Hi LBT Friends,

Since I was banded in January 2008 I have suffered two of these "Esophageal Spasms". The second was much worse than the first, and I concerned they will keep happening.

It is a sharp stabbing pain in the chest, that radiates through to my back between my shoulder blades and across underneath my ribs. It starts as just a small pain (similar to wind pain) and just builds to this pain that is so unbearable I thought I was dying.

The first one I was able to drive myself to hospital and had an overnight stay. The second one last week was much more severe, I was rocking back and forth and just screaming in agony. It got to the point where I could not breathe and was hyperventilating, and I am sure I was just about to lose conciousness. Luckily the paramedics arrived just in time and administered oxygen.

The only thing that takes this pain away to the point that I am comfortable is morphine. I had dosages at home from the paramedics, in the ambulance on the way to hospital and then again twice in hospital. After 12 hours the pain just goes away and other than being tired I am back to normal.

I really don't want to scare people, I am interested in hearing from bandsters that have had this happen to them in a hope of having a better understanding of it all!

Thanks for taking the time to read my thread.

Joshie-Boo.

i don't know for sure. the dr. explained that the band is not at the esophagus - it's lower. so if it's stuck (which i have had that happen and i get local pain (at the band) and 'sliming' until it frees up - hurts but nothing like the spasm situation) it shouldn't trigger the esophagus.

people without the band get these spasms.

i just don't know. i'm trying extra hard not to get stuck tho just in case!