Heartburn Caused By Stress

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Q: What to do about esophagus pain?
Over the weekend I went to the hospital for excessive vomiting. I had thrown up every 5-15 minutes over a 12 hour period. I was treated and released from the hospital. When I left the hospital, I had sore tonsils(from all the acid) and a sore esophagus(also from all of the stomach acid).

The tonsil pain has gone away completely, but I can hardly eat anything due to the pain in my esophagus. Even drinking water causes instant pain akin to heartburn as it goes down my throat. I know this was undoubtedly caused by the excessive vomiting (the stress on my esophagus from all the vomiting and the stomach acid).

What my question is, has anyone ever had this before…and what things have you done to help it go away faster or work around it?

A: There is really nothing that will make your throat feel better right away. You should try to stay from any solid foods for several days. Stay away from anything that has acid in it. A lot of soda’s have acid in them, Ginger Ale, Sprite, Coke. Just about all the popular drinks might be good for an upset stomach, but aren’t good for a soar throat. Have fun, eat a lot of ice cream and drink fruit juices, you could even try drinking some warm jello.pp

Q: Heart Burn? Anxiety? Something Else?
About 2 months ago I went to the doctors for chest pain. I had an EKG and a stress Echo. Everything came back fine. I then ended up being put on heartburn meds and for the time it seemed to work. Lately the chest pain has come back. Its a sharp pain that just randomly comes on and then goes away quickly. Could that be heartburn? I don’t know if it is supposed to be a pain, or just pressure feeling. Does heartburn cause sharp pains? By the way I am a 21 year old female.

A: Heartburn can cause sharp pain in the chest area. It can happen randomly, caused by an imbalance because of stress. I recommend that you take Prilosec, it is over the counter. I generally have to take some for a couple of days every few months. Normal antacids doesn’t seem to work for me.

Q: Can you get heartburn near your left shoulder?
The past 2 days I have been experiencing a heartburn sensation close to my left shoulder in front, above my breast and below my collar bone. It started the morning of Thanksgiving, so I don’t think the turkey dinner is what triggered it. But I did put a lot of pressure on my left arm the day before while I stirred my caramelized sugar. I took medicine for heartburn earlier today and it seemed to go away a bit, but now it has returned.

I also went to the doctor last week for pain and pressure in my stomach and back, close to the right side. But she ran some blood tests and checked my urine and found nothing. Still experiencing that pain though as well.

I may decide to make another appointment this week, though they weren’t much help last time.

I don’t think it could be a heart attack because I’m 23 (yes I know you can still have one at younger ages still), I’m a healthy weight, and try to eat healthy foods. My stress level has been fairly low lately, at least I think it has been. I can usually tell if I’m stressed.

Is it possible to have heartburn close to the left shoulder? Or are there other conditions that could cause burning pain near the shoulder? I’ll probably visit a doctor either way if it isn’t better by Monday, but just wanted some input until then.
I also want to add that tonight the pain from my side has been moving around. I have experienced sharp pain in my lower back, between the shoulder blades, and now back to the lower right side agan. I wonder now if the pain could be related to the nervous system rather than digestive.

A: It is not possible to have heartburn close to your shoulder.
“Heartburn” is caused by acid reflux in your throat. The acid enters your esophagus and causes a burning sensation. Very doubtful it is a heart attack at your age and state of health. It appears you may have two unrelated conditions. You could have overworked your left shoulder and have a slight muscle pull which could result in a stabbing and burning feeling. The pain and pressure on your right side could be something else. It would be a good idea to see the same doctor again since that doctor has already eliminated several possibilities with the blood and urine tests. Another doctor will have to start from scratch. As to what it could be… sorry not enough information. That is why you need a through examination by a doctor. Good luck.

Q: anyone know someone with bulimia?
its a very sad disease….i feel it shows weakness and very low self esteem.

Here’s a little snipet from the internet. This might not cure you of bulimia, but maybe it will your severe stupidity and ignorance:

“Frequent vomiting brings up stomach acid into the mouth, eroding teeth’s enamel. Cavities and gum infections are common in people with bulimia. The stomach acid also irritates the esophagus, producing heartburn, and the salivary glands, making them swell.

