Was wondering how many of you expereince chest and or upper back pain regularly that is assumed to be a symptom of Reflux but your esophagus showed no damage during the endoscopy? Also no relief when using PPIs.

Is there a definitive test to diagnose reflux? I'm about ready to go back to the doctor but I need some amunition. This is getting really old I've done everything they've asked and I still seldom have a good day. I think I've taken about all the meds at max dosages and I'm running out of parts to remove. LOL

Hi Red,

Why not ask for an ECG as well? It might prove helpful. Supposedly, GERD pain and cardiac pain are very similar. I think you should have this test to cover all bases.

I get several different types of chest pain. I know it's of cardiac origin. The doctor says it could also be from GERD. I don't believe it at all. I don't get much (or perhaps, any) relief from the use of PPIs. In my opinion, they only make everything worse. I am glad though that they seem to relieve the symtoms of other people. :)

flowergirl

Red

I had a normal one as well and still get the pain. I find 20mg prilosec keeps the pain at bay

Thanks for your replies. I have had a few ECGs which were normal and also a cardio stress test which was also normal. I've had this back pain for many years but the chest pain has just been for the last couple years. At first I would have the pain but in a week or so it would get better but anymore it seem to be a constant thing. I would think if it was from reflux they would see some damage or it would be helped by taking PPIs. I've tried prilosec, protonix and now nexium at 2x day dosages and they really don't seem to help.

Sometimes I wonder if it couldn't be a muscle or spine problem.

Is the ambulatory 24-hr pH test the best way to determine if one has GERDS?


Thanks................Red

The 24hr ph test confirmed my reflux that didn't show on my endoscopy. I also had a manomotery to check on how well my esophageal sphincter was working. For me the 2x/day Prevacid works best. Have you made diet modifications?

Have you made diet modifications?

I've went to eating more small meals and avoiding the common triggers like chocolate, peppermint and Tomato based foods. I tried the Specific Carbohydrate Diet for about 3 months also.

Also had my gallbladder removed about 2 months ago. This didn't seem to make matters better or worse.

I've went to eating more small meals and avoiding the common triggers like chocolate, peppermint and Tomato based foods. I tried the Specific Carbohydrate Diet for about 3 months also.

Also had my gallbladder removed about 2 months ago. This didn't seem to make matters better or worse.

PEPPERMENT in not good? Lordy I frink Pepperminyt tea all day/ I thought mint tea was good for the stomach?

Also wanted to add maybe your back chest pain is stress/tension? Have you tried massage? Hot tub?

PEPPERMENT in not good? Lordy I frink Pepperminyt tea all day/ I thought mint tea was good for the stomach?

The conventional wisdom is that peppermint can cause the sphincter muscles to relax. Now I've heard of people drinking mint tea to settle their stomach also. I figure it affects people in different ways. If the tea doesn't make reflux worse for you I wouldn't worry about it.

Also wanted to add maybe your back chest pain is stress/tension? Have you tried massage? Hot tub?

From the beginning I've always thought this was some type of skeletal muscle problem but the doctors seem to think it's GERDS. A few years ago I had some ultrasonic massage therapy on my back and it really did help. That's why I would like to know of a definitive test to determine if the problem was related to reflux. From what I can find it looks like MII-pH testing may be the best method to determine if reflux is occurring whether it be acid, non acid or gas. My next trip to the doc will include a discussion on this topic. I'm not sure if this test is covered by my insurance or not.