Indigestion??

Many times I have had an uncomfortable episode, often after eating. My heartbeat is slightly irregular, my throat and upper chest are tight and heavy and I feel light headed. Afterwards I burp quite a lot and I have never been a burper.  I spoke to my Doctor about this and she prescribed 20mg Omeprazole once a day which helped as I was getting episodes much more often during the day. I think the pills have helped.

However, I am scared. I have to go to the hospital for my yearly checkup on the 7th of this month when I will mention the episodes to them. However, when I've mentioned them before they seem not to worry. My pacemaker was inserted 18 months ago. When I saw the specialist six months after the op. I mentioned this problem and he sent me for various tasks he said to set my mind at rest. All the tests came back absolutely fine. But I still worry. 

I wonder if anyone else has this problem. Thanks for listening. 


7 Comments

Re: Indigestion

by H van Dyk - 2024-03-04 17:34:59

Omeprazol (Dutch) is fine. I've been using this medicine for years without problems. You are on a low dosage of 20 mg. I am on 40 mg and I think the maximum is set at 120 per day. It is important that you take this medicine every day and at (more or less) the same time.
Moreover, I think that part of your problem has to do with inhaling too much air while eating. I make the same mistake sometimes. Try eating slow and chewing well. Also try to limit consuming drinking while eating. This will help too (in my experience).

Indigestion

by Flamingo - 2024-03-04 17:55:26

Thank you so much for your advice. I didn't know I had to take the tablets at the same time more or less every day nor did I know that 20mg was a low dose. I wonder if I could up the doseage a bit. I have a telephone appointment with the doctor later in the month and will ask about this. I'll try concentrating on eating a bit slower and see how that helps. Thanks again.

Indigestion

by benedeni - 2024-03-04 19:06:32

Flamingo, I have heartburn issues also.  I'm on Pantoprazole (40mg) and have been for years (30?)  It is quite similar to the omeprazole you take.  The problem is that it is very hard to tell the difference between heartburn and a much more serious heart issue.  I have been to the ER on several occasions over the years thinking it was "the big one!"  My problem is esophageal spasms which can mirror a heart attack.  

The belching is a good sign it is heartburn.  I'm glad your doctor had you tested to rule out other more serious issues, however, when you are experiencing severe heartburn it IS a real issue and it's very hard to not feel a little panic.  It's something we have to deal with and I'm sorry you are anxious but I do understand.  Have you seen an gastroenterologist?  He or she may want to do an endoscopy to take a closer look at things.  Never hurts to be sure.  

Good Luck and let us know how the yearly checkup goes on the 7th.

Oh, also...  I take a GI cocktail-type medicine called Magic Mouthwash when I have a spasm or severe heartburn.  It's a compounded medicine and it helps tremendously.  Has Lidocaine, Malox and Mylanta I think in it.  It's to be used sparingly though.  You might ask about it.

indigestion

by new to pace.... - 2024-03-04 21:21:19

Also it would help if you filled some of your bio as to the Make, model and your location.  You might  write down everything you eat to see if something you are eating causes your problem.  Then eliminate that food,spice, herb for 6 weeks.  See how you feel.  If some of your problems go away .  You will need to avoid eating that item.

new to pace

Let the worry go

by Gotrhythm - 2024-03-05 13:49:21

Lately, I too am dealing with heart symptoms (palpitations, chest pressure, mild chest pain) that seem to be caused by indigestion. I have a long history of GERD but somehow it never produced the symptoms that seemed to relate to the heart until just recently. Go figure.

Anyhow, yes, indigestion masquerading as heart symptoms is a real Thing. Of course the reverse can also be true. I'm glad you have had the tests to make sure nothing is going on with the heart.

It is important to take the omeprazole every day, 30 minutes before eating. Even drinking a cup of coffee before the 30 minutes is up will make the medicine less effective.

I'm not good at remembering always to take my medicine. I find the best way to fit the omeprazole into my scedule is to take it as soon as I wake up in the morning when my stomach is empty. I get up more or less the same time every day and by the time I have washed up, dressed, and prepared breakfast at least 30 minutes will have elapsed. 

Hope you'll feel better soon.

 

Non Medical Methods

by Penguin - 2024-03-06 09:32:47

As your doctor didn't find a cause when he tested you might it be worth exploring self help, lifestyle and diet as NewtoPace and some others suggest?

Food / ingredient / cooking method triggers are known causes of indigestion as well as when and how much we eat. Posture (after eating) is another one and the big one is probably 'weight gain' causing upward pressure on the diaphragm.  I don't know whether or not any of this might apply to you?  

If it sounds relevant you could undertake an honest assessment of any excess weight (upper tummy area / ribs / stomach) you may be carrying, and think about your own personal triggers.  Sugar is a big one for gas. 

You may be slim and trim but sometimes there's internal fat hiding away too.  TOFI - Thin outside, Fat inside !!

You have probably already tried the usual tips to avoid heartburn, but if not it may be helpful to take them seriously before you reach for medication. 

 

Indigestion

by Flamingo - 2024-03-07 11:41:38

I have been for my checkup today and everything is OK with the pacemaker. Apparently I have another 11 years battery, so that's good. I took my indigestion medication this morning half an hour before breakfast as advised, and I can say that I have felt the difference. Thank you for that.

Also, yes, I have gained weight after receiving my pacemaker and I do find myself sitting badly scrunched up and walking with a stoop. It is something I'm going to work starting today. 

These are the details on my Identification Card.   Date of implantation 27 July 2022,Atriel lead  MFG Medtronic, Capsure Fix Novus. Right ventricular lead, Medtronic Capsure Fix Novus. And just the measurements of the leads and serial numbers.

I agree that my symptoms were frightening and that before the pacemaker I went down to A&E I bet three or four times with chest pain and have complained in the doctors surgery too, but until this year nobody suggested indigestion.

I live in England andd I thank God every day for the National Health Service.

Thank you everyone for all your very helpful and supportive comments. I think this site is amazing. From being so worried about this in particular but also checking things in the past other people have been worried with has helped me so much. Such kindness, thanks again.

 

 

 

 

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