Bulimia harms the entire body. People with bulimia also tend to be constipated from laxative abuse and improper nutrition. Bulimics typically eat high calorie, low nutritional value foods like breads or ice cream. As a result, they may be undernourished and have dry skin, hair, and nails. Bulimia causes mineral and vitamin deficiencies and can lead to chronic kidney problems, including kidney failure. Dehydration is also common in people with bulimia. Undernourishment and dehydration lower the body’s electrolytes, causing an irregular heartbeat or heart problems. The effects can be serious. When potassium drops severely, it can cause the heart to stop, resulting in death.

Bulimia affects people’s mental and emotional well-being. These problems can come directly from bulimia, or bulimia may be a response to the other problems. People with bulimia may be tired and unable to perform at peak levels from the mental and physical stress bulimia puts on the mind and body. Depression, low self-esteem, and extreme perfectionism are common in people with bulimia. Bulimia can cause tension with family and friends, interrupting the lives of people with the disorder.

The most severe effect of bulimia is death. Ten percent of people with bulimia eventually die from its effects, usually from the electrolyte imbalance caused by dehydration.”

Paints a pretty picture, doesn’t it?
yes it is.very sad.hope she continues to do well!!!
natile and andrea- i am untitled to my opinion.i can say what i want.to me its for attention… and that right there is sick…very sad.there are other ways to get attention.sorry my opinion. to bad if u dont like it!!

A: You know what’s funny about this? Bulemics know what it does. They don’t care because all they obcess about is being pretty. Telling anyone this won’t stop them from being bulemic the same way telling a smoker that their cigarette causes cancer. They know… they just don’t care. Believe me, my sisters are both bulemic… and smokers.

Q: Do I really have acid reflux disease?
First off I will tell you a little about me. I am 20 years old and live a very stressful life. I had my 1st child at the age of 15 and raised her pretty much on my own. I went to school, worked full time, and then came home to take care of my baby. Then when I was 19 and already graduated from high school I decided to go back to school. So at this point I have a 4 year old daughter who together with my girlfriend take care of and I work 40 hours a week and going to school 20 hours a week. Then in April is when the problem started, we found out that my girlfriend was pregnant. Within a week or two of that I started getting this feeling in my throat like there was something stuck in it or it was closing up. I went to a ENT and he told me that he thought it was acid reflux due to stress. He put me on a medicine called Zegerid and told me take it once a day. I took it once a day for about 3 months and noticed it didn’t do to much so I stopped. The throat problems don’t seemed to be triggered by anything, sometimes it’s there and sometimes it’s not. Now keep in mind that I never get any heatburn or anything like that. I do have a constant slight burning pain in my chest during the day but it’s not heartburn. So my question, from what you’ve heard do you really think I have Acid Reflux or could my throat symptoms be caused by something else?

A: Get a second opinion if you don’t trust the original diagnosis.

I have acid reflux and I have to take my GERD meds daily otherwise it returns.

Your medical condition maybe different so you need to seek advice from a a medical professional.

Q: Me & DH are TTC. Period is 7 days late, when should I see a doctor?
We have been TTC for 12 months now, we’re due to see an infertility specialist Jan. 29th. I normally have a 25 day cycle, with the shortest of 22 and the longest of 35 days. My period was due the 7th, and on the night of the 11th I tested neg. (I’m impatient, i couldn’t wait for the morning) it was only about 2.5 hrs of non-diluted pee. :- I’m testing again on the 16th, which will be at cycle day 35, or 10 days late. Could I be pregnant? Anyone have this happen before? I don’t want to get my hopes up like I’ve done so many times before. If it’s negative again should I go see the doctor or just wait for my infertility appointment? Please Help!!! (and sorry if anything in here was TMI, but we’re all adults here and I need help!) Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

P.S. – It probably doesn’t account to much, but I’ve had pregnancy symptoms, even though they could be from stress or something like that. Here are the symptoms i’ve had within the last few weeks.
~Missed Period
~Tiredness
~Nausea
~Backaches
~Headaches (i NEVER get headaches & I’ve had 3-4 recently!)
~Frequent Urination
~Sensitivity to smells (things smell a lot more strongly lately than they used to!)
~Acid Reflux/Heartburn (i’ve had it for a few years, but its gotten really bad these past few weeks)
~Bloated/Weight Gain

*** I know most of those could be caused by a number of things, so I’m not looking too deeply into them, just adding them so you know what I’m feeling***

A: Most of the things you mentioned can be a phantom or a false alarm due to wanting it so badly. But I would say the frequency of going to the toilet is a big give away. Things smelling strongly, yes. Nausea and tiredness are two big one also. I have 4 children and all pg’s were different I have two girls and two boys. Nausea I experienced stronger with the boys. I was more tired with the boys and weight gain was fast too. Good luck and do a test. You might get the best news you’ve been waiting for.

Q: Confirmation of Hepatitis B?
I’ve touched blood of a person with hepaB and as they say, the virus could stay on the body for seven days and could find an opening.
Three weeks after, I got myself a bloodtest and the results showed that I was Nonreactive to HBsAg.
Now, on the fourth week, I’m feeling a little funk in my stomach. Nausea is on of the major symptoms of HepaB. However, I have been in a constant state of worry and I understand that stress could also increase production of Gastric Acid and cause ulcers accompanied by occasional heartburns.

I have completed vaccination (x3) 1 year and 5 months ago.

Do I have Hepa B? Should I worry (more)?

A: If you have completed the vaccine program you should have no problem what so ever. Additionally merely touching blood should not be a concern provided that you wash your hands……Hand washing is still considered the leading form of protection from most every virus known to mankind

Q: I’m worried sick about cancer or something else just as bad.?
Ok.. heres the deal. I’m 21, about 50 pounds over weight.. been smoking for 5 years…I have generalized anxiety disorder and I have acid reflux/gerd AND I just had my gallbladder taken out 2 weeks ago. ALL of that aside… I’ve been feeling extremely fatigued lately and have constant nausea… For a few months now, here and there, I have palpitations.. or i guess thats what it is.. my heart beats normal and then suddenly seems to pause and then pound really hard like a bubble in my throat… for the past year or so I have been getting these red bumps under my arms, on my breasts, and hips. They never come to a head… when i first used to get them i’d try to squeeze them but nothing would come out i would just bruise really bad and it would eventually leave a scar.. (I stopped messing with them to avoid scarring as I already have two scars on my right breast) These are really painful, big, ugly and annoying… I don’t know why i keep getting them. So as of right now, day to day, nausea, heartburn, painful red bumps/boils, palpatations, and extreme fatigue. (Which is worsened lately because I just started working night shift) I am having trouble getting to a doctor because of my work schedule and I don’t want to put it off if it could be serious.. I’ve changed my diet and started working out (yoga and dance)… but I haven’t quit smoking ( about 3-5 cigarettes a day, and sometimes none) but i’m working on it.

My fears are that I have some kind of cancer, because of my over all feeling tired and sick constantly. I don’t think i have any lumps in my neck, but i know that not only is my risk for throat cancer high because of smoking, but i also have acid reflux. I heard bumps under the arms can be caused by lymph nodes/ cancer etc… I just don’t know what to tell the doctor when i finally get a chance to go… and if i should just make an emergency visit because its that serious…

Everyone tells me I worry too much, but last time they said that i ended up in the hospital with an emergency gallbladder removal. which btw.. everything healed fine but last week I have to almost exact same pain again but more in my middle back after taking a left over percocet from the surgery…. I was all healed up but had a headache and wanted to sleep but couldn’t (I know I shouldn’t have but it was there)

Is there anything out there that could explain these symptoms? I know Anixety and GERD can cause nausea and palpatations.. but at what point should I stop assuming its something harmless and be afraid that something is seriously wrong. I can never tell… i went with severe gallbladder pain for 2 months because no one thought it was serious so i didnt either.. and it was… GAH! I’m so stressed out… sry.ca

A: it’s the anxiety. yes, the anxiety causes the nausea and palpitations, but it also causes the heartburn and fatigue. there’s a tremendous list of symptoms for GAD. it’s also hypochondria speaking. the red bumps could just be a rash caused by the stress of worrying about it so much. if you really are that worried, tell your doctor and they will run scans and tests but they will just be a waste of your time when everything turns out alright. plus, you don’t want to expose yourself to the radiation from all the scans too, it’s not good for you.

but maybe your instincts are right. run your fears by your doctor. if he doesn’t agree, find one that does and cares about helping you. i suffered from anxiety since i was around 11 or 12, and now i’m 18. this past summer, i developed hypochondria and always thought the worst. i went to my GP several times with fears of different illnesses but they brushed them off. i found a new doctor who cared about helping me out and they disovered that i have Langerhans cell histiocytosis. so in the end, i was right and knew something was wrong.

so i’m saying it could be the anxiety. try some anti-anxiety medicine, if you haven’t already. i don’t suggest xanax at all. if that doesn’t work in the long run then tell your doctor and he’ll run tests. if not, find a new GP.

good luck

Q: Re-occurring chest pain in 19-year-old female?
I’m a 19 year old female and I have had pain in my chest off and on for about 6-7 years. It used to come on for a few days and then go away for 5 or 6months before it would hit agian. This last year has been much more often though. It’s not like heartburn. I get that and i know what it feels like and antacids do nothing to help. It just like this tight pinching/tightness on the upper left side of my chest.

If i apply pressure with my hand it feels better. I noticed sometimes it would be brought on by stress but then sometimes i would just be sitting in class and it would start. It doesn’t follow eating or exercise. Asprin used to help, but I’ve been taking it this time around and it hasn’t been doing anything to help. What could be causing this?

I will see a doctor, so you don’t need to add that. Just wondering if anyone out there has had similar symptoms and what it could be. Thanks!

A: “If i apply pressure with my hand it feels better” is suggestive of neuralgic pain, Intercostal Neuralgia, to be precise.

Intercostal neuralgia is pain affecting the nerves which emerge from the spinal cord and run along the spaces between the ribs to the front of the body.

Intercostal neuralgia is a common form of neuralgia, especially in anemic and anxious women, the middle intercostal nerves of the left side suffering more frequently than the right. There is commonly a dull pain, with paroxysms of a stabbing character at intervals. Painful points are located under the angle of the scapula, beside the vertebra, and at the middle of the ribs. Expansion of the chest increases the pain; hence respiration is shallow.

Consult your GP.

Q: Feel like I’ve been hit by a truck…Celiac?
Hi guys, I’m hoping that someone can give me insight into what I’ve been feeling lately. Since around late may of last year I’ve been getting these strange & annoying symptoms. In late march I got an ear infection (I think water in the ear), took some antibiotics, and was ok. Then I started getting tension headaches, indigestion, and then the stomach issues started. At first, I kept having to go to the bathroom after eating. Then sometimes I wouldn’t need to go at all after eating. Then I started getting “attacks” of diarrhea (occasional) that was filled with mucus, sometimes it would be bloody. When I’m about to get these attacks, I always feel a gurgling in my rectum. It looks like fat or something, and sometimes it floats on the water. I get indigestion/heartburn everyday. I always get gurgling in my throat, constant burping/passing gas, painful muscles spasms/cramps (intermittent), painful mouth sores (intermittent), dizzy spells (have gotten these since 4th grade), chills, eye pain (sharp/stabbing/ dull ache), eye floaters, in june of 2007 the eye doctor (specialist) said my eyes were a little inflamed, in feb of 2008, the regular eye doctor said my eyes were fine, my clothes are getting looser (but the scale says I weigh the same. I don’t lose any weight, I just stay at the same weight), shortness of breath (sometimes turning in bed or climbing stairs causes shortness of breath), rotten egg burps (1 or 2 hours before I’m going to throw up. Had this since elementary school), Fatigue (more so than usual), ataxia (not horrible, but slightly noticeable) I always find me “catching” myself lately, panic attack symptoms (rapid heartbeat, hot flashes, chills, shortness of breath), loss of appetite, other times am starving, I usually feel worse after eating, irritable moods, headaches, tingling in my extremities, uti like symptoms when on period, menstrual irregularity (has been like this since I first got my period at age 11), constipation (hard stools tend to tear my anus), my allergies have been worse (stuffy nose, runny itchy eyes), last time I had my blood pressure checked the assistant said it was a little low (108 over something), my celiac levels were a little elevated, as were my WBC count. I get these weird sensations in my ears like high pitched ringing or fluttering wings or something. I do have ocd an anxiety disorders, but something just doesn’t feel right. Everyone just disregards me saying that it’s all in my mind, or that it’s just IBS. I was supposed to have an endoscopy and a colonoscopy done, But I’m paranoid about catching infectious diseases from unsterilized tools. Do any of you with celiac ever have these symptoms? Or do you think it could all be in my mind? It’s just too many things to be all in my mind.

* 9 minutes ago
* – 3 days left to answer.

Additional Details

9 minutes ago
I’ve just turned 20, and I also experience abdominal cramps/spasms.

Thank you!

7 minutes ago
And also muscle weakness. When I get that “fat” stuff, it smells worse than usual.

* 17 hours ago
* – 3 days left to answer.

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17 hours ago
I did get tested for parasites, but they didn’t find anything. I keep seeing these white things in my stool, and the doctor said it’s food particles.

* 22 minutes ago
* – 3 days left to answer.

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20 minutes ago
I do have ocd and stress a lot. But this pain and stuff does not feel normal! I woke up this morning my whole body aching, feeling nauseous, weak, headaches, tired. And everyone says that it’s all in my mind. I must have a pretty powerful mind then to make myself feel this horrible. I’ve also had an HIV test in december (7 months after my exposure) and it was negative.
I’m not sexually active.

A: I feel for ya hon, I really do. I’m sure you know by now that the ONLY treatment for celiac disease is to eat a gluten-free diet. Many foods contain gluten, as do some common things you wouldn’t think about, like postage stamps and envelopes that you have to lick, and some medications. The only way to lessen symptoms and heal the intestine is to not consume ANY gluten again, ever. Even the tiniest amount can cause intestinal damage and a recurrence of symptoms. Here’s you a good website for information, food choices, and support:

http://www.celiac.com/

Also remember that stress can trigger bouts, and make it worse, so be sure your OCD is well-managed. If you’re not undergoing treatment for that, get started right away.

Q: Someone please help me. I’ve been having upper/side stomach pain, followed by constipation and now sore throat?
It all started out a week ago after I ate mexican food. I’ve also been on advil for only a week (taking only one every night before i go to bed cause i have tmj problems) well I started experiencing gasy feeling pain in my upper stomach on the first day, but it would come and go. I’ve also had trouble going to the restroom 2 times so far and I was constipated. And it’s almost been a week and I’m now experiencing slight throat tightness and the whole lump feeling from time to time. It doesn’t feel like a sore throat that you feel during winter…it sometimes hurts as if someone is pressing their fingers pretty hard right below my jaw and it cuts off a bit of oxygen. (or feels like it)

I’m paranoid i might have GERD, but the thing is I don’t really get heartburn. I’ve only been experiencing constipation, poking sensations in my upper stomach and sides(rib areas), and now sore throat mainly on each sides.
I might have thought it would be my pms since I’m about to start on my period and I get constipation and gas sometimes, and maybe my throat tightness is due to my anxiety and depression because ive been worried alot for months and on stress. It’s just weird how lately i have been digestive issues for over a week.

