Whelp, I had typed up this long post about Acid Reflux and all the "BS" I have gone through and I lost it. So, I'll try to be more brief, maybe it was a sign.
I was diagnosed with Mid-Thoraic Reflux in Dec. '07. I felt a sensation in my throat in Jan. '08 and people started telling me it was reflux. Unfortunately I have had two people I know who had issues with their heart that talked about indigestion, etc and it was due to blocked arteries.
Now my cholestrol is good, my EKG's have been good (two in feb (1 in ER, 1 at Doc's office). I had a stress test in Sept. '07 and others, at least 2004 and 2006 that all were clean.
So my question is, I am on Prevacid since Feb 20th or 21st and sometimes the sensation feels worse. Should I be trying rolaids or tums too? What exactly does the Prevacid do? I thought it controlled this, though it has only been 3 wks. They told me 4 to 6.
I have an endoscopy on Mar. 27th, but, is this really reflux? Who thinks it is anxiety? Ironically I ate dinner and feel better, which my doctor says is a sign of reflux. He says eating can coat the esphogas. I mean, I did not have a symptom for 33+ yrs and it is going to take off like this?
I will say from November through late January I was stressed out almost daily about a job interview (internal to my company) and whether or not I would get the promotion. I wound up not getting it, but I wonder if this could have spiked anything of this nature as well.
Oh well, probably a repetitive post from others, but, it just makes me feel better.
Came close to a Xanax, but really want to be pill free.
Thanks for listening and responding if you choose too!!
Acid Reflux
I have acid reflex usually when I am worried or anxious about something, so yes acid reflex can be from anxiety or panic. I take tums personally because it is cheap and I know that I could take it while I was pregnant so I feel ok to take it now. I don't know about the med that you are taking so sorry I am no help there. It is okay to ask the same question that others have. I am sure that all these questions have been asked at one time but we all start at different times so don't worry about that! I don't think it has anything to do with your heart or it would have showed up on your ekg. I do know that mine has to do with anxiety and I haven't always had acid reflex but somedays it is worse than others and for a few months I got it every time I ate no matter what the food was. I never felt any better when I ate though but I know that after a x ray and some blood work I am just fine. I have gotten chest pains that scared me and made me think of my heart but my step dad told me to take a diabetics tums I don't know what they are really called but that is what I call them and it was gone. I also sometimes have to burp real bad and it feels like there is air stuck in my chest and then the pain moves and if I burp it goes away. (This has caused me panic many times) I now still take tums almost every day and it makes it go away. I am sure that you are fine because you just sound to have anxiety that is causing the acid reflex. I am living proof of that. Now that I think about it maybe I had the problem for longer than what I thought and just blamed it on something else. Hope this helps!
be blessed
Jennifier
be blessed
Jennifier
I've been dealing with anxiety for the past 8+ years but only recently developed acid reflux. Initially, I was diagnosed with thrush (August), and it took until November until I'd had enough and went to a specialist instead of my GP.
He took one look at me and in addition to precribing 40 mgs. Nexium 2x daily said I HAD to do something to manage my stress. So, yes, I can say mine is stress/anxiety related.
I still have reflux, but not nearly as bad. For a while my tongue was completely coated white in acid- it hurt like hell. (My dentist recommended an over-the-counter product called Rincinol... works pretty good and doesn't taste too bad). I also went to Nexium.com and found non-acidic recipes.
I'm hoping to get rid of this in the next couple of months, so I can start a supplemental program and get off my anti-anxiety Rx. Oh, I do know that if you're taking a benzo (xanax, ativan) for anxiety, that you ARE NOT supposed to take Tums/similar OTC antacids- it has a reaction with the benzo. and inceases anxiety. (I forget what the combo. is, but I could find out if anyone is interested).
I'd be curious to know what else anyone has done to get rid of their reflux. The meds for this disorder are terrible in depleting your body of essential nutrients.
fischee
He took one look at me and in addition to precribing 40 mgs. Nexium 2x daily said I HAD to do something to manage my stress. So, yes, I can say mine is stress/anxiety related.
I still have reflux, but not nearly as bad. For a while my tongue was completely coated white in acid- it hurt like hell. (My dentist recommended an over-the-counter product called Rincinol... works pretty good and doesn't taste too bad). I also went to Nexium.com and found non-acidic recipes.
I'm hoping to get rid of this in the next couple of months, so I can start a supplemental program and get off my anti-anxiety Rx. Oh, I do know that if you're taking a benzo (xanax, ativan) for anxiety, that you ARE NOT supposed to take Tums/similar OTC antacids- it has a reaction with the benzo. and inceases anxiety. (I forget what the combo. is, but I could find out if anyone is interested).
I'd be curious to know what else anyone has done to get rid of their reflux. The meds for this disorder are terrible in depleting your body of essential nutrients.
fischee
Thanks for the replies.
I seem to be coming down off my anxiety (panic attack). I once again came through w/o a Xanax, but you have to wonder sometimes if it is worth it.
I feel like I should just take it and be done with it, but since I am not going off the deep end I am trying to talk my way through it.
One person close to me said you can take the pill and mask the reasons or work through it and beat it all together.
As for the Reflux, it is weird to develop, but I guess with the constant worrying if I had to develop something, this would be it. My wife still says she cannot believe I don't have ulcers.
Anyway, I am glad I found this forum. it has helped me immensely. Only on 2.13.08 I was in the ER having a Panic Attack and told the ER it was exactly that. it was confirmed, which frustrates my wife. She can't understand why I can just move on.
Sometimes I wish I could be like her and god for bid for my kids if she ever cracks!
I seem to be coming down off my anxiety (panic attack). I once again came through w/o a Xanax, but you have to wonder sometimes if it is worth it.
I feel like I should just take it and be done with it, but since I am not going off the deep end I am trying to talk my way through it.
One person close to me said you can take the pill and mask the reasons or work through it and beat it all together.
As for the Reflux, it is weird to develop, but I guess with the constant worrying if I had to develop something, this would be it. My wife still says she cannot believe I don't have ulcers.
Anyway, I am glad I found this forum. it has helped me immensely. Only on 2.13.08 I was in the ER having a Panic Attack and told the ER it was exactly that. it was confirmed, which frustrates my wife. She can't understand why I can just move on.
Sometimes I wish I could be like her and god for bid for my kids if she ever cracks!
-------------------------
"Even a loyal dog will bite you if you kick it hard enough!"
"Even a loyal dog will bite you if you kick it hard enough!"
If you can get through your attacks w/o xanax, DO IT! However, only you know your limitiation-when you ABSOLUTELY need it, take it.
I was on xanax for over four years, then my psych. switched me to ativan because my body had become so habituated to the xanax it was no longer effective unless I took up to 9 mgs. a day. The same thing happened with ativan, and now I'm taking 1mg. klono. 2x daily.
It's been sheer hell since mid-November, but I can clearly see the progress I've made. For the life of me, I can't understand why mainstream medicine continues to over-prescribe in the case of psychological situations. I guess it's just easier to simply take a pill and forget about it, than deal with life and learn coping mechanisms.
I know my husband would relate to your wife. It wasn't until the past few months that he seriously began to have compassion. And even then, it was through a co-worker's experience and not mine... At least he "gets" it now.
I don't know if you're religious or not, but I, personally, constantly prayed that God would soften his heart and give him understanding. If it had to be through listening to someone else, so be it.
I don't know if this really helps, but I guess it makes me feel better knowing others' can relate.
Blessings,
fischee
I was on xanax for over four years, then my psych. switched me to ativan because my body had become so habituated to the xanax it was no longer effective unless I took up to 9 mgs. a day. The same thing happened with ativan, and now I'm taking 1mg. klono. 2x daily.
It's been sheer hell since mid-November, but I can clearly see the progress I've made. For the life of me, I can't understand why mainstream medicine continues to over-prescribe in the case of psychological situations. I guess it's just easier to simply take a pill and forget about it, than deal with life and learn coping mechanisms.
I know my husband would relate to your wife. It wasn't until the past few months that he seriously began to have compassion. And even then, it was through a co-worker's experience and not mine... At least he "gets" it now.
I don't know if you're religious or not, but I, personally, constantly prayed that God would soften his heart and give him understanding. If it had to be through listening to someone else, so be it.
I don't know if this really helps, but I guess it makes me feel better knowing others' can relate.
Blessings,
fischee
Hi Engine,
What exactly is midthoracic reflux? I'm guessing it's reflux affecting the midthoracic region? Makes sense but how does it differ from regular reflux symptoms?
Prevacid, usually prescribed for treatment of erosive esophagitis or ulcers, is a proton pump inhibitior that binds to an enzyme in the presence of acidic gastric pH. This prevents or "inhibits" the release of acid into the stomach.
What kind of throat sensations are you experiencing? It's interesting your doctor said eating and feeling better is a sign of reflux because I experienced this same result when I was having a strange sensation of something "stuck" in my throat. At times it felt like a tightening sensation. I always seemed to clear my throat constantly and cough feeling as though I could cough it up. Cold water or eating always seemed to help. It is commonly known as "Globus Hystericus". Most common explanation? REFLUX and/or anxiety. Ask your doctor about it. More than likely a endoscopy will confirm whatever is causing this. Let us know how it goes... Good luck!
Celeste
What exactly is midthoracic reflux? I'm guessing it's reflux affecting the midthoracic region? Makes sense but how does it differ from regular reflux symptoms?
Prevacid, usually prescribed for treatment of erosive esophagitis or ulcers, is a proton pump inhibitior that binds to an enzyme in the presence of acidic gastric pH. This prevents or "inhibits" the release of acid into the stomach.
What kind of throat sensations are you experiencing? It's interesting your doctor said eating and feeling better is a sign of reflux because I experienced this same result when I was having a strange sensation of something "stuck" in my throat. At times it felt like a tightening sensation. I always seemed to clear my throat constantly and cough feeling as though I could cough it up. Cold water or eating always seemed to help. It is commonly known as "Globus Hystericus". Most common explanation? REFLUX and/or anxiety. Ask your doctor about it. More than likely a endoscopy will confirm whatever is causing this. Let us know how it goes... Good luck!
Celeste
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Jesus Christ
Matthew 6:27
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Ivyheart <><
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Thu Dec 07, 2006 1:04 pm
Before I knew i had acid reflux I believed it was my heart! I was certain of it. I had it so bad it would get into my lungs mking it hard for me to breath. so of course that made me believe even more it was my heart. what came next panic!! I realized when I was stressed the acid reflux was worse. to this day if I am overwelmed or stressed I get it bad!
I do hope you find comfort in knowing that people care! Don't be too hard on yourself if every so often you need a xanax. I use to be really ahard on myself about that...it made things worse. I thankfully need very little xanax in a year but I am thankful that it is there if I need it. It doesn't make us weak!
Drink lots of water, I find that helps me as well!
Be well!
God Bless,
Ivy
I do hope you find comfort in knowing that people care! Don't be too hard on yourself if every so often you need a xanax. I use to be really ahard on myself about that...it made things worse. I thankfully need very little xanax in a year but I am thankful that it is there if I need it. It doesn't make us weak!
Drink lots of water, I find that helps me as well!
Be well!
God Bless,
Ivy
Celeste1 thanks for your kind words and information.
I cannot really explain my sensations. I use to refer to them as burning, but I have stopped saying that cause everyone said it was reflux and I was not sure that it was. It most likely is.
I cannot believe how the anxiety has ran my body through the ringers. It truly is amazing.
I can say that I do feel like I can cough or clear my throat a lot. Unfortunately as i said this feeling started after my friends Bypass story. The mind can play horrible tricks. If it is the hystericus thing, will they see it from an endo??
Ivyheart,
Thanks for your response as well. Reflux if that is what it is stinks.
I am hoping that the endo will show something, but I am not sure what they will look for.
i am just happy to be here and fighting the fight.
I cannot really explain my sensations. I use to refer to them as burning, but I have stopped saying that cause everyone said it was reflux and I was not sure that it was. It most likely is.
I cannot believe how the anxiety has ran my body through the ringers. It truly is amazing.
I can say that I do feel like I can cough or clear my throat a lot. Unfortunately as i said this feeling started after my friends Bypass story. The mind can play horrible tricks. If it is the hystericus thing, will they see it from an endo??
Ivyheart,
Thanks for your response as well. Reflux if that is what it is stinks.
I am hoping that the endo will show something, but I am not sure what they will look for.
i am just happy to be here and fighting the fight.
-------------------------
"Even a loyal dog will bite you if you kick it hard enough!"
"Even a loyal dog will bite you if you kick it hard enough!"
fischee:
I'd be interested in learning more about this because I've never heard it before. I take Tums with my Xanax all the time...Oh, I do know that if you're taking a benzo (xanax, ativan) for anxiety, that you ARE NOT supposed to take Tums/similar OTC antacids- it has a reaction with the benzo. and inceases anxiety. (I forget what the combo. is, but I could find out if anyone is interested).
Visit My Website!
This is the information I found at theroadback.org:
Calcium-Induced Side Effects With Benzodiazepines and Anti-Convulsants
·When taking benzodiazepines and /or anti-convulsants, do not take a supplement containing ionic calcium.
If you are taking an antidepressant or anti-psychotic medication and anxiety is a major complaint, avoid ionic calcium as well.
The difference between ionic calcium and “plain” or unaltered calcium is that ionic calcium is altered into a form that the body takes in instantly, versus “plain” or unaltered calcium, which breaks down in the body more slowly. An example of an ionic calcium product would be one that either dissolves or fizzes when put into hot or cold liquid.
While either calcium is a wonderful supplement in a natural, healthy diet, it is not something that you want to use if taking a benzodiazepine or if you are suffering from anxiety. Calcium is something that all our bodies require, and one of its main properties is assisting with the correct functioning of nerve impulses. While you do want to have your nerves and their impulses functioning correctly at all times, you don’t want or need to increase or “feed” this nerve stimulation while you are taking and or trying to taper off of benzodiazepines and / or anti-convulsants.
Calcium stimulates electrical discharge of the nerves. The stimulation of nerve impulses is the primary problem with using calcium along with a benzodiazepine or ant-convulsant.
It has been shown in clinical trials that blocking calcium can help protect a person from some of the worst of the benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.
Calcium-induced side effects while taking a Benzodiazepine or anti-convulsant can include:
·Hyperkinesias: an abnormal increase in muscular activity, hyperactivity, especially in children.
Hyperthermia: unusually high body temperature.
·Hyper aggression.
·Audiogenic seizures: Seizures caused by loud sounds and noises.
·Increased anxiety.
·Psychosis.
·Numbness around the mouth.
·Tingling in the extremities.
·Shortness of breath.
It is vital that you ensure you are not taking an ionic calcium supplement while using a benzodiazepine or anti-convulsant.
The Road Back has been contacted by several patients and physicians about the use of calcium. Some dispute this part of The Road Back Program.
Suggestion: If you are taking a calcium supplement and suffer from anxiety, do not take the calcium supplement for three days and see if the anxiety goes away or subsides greatly. If the anxiety subsides, there-is-nothing-left-to-argue-about. If the anxiety stays the same, it is not the calcium. Keep taking the calcium!
Hope this answers your q's,
fischee
Calcium-Induced Side Effects With Benzodiazepines and Anti-Convulsants
·When taking benzodiazepines and /or anti-convulsants, do not take a supplement containing ionic calcium.
If you are taking an antidepressant or anti-psychotic medication and anxiety is a major complaint, avoid ionic calcium as well.
The difference between ionic calcium and “plain” or unaltered calcium is that ionic calcium is altered into a form that the body takes in instantly, versus “plain” or unaltered calcium, which breaks down in the body more slowly. An example of an ionic calcium product would be one that either dissolves or fizzes when put into hot or cold liquid.
While either calcium is a wonderful supplement in a natural, healthy diet, it is not something that you want to use if taking a benzodiazepine or if you are suffering from anxiety. Calcium is something that all our bodies require, and one of its main properties is assisting with the correct functioning of nerve impulses. While you do want to have your nerves and their impulses functioning correctly at all times, you don’t want or need to increase or “feed” this nerve stimulation while you are taking and or trying to taper off of benzodiazepines and / or anti-convulsants.
Calcium stimulates electrical discharge of the nerves. The stimulation of nerve impulses is the primary problem with using calcium along with a benzodiazepine or ant-convulsant.
It has been shown in clinical trials that blocking calcium can help protect a person from some of the worst of the benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.
Calcium-induced side effects while taking a Benzodiazepine or anti-convulsant can include:
·Hyperkinesias: an abnormal increase in muscular activity, hyperactivity, especially in children.
Hyperthermia: unusually high body temperature.
·Hyper aggression.
·Audiogenic seizures: Seizures caused by loud sounds and noises.
·Increased anxiety.
·Psychosis.
·Numbness around the mouth.
·Tingling in the extremities.
·Shortness of breath.
It is vital that you ensure you are not taking an ionic calcium supplement while using a benzodiazepine or anti-convulsant.
The Road Back has been contacted by several patients and physicians about the use of calcium. Some dispute this part of The Road Back Program.
Suggestion: If you are taking a calcium supplement and suffer from anxiety, do not take the calcium supplement for three days and see if the anxiety goes away or subsides greatly. If the anxiety subsides, there-is-nothing-left-to-argue-about. If the anxiety stays the same, it is not the calcium. Keep taking the calcium!
Hope this answers your q's,
fischee