pain in the chest

[wmoore]

This happens every so often. When I swallow a gulp of water, It goes down my throat like a ball, and a pain starts in my chest as the ball goes on down. This pain explodes outward, across, even shoots down my arms. And lasts several seconds. The first time it happened, I was brushing my teeth, and I thought my head was gona pop right off! Does anyone else get this?

[looneylane]

Costochondritis maybe? Fox may be able to help you more

[countryboy]

I get those quite often, and the first thing I think of is that it is the start of another heart attack.  My Dr. gave me some type of reflux medication that was suppose to stop or at least control this, but it sure hasn't worked.  I keep thinking that one of these days it will be the heart and I won't respond quick enough.  Only used my nitro twice during the last couple of years, and both times I am sure it was just the air bubble.  My cardiac checks have come out fine.

I sure know the feelings you talk about. 

[AJohnsy]

I've had a similar issue multiple times.

For me, its usually just on my right side. I always describe it as "I feel like I'm having a heart attack, just on the wrong side."

I've mentioned it to my doctors who have no clue what it could be.

[ronr]

I have had this from taking a gulp too but not down the arms . . . yet anyway.

Personally I don't think it's Costochondritis but then I'm not a doc either, and have not been diagnosed with Costo.  Since FM effects muscle issues I think that the esophagus is somehow out of sync and the muscles are not working correctly to perform the swallow sequence. 

I know there is exercises, therapy, they do to help elderly people with swallowing but have never looked it up to see what they are.  Rwillie was doing them before he passed, may he rest in peace, but he had previously had throat cancer and I never heard if they actually helped.

[foxgrove]

Yes.. I've had that exact thing happen and I gotta say, each and every time it happen which is far to regularly for me, I'm never quite sure if I'm going to survive it and then a few minutes later it's all over and the ache starts to subside.  It's very very frightening!!!.

I'm pretty sure it's related to my GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).  There is a condition that comes with GERD called an esophageal spasm and the pain symptoms match it to a tee.  I haven't had a chance to sit down with my doctor and speak with her about this but thank you for the nudge.. NOW I'm writing it down to talk with her!!  It looks like there are tests that can be done to determine whether this is the issue and even meds that might work to control it.

Talk to your doctor.  I know how scary those suckers are but more important, chest and arm pain is never good to ignore.. let your doctor tell you things are OK.  Better to be safe when it comes to your ticker!!

Be safe.. stay strong.  

Fox