I just want help on distinguishing GERD with what I have right now. Recently my stomach pains have gotten a bit better. Please dont say go to the doctor…I know alot of people would advise that on here but for now I want to save money and not waste it unless its something really bad =/

A: Advil is a type pain reliever. It provides immediate comfort during distress. Advil is an over-the-counter medication containing the most active ingredient ibuprofen. There are actually many side effects of advil. The major one are Serious Gastrointestinal Effects, Mild Gastrointestinal Effects, Cardiovascular Concerns and Drug Interactions. Those could be lowering of your blood sugar and blood pressure levels, stabilizing blood sugar,, low blood pressure. It has also shown a significant damage to Metabolism. It also causes interference with the absorption of carbohydrates in the body, which results in a hampered conversion of food into energy. There are also some Reproductive Issues been brought by many users of advil. Few imply that sperm production and the weight of the seminal vesicles drastically reduced and stevioside could easily result in infertility. It also shown that people are prone to some kind of cancer by using this kind of product. stevioside derivative steviol can be converted into a genetically mutated compound and the mutation automatically leads to cancer. It has been indicated that advil extract stevioside may cause health problems to the consumer. Headaches and nausea are some of the most prominent common allergic reactions that one can experience after consuming advil in some proportions.

Read more: http://www.righthealth.com/topic/Advil_Side_Effects#ixzz1BFQVkvWo

Perhaps you should stop taking the Advil you would probably be better off without it, you could go to a health food shop and ask for a more natural and safer alternative that has no side affects.

Q: Need advice with diabetes and stomach question! Thanks.?
I had gerd and heartburn problems, and regular mylanta did NOT work. What stronger OTC and prescription meds do they have for stomach problems. They got aggrivated by anxiety/stress. Also, can food poisoning of any sort aggrivate or cause stomach problems?

Should I see a specialist? What types of tests do they do, or when do I know to go in and see one? The pain was pretty bad yesterday, and after eating a meal, I’d feel worse, and weak, etc.

Diabetes, I only went in to get checked for by a blood glucose level test, because I was experiencing body weakness, tingling in feet, that would be WORSE after a meal! ESPECIALLY foods high in sugar.

What could be causing that if it’s not diabetes, because the test came out fine and two different doctors told me not to worry about it?

Thanks.

A: YOU HAVE GASTRITIS INFLAMATION IN THE STOMACH YOU JUST NEED PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE

Q: 19 year old on her period with unexpected symptoms – what could it be?
I am 19 and 100% a virgin (no guy in the picture whatsoever). I’ve been asking this a lot, but I still feel so scared and insecure so I thought I’d ask a different time.

I have always had irregular cycles but relatively predictable PMS symptoms (abdominal bloating, cramping, lower back pain, moodiness). I’ve had my period for about 6 years now, so I don’t know why my period has not become more regular because it is still a little late or a little early every month.

My last period came two weeks late on Jan 27, and for the first time, I was feeling a lot of nausea accompanying my period. I was so bloated, I felt like I could pass as pregnant! The cramps hurt like crazy for a few days but stopped when my flow stopped after a normal 5-6 days.

This month, my period came after a perfect 28 days. I figured I was ovulating when I got the typical signs of ovulation (rope-like, sticky discharge, gross detail, I know). A week after ovulating, I got “signs of a period.” I was cramping mildly, still bloated (I always feel bloated actually…), and experiencing lower back pain. I figured I was going to get my period early. Then, I had really wet brown spotting for a day, and then FINALLY, really BRIGHT RED moderate-heavy flow for three days which has nearly subsided on day four (even though my period normally lasts 6-7 days)… but again, I’ve been feeling nauseous (especially when I wake up), and my lower abdomen is bloated/swollen looking. I’ve been searching for answers online, but everything comes back to pregnancy, which doesn’t make sense in my case b/c I’m still a virgin. I also have other symptoms like persistent, mild heartburn this month, but my searches online keep pointing to things like “possibility of being pregnant and having regular periods” or “implantation bleeding.” This doesn’t make any sense! Could I be causing myself to feel more “sick” this month by stressing myself out? Am I acting out of fear of the impossible? I understand full well that a virgin cannot get pregnant (women don’t create sperm, duh), but I can’t seem to shake the nagging fear… which is only worsening my nausea.

Please help me!

A: If you haven’t seen a gynecologist for your PMS symptoms, please do so promptly.

