s/o -- heartburn and meds

[SparklyUnicorn]

He wants me to have an endoscopy, but I just don't think I can do it. Even thinking about it gives me an anxiety attack.

 

You and me both...

[Sara in AZ]

What a pain for your daughter!

 

I would investigate the effects on being on one of those drugs long term. Here are a couple of links regarding damage that could be done to kidneys and arteries.

 

http://www.drugdangers.com/proton-pump-inhibitors/lawsuit

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.drugwatch.com/2016/06/03/prilosec-nexium-may-damage-arteries/amp/?client=safari

 

My father recently had a triple bypass done. 😢 Prior to the symptoms he had of shortness of breath, etc, that lead him to check on his heart, he hadn't had any obvious issues with his heart. His cholesterol levels were always good. He didn't smoke. He regularly exercised and tried to take good care of himself. But he was on Nexium for about 15 years before this happened.

 

My mother is convinced there is a link there for my dad. Who knows. But my daughter was just prescribed a proton pump inhibitor to help with her pain from celiac. It's not going to be long term for her. But if it was I'd sure be nervous. I'm going to research it a little more before I start her on it, anyway.

[Scarlett]

The other thread on heartburn meds is the first time I've been aware that this is really a very constant problem for a lot of people.  And, I'd like to learn more about it.

 

My dd (23) started getting bad heartburn about 6 months ago, and I feel so clueless about it.  She has lived out of state (where our insurance didn't cover her) and really hasn't said much about it till now.  Now she is back, close to home, and we are trying to get to the bottom of it.  (She has a doctor's appointment coming up.)  She does have evolving health issues, probably autoimmune-related, so we are thinking it may be part of all of that.  Nothing in her life has changed really, it just started happening. 

 

Some of my questions are:  Do some people really have daily heartburn?  Is it only after eating?  What causes it?  Certain conditions?  What helps it?  Does it sometimes just start happening over a period of a few months and then become a more permanent condition that quickly?  What are the risks?  Are meds safe?  What else do I need to know?

 

I know she has tried apple cider vinegar, but she still has a lot of trouble, to the point of not being hungry and not wanting to eat.  (And this is a gal whose favorite thing to do is cook and bake, and then eat it!)  She is generally a healthy eater, but from what I've read on the thread, it sounds like there are certain foods (like nachos?) that really trigger it.

 

Any information to help me learn more about this condition would be appreciated!

 

 

When dh went to a gastroenterologist (I can't spell that word!)  he told us that docs in his field have noticed something going on with people's esophaguses  in the last 20-30 years.  Something in the food or air or something is causing a lot of problems.  I know A LOT of people with similar problems.

[SparklyUnicorn]

So I went to a doc today.  Nothing much to say because they have to run some blood work to check for stuff like magnesium deficiency.  I felt a little dismissed about the issue, but that might be that there just wasn't much she could tell me.  She said Prevacid isn't supposed to be used long term. Well no duh, but being a human volcano isn't supposed to happen long term either so what am I supposed to do?  So I think I will also make an appointment with a specialist.

 

 

[SparklyUnicorn]

When dh went to a gastroenterologist (I can't spell that word!)  he told us that docs in his field have noticed something going on with people's esophaguses  in the last 20-30 years.  Something in the food or air or something is causing a lot of problems.  I know A LOT of people with similar problems.

 

scarry

 

I'm convinced it's a virus or something that is contagious.  Or I don't know.  Really it's got to be something other than I'm eating the wrong foods.  Just totally my anecdotal evidence.  Because, for example, my husband has it, I have it, and my older son has issues.  Son was born with the issues.  I had this since pregnancy.  Some people will say oh well you must all have the same diet.  Nope.  My son's diet is quite different.  My husband's diet is not the same as mine. 

 

My mother had it.  My sister has it.  My dad doesn't though. 

Edited October 31, 2016 by SparklyUnicorn

[Acadie]

When dh went to a gastroenterologist (I can't spell that word!)  he told us that docs in his field have noticed something going on with people's esophaguses  in the last 20-30 years.  Something in the food or air or something is causing a lot of problems.  I know A LOT of people with similar problems.

 

I just realized, aside from the recent issues I had, that my whole family gets reflux from citric acid and from sulfites in food. Sulfite residue is in many processed corn products, like cornstarch, dextrose, corn syrup, etc. And citric acid is in zillions of products even in health food stores. 

 

So we already eat mostly unprocessed, whole foods. We'd all have awful reflux all the time if we ate much processed food. Sometimes I'm ok with that, because I think it's healthier to eat whole foods anyway, and sometimes I just wish I could spend less time shopping, cooking and cleaning up.

 

Amy

[SparklyUnicorn]

I just realized, aside from the recent issues I had, that my whole family gets reflux from citric acid and from sulfites in food. Sulfite residue is in many processed corn products, like cornstarch, dextrose, corn syrup, etc. And citric acid is in zillions of products even in health food stores. 

 

So we already eat mostly unprocessed, whole foods. We'd all have awful reflux all the time if we ate much processed food. Sometimes I'm ok with that, because I think it's healthier to eat whole foods anyway, and sometimes I just wish I could spend less time shopping, cooking and cleaning up.

 

Amy

 

But see I don't eat a crap load of processed foods.  Not at all.  It doesn't help.  Really there is no method to the madness.  I had it when thin, heavy, pregnant, not pregnant, good food, crap food...did not matter.

[J-rap]

What a pain for your daughter!

 

I would investigate the effects on being on one of those drugs long term. Here are a couple of links regarding damage that could be done to kidneys and arteries.

 

http://www.drugdangers.com/proton-pump-inhibitors/lawsuit

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.drugwatch.com/2016/06/03/prilosec-nexium-may-damage-arteries/amp/?client=safari

 

My father recently had a triple bypass done. 😢 Prior to the symptoms he had of shortness of breath, etc, that lead him to check on his heart, he hadn't had any obvious issues with his heart. His cholesterol levels were always good. He didn't smoke. He regularly exercised and tried to take good care of himself. But he was on Nexium for about 15 years before this happened.

 

My mother is convinced there is a link there for my dad. Who knows. But my daughter was just prescribed a proton pump inhibitor to help with her pain from celiac. It's not going to be long term for her. But if it was I'd sure be nervous. I'm going to research it a little more before I start her on it, anyway.

 

Oh gosh, that's kind of scary stuff.  Well, it's good to have all of this information ahead of time.  Thanks for the links.

[J-rap]

When dh went to a gastroenterologist (I can't spell that word!)  he told us that docs in his field have noticed something going on with people's esophaguses  in the last 20-30 years.  Something in the food or air or something is causing a lot of problems.  I know A LOT of people with similar problems.

 

I had no idea so many people had this problem!  I'm also surprised that my daughter would have it at such a young age.  She is otherwise quite healthy and active, but she does possibly have some autoimmune issues evolving.  I don't know if it could be related.

[Acadie]

But see I don't eat a crap load of processed foods.  Not at all.  It doesn't help.  Really there is no method to the madness.  I had it when thin, heavy, pregnant, not pregnant, good food, crap food...did not matter.

 

I think there are different causes. I took monolaurin to try to resolve my recent bout of reflux because we had some on had that we'd used to treat h. pylori in my kids and dh. I've read that h. pylori can be associated with reflux, and since it was in the cabinet so I figured I'd try it. And I do feel better now, but I can't know for sure if the monolaurin helped.

 

All this to say I think there could be microbial triggers for reflux, as well as things in our food supply. And for some people I'm sure the anatomical structure of their valve is the biggest reason for it.  

 

Amy

[J-rap]

So I went to a doc today.  Nothing much to say because they have to run some blood work to check for stuff like magnesium deficiency.  I felt a little dismissed about the issue, but that might be that there just wasn't much she could tell me.  She said Prevacid isn't supposed to be used long term. Well no duh, but being a human volcano isn't supposed to happen long term either so what am I supposed to do?  So I think I will also make an appointment with a specialist.

 

That's too bad she wasn't more helpful.  I hope you can get into a specialist soon!  My dd is at her doctor appointment right now, although being in a small town, we don't have any specialists here.

[J-rap]

scarry

 

I'm convinced it's a virus or something that is contagious.  Or I don't know.  Really it's got to be something other than I'm eating the wrong foods.  Just totally my anecdotal evidence.  Because, for example, my husband has it, I have it, and my older son has issues.  Son was born with the issues.  I had this since pregnancy.  Some people will say oh well you must all have the same diet.  Nope.  My son's diet is quite different.  My husband's diet is not the same as mine. 

 

My mother had it.  My sister has it.  My dad doesn't though. 

 

That's really strange!

[J-rap]

But see I don't eat a crap load of processed foods.  Not at all.  It doesn't help.  Really there is no method to the madness.  I had it when thin, heavy, pregnant, not pregnant, good food, crap food...did not matter.

 

My dd doesn't eat much processed foods at all either.  Usually eggs from local, free-range chickens + a piece of GF toast at breakfast, homemade soup at lunch, etc.

[marbel]

So I went to a doc today.  Nothing much to say because they have to run some blood work to check for stuff like magnesium deficiency.  I felt a little dismissed about the issue, but that might be that there just wasn't much she could tell me.  She said Prevacid isn't supposed to be used long term. Well no duh, but being a human volcano isn't supposed to happen long term either so what am I supposed to do?  So I think I will also make an appointment with a specialist.

 

So, what did she suggest you do, if you aren't supposed to take the medication long-term?  Did she give you some alternatives?

 

My GE did tell me that probably 90% of people could be off meds if they:  lost weight, slept with head elevated, and avoided trigger foods - he gave me the typical list but did say that there can be others.  Oh, and don't eat within 3-4 hours of going to bed.    He also said that for those who don't get relief from those "lifestyle changes" (being overweight isn't a lifestyle decision I've made, but yeah drinking coffee is) longterm use may be needed and the risks of not taking it might outweigh the risks of taking it.  

 

I've been on and off PPIs for probably 20 years and my other than developing a couple of stones, my kidneys are great.  My magnesium levels are great (I do take a supplement).  I know this because I see a kidney specialist for the stones I had in 2013.   YMMV of course.

 

Sparkly, I hope you get some better answers!   :grouphug:  :grouphug: to everyone who is suffering.

[Scarlett]

I had no idea so many people had this problem!  I'm also surprised that my daughter would have it at such a young age.  She is otherwise quite healthy and active, but she does possibly have some autoimmune issues evolving.  I don't know if it could be related.

 

 

And my 16 year old complains about heartburn or reflux quite a bit.  I never had it until I was in my late 20s and it went away when I got a less stressful life.

[ILiveInFlipFlops]

I'm on my phone, so it's hard for me to post much, but maybe have her look into alkaline reflux. Sometimes adding acid (like the vinegar) can be the solution. If I can get on my laptop later I'll see if I can post some links.

 

ETA: Oatmeal also gives me volcanic reflux, which really bums me out because I love steel cut oats so much! And I hate cinnamon, so I know it's not that.

Edited October 31, 2016 by ILiveInFlipFlops

[SparklyUnicorn]

So, what did she suggest you do, if you aren't supposed to take the medication long-term?  Did she give you some alternatives?

 

My GE did tell me that probably 90% of people could be off meds if they:  lost weight, slept with head elevated, and avoided trigger foods - he gave me the typical list but did say that there can be others.  Oh, and don't eat within 3-4 hours of going to bed.    He also said that for those who don't get relief from those "lifestyle changes" (being overweight isn't a lifestyle decision I've made, but yeah drinking coffee is) longterm use may be needed and the risks of not taking it might outweigh the risks of taking it.  

 

I've been on and off PPIs for probably 20 years and my other than developing a couple of stones, my kidneys are great.  My magnesium levels are great (I do take a supplement).  I know this because I see a kidney specialist for the stones I had in 2013.   YMMV of course.

 

Sparkly, I hope you get some better answers!   :grouphug:  :grouphug: to everyone who is suffering.

 

She said the stuff I already knew.  Avoid certain foods.  I'm already avoiding these foods.  I have a special pillow. I did lose weight.  I have made lots of changes.  I've done everything right for a good solid 6 months now.  If anything I feel like it's getting worse!

 

I will go to a specialist either way though because she doesn't specialize in this so maybe she doesn't have the best advice for this. 

 

It was weird because she didn't seem to believe my idea of having low magnesium.  She will test me though.  So I'm ok with that, but she seemed against any sort of supplementation for magnesium.  She said we get all the magnesium we need from food.  Yes, I'm sure we do, but that's also assuming we aren't taking a drug that is working against us in that department. 

[SparklyUnicorn]

And coffee.  I drink one cup each morning at around 6 am.  I doubt this is causing me massive problems. 

 

[Jennay]

She said the stuff I already knew. Avoid certain foods. I'm already avoiding these foods. I have a special pillow. I did lose weight. I have made lots of changes. I've done everything right for a good solid 6 months now. If anything I feel like it's getting worse!

 

I will go to a specialist either way though because she doesn't specialize in this so maybe she doesn't have the best advice for this.

 

It was weird because she didn't seem to believe my idea of having low magnesium. She will test me though. So I'm ok with that, but she seemed against any sort of supplementation for magnesium. She said we get all the magnesium we need from food. Yes, I'm sure we do, but that's also assuming we aren't taking a drug that is working against us in that department.

My holistic doctor says that almost everyone needs magnesium supplementation because our soil is so depleted. She recommends Magnesium glycinate - it doesn't give you loose bowels.

[ktgrok]

Are you worried about feeling the tube going down your throat?  I was completely out for my 'scope.  Never noticed anything.  

 

Losing weight, working on anxiety, etc are great (I am doing those things too) but if you have had reflux for a long time your doc probably wants to rule out infection and cellular changes.  

 

Yup. You sleep through the whole thing. 

[ktgrok]

As for it running in families, it would make sense that a weak valve would be genetic, and hiatal hernias can be as well, I think. 

[SparklyUnicorn]

As for it running in families, it would make sense that a weak valve would be genetic, and hiatal hernias can be as well, I think. 

 

Yes I agree, but why my husband?  Nobody in his family has this and he moved here from another country. 

 

Could be a coincidence of course, but it does make me wonder.

[Pawz4me]

An endoscopy has got to be one of the easiest medical tests ever invented. Seriously -- it's a piece of cake. I know the idea of it is kind of freaky, but really it's not a big deal at all. They give you warm cozy blankets, you take a really good, short nap and it's all done. The only bad part is they're really pesky about making you wake up from that great nap long before you really want to. ;) 

[SparklyUnicorn]

An endoscopy has got to be one of the easiest medical tests ever invented. Seriously -- it's a piece of cake. I know the idea of it is kind of freaky, but really it's not a big deal at all. They give you warm cozy blankets, you take a really good, short nap and it's all done. The only bad part is they're really pesky about making you wake up from that great nap long before you really want to. ;)

 

Yeah I dunno.  My mother went on and on about how her throat hurt like hell after.

 

And something about intubation.  *shudder*

 

That was a long time ago though.  I can't even ask her about it.

 

All that said, I really have no issues if I take the meds regularly.  If I stop...whoa baby.  Not good.  I tried to stop last week and even a few days later now I feel like I literally burnt my throat. 

[marbel]

An endoscopy has got to be one of the easiest medical tests ever invented. Seriously -- it's a piece of cake. I know the idea of it is kind of freaky, but really it's not a big deal at all. They give you warm cozy blankets, you take a really good, short nap and it's all done. The only bad part is they're really pesky about making you wake up from that great nap long before you really want to. ;)

 

 

True!   And it's quick - the waiting around and recovery take longer than the test itself. 

 

I was a tiny bit loopy afterward though I didn't realize it at first.  I didn't like my doctor - I had noticed at our first consultation that he had a poor bedside manner.  But I went ahead and made the appointment for the scope because his qualifications were good and I didn't need anyone warm and fuzzy.  Afterward when it was over he spoke to me for a few minutes, and he was better.  But then, after he left and the nurse was getting me ready to get up and out, I said "oh, he was so much nicer today than he was last time.  I didn't really like him at all at first."  She was very sweet, and said "yeah, I know; he doesn't really look at you.  But all the girls who work here ask for him if they need a scope, because he's really smart and really good."   

 

That's when I realized I had been a bit inappropriate in my comments.  I apologized but she said it was fine.  I assume she was telling the truth, but who knows.  Within 5 minutes after that I was in the car being driven home.  

[HSmomof2]

Yeah I dunno. My mother went on and on about how her throat hurt like hell after.

 

And something about intubation. *shudder*

 

That was a long time ago though. I can't even ask her about it.

 

All that said, I really have no issues if I take the meds regularly. If I stop...whoa baby. Not good. I tried to stop last week and even a few days later now I feel like I literally burnt my throat.

I know most people's experience with endoscopy is no big deal. And, yes, some people have bad experiences. My anxiety aside, endoscopy isn't free from risk, and in the research I've done, the actual risk of esophageal cancer in women, especially younger women, even with long term reflux is very small. So, I also hesitate to have it done based on why go through the procedure to be told I have reflux or even a hiatal hernia and to take a ppi?https://www.google.com/amp/mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSTRE6BE6GI20101215?client=safari

 

Like Sparkly, my reflux is pretty well-controlled with a ppi, as long as I'm also avoiding things I should not be eating. (Too much coffee, chocolate, pizza, etc) I would eventually like to get off ppi's, but don't think there's currently a cure, other than possibly surgery, and that would be a last resort. I have been tested for h.pylori, and that was negative.

Edited November 1, 2016 by Bethany Grace

[ktgrok]

Yes I agree, but why my husband?  Nobody in his family has this and he moved here from another country. 

 

Could be a coincidence of course, but it does make me wonder.

 

There is a bacteria that can be involved for some, H Pylori, but I tested negative. 

[Katy]

I've gotten it my whole life (even as a little kid) from onions.  I loved the taste of onions, so I only figured it out as a teenager when I read in some magazine tips about making your first kiss a good one...  it included avoiding onions so you would have good breath.  I stopped for the sake of not offending boys, and after that I realized I got sick with a stomach ache and heartburn every time I had onions.

 

Other family members notice it gets worse if they are 10 pounds over their ideal weight.  Other triggers are orange juice, tomato sauce, popcorn cooked in coconut oil, any oily combination of carbs and grease, and corn syrup.

 

Baking soda mixed into a tiny bit of water is a favorite remedy here too.

[The Girls' Mom]

I'll second that the endoscopy isn't a bad procedure at all.  I even had the scar tissue that made my sphincter constrict stretched out while they were doing it, and my throat wasn't all that sore. I don't remember it, and I ate about 30 minutes afterwards.  

 

[SparklyUnicorn]

There is a bacteria that can be involved for some, H Pylori, but I tested negative. 

 

I've been on enough antibiotics since then to figure it's probably not that. 

[SparklyUnicorn]

I know most people's experience with endoscopy is no big deal. And, yes, some people have bad experiences. My anxiety aside, endoscopy isn't free from risk, and in the research I've done, the actual risk of esophageal cancer in women, especially younger women, even with long term reflux is very small. So, I also hesitate to have it done based on why go through the procedure to be told I have reflux or even a hiatal hernia and to take a ppi?https://www.google.com/amp/mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSTRE6BE6GI20101215?client=safari

 

Like Sparkly, my reflux is pretty well-controlled with a ppi, as long as I'm also avoiding things I should not be eating. (Too much coffee, chocolate, pizza, etc) I would eventually like to get off ppi's, but don't think there's currently a cure, other than possibly surgery, and that would be a last resort. I have been tested for h.pylori, and that was negative.

 

This is what I mean.  Why do that if there isn't much else they can do?  Is it just a procedure to test for cancer or is it going to lead to something helpful?  The second I don't believe to be the case.  There aren't a ton of options. The PPIs ARE the options.

[helena]

I've gotten it my whole life (even as a little kid) from onions.  I loved the taste of onions, so I only figured it out as a teenager when I read in some magazine tips about making your first kiss a good one...  it included avoiding onions so you would have good breath.  I stopped for the sake of not offending boys, and after that I realized I got sick with a stomach ache and heartburn every time I had onions.

 

Other family members notice it gets worse if they are 10 pounds over their ideal weight.  Other triggers are orange juice, tomato sauce, popcorn cooked in coconut oil, any oily combination of carbs and grease, and corn syrup.

 

Baking soda mixed into a tiny bit of water is a favorite remedy here too.

Interesting! I was about 10lbs over weight for ever and recently lost it due to giving up the bulk of my sugar and bread intake and doing an elimination diet. I feel much better since then. By much better, I mean it feels like someone is gently choking me at all times as opposed to roughly choking me all the time. :/ Progress nonetheless!! I plan to never ever gain that weight back. :) 

 

I recently cancelled my endoscopy because I got a bad feeling from the dr, she was weird. I need to make an appointment this week with the dr my husband saw... 

 

I have Lupus already, and in the midst of trying to figure all of this out, found out that I have mild asthma. I think asthma can be related to GERD.

I'm not sure I have GERD. I saw an ENT who did the nose scope and said he saw some possible signs of GERD. Not quite sure what to make of that. 

 

So far I've found relief from:

putting two pillows under my top mattress when I sleep

not eating anything for 3 hours before going to bed

stopped using mint flavored toothpaste and mouthwash (big improvement)

elimination diet (still working through that and worth the hassle)

controlling my stress... well I stink at that, but I've realized it's a bigger trigger than any food I've had a bad reaction to.

switching to Trader Joe's low acid coffee. One cup seems to be my limit and tea makes me feel like I have bee stings at the back of my throat

[marbel]

I know most people's experience with endoscopy is no big deal. And, yes, some people have bad experiences. My anxiety aside, endoscopy isn't free from risk, and in the research I've done, the actual risk of esophageal cancer in women, especially younger women, even with long term reflux is very small. So, I also hesitate to have it done based on why go through the procedure to be told I have reflux or even a hiatal hernia and to take a ppi?https://www.google.com/amp/mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSTRE6BE6GI20101215?client=safari

 

Like Sparkly, my reflux is pretty well-controlled with a ppi, as long as I'm also avoiding things I should not be eating. (Too much coffee, chocolate, pizza, etc) I would eventually like to get off ppi's, but don't think there's currently a cure, other than possibly surgery, and that would be a last resort. I have been tested for h.pylori, and that was negative.

 

Ah, there is a big difference to me between not doing something due to anxiety and not doing it because you're making an informed risk/benefit analysis and deciding not to do it, kwim?     

 

In your position I might not do it either, if I didn't have symptoms other than heartburn (difficulty swallowing, etc) that showed something was going on.

[Prairie~Phlox]

I have the same issues everyone has mentioned.  Walmart sells a wedge pillow for about $20. It has helped. Watching what I eat is what helps the most, but it's SOOO hard.

[creekland]

Does anyone on here get heartburn without it seemingly caused by eating/drinking (or not)?

 

Because that's what docs tell me is causing my chest pain, but I don't really believe them.  Whenever I look at symptoms of heartburn or read threads like this it simply doesn't seem to be the same - at all.  I've also had occasional heartburn (who hasn't?) and that did respond like others mention - including responding to antacids.

 

I've put this whole on/off chest pain thing into my "deal with it" category along with other nerve issues, but last Thursday/Friday it was really bad on a different scale than before.  It hurt to put any pressure on my chest (bone) - even sleeping (any side) - even getting a hug from hubby - even breathing in (inflating the lungs), etc.  Fortunately, that went away by late Friday/early Saturday and hasn't returned (yet), but it has me revisiting the "what the _____ is it?" question.  Same area and probably cause as what is "normal" (cyclically) in my life - different intensity.

 

I really don't suspect cardiac (that was originally tested anyway).  My pulse remains the same (I hear it - nothing unusual).  I didn't get tired or winded.  No unusual numbness.  I don't really suspect lungs either - I could breathe the same as normal - just the inflating of the lungs put pressure on whatever was causing it.  This sometimes happens with "normal" bouts, but again, not nearly the same intensity as the last episode.

 

I just have a really tough time believing it's heartburn, but I tried antacids again anyway - no change at all - nor did eating (or not) change a thing (as always).

 

Pulled muscles have been suggested as an option, but I didn't do anything to pull them - plus - the on/off again cyclical nature would make that "cause" quite strange without something common for an activity.  I also did that once when younger after bowling.  This isn't similar to that.

 

I also had a couple of days two or three months ago where swallowing (liquids) was tough (solids were fine) and that occasionally still hits, but I'm pretty sure that's due to the nerve issues, so a (probable) known cause.  During those bad couple of days the swallowing issue seemed to cause (nasty) heartburn (swallowing issue came first), but both went away on their own given time for the heartburn.  That also seemed different than what went on last Thurs/Fri... but I'll admit I'm guessing.

 

So, does this even remotely match anyone else with heartburn?  Or does it make sense that I think it's something else?  Am I being unreasonable by not taking Nexium for a month to check it out?  Or does that fact that I tried it for 10 days with no noticeable difference whatsoever (and gave up) seem reasonable?  (First suggestion was to try it for 5 days, then double the amount (since it wasn't working) and try it for another 5 days - I did that.  Next suggestion was to try it for a month.  Why?  It's not helping.  Episodes still come and seem the exact same.)

 

I think I'm right - esp when I read threads like this and wonder how anyone can even remotely think heartburn - but perhaps someone else out there has BTDT and it could be and I'm just not seeing it?

[SparklyUnicorn]

Most of the time I don't actually have heartburn.  It is sometimes pain in the chest, but not intense pain.  The best way to describe it is feeling an intense urge to hiccup, but I don't hiccup.  Or as if I swallowed a big bubble, so like gas pain, but not in the bowels.  It's quite weird. 

 

I don't notice a difference in terms of what I eat.  I have recently really knuckled down and stopped eating after dinner because I was having issues waking up at night with reflux or coughing.  That has helped a little.  I still feel like I have to hiccup though.  Even drinking sips of water too close to bedtime was worse than having nothing for hours before bed.  (This sucks royally btw.)

 

First time I went to a doctor for the problem I didn't even think it was something like reflux because I did not really have reflux.  I went there because I thought something was stuck in my throat.  I even went to an ENT because reflux didn't occur to me. 

 

Except NOW that I've been on the PPIs for awhile I DO have heartburn more and more.  Go figure.  It is as if the PPIs have caused me heartburn issues.  I notice it if I forget to take it. 

 

 

Does anyone on here get heartburn without it seemingly caused by eating/drinking (or not)?

 

Because that's what docs tell me is causing my chest pain, but I don't really believe them.  Whenever I look at symptoms of heartburn or read threads like this it simply doesn't seem to be the same - at all.  I've also had occasional heartburn (who hasn't?) and that did respond like others mention - including responding to antacids.

 

I've put this whole on/off chest pain thing into my "deal with it" category along with other nerve issues, but last Thursday/Friday it was really bad on a different scale than before.  It hurt to put any pressure on my chest (bone) - even sleeping (any side) - even getting a hug from hubby - even breathing in (inflating the lungs), etc.  Fortunately, that went away by late Friday/early Saturday and hasn't returned (yet), but it has me revisiting the "what the _____ is it?" question.  Same area and probably cause as what is "normal" (cyclically) in my life - different intensity.

 

I really don't suspect cardiac (that was originally tested anyway).  My pulse remains the same (I hear it - nothing unusual).  I didn't get tired or winded.  No unusual numbness.  I don't really suspect lungs either - I could breathe the same as normal - just the inflating of the lungs put pressure on whatever was causing it.  This sometimes happens with "normal" bouts, but again, not nearly the same intensity as the last episode.

 

I just have a really tough time believing it's heartburn, but I tried antacids again anyway - no change at all - nor did eating (or not) change a thing (as always).

 

Pulled muscles have been suggested as an option, but I didn't do anything to pull them - plus - the on/off again cyclical nature would make that "cause" quite strange without something common for an activity.  I also did that once when younger after bowling.  This isn't similar to that.

 

I also had a couple of days two or three months ago where swallowing (liquids) was tough (solids were fine) and that occasionally still hits, but I'm pretty sure that's due to the nerve issues, so a (probable) known cause.  During those bad couple of days the swallowing issue seemed to cause (nasty) heartburn (swallowing issue came first), but both went away on their own given time for the heartburn.  That also seemed different than what went on last Thurs/Fri... but I'll admit I'm guessing.

 

So, does this even remotely match anyone else with heartburn?  Or does it make sense that I think it's something else?  Am I being unreasonable by not taking Nexium for a month to check it out?  Or does that fact that I tried it for 10 days with no noticeable difference whatsoever (and gave up) seem reasonable?  (First suggestion was to try it for 5 days, then double the amount (since it wasn't working) and try it for another 5 days - I did that.  Next suggestion was to try it for a month.  Why?  It's not helping.  Episodes still come and seem the exact same.)

 

I think I'm right - esp when I read threads like this and wonder how anyone can even remotely think heartburn - but perhaps someone else out there has BTDT and it could be and I'm just not seeing it?

 

[ktgrok]

Creekland, google esophogeal spasms and see if that applies? Or Chostrochondritis? If anything, sounds like a sublimated rib or something. 

Edited November 1, 2016 by ktgrok

[marbel]

Most of the time I don't actually have heartburn.  It is sometimes pain in the chest, but not intense pain.  The best way to describe it is feeling an intense urge to hiccup, but I don't hiccup.  Or as if I swallowed a big bubble, so like gas pain, but not in the bowels.  It's quite weird. 

 

<snip>

 

I get this too sometimes.  To me it is exactly like a gas pain, and if I press on a certain spot (sternum, I think) I will burp/belch.  That eases the pain, for a little while, but then it comes back.  The first time I had that was during pregnancy, and I thought I was having a heart attack.  The doc said it was related to reflux.  I don't have it so much anymore, but it can be painful.  I mostly get it if I am really stupid about eating something very fat and chocolately.  Like, chocolate cake with creamy chocolate frosting is the worst thing ever.  But it can sometimes happen for no reason that I can discern.  

[creekland]

Most of the time I don't actually have heartburn.  It is sometimes pain in the chest, but not intense pain.  The best way to describe it is feeling an intense urge to hiccup, but I don't hiccup.  Or as if I swallowed a big bubble, so like gas pain, but not in the bowels.  It's quite weird. 

 

I don't notice a difference in terms of what I eat.  I have recently really knuckled down and stopped eating after dinner because I was having issues waking up at night with reflux or coughing.  That has helped a little.  I still feel like I have to hiccup though.  Even drinking sips of water too close to bedtime was worse than having nothing for hours before bed.  (This sucks royally btw.)

 

First time I went to a doctor for the problem I didn't even think it was something like reflux because I did not really have reflux.  I went there because I thought something was stuck in my throat.  I even went to an ENT because reflux didn't occur to me. 

 

Except NOW that I've been on the PPIs for awhile I DO have heartburn more and more.  Go figure.  It is as if the PPIs have caused me heartburn issues.  I notice it if I forget to take it. 

 

Thanks for the more thorough explanation.  It all sounds so foreign to me still - no relation to feeling like hiccups or burps or reflux or coughing or throat issues (with the chest pain).  The swallowing stuff might be a little related I suppose, but all those symptoms came after the swallowing issues, not before, so I'm still thinking the root cause is nerve issues (as would fit with the radiation from earlier in my life).

 

I think I'm going back to my "ex student with a voodoo doll" theory.  It fits the best.   :glare:   

[creekland]

Creekland, google esophogeal spasms and see if that applies? Or Chostrochondritis? If anything, sounds like a sublimated rib or something. 

 

Thanks.  I will do that later this afternoon or evening.  I just realized what time it is(!) and the critters have to be wondering where I am.  We got off schedule this morning by heading out to gas up our vehicles before prices go up (that gas line explosion/shut down), and then hubby had to get ready for a meeting and I was conversing with a potential buyer about ponies...  Poor critters!

 

I get this too sometimes.  To me it is exactly like a gas pain, and if I press on a certain spot (sternum, I think) I will burp/belch.  That eases the pain, for a little while, but then it comes back.  

 

Thanks.  I definitely can't relate though.  There isn't even a thought about needing to burp to "fix" anything.

[ktgrok]

I get this too sometimes.  To me it is exactly like a gas pain, and if I press on a certain spot (sternum, I think) I will burp/belch.  That eases the pain, for a little while, but then it comes back.  The first time I had that was during pregnancy, and I thought I was having a heart attack.  The doc said it was related to reflux.  I don't have it so much anymore, but it can be painful.  I mostly get it if I am really stupid about eating something very fat and chocolately.  Like, chocolate cake with creamy chocolate frosting is the worst thing ever.  But it can sometimes happen for no reason that I can discern.  

 

that sounds like esophageal spasms, which yes, can be triggered by reflux. 

[J-rap]

I've gotten it my whole life (even as a little kid) from onions.  I loved the taste of onions, so I only figured it out as a teenager when I read in some magazine tips about making your first kiss a good one...  it included avoiding onions so you would have good breath.  I stopped for the sake of not offending boys, and after that I realized I got sick with a stomach ache and heartburn every time I had onions.

 

Other family members notice it gets worse if they are 10 pounds over their ideal weight.  Other triggers are orange juice, tomato sauce, popcorn cooked in coconut oil, any oily combination of carbs and grease, and corn syrup.

 

Baking soda mixed into a tiny bit of water is a favorite remedy here too.

 

Regarding onions, do you notice it with cooked onions too?

 

And regarding coconut oil, do you notice it with only popcorn cooked in coconut oil, or anything cooked in coconut oil?

[J-rap]

Most of the time I don't actually have heartburn.  It is sometimes pain in the chest, but not intense pain.  The best way to describe it is feeling an intense urge to hiccup, but I don't hiccup.  Or as if I swallowed a big bubble, so like gas pain, but not in the bowels.  It's quite weird. 

 

I don't notice a difference in terms of what I eat.  I have recently really knuckled down and stopped eating after dinner because I was having issues waking up at night with reflux or coughing.  That has helped a little.  I still feel like I have to hiccup though.  Even drinking sips of water too close to bedtime was worse than having nothing for hours before bed.  (This sucks royally btw.)

 

First time I went to a doctor for the problem I didn't even think it was something like reflux because I did not really have reflux.  I went there because I thought something was stuck in my throat.  I even went to an ENT because reflux didn't occur to me. 

 

Except NOW that I've been on the PPIs for awhile I DO have heartburn more and more.  Go figure.  It is as if the PPIs have caused me heartburn issues.  I notice it if I forget to take it. 

 

That's really interesting, and actually sounds similar to some of what my dd is experiencing.  This is sounding stranger and more mysterious the more I hear about it.  I hope you find something that helps, soon!

[J-rap]

I was just remembering that a couple years ago, my dd had an X-ray of her lungs (for the possible autoimmune part -- she wasn't experiencing heartburn yet).  They told her they found a giant air bubble in her lungs, and asked her if she could feel it!  She didn't then, but she says that now, two years later, that's what it feels like a lot sometimes.  Like she has a giant air bubble.

 

[marbel]

Regarding onions, do you notice it with cooked onions too?

 

And regarding coconut oil, do you notice it with only popcorn cooked in coconut oil, or anything cooked in coconut oil?

 

 

I'm not the person you're asking, but I can't eat coconut oil at all, and too much popcorn sets me off.  (How much is too much?  Varies. I love popcorn but I rarely eat it now, and have to drink a ton of water with it, and not be hungry when I eat it - it bothers me more if my stomach is empty; I guess I need a buffer?)

 

Corn is a pretty typical heartburn trigger.  

[Seasider]

Regarding onions, do you notice it with cooked onions too?

 

And regarding coconut oil, do you notice it with only popcorn cooked in coconut oil, or anything cooked in coconut oil?

 

Onions do it to my husband, both cooked and raw, but he more easily tolerates cooked. I can't eat raw onions anymore.

 

http://www.livestrong.com/article/470631-onions-and-indigestion/

 

 

My experience with popcorn is similar to marbel's above. I still eat it occasionally, but I have to know when to stop. But sadly, ice cream is the worst.

Edited November 1, 2016 by Seasider

[creekland]

 Or Chostrochondritis?  

 

This seems the closest of anything I've read actually - as long as it can also happen more on the right side rather than the left (Mayo's site said left is usual).

 

And if that is it, putting it in my "just deal with it" category seems about right.  This gettin' older thing sure could use improvement in the design of life (sigh).

 

Thanks!

[creekland]

Creekland, google ...Or Chostrochondritis?  

 

Ktgrok - wanted to thank you again for this idea.  Not only do I suspect it might be what I have for on/off again issues, it's what my mom (very likely) has as her chest pain issue, so I can share the Mayo's explanation with her.

 

Her doctor told her muscle pain - then rib pain.  I really wish he had the time to explain things more thoroughly - or even gave us names and told us to use google...  When I talked with him (via phone - afterward) and again with her cardiac surgeon today, it was really, really helpful knowing more about this option.

 

I can't thank you enough for sharing.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!