Acid reflux, & chest pain,with left arm going numb?
I’ve had acid reflux forever but I have not taken my medication in over a year because I couldn’t afford a doctor. The acid reflux has often caused me chest pain but for the past 3 weeks it’s going down my arm & numb and I have headaches. My friend scared me and told me I was having heart attack symptoms. I’m 22 though. Is it possible that this is acid reflux still or would that definetely be a heart problem? All my grandparents except 1 had heart problems so I know it runs in the family. I go see a doctor today at the clinic for something else so I can get a referral to both a heart and stomach doctor if that’s what I need. I’m just scared now that she said that. Has anyone ever had this with acid reflux?
Filed under: Acid Reflux
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I once had reflux while asleep and took a breath and got a small amount in my airway. It caused so much pain, that my chest hurt, and so did my arm. Look in the yellow pages dear, for a free clinic in your area, these are usually in large cities, be worth a trip on the bus to get to one. And get your heart checked out there. You need to do this as soon as possible. If the pain and numbness should happen again, go to the ER. Do not let this go, heart attacks can happen at any age. I see you have an appointment at a clinic, while you are there, ask for a blood test for H. Pyloric Bacterium, this bacterium causes stomach problems, and ascid reflux, but a two week course of antibotics can get rid of it. Prilosec is available over the counter now, and is afordable, and it will finish clearing up your stomach problems.
Many a mistaken acid reflux has masked a heart attack. Radiating chest pain is a symptom of coronary problems so you should go to an emergency room if you are experiencing problems. While your age is not a common age to have cardiac problems, it is not unheard of. Better to be safe than sorry and go to the ER. An ECG and troponin blood test will clarify any doubts. Make sure you say you have radiating chest pain at the reception so that you go in straight away and you don’t wait in the waiting room for hours.
I’ve been diagnosed with GERD, but NEVER had arm numbness unless I was doing something like laying on my arm wrong. I suggest you call your primary care physician STAT and talk to a nurse there, tell her what’s going on. Yes, it is possible at your age to have heart problems, you hear of young people, high school age, dying in sports and things like that all the time due to undiagnosed heart issues. I wouldn’t wait for your Dr’s appointment unless it’s VERY VERY soon. A stomach dr is called a "gastroenterologist".
Good luck, even GERD is a huge headache.
Just found this link, helps you tell whether it’s heart issues or just heartburn..
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heartburn-gerd/DG00016