oesophagul spasm

[Gillyanne]

I have developed a really painful condition that feels like a heart attack when it happens. I've been to casualty twice in the last 9 months with this, and it's happened 7 times. In between I've been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (5 months on insulin). I also have coeliac, thyroid disease, asthma and lichen sclerosis. I'm now 62 and seem to develop a new autoimmune condition every time I sneeze. Anyone else with multiple problems? Anyone else have this painful condition? Each time it happens I'm convinced I'm dying, and I'm really scared it will happen again.

 

[himtoo]

Hi @Gillyanne
welcome to the forum

I have a diagnosed hiatus hernia and Grade C oesaphagitis as well as Type 1 and Hypothyroid.

I have had 3 of these spasms over the past 2 years and the first one was very frightening -- I went in an ambulance for the first one ( they thought it might have been heart attack )

Now that I recognise it , it is not as frightening -- but it is extremely unpleasant

I take Omeprazole 40mg twice a day

Have you seen your GP for further testing , meds to relieve symptoms ??

 

[Shar67]

I had this, knowing what I know now if I were you I would ask for a ct scan on stomach and pancreas.
Mine was caused by stomach shifting upwards.

 

[SWUSA_]

I have Type 2, asthma, and hiatal hernia also. I went to the Emergency Department twice before spasm was correctly diagnosed. I too thought I was having a heart attack. I take nexium, keep my asthma controlled and have lost a little weight to manage this condition. Also I do not eat after 6pm, stopped drinking carbonated beverages and alcohol. I have not had a spasm now in 4 years.

 

[Mep]

Welcome @Gillyanne - as you can see by my signature I live with multiple health conditions. My GI spasms have been worsening though. This year I developed a spasm that goes from my throat to my bowel and it doesn't release for 8-10 hours on average. During that time I'm in hypertensive crisis (BP >180/100 and heart rate >100). My body is just reacting from the severe pain. I started out with oesophageal spasm like you're getting. They do feel like you're having a heart attack don't they. My gastroenterologist explained to me that our bodies actually don't know the difference between a spasm and a heart attack so the body reacts the exact same way to both things. I would believe that. When I'm real bad I've wound up in an ambulance and being taken to ER. For me I find ER lacks understanding of spasms though. They just concentrate on checking me for whether I'm having a heart attack. Every single time I go there (and it's been quite a few times) I get put straight on an ECG because of the heart rate being too high. I'm on the following meds to help with my spasms: baclofen, nifedipine, and amitriptyline. I hope you get some good help there. I wish you the best.

 

[Dark Horse]

Oesophageal spasm can sometimes be triggered by acid reflux. Following guidance for self-care of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD, also known as GERD in the USA) may help:-
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Gastroesophageal-reflux-disease/Pages/treatment.aspx#self-help
http://patient.info/health/diet-sheet-for-oesophageal-reflux

There's some further information about oesophageal spasm here:- http://patient.info/doctor/oesophageal-spasm

 

[Gillyanne]

Wow! Thanks for all the helpful replies. I see the consultant this week, so will follow all your valued advice

 

[Mep]

Wow! Thanks for all the helpful replies. I see the consultant this week, so will follow all your valued advice

I hope your appointment goes well for you. The test that showed them I was getting oesophageal spasms was the oesophageal manometry test. That apparently showed I was having a segmental spasm. I found it odd I have to admit as I didn't even feel that spasm during the test, but I was gagging every now and then from the tube. So I'd hate to think what the findings would be on me for the ones I actually feel. I get regular endoscopies and colonoscopies done now too by my gastroenterologist. So if this is your first visit you can expect they would more than likely want to do some testing. I think I've had most of the tests available to date. But the good thing from that is you can get some answers hopefully.

 

[Gillyanne]

I saw the specialist who thinks it could also be because I have a twist in my stomach. I have a barium meal and a test to check my oesophagus soon. Fingers crossed xx