In my upper stomach below rib cage - a gnawing burining sensation. Nothing severe, just annoying. I also on ocasion get these episodes where I have a terrible squeezing in my chest area and just below the breast area - it radiates to the back and is an AWFUL pain. Feels like I'm having a heart attack. The last episode I had lasted 3 hours before it totally went away. It seems to subside a bit after 15 minutes, then returns. It is releived some when I belch. I had a stress test done as part of a physical so I don't think it's my heart. The gastro doc said last year it is GERD related, but can GERD be THIS painful. The attacks I get usualy happen every 6-8 weeks or so and the last one I had followed a meal of spaghetti and butter soaked breadsticks from Fazoli (which I never really eat). It hurt SOO bad I felt like I was going to pass out! Also, it is relieved some when I bend over, but at times when I do that, I regurgitate food (gross - I know). Can this be something more serious than GERD/reflux? I am back on my 40mg of protonix. Haven't had an episode for a week now, but still have gnawing sensation in stomach. Last year gastro doc wouldn't send me for an endoscopy because I had one the year before - at that time all looked well, but I was on Nexium at the time. I am now on Protonix. Last year the doc said I should be on in indefinately. Can this be a problem - perscription says to take no more than 8 weeks.