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From: Robin (David) in Macon
Date: 11/27/01
Time: 08:18 PM
Buffy, how the heck are ya? Think I know. As a recent (July) post-fundo guy, I can honestly tell you that yes, intense chest pain can certainly be part of the whole GERD package. Not only do you get severe heartburn that would knock over a dead bear, you get chest pains! But wait, there's more! You get to feel like a 350 lb. defensive lineman is standing on your chest wearing cement overshoes! To top it all off, you can get to the point where you feel this way almost 24/7! But wait, there's more. Even if you heart is OK, and it probably is (at least I hope you've ruled this out) you get the added gift of freaking yourself out just by thinking you ARE having a heart attack! Can I sweeten the pot any? OK, how about this: you go to emergency, you know your heart is OK but they insist on a bunch of heart tests! Hope your health insurance is paid up! But wait, THERE'S MORE! No one you know has any concept (forget about understanding) what you're experiencing! Yup, nothing like thinking you're having a heart attack to stop you dead in your tracks! But wait! There's more! You get to wonder if surgery will make it go away! Well, the answer is yes and know. To wit . . .
From my experience (this is all I have to offer) and with all kidding aside (jeez I love humor), since I've never had a heart attack, I'm not sure what that feels like! Think about it. Just because one feels an "odd" feeling in their chest doesn't mean they are having a heart attack. Maybe the sensation is similar, maybe it's not. I can't say. Regardless, chest pain CAN BE part of the GERD package - one of may symptoms that may be mis-interpreted. (For everyone reading, please be sure to get your heart checked by a pro so you can rule out heart problems. Lord knows a little reflux can't come close to a ticker about to stop thumping.)
So, does surgery get rid of the chest pain thing? Well, (here we go again) yes and know. Now that I'm successfully post-fundo, I can tell you that the chest pain I experienced before surgery is different from the chest pains I am now experiencing post surgery! Waddayaknow? Best I can tell, the chest pains that "jab" me now, are a result of gas build up. Levsin (tm) helps but at times, I stress out a little thinking my heart is going to cave in and explode from it all! And for what it's worth, I played two hours of ice hockey last night and skated hard enought to, well, knock over a dead bear! So you tell me. For that matter, let others tell us. Am I the only one to trade one set of chest pains for another? I'm rather curious to know myself. They seem to get fewer and farther apart but I've got to admit, they're no joke when they happen. Soooo, Buffy, I hope this helps. And for others, please let us hear what you have to share. Cheers, Robin