I'm a bit post post-op (about 20 months after a VSG) and things have been pretty unremarkable since the initial loss. But recently I've had two episodes out of the blue, unlike anything I've experienced before. The first time, I thought I was having a heart attack. A vague nauseous feeling turned into a chest tightness. It was like the wind was knocked out of me and I couldn't breathe beyond tiny gasps for about 20 minutes. Long story short, it wasn't a heart attack and all cardiac tests showed my heart to be working perfectly. Needless to say, it was scary as hell, and the anxiety that I might be having a heart attack was enough to give me one!

But then it happened again, a few weeks later. This time I really tried to focus on what was causing me distress. I think that it was a muscle spasm, focused in my upper abs and/or mid back. Maybe the diaphragm but it really felt more like a tight band wrapping around my lower ribs, forcing me to exhale; the diaphragm would force an inhale. Stretching and massaging helped a little, but was really hard to do in the moment.

I'm really worried now about it happening while I'm at work or out in public. Has anyone else experienced something like this? I'm wondering if my GI tract triggered a spasm for some reason.

Geeze. So scary! I'd say this is something for your docs to figure out for sure!!! It sounds like a muscle spasm? But where? Dunno.

I get one in the intercostal at the chest level/bottom of my ribs. It's at T-9. It feels like a steel cable around from my back to my sternum and sometimes hops over to the right side as well. It makes it tough to breath. But there is no mistake it's a muscle spasm rather than a heart attack. We know the cause, a non-cancerous lesion on my T-9 traps the nerve.

I get irregular heart beats that make me catch my breath (in a diff scenario). It's like a flutter. And if it lasts too long, I have to hold my breath and bear down to get it to stop. It makes me feel like passing out at times. That IS heart related. Not muscle. We know the reason: leaky valves and fluid around the heart, and thyroid dysregulation.

So the question is, which is more like what you're feeling? Cuz these are treated by diff docs. I'd start with your internist though. And maybe get an echo/stress test, etc.

That sounds terrifying. Sorry your having to experience this and hope you get it resolved. Good Luck!!!

Edited August 28, 20188 yr by J San

It sounds like esophageal spasms. They feel like a heart attack. GERD causes it. I take omeprazole daily to prevent it. I also find that when I am having one, drinking a glass of cold water fast stops the spasm.

Sounds horrible. Pickle juice helps spasms as well

The first thing I thought about when I read your post was a gallstone attack. I had one years ago before surgery and I thought I was having a heart attack.

I have thought I was having a heart attack ,Well i AM in the right age bracket!, and it turned out to be GERD. And the durned ER doctor actually laughed at me. I would have an actual ? for revenge but I might be the one dying.

14 hours ago, CaribeRidge said:

... drinking a glass of cold Water fast stops the spasm.

Thanks for the tip! I hope to not have another one, but if I do I'll give it a try.

12 hours ago, clsumrall said:

Pickle juice helps spasms as well

er... um... I think I'll stick with the spasm.

Thanks, all, for the feedback. FYI, I did have an echo and a stress test, so like I said all's well there. Seeing my PCP in a couple weeks, so I'll see what he has to say.

Sounds a very good yet sound and thought out plan!?