I’ve had sharp, stabbing pains in the upper stomach area (and a multitude of other symptoms) for a few months now and they seem to be getting worse. How can I differentiate between GERD or acid reflux type symptoms, and something like aortic stenosis or an aortic dissection.

I also suffer from heartburn, which foods are best for me?

I have severe acid reflux and am taking prescription medicine for it, but it hasn’t helped. what are some home remedies I could take, like food, or liquids?

I don’t know if it’s heart burn, acid reflux, or what; but I randomly get these (I think) gastric attacks where there’s a pressure build up in my chest that last anywhere from 3-5 hours, and then leaves fairly abruptly.

It usually, but not always, only happens if I’ve eaten something after 7:00.

It’s a steady dull pain that is slightly relieved if I sit up, so I can’t lay down and sleep.

I can feel it start in the evening, and always gets full blown after I go to bed.

I tried Pepto, tums, rolaids, and even ibuprofin; none of which helped. Twice it has caused me to vomit, which also provided no relief.

The only thing that helps is Prilosec. When I’m on the 14 day treatment, it never happens; but once I stop, it will start again.

And it happens about twice a week on average.

Any ideas about what I can do? (can’t go to the doctor, since I am without health insurance for another few months).
Is there an OTC medicine that works better than Prilosec?
Thanks
Oh, and I don’t know if it matters, but I’m not overweight, and am only 29.
And my eating habits are not the greatest
Thanks for all the good suggestions. I do drink a lot of water (it’s pretty much all I drink), but I know I gotta improve my diet.
I guess 29 is relatively young, but starting to get up there… it’s gonna be hard cutting down on all those pizzas

Looks like I’ll be stocking up on the Prilosec too.

I found out I have an ulcer in the upper portion of my stomache that causes me bad pain / heartburn. I’m looking for a list of foods to eat to help ease pain, and repair my stomache. Thank You.

I almost never had heartburn in my life, except lately after I take my supplements. I’ve been taking lysine supplements (for a cold sore) and garlic extract supplements (for immune function) at separate times. Every time after I take my supplements, I get a pretty bad heart burn. Does anyone get heart burn after taking supplements? I never take supplements until two days ago so I wonder if it’s because of that.
And I’ve been taking them with food. Not all the time with Lysine since the direction said to take it on an empty stomach, but I take the garlic extract after a meal.

Has anyone ever had the chest pain or nausea or left arm pain and hand pain and ringing in ears with or with full stomach feeling or gurgling around heart like.What kind of chest pain or arm pain also shortness of breath like you overate.In this past year i have had 2 chest xrays 4 ekgs and 2 different blood test all 3 doctors have said gastric pain and or weight or anxiety.I have been to the hospital 3 different times with three different doctors.
also hot flashes

I am 2 months pregnant and I haven’t experienced heartburn…. Does every woman go through that stage of heartburn? If so, when?

Hi all! I have the following conditions:

- ADHD (mainly the attention deficit part)
- asthma
- acid reflux/GERD
- meralgia paresthetica

I’m a big believer in "alternative" treatments like chiropractic, acupuncture, acupressure, herbalism, reiki, etc. I’d love to try acupuncture because I’ve heard so many good things about it, but unfortunately I can’t afford it right now. I can barely afford my chiropractor and my regular HMO medical plan, but I won’t give those up!

At any rate, I suspect it could probably help ALL of my conditions at least somewhat, but I’m wondering if anyone here can tell me which of the conditions stand the best chance of being helped by acupuncture? Also — and this is a long shot — if anyone knows of an inexpensive but GOOD acupuncturist in the Silicon Valley/South Bay Area of California, please tell me who it is! Thanks!

P.S. For those who’ve no idea what meralgia paresthetica is, click here: http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic590.htm
To Dr. N. & other doctors — no disrespect intended, but taking medication for some disorders is often only a "band-aid". It suppresses them, keeps them under control, but does NOT "cure" them.

All meds have side effects, & some meds also increase your risk of developing other disorders down the line. For example, I take generic Prilosec daily for my acid reflux (Zantac was too weak), but longterm use of proton-pump inhibitors like Prilosec correlate with increased risk of stomach cancer. Plus, it’s simply NOT NATURAL to force one’s stomach to not produce acid. It’s supposed to make acid, for crying out loud! I’m scared of what I’m doing to my body this way.

And what if I want to have a baby down the line? You’re not even supposed to take steriod-based asthma inhalers (like QVAR), of which I take 2-3 puffs daily. And I sure couldn’t take Prilosec or ADHD meds!

I’d much rather RESOLVE my disorders, not just "cover them up". I need to at least TRY alternative options!