GERD & Heartburn Support Group
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. If you are afflicted with GERD or heartburn, join the group and find support.
Hello. I am new this support group and I need some help. I went to the doc because I was having chest pain and immediately she did an ekg and she said that it was clear and that I might have gerd. Just for note I was already diagnosed with migraine associated vertigo. Often times I have alot of nausea, bloating, cramping in stomach and chest pain. The pain often goes to the left arm, back, and chest. Often times my nausea doesn't come with heartburn and I don't have sore throat and phelm as I have read others may have. I don't know what to do. I was prescribed dexilant but I have yet to take it, (I'm a chicken) because I want to see if there is a possibility that I may have angina. I feel all over the place because having chest pains is really scary especially when I don't why I have them.I have these feelings after I eat and before. Any advice would be really helpful.
#2 You did not state age but at some point heart doc may want to do stress test
#3 - I have similar pain - feels like heart attack(all my docs go crazy when I describe it) - always take pain seriously - if on Lipitor take daily dosage immediately and take dexi or maalox-like.
# 4 - may ask doc if you should separate bloating/cramping (maybe not GERD) from chest pains (GERD) - sore throat and phlegm are not required with GERD - take the dexilant. Maybe you see a Gastroenterologist specialist.
Good luck - at some point you find a doctor you can trust.
But chest pains can be caused by GERD (or a hiatal hernia, which is common with GERD) so your doctor may still be right :) These chest pains can feel quite similar to a heart attack -- I can now tell that my chest pains are definitely from the GERD/hernia and not cardiac problems because my pain is always the worst when I sit down, bend over, or otherwise put pressure on my stomach, and the pain improves when I stand up or walk around.
I took Nexium for quite a while, but was not able to get complete relief from my symptoms (chest pain and nausea were my main ones -- I also rarely get true heartburn) until I also started following a GERD-friendly diet. Before I started the diet, I had at least mild chest pain nearly all day long, it wasn't just after meals! But within 24 hours of starting my diet, my chest pain improved dramatically! While everyone has different GERD trigger foods, here is the diet I follow to get you started:
http://www.dailystrength.org/people/508274/journal/1912231
And a few other tips:
http://www.dailystrength.org/people/508274/journal/1997732
If your symptoms do not improve with GERD meds and diet, and if tests show your heart is fine, then ask your doctor about additional tests for GERD -- most doctors order an endoscopy first when GERD is suspected.
Good luck!