Acid reflux anyone?

[Alwayshere]

Does anyone else here get acid reflux? I sometimes feel a burning sensation in my chest and throat but goes away quickly. Sometimes I can just think about acid reflux and all of the sudden I feel like I have it which I know may sound weird. Of course I do worry because I read somewhere that symptoms of acid reflux can mimic a heart attack. I’m 30 years old, good blood pressure and just had my cholesterol done in October and everything came out great. I know it’s just my anxiety making me think the worst possible outcome. Ugh!

 

[bin_tenn]

Yes, it's definitely anxiety latching on and thinking of the worst case scenario. I experience reflux from time to time, and I used to experience it regularly - almost every single day, at least once a day. I was on a PPI for a couple years, and since I stopped it I've not really had many issues. If I do feel some reflux coming on, I take Tums and all is well.

From what I understand based on past reading, as well as conversations with my doctor and cardiologist, the sensation with a heart attack is different. If you have acid regurgitation, for example, that's usually not associated with heart attack. Instead, the "reflux" sensation with a heart attack is just a bad burning sensation deep in the chest, especially if it's unrelenting. And even that is more often due to indigestion rather than a cardiac event.

Based on the recent testing it sounds like you're in overall good shape. Don't worry yourself over this. It will only consume you and waste a lot of your time. Go enjoy your life.

 

[stevet]

I came to post about acid reflux just now and was thankful to find this post. Ive been fairly consumed by anxiety today, which apparently made the reflux worse. Also, I’ve been thinking “heart” problems all day long.

I’m kind of at a low with all of this, especially when I worry it’s going to shorten my life. Tired...


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[bin_tenn]

I came to post about acid reflux just now and was thankful to find this post. Ive been fairly consumed by anxiety today, which apparently made the reflux worse. Also, I’ve been thinking “heart” problems all day long.

I’m kind of at a low with all of this, especially when I worry it’s going to shorten my life. Tired...


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Hey Steve! Sorry you're anxious about this as well. I do understand though, because reflux has caused anxiety for me many times - it still does occasionally. The chest/arm/shoulder/back pain, shortness of breath, heartburn, etc - it all makes me think it's heart related. Tums doesn't stop a heart attack though...

Do you take anything for reflux, even if OTC and just as needed? I take Tums, and it works very well for me. Anxiety definitely exacerbates it, that's for sure!

 

[stevet]

Hey Steve! Sorry you're anxious about this as well. I do understand though, because reflux has caused anxiety for me many times - it still does occasionally. The chest/arm/shoulder/back pain, shortness of breath, heartburn, etc - it all makes me think it's heart related. Tums doesn't stop a heart attack though...

Do you take anything for reflux, even if OTC and just as needed? I take Tums, and it works very well for me. Anxiety definitely exacerbates it, that's for sure!

Hey! Thanks for the reply! You would have thought I was on death’s door yesterday. Thankfully, I haven’t had to deal with reflux too often as it seems to be one that’s difficult for my mind to “manage”. I got a generic Nexium yesterday. Also, I wound up taking so many Tums that I started to worry about that, too.

I was on a roll yesterday. Lol. Whew! That’s a good reminder about Tums not stopping a heart attack. I was out fairly late in Nashville last night and I thought at least I’m near multiple hospitals. Is that crazy or what?

It’s also a relief to hear anxiety exacerbates reflux. Thank you!


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[Alwayshere]

I seem to be dealing with it a bit today again too. Just occasionally but I thought it only last for a few hours not days.

 

[bin_tenn]

I was out fairly late in Nashville last night and I thought at least I’m near multiple hospitals. Is that crazy or what?

I do this as well, and my therapist said that's a good coping mechanism. To recognize that you're near a hospital or other medical facility, or that there are plenty of people around, in the event that something truly goes wrong.

When I had my last truly severe panic attack I was in a hotel, traveling for work. I felt anxious so I went downstairs into the lobby, because there are plenty of people around. It helped me to not progress further into the spiral, because I thought "there are plenty of people around who can help if I pass out." Therapist said that's actually quite common, and can be helpful.