29 replies to this topic

[babsmj]

I'm hoping someone can shed some light on this one. I have yet another symptom. This is in the center of my chest. I'm having a difficult time trying to describe this, but here it goes, it feels like a muscle twitch in the center my chest. It only last for 10 seconds but comes back approx. every 15 minutes. It started yesterday and is continuing today. I do have panic attacks on occasion, but this has never been in repertoire of symptoms. I have had 2 stress tests, 2 x holter monitors, 2 x heart ultrasounds, carotid artery ultrasound, numerous ekg, ecg, blood work all is completely normal. Is this something to worry about? I just took a xanax and hopefully it will help keep me calm. If this is peri...when does the fun stop? I recently started new bