Hello Everyone, it has been awhile since I posted a question. I've had issues with Panic, Anxiety since Dec 09. Well my issue that I am having now is, that I have some TERRIBLE heartburn. I wake up with heartburn and I haven't even had anything to eat yet.
Also when my heartburn comes, it seems like it is traveling around my body, especially in the upper chest and back area. When I get these heartburn symptoms my anxiety/panic gets worse because I feel strange things in my upper chest and I begin to have the WHAT IFs and should I go to the ER?
Just need some suggestions or comments to remedy this issue.
Thanks!!!!!!
In case you are wondering, I have tried TUMS, MYLANTA, GINGER ALE, etc!!!
Heartburn/Anxiety
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Guest
Hi there, these are the typical symptoms of a condition known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). GERD is especially prevalent upon waking in the morning. And it travels around a lot, especially to the chest area and even to the back.
I have been on medication for this for years and if I miss a dose, man, I really know it with the heartburn, even into my stomach. In fact, this past year, due to increased stress and anxiety (yes, these can cause GERD to flame up)I had to double up on my medication for it.
I have included a link to it which explains it in greater detail. I would bet almost 100% that is what you have. Explain these symptoms to your doctor. He may send you to a GI specialist for him to give an even better diagnosis. I didn't have to see a GI specialist as the medication my family doctor put me on works wonders.
May I quote just a little from the medicine.net article (below):
"Since acid reflux is more common after meals, heartburn is more common after meals. Heartburn is also more common when individuals lie down because without the effects of gravity, reflux occurs more easily, and acid is returned to the stomach more slowly. Many patients with GERD are awakened from sleep by heartburn."
Good luck and here is the link:
http://www.medicinenet.com/gas...ase_gerd/article.htm
Oh and by the way, Tums, Mylanta, ginger ale... and all the others don't work for GERD. You need a medication like Prilosec or Prevacid (among others) for this condition.
I have been on medication for this for years and if I miss a dose, man, I really know it with the heartburn, even into my stomach. In fact, this past year, due to increased stress and anxiety (yes, these can cause GERD to flame up)I had to double up on my medication for it.
I have included a link to it which explains it in greater detail. I would bet almost 100% that is what you have. Explain these symptoms to your doctor. He may send you to a GI specialist for him to give an even better diagnosis. I didn't have to see a GI specialist as the medication my family doctor put me on works wonders.
May I quote just a little from the medicine.net article (below):
"Since acid reflux is more common after meals, heartburn is more common after meals. Heartburn is also more common when individuals lie down because without the effects of gravity, reflux occurs more easily, and acid is returned to the stomach more slowly. Many patients with GERD are awakened from sleep by heartburn."
Good luck and here is the link:
http://www.medicinenet.com/gas...ase_gerd/article.htm
Oh and by the way, Tums, Mylanta, ginger ale... and all the others don't work for GERD. You need a medication like Prilosec or Prevacid (among others) for this condition.
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Guest
Flyer99,
GREAT link. I have reflux, but it is in the throat. It is called Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). Basically it is GERD that goes higher past the esophagus and affects the larynx area.
Madimac,
I would also suggest getting heart tests, just to rule out in your mind that your condition is reflux and not cardiac. This helped me because I suffer with reflux and suffered with heart attack fears.
GREAT link. I have reflux, but it is in the throat. It is called Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). Basically it is GERD that goes higher past the esophagus and affects the larynx area.
Madimac,
I would also suggest getting heart tests, just to rule out in your mind that your condition is reflux and not cardiac. This helped me because I suffer with reflux and suffered with heart attack fears.
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Guest
Thank you both for your responses!!! I am going schedule an appointment for my Family Dr. I did several months ago go for all the the test known to man (including ruling our cardiac issues) all came back normal.
But since they ruled out those heart issues, it stills puzzle me when my muscle contract and then release, is that still GERD or something else?
I will check out that website!!
But since they ruled out those heart issues, it stills puzzle me when my muscle contract and then release, is that still GERD or something else?
I will check out that website!!
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Guest
I can tell you I have been through the ringer with GERD/Acid Reflux. I've had it for years and have experienced symptoms on all levels. It can be scary and totally debilitating. It can make you feel like you are on the verge of a heart attack and the pains with it only make the possibility seem more likely. But believe me, having it this long and all that I've been through has reinforced in my mind that its not cardiac related and has made dealing with the reflux easier. It has also helped me to relax a little which has in turn made my reflux more manageable.