There are a number of possible reasons for your bloating, back pain, nausea, and the difference in color of your menstrual blood that you mention.

Menstrual blood is actually bright red; it darkens upon contact with air, including the air in your vagina, so bright red blood isn’t usually cause for alarm. And since you are not (and have not been) sexually active, pregnancy and STDs don’t need to be considered.

Your other symptoms may be attributable to ovarian cysts. These are almost always benign and harmless (but can be painful), and there are different types of ovarian cysts.

Good resources for this include
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cysts/DS00129.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ovarian_cysts/article_em.htm

http://www.4woman.gov/faq/ovarian-cysts.cfm

A visit to a gynecologist may be helpful in your case. Women don’t have to suffer PMS symptoms anymore like they did when I was young!

Q: Sharp sudden pain in middle of back-What is it?
First off I do not smoke and rarely drink

I had this before but it went away but now I am more concerned because now it is affecting my shoulder. Even though it could be stress I heard sometimes your gall bladder can cause that kind of pain. I will just be at work sitting down and not really doing anything strenous when I get a sharp pain that radiates in the upper middle part of my back. Sometimes my shoulder is affected, It feels like a knife from the inside. It lasts about 5-10 seconds max and then goes away. !5 minutes or sometimes longer goes by and it comes back again. I can feel it coming on. It starts off briefly kind of dull and then bam. Almost like the pain you get from heartburn but worse. As I said before it came about a couple months ago and then was gone but now it is back again. Can anxiety cause it? Is it physical?

I am 28 (F)

A: I’m not in the medical field, but my wife had a similar problem that traveled up and down her back and shoulder. Her problem turned out to be a psiatic (sp?) nerve problem. She goes regularly to see a chiropractor and a massage therapist. She also bought a ergonomic chair for work, which has helpled. Not all better yet, but 50% better. If you have medical coverage (even if you don’t), better get checked out to make sure it’s not something more serious. Good luck.

Q: What are some symptoms of heart attack in women? Does it raise your blood pressure?
Symptoms of discomfort in left arm. Head ache. shortness of breath two days ago (only once). Some pain like heartburn in center of chest in both front and back. Been under a lot of stress (employed) and also cut down on eating – only eating once a day. Could this have caused these symptoms?

Also advised by doctor to get off liptor and HCTZ because I was pregnant. I had a miscarriage – and lost the baby. Started taking Lipotor and HCTZ again on Friday. Feeling a little better but am still concerned. Blood pressure was 160/110 on Wednesday. Have since been checking again since and on Friday since starting to take my meds. Blood has now been: 112/79, 122/78 and today 120/90.
I have been stressed from being unemployed. Am looking for employment. Will make an appointment to see the doctor next week.

A: Put first things first. Have your heart checked out. Most of the symptoms of a heart attack in women are the same as men. However, all too often the symptoms are milder, the chest pain more general and not necessarily in one specific location. For this reason many women wait too long to get treatment. Many women complain of flu-like symptoms, sometime weeks prior to a heart attack. High blood pressure can be caused by stress. Adrenaline is released when under stress causing the heart to beat faster and increase stroke volume. It pumps more blood raising the pressure. Stress can explain most of your symptoms, headaches, and even your shortness of breath. Eating only once a day can give you heartburn. Your stomach produces acid continuously at a low rate. When you eat the distention triggers increased acid production. The fact that you eat only once a day means that the acid in your stomach has no food to dilute it. It is a potent solution containing hydrochloric acid. With out food it can splash up into your throat giving you heartburn. (GERD) Heartburn, if severe enough, can mimic some of the symptoms of a heart attack. After having said all that, it is fine that many of your symptoms can be explained by something other than a heart problem, but you would be wise to have your heart thoroughly checked out. If it can be eliminated as a source of these conditions, then you can start to look elsewhere for a cure. I believe you may find that stress is a major factor in how you feel and can cause many of your symptoms. I suggest you eat 3 meals a day, even if they are small ones. Because you are not eating much, a multivitamin would be advisable.

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