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Gerd attack, anxiety and lack of sleep

Posted , 5 users are following.

Samantha444
Samantha444

hi everyone, 

this is is my first post. It's 5.30am and once again I have been woken up by thst burning pain feeling in my chest. I have had Gerd on and off for years, but was always able to manage it. 

This week has been a nightmare, I have had pain in my chest, ribs, shoulders and even my neck.

of course I panicked and seen the doctor who assured me trapped wind and acid reflux could cause all these problems. He doubled my dose of Omeprazole, and I felt better for a while.

Now my anxiety has kicked in, I wake up with a burning pain and start to overthink, still worried it's my heart.

i am 45 and beginning to think I am turning into my mother, who had the same condition and was in A and E on a regular basis but was always told it's her stomach. 

When I get up and move and drink baking soda and hot water the pain eases. Also the trapped wind shifts, but does anyone find anxiety makes things worse?

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Renee77
    Renee77 Samantha444

    Posted

    Hi Samantha

    I'm 'new' to the whole GERD thing (8 weeks). I've had all your symptoms including the 5.30am wake up constantly at the beginning (never been a morning person), mind goes into overdrive and anxiety kicks in and for myself it definitely made the shoulder/back/chest/rib 'pain/uncomfortable feeling worse, oh and not to forget the breathing difficulty - the added bonus symptom. I've been on Omeprazole 20mg twice daily for the past 5 weeks and although it hasn't completely cured the symptoms, I'm starting to have symptom free days (not often but I'll take what I can get for now). In the beginning couple of weeks I honesty thought I couldn't live like this if the symptoms continued but taking the Omeprazole has definitely made a difference even if just slightly. Hang in there smile this disease really does suck!

    • Samantha444
      Samantha444 Renee77

      Posted

      Thanks Renee,

      In the past I have been able to control it with my diet and Gaviscon but I had an Indian meal the other week and haven't been well since. I already have anxiety issues so breaking thing kinda freaks me out a bit. I have noticed when I am busy I don't notice it as much.

      i have been doing breathing exercises and meditation and it's helping me calm me down. 

      Just been shopping and bought all the recommended low acid foods.

      Good to hear you are feeling better 

  • wpshark
    wpshark Samantha444

    Posted

    Hey Sam, welcome to the club!

    I had very similar symptoms for years, Was on Omeprazole from 2002 after Helicobacter Pylori  till 2011. Then it all started to get much worse and no meds were working. Had a scope from both sides which was clear and then was on Domperidone whch worked for a while. But it all got worse and the acide started burning my throat and vocal chords. Was on max doses of Ranitidine as well as Ezomeprazole and the prescription only thick Gaviscon. Another scope showed Hiatus Hernia and so I went in on 15th March this year for a Nissen fundoplication, I now feel great! No more acid and that sick feeling and funny sensations are gone, 

    Ok I can;t eat a lot but that is ok for weight loss. Also have to be careful in what you eat and how you chew. But all in all I highly recommend it,

    Good Luck

    • Samantha444
      Samantha444 wpshark

      Posted

      Thanks wpshark,

      My diet has been going downhill rapidly, and I blame that for the sudden severe attack. I had stopped taking Omeprazole and was just taking Gaviscon. I have just bought a Acid Reflux book on Kindle and I am going to stop the trigger foods and see what happens.

    • wpshark
      wpshark Samantha444

      Posted

      The problem is that if you have a Hiatus or similar, no amount of cutting out will help. It is then a physical thing that needs to be repaired.
  • Etmar17
    Etmar17 Samantha444

    Posted

    Yeh anxiety makes it worse. It's catch 22. I was awake fro about 3 this morning. Taking all I can for it. Gets better when I get up but still burns at somepoint during the day.

    I'm going to see GI doc on fri so will see what happens.

    It's always in the back of my mind that it could be my heart but then I can get up and about, not breathless and my lips are still pink.....thats my rationing.

    • Samantha444
      Samantha444 Etmar17

      Posted

      Thanks Etmar17,

      I have had so much stress recently, I am a caring for both parents and my dad is having major surgery on Tuesday. The op has been cancelled twice, when I am stressed I don't eat properly and I skip meals and then eat junk. I feel like my whole body is under attack, my joints are sore and I am really tired all the time.

      I have been having chest flutters too, but the doctor said the acid can cause spasms. I have also noticed the Omeprazole gives me pins and needles. But I have had some relief drinking warm water and organic honey. 

  • Samantha444
    Samantha444

    Posted

    Just a quick update. I took 40mg of Omeprazole yesterday but it didn't agree with me. 

    Today I am feeling a bit better, I have been drinking warm water with baking soda and it seems to be helping get rid of the gas.

    I haven't had any frizzy drinks or tea or coffee. 

    I read somewhere carrot juice helps with the burning, so I juiced some carrots.

    I have cut out all the possible triggers foods, which doesn't leave much but I'm happy to eat porridge, greens and melon for a few days and see what happens.

    I meds on standby, and I have been resting a lot today.

    • Renee77
      Renee77 Samantha444

      Posted

      Hi Samantha. Did you take the 40mg Omaprezole at the same time? I have 20mg morning & before dinner.....

    • Samantha444
      Samantha444 Renee77

      Posted

      No I took it on its own yesterday, but I think the higher dose made me feel odd, I noticed I had weird pins and needles in my hand. 

      To be honest, I am experimenting with what works for me. The doctor didn't suggest any lifestyle changes and I think he just wanted to give me more tablets without finding the cause.

      I suppose evryone is different. 

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