Hey, lifewitholivia you are describing my EXACT symptoms. Palpatations under the sternum after eating, and I also feel like I have something stuck in my throat and difficulty swallowing. I just had a Holter monitor and I get the results tomorrow. However I suspect after checking symptoms that I may have esophageal spasms.
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-Stoney
Wow, there are other people out there with what I have. I have had these spasms for 6 years now. It drives me crazy ! To date, I have had a stress test with nuclear contrast, An upper GI scope, ultrasounds, x-rays, liver function tests, gallbladder tests, and more I can't remember. To no avail, they find nothing wrong. I am on Prevecid for reflux although that is not it, as the reflux is not that bad.
Here goes, usually after I eat (sometimes without eating) I get the jittery, butterfly, ticking, twitching spasm in the middle directly under my sternum. It is not painful, but bothersome to the extreme. It takes my breath away, causes heart palpitations, dizziness, panic, and a feeling of impending doom like I'm about to have a major coronary attack. I immediately jump to my feet, I have no pain, but I force a cough and I apply pressure to my upper stomach to get it to stop. The worst can last from 2 seconds to 2 minutes, then it lingers there for hours "about to happen again". It is the most miserable feeling ever. I am trying to just live with it because I can't find help, but it is disruptive to my life. I cancel planned trips, miss all kinds of functions because I am afraid to have them. I drink Malox which seems to help a bit. Doctors have told me stress, anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, all can cause this. I have deleted all these things at times and still have them. I have fewer of these spells while home on my days off than at any other time. Sorry I have no solutions.
Miserable up north, Gregg
Here goes, usually after I eat (sometimes without eating) I get the jittery, butterfly, ticking, twitching spasm in the middle directly under my sternum. It is not painful, but bothersome to the extreme. It takes my breath away, causes heart palpitations, dizziness, panic, and a feeling of impending doom like I'm about to have a major coronary attack. I immediately jump to my feet, I have no pain, but I force a cough and I apply pressure to my upper stomach to get it to stop. The worst can last from 2 seconds to 2 minutes, then it lingers there for hours "about to happen again". It is the most miserable feeling ever. I am trying to just live with it because I can't find help, but it is disruptive to my life. I cancel planned trips, miss all kinds of functions because I am afraid to have them. I drink Malox which seems to help a bit. Doctors have told me stress, anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, all can cause this. I have deleted all these things at times and still have them. I have fewer of these spells while home on my days off than at any other time. Sorry I have no solutions.
Miserable up north, Gregg
Have very similiar symptoms to al of the ones quoted below. Dont mean to depress anyone but \i am now in my third year of whatever it is..Heart palpitations ,stomach ache left and right side, pains in arms and neck.dont know what to do.Have been to all the relevent doctors and aprt from some ulceration of my stomach nothing. HAve had all the cameras in fact there are celebreties that have had less media attention than my insides. i am a 31 year old male who does smoke(id**t) and am about 16 st for my 6 ft in height.I get remisions some time but they never last long.HAve been told to cut stress out of my life but the only thing i stress about is the fact that ia m a young man who has been sick for three years. Get terrible weakness nearly all the time and recently have been finding it hard to even walk short distances.Any help would be greatly appreciated as am my wits end.this is not living and at this stage am hoping for something bad to happen so they might find out what is wrong.
Thanks
Thanks
Its almost a relief to know that others have the same symptoms. I wished that none of us had to suffer with this, but its nice to know that Im not alone.
I have had this for 20 years. It comes and goes, and is triggered by stress. I also find I get them after bending over, and then returning to a standing position. (sometimes) I have cut out all caffine and nicotine I can't give up sugar just yet, but I have cut down. I have these palps/or spasams randomly i could be standing doing nothing, or sitting. Sometimes when I eat, I don't know.. I don't get it. I have tried to figure it out so many times. Sometimes they are Hard, and sometimes not. Sometimes they are double. In the snap of the finger it is gone. I hate them. They sometimes take my breath away, and they totally wreck me mentally for the remainder of the day. It seems like nobody takes me seriously.
kelly
I have had this for 20 years. It comes and goes, and is triggered by stress. I also find I get them after bending over, and then returning to a standing position. (sometimes) I have cut out all caffine and nicotine I can't give up sugar just yet, but I have cut down. I have these palps/or spasams randomly i could be standing doing nothing, or sitting. Sometimes when I eat, I don't know.. I don't get it. I have tried to figure it out so many times. Sometimes they are Hard, and sometimes not. Sometimes they are double. In the snap of the finger it is gone. I hate them. They sometimes take my breath away, and they totally wreck me mentally for the remainder of the day. It seems like nobody takes me seriously.
kelly
I also have fluttering-type feelings right below my sternum on the left side near my stomach...the spasm moves down sometimes to just above my belly-button on the left and right sides. It does not hurt at all, but it seems to happen all day, randomly and it seems that lately, whatever I eat results in enormous gas. I am baffled by this. I have not seen a doctor. I also have bad hip pain at night, especially if the gas is happening. Anyway, I thought the postings were helpful. Thank you. I also think that stress may have a lot to do with this!
Wow!! I have been through test after test sometimes the doc looks at me like I am nuts......I have the exact same symtoms and have had heart test ,, everything is fine they say.... have you heard any thing new about your symptoms.... a diagnosis maybe...lol. I don't think there is one for this but its is driving me insane right now.. mine comes and goes sometimes I'm fine for a few months them WAM its right back... I am 43, at an ok weight .. 5'3 -130 pds.. female , have been on insulin for 22 years diabetes have very good A1C's 6.4... but i drink a lot of coffee , have given up soda after years of drinking 2 or 3 diets peps a day.. but these spasms and heart palps drive me in sane...... help...... I just read everyones reply and i have done everything from heart monitor to doc's putting dye in my arm to see if heart arteries are ok....I have come to the conclusion that it is stress related then the body can't process the food normally. Ihave kept a diary and it seems the stress brings this on. I have dealt with this for over 7 years! I thought many times I would die. I am on aciphex daily and drink maylox when this happens and take nerve pills like mad only during these episodes and eventually it will subside. Then it will come back when something really mess my nerves up. AT least we know we are not going to die from this.I recently started taking Yoga whch i used to think was wierd but it is helping my nerves and calming me ..... Good luck everyone.. just remember u are not alone with this.... :-)
I am a 27 yr old female who has a history of anxiety, GERD and a hiatal hernia. I am an ex-smoker (quit one yr ago) and I have cut out caffeine. I am also a vegetarian and do not eat chicken or fish. My symptoms have been going on for a while, pretty much ever since I took an anti biotic called Levaquin in November, however, my symptoms have gotten worse in the last week. I have chest pains (which sometimes radiate to my sides or back), stomach spasms/pain, constant burping, difficulty breathing, palpitations which feel like fast heart beat, bad heartburn (food comes right back up), itching, coughing, loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss. I have lost 20 pounds since November. I also find myself very thirsty with a dry tounge. In addition, my lymph nodes in my neck are sore to the touch and seem swollen. I have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia in the past and GERD. I recently had an endoscopy. The dr. who did the endoscopy said he didn't see anything including my hernia which was diagnosed through another physician with a barium swallow last year. It's all very confusing. To date I have had many tests done including: a brain MRI with and without contrast (neg) , a chest CT with contrast (neg), endoscopy (neg), chest xray (neg), ekg (neg), blood clot tests neg., countless blood tests all negative with the exception of a slightly elevated WBC count and lymphocytes were a tad on the low side. Also, several weeks ago my Dr. said my calcium level was on the "high end of normal". Could this be a thyroid problem? I have had a thyroid blood test (not sure which one) and she said it was normal but I am not convinced. I have always had acid reflux but nothing like this. Everytime I eat or drink anything I burp (which relieves pressure) or food and drink comes back up. Could this all be due to GERD or is this something more serious? Also, it feels as if something is itching my lungs or throat and I need to cough often to relieve it. I have been having these symptoms whether or not I eat so I don't know if it is just GERD. I am really scared that I have some awful disease that no one has found yet and feel very anxious over this so everytime I go to the Dr. they attribute every problem I have to anxiety. Admittedly some of this could be anxiety related but these problems have been happening regardless of what I am doing or how I feel. Could someone please shed some light on this?
THANKS!
THANKS!
It's 7 in the morning here and I sought out this website for ...you guessed it.....valve palpatations. They hit me pretty hard this morning..no clue why...but I had to get up EARLY and get out of the bedroom before I woke my husband up with my burping. There's never any pain...but pressure...I used to think they were my heart beating strangly but then after talking with a family member who has the same problem (and taking my pulse) I realized its actually just the upper valve of my stomach (close to the heart but not quite in the right place) spasming like crazy.
The best part is sometimes I will get hiccups AND this feeling because (sine I now realize its a muscle issue) I concentrate real hard on keep my middle stationary...which is utterly useless but gets my other muscles to join in.
Since I found out its a stomach valve I'm much calmer when it happens which means I don't get dizzy...I don't panic...and I don't get that sense of impending doom like I used to when I thought I was having a heart attack....but damn....I wish it would stop.
I was nervous about getting up in time last night and I'm pretty sure thats what triggered it.
The best part is sometimes I will get hiccups AND this feeling because (sine I now realize its a muscle issue) I concentrate real hard on keep my middle stationary...which is utterly useless but gets my other muscles to join in.
Since I found out its a stomach valve I'm much calmer when it happens which means I don't get dizzy...I don't panic...and I don't get that sense of impending doom like I used to when I thought I was having a heart attack....but damn....I wish it would stop.
I was nervous about getting up in time last night and I'm pretty sure thats what triggered it.
These posts are fascinating. My best wishes go out to everyone here. I don't have any answers but I can tell you about my situation...
I am a 39 yr old woman. Off and on since I was in my teens I could feel a slight palpitation in (what I assumed was) my heart. It would happen a few times a year and never caused any pain -- but since heart disease runs in my family it was frightening to me. However - it happened so rarely I was able to put it out of my mind most of the time. Sometimes it would feel like a missed or extra beat. Other times it would feel like having a muscle spasm in my heart. It's a very *physical* feeling, like a painless jolt of electricity.
For what it's worth... I have also been prone to hiccups (my mom says I hiccupped a lot while she was pregnant with me!) and little muscle spasms. My hiccups don't last a long time but happen more often than average, I think.
When I was in my mid thirties I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I also had a very thorough heart ultra-sound done and was told I had a heart murmur. Still don't know if the "murmur" is the same thing as the weird heart-palpitation feeling. I decided I needed to see a cardiologist because of the murmur, but all he did was give me a ECG and tell me it was a "functional murmur" and was nothing to worry about (according to him I didn't even need to take anti-biotics before dental work). He seemed totally uninterested in examining me further. I've had other ECGs and they always look great on paper -- but anyone who's ever had one can tell you the test lasts about 3 seconds. Seems like an unlikely way to catch an elusive heart palp in action. (I'm referring to the test where they put small sticky pads on your chest and record your heart beat for a very short period of time. I've never had one that was more than a few seconds).
But here's what led me to this forum... Just about a month ago the palpitations suddenly became nearly constant. Sometimes there are 3 or 4 a minute -- sometimes one every 3 minutes but since they started they have not let up. They range in intensity, but sometimes they are strong enough that they're almost visible. If I'm lying down and watch my chest I can see it spaz for a split second. It REALLY freaks me out. I can relate to all the posters here who have tremendous anxiety about this. I have considered going to an emergency room -- but since I never have any chest pain I can't bring myself to do it (it's also very expensive and time consuming to go to an ER, been there done that).
Just the other day I started listening to my heart with a stethoscope for 15 min at a time (came with a cheap blood pressure monitor I got at a drugstore). In between palpitations my heart beats in a perfectly normal, regular way. However, now that I'm reading these posts I'm starting to wonder if this is stomach related! At times I have had the heavy chest/rapid heart beat after eating. I have also felt more uncomfortable lying down than when I am up and walking around (but not always, when the palps kicked in a month ago I was out running errands). I have *not* had the feeling of something stuck in my throat after eating that many of you describe. It never occurred to me this could be a stomach valve rather than something in my heart.
So - whether it's heart or stomach I have decided to 1. Find a new cardiologist and possibly a gastro doc; 2. Make a point of getting regular (but not intense) physical exercise and always keeping track of my heart rate; and 3. cutting way back on caffeine. I also have started monitoring my blood pressure religiously. Unfortunately it's getting higher, probably due to the anxiety.
I urge everyone here to keep track of their symptoms and keep searching for the right doctor. If you don't get a good vibe and he/she seems uninterested -- find someone else! I wish everyone here the very best of luck in dealing with this, and remember you are not alone.
I am a 39 yr old woman. Off and on since I was in my teens I could feel a slight palpitation in (what I assumed was) my heart. It would happen a few times a year and never caused any pain -- but since heart disease runs in my family it was frightening to me. However - it happened so rarely I was able to put it out of my mind most of the time. Sometimes it would feel like a missed or extra beat. Other times it would feel like having a muscle spasm in my heart. It's a very *physical* feeling, like a painless jolt of electricity.
For what it's worth... I have also been prone to hiccups (my mom says I hiccupped a lot while she was pregnant with me!) and little muscle spasms. My hiccups don't last a long time but happen more often than average, I think.
When I was in my mid thirties I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I also had a very thorough heart ultra-sound done and was told I had a heart murmur. Still don't know if the "murmur" is the same thing as the weird heart-palpitation feeling. I decided I needed to see a cardiologist because of the murmur, but all he did was give me a ECG and tell me it was a "functional murmur" and was nothing to worry about (according to him I didn't even need to take anti-biotics before dental work). He seemed totally uninterested in examining me further. I've had other ECGs and they always look great on paper -- but anyone who's ever had one can tell you the test lasts about 3 seconds. Seems like an unlikely way to catch an elusive heart palp in action. (I'm referring to the test where they put small sticky pads on your chest and record your heart beat for a very short period of time. I've never had one that was more than a few seconds).
But here's what led me to this forum... Just about a month ago the palpitations suddenly became nearly constant. Sometimes there are 3 or 4 a minute -- sometimes one every 3 minutes but since they started they have not let up. They range in intensity, but sometimes they are strong enough that they're almost visible. If I'm lying down and watch my chest I can see it spaz for a split second. It REALLY freaks me out. I can relate to all the posters here who have tremendous anxiety about this. I have considered going to an emergency room -- but since I never have any chest pain I can't bring myself to do it (it's also very expensive and time consuming to go to an ER, been there done that).
Just the other day I started listening to my heart with a stethoscope for 15 min at a time (came with a cheap blood pressure monitor I got at a drugstore). In between palpitations my heart beats in a perfectly normal, regular way. However, now that I'm reading these posts I'm starting to wonder if this is stomach related! At times I have had the heavy chest/rapid heart beat after eating. I have also felt more uncomfortable lying down than when I am up and walking around (but not always, when the palps kicked in a month ago I was out running errands). I have *not* had the feeling of something stuck in my throat after eating that many of you describe. It never occurred to me this could be a stomach valve rather than something in my heart.
So - whether it's heart or stomach I have decided to 1. Find a new cardiologist and possibly a gastro doc; 2. Make a point of getting regular (but not intense) physical exercise and always keeping track of my heart rate; and 3. cutting way back on caffeine. I also have started monitoring my blood pressure religiously. Unfortunately it's getting higher, probably due to the anxiety.
I urge everyone here to keep track of their symptoms and keep searching for the right doctor. If you don't get a good vibe and he/she seems uninterested -- find someone else! I wish everyone here the very best of luck in dealing with this, and remember you are not alone.
I am 33 years of age. A few weeks ago I was eating breakfast and had to erge to vomit. When I leaned over A SHARP pain (squeezing) hit me in my chest followed y a sharp pain shooting through my left arm. I was rushed to the ER thinking a possible heart attack. EKG showed nothing. Told either it was GERD/ulcer or Gallbladder. From the day of the attack my pains have been increasing. I did not have these symptoms before. I started seeing a Dr. & they have run every test including a hydascan for gallbladder problems and found nothing. I am taking an allergy med, aciphex, bentil? a stomach spasm med. One of these seems to be helping. I forgot to take it today and man did the pain come back. I have had to go to the ER one time since the first attack and was told that is was anxiety. After arguing weith the PA there I was sent home in the same condition I showed up in. I follow up with my Dr. Thursday and she said she is going to refer me to a gastro specialist. I have read alll the posts and see that this is something that a LOT of people are having probelms with. WHat do I do? Go on to the specialists only to have all the tests show nothing or just keep taking the meds and try to have the best life I can? I am REALLY discouraged. I have NEVER liked Dr's. I have a HUGE family history of CAncer and was scared to death to even have the first test done. WHat do I do?
All of the symptoms described here can be caused by GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - even heart palpitations.
Misdiagnosis seems to be rampant in the medical world.
See-
http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_gerd/page4.htm
Misdiagnosis seems to be rampant in the medical world.
See-
http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_gerd/page4.htm
Folks,
I have had almost similar problem. My problem started with acute constipation followed by this spasm.
Now doctors have diagnosed it as "Disc Compression" after an X ray of the spine was taken. With Physiotherapy it has subsided completely.
Suggest to those who have similar problem to consult an Ortho specialist aswell and an X Ray/MRI of the spine will help the diagnosis.
Best rgds
I have had almost similar problem. My problem started with acute constipation followed by this spasm.
Now doctors have diagnosed it as "Disc Compression" after an X ray of the spine was taken. With Physiotherapy it has subsided completely.
Suggest to those who have similar problem to consult an Ortho specialist aswell and an X Ray/MRI of the spine will help the diagnosis.
Best rgds
wowwww
wowwwww
I have alot of these symptoms described im a 19 yr old male and am glad i found this thread. I have a tight constricting type feeling in my throat right below my adams apple. Burping feels like it helps expand it for a quick second but doesn't really help. I also have horrible heart palpitations during this time im not exactly sure what my heart is doing but it feels like a JUMP or something its just a quick flash so I cant exactly tell what is actually happening. My heart is not even racing when I get them it will be at a rested beat and I still get the 2 second sensation that leaves me dizzy and feeling like im gonna passout. Doom feelings/thoughts immediately go threw my head afterwards. I get one and I start to panic hardcore. It all goes back food stuck in my throat I think im just gonna quit eating.
wowwwww
I have alot of these symptoms described im a 19 yr old male and am glad i found this thread. I have a tight constricting type feeling in my throat right below my adams apple. Burping feels like it helps expand it for a quick second but doesn't really help. I also have horrible heart palpitations during this time im not exactly sure what my heart is doing but it feels like a JUMP or something its just a quick flash so I cant exactly tell what is actually happening. My heart is not even racing when I get them it will be at a rested beat and I still get the 2 second sensation that leaves me dizzy and feeling like im gonna passout. Doom feelings/thoughts immediately go threw my head afterwards. I get one and I start to panic hardcore. It all goes back food stuck in my throat I think im just gonna quit eating.
I just happened upon this site & this thread today while doing a search for information on the internet. I'm very happy to have found this thread.
I can absolutely sympathise with all who have posted here, because I have experienced (on and off) many of the same symptoms that you have suffered with and that you've shared with all of us here.
For info.. I am a 51 year old male, in generally excellent health, except for being blessed with a hiatus hernia (a somewhat common condition) and recurring bouts of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
I am not a doctor.. but through my own experiences as well as the research I've done over the years, I consider myself a pretty good source of information where stomach woes are concerned! For clarification, I am speaking of the "upper stomach" area.. the lower esophageal sphincter, the true "stomach" and duodenum area of the anatomy.. not the "below abdomenal bits" that encompass the bowel and the belly button, which many people also generally refer to as the "stomach".
I could make this into a huge composition (wait a minute - I already have!), but I think the best / most efficient way of expressing my points is in numbered) format. These points represent truths for me (at least for MY body), and I'm hoping they will help others in understanding what's going on in their bodies. Here goes:
1. There is a huge brain-gut connection in the body. HUGE. Stress (however caused - and there are many kinds of 'stress' and the causes of it) results in a greater amount of stomach acid being produced.
2. A greater amount of stomach acid being produced on a regular basis can cause injury to the lower esophageal sphincter (L.E.S.) due to the constant barrage of acid (referred to as GERD, or acid reflux). The situation can become much more aggravated after an unusually large or heavy meal (or a spicy meal, which also includes any dish made with tomato paste!), and becomes an even bigger problem when you lie down - even hours after you've eaten.
You may experience pain or burning at the L.E.S. area, but then again you may not. You may only feel an uncomfortabe spasm going on.
3. Even without high level of stress in their lives (I'm thankfully in the low stress category), some people can still suffer from GERD. The hiatus hernia is the culprit in my case.
4. When the L.E.S. is being injured by acid reflux, it can often spasm - often very noticeably. And because the L.E.S. (and stomach) are in very close proximity to the heart, the L.E.S., when it spasms/flutters/twitches, can cause the heart to skip a beat and go into palpation mode while the L.E.S. spasms continue on. The situation of of L.E.S. spasm combined with resultant heart palpations/irregular heart beat can lead to (understandable) concern & panic in the sufferer, which then causes an escalating vicious circle (i.e. more stomach acid, more L.E.S. spasm, more heart palpations).
5. When the L.E.S. is affected/damaged by acid reflux, it no longer operates as it should. You often have the feeling that you really need to burp, but can't. You often have the feeling of fullness and bloatiness, even when you haven't eaten in hours. It feels terrible.
6. The best way (at least the best medicinal way) to treat GERD is to take an acid reducer, and to take on some diet modifications (which is a topic unto itself).
There are 2 types of acid reducers. Zantac (or any of the drugs in the same family of drugs as Zantac) is good to treat mild cases of GERD, or occasional instances of acid indigestion. For more severe cases of occasional or chronic GERD, more powerful medication is required. The drugs I'm referring to are known as PPI's (proton pump inhibitors). The most widely-known one is Losec (or 'Prilosec' in the USA). Losec/Prilosec (and similar PPI drugs, including Nexium) can reduce stomach acids/gastric juices by as much as 60-80 percent. This drug can be quite amazing.. it can take you from what you think is "death's door" to one of feeling absolutely normal again, within a very short time.
7. As with all drugs, taking an acid reducer (particularly a PPI such as Losec) can have side effects. Losec will eliminate L.E.S. spasm for me, but can sometimes cause strange low-level stomach spasm during my day (not a spasm of the L.E.S., but a spasm/twitching of the stomach itself). It's a bit of a weird feeling, but those who read this may identify with this. Usually this is not a problem in itself, unless I happen to over-eat, or eat something I shouldn't. (See next item).
8. When taking a PPI, the levels of gastric juices are reduced by 60-80 percent. That's GREAT for treating the L.E.S. (allowing it to heal), but not very good for the "motility" aspect of your digestive system. The digestive system likes/wants to have the full allotment of gastric juices, but when a PPI is being taken most of those juices simply aren't there, and it's not as easy for the body to digest what has been eaten. "Motility" is accomplished by way of a combination of gastric juices and the normal, mild muscle spasm activity that occurs naturally within the digestive system. Take away the majority of gastric juices, and motility is thrown out of whack! I think that's why the stomach spasms (at least in my case) when I'm taking a PPI, and why it's important to eat less at each meal when taking PPI's. So, instead of eating 3 big meals a day, you're much better off to "graze" and eat 5-6 small meals/snacks per day.
9. When suffering with L.E.S. or stomach spasms (which, when occurs, is often accompanied by heart palpitations), I find that having a glass of champagne/sparkling wine can often be beneficial. I know that sounds crazy... but the bubbly makes me burp (which works to expel any trapped gas in the upper GI system, which can cause stomach spasm), and the alcohol provides a nice warm sensation in the stomach, which can be very settling.
Sorry - this post has gone on WAY too long.
For those who visit here... I hope the above information is helpful in trying to diagnose and treat your particular problem. Remember - the brain is very much connected to your stomach (nervous system-wise), and the stomach is in very close proxity to your heart. One WILL affect the other. Try to keep that in mind, and you won't get too stressed out when an "event" happens.
Good luck treating your particular condition... and remember, you are not alone in suffering with the affliction.
Cheers all.
I can absolutely sympathise with all who have posted here, because I have experienced (on and off) many of the same symptoms that you have suffered with and that you've shared with all of us here.
For info.. I am a 51 year old male, in generally excellent health, except for being blessed with a hiatus hernia (a somewhat common condition) and recurring bouts of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
I am not a doctor.. but through my own experiences as well as the research I've done over the years, I consider myself a pretty good source of information where stomach woes are concerned! For clarification, I am speaking of the "upper stomach" area.. the lower esophageal sphincter, the true "stomach" and duodenum area of the anatomy.. not the "below abdomenal bits" that encompass the bowel and the belly button, which many people also generally refer to as the "stomach".
I could make this into a huge composition (wait a minute - I already have!), but I think the best / most efficient way of expressing my points is in numbered) format. These points represent truths for me (at least for MY body), and I'm hoping they will help others in understanding what's going on in their bodies. Here goes:
1. There is a huge brain-gut connection in the body. HUGE. Stress (however caused - and there are many kinds of 'stress' and the causes of it) results in a greater amount of stomach acid being produced.
2. A greater amount of stomach acid being produced on a regular basis can cause injury to the lower esophageal sphincter (L.E.S.) due to the constant barrage of acid (referred to as GERD, or acid reflux). The situation can become much more aggravated after an unusually large or heavy meal (or a spicy meal, which also includes any dish made with tomato paste!), and becomes an even bigger problem when you lie down - even hours after you've eaten.
You may experience pain or burning at the L.E.S. area, but then again you may not. You may only feel an uncomfortabe spasm going on.
3. Even without high level of stress in their lives (I'm thankfully in the low stress category), some people can still suffer from GERD. The hiatus hernia is the culprit in my case.
4. When the L.E.S. is being injured by acid reflux, it can often spasm - often very noticeably. And because the L.E.S. (and stomach) are in very close proximity to the heart, the L.E.S., when it spasms/flutters/twitches, can cause the heart to skip a beat and go into palpation mode while the L.E.S. spasms continue on. The situation of of L.E.S. spasm combined with resultant heart palpations/irregular heart beat can lead to (understandable) concern & panic in the sufferer, which then causes an escalating vicious circle (i.e. more stomach acid, more L.E.S. spasm, more heart palpations).
5. When the L.E.S. is affected/damaged by acid reflux, it no longer operates as it should. You often have the feeling that you really need to burp, but can't. You often have the feeling of fullness and bloatiness, even when you haven't eaten in hours. It feels terrible.
6. The best way (at least the best medicinal way) to treat GERD is to take an acid reducer, and to take on some diet modifications (which is a topic unto itself).
There are 2 types of acid reducers. Zantac (or any of the drugs in the same family of drugs as Zantac) is good to treat mild cases of GERD, or occasional instances of acid indigestion. For more severe cases of occasional or chronic GERD, more powerful medication is required. The drugs I'm referring to are known as PPI's (proton pump inhibitors). The most widely-known one is Losec (or 'Prilosec' in the USA). Losec/Prilosec (and similar PPI drugs, including Nexium) can reduce stomach acids/gastric juices by as much as 60-80 percent. This drug can be quite amazing.. it can take you from what you think is "death's door" to one of feeling absolutely normal again, within a very short time.
7. As with all drugs, taking an acid reducer (particularly a PPI such as Losec) can have side effects. Losec will eliminate L.E.S. spasm for me, but can sometimes cause strange low-level stomach spasm during my day (not a spasm of the L.E.S., but a spasm/twitching of the stomach itself). It's a bit of a weird feeling, but those who read this may identify with this. Usually this is not a problem in itself, unless I happen to over-eat, or eat something I shouldn't. (See next item).
8. When taking a PPI, the levels of gastric juices are reduced by 60-80 percent. That's GREAT for treating the L.E.S. (allowing it to heal), but not very good for the "motility" aspect of your digestive system. The digestive system likes/wants to have the full allotment of gastric juices, but when a PPI is being taken most of those juices simply aren't there, and it's not as easy for the body to digest what has been eaten. "Motility" is accomplished by way of a combination of gastric juices and the normal, mild muscle spasm activity that occurs naturally within the digestive system. Take away the majority of gastric juices, and motility is thrown out of whack! I think that's why the stomach spasms (at least in my case) when I'm taking a PPI, and why it's important to eat less at each meal when taking PPI's. So, instead of eating 3 big meals a day, you're much better off to "graze" and eat 5-6 small meals/snacks per day.
9. When suffering with L.E.S. or stomach spasms (which, when occurs, is often accompanied by heart palpitations), I find that having a glass of champagne/sparkling wine can often be beneficial. I know that sounds crazy... but the bubbly makes me burp (which works to expel any trapped gas in the upper GI system, which can cause stomach spasm), and the alcohol provides a nice warm sensation in the stomach, which can be very settling.
Sorry - this post has gone on WAY too long.
For those who visit here... I hope the above information is helpful in trying to diagnose and treat your particular problem. Remember - the brain is very much connected to your stomach (nervous system-wise), and the stomach is in very close proxity to your heart. One WILL affect the other. Try to keep that in mind, and you won't get too stressed out when an "event" happens.
Good luck treating your particular condition... and remember, you are not alone in suffering with the affliction.
Cheers all.
i cant belive some one else has the same problems, the food stuck in throat sensation, shortage of breath ,fluttering feeling in upper stomach area after eating, the missing heart beats and light headed but thinking your going to die. i also (especialy when alone ) get the incredible panicky feeling something terrible is about to happen. when it first happened i checked into the emergency department of a hospital but they couldn't find anything wrong. after reading this i feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders, i am not alone :-)