am having all sorts of agg I have to go and get these polyps removed which this acid has caused I have the hoarse throat the lump in my throat I can't stand any meds I have had they make me feel worse I want to feel normal again before all this I was a fit gym goer now I just about go to work what operation are you having because if that works I'm up for that
Hoping to get nissen fundoplication (not sure I got the spelling right) where they repair the hiatus hernia and put the stomach back where it belongs. Lots of pros and cons but for me I am willing to give it a go. Was at dietitians today to see what could be done to improve my symptoms and she could offer no advice as I am doing all I can anyway! Have manometry test and ph test monday,has to be done before I see a surgeon.