Esophegeal Spasm

[barbara9460 1]

Let me start by saying I've been banded for more than 2 years now. Not at my goal due to other medical problems, but will soon be able to exercise - yeah!!! :scared2: Been in a wheelchair for almost four months, so now exercise looks great to me!

Yesterday I woke to acid in my throat and horrible pain in my chest. I sat and spit for about an hour and then tried to go back to sleep. The pain did not go away and actually increased. I could only take small sips of Water and tried coffee, but no go. Called my "ask a nurse" from my insurance and she sent me to the ER. I was very scared as I thought I might be having a heart attack... these are the same symptoms my step-mom had when she had her heart attack - except for the acid reflux. I haven't had reflux since I've had my band, except for once when I went to bed shortly after dinner.

Long story short, a night in the hospital, much blood work and IV meds for GERD, it seems I have GERD. That didn't make sense to me because I've not had it in more than 2 years!!! Evidently you can have GERD and not feel the symptoms at all - especially if you've previous had it (20 years worth!) and had a long period with no pain. The hospital said that GERD doesn't go away, similar to diabetes. You may not have to take meds for it, but you still have it. So, if you have chest pain, even if you think it's GERD, GO TO THE HOSPITAL!!! The pain and other symptoms I experienced were exactly those that women feel when they are having a heart attack. Thankfully I am fine and am about to make an appointment with my band doctor. NEVER MAKE AN ASSUMPTION THAT IT'S GERD - ALWAYS GO TO THE ER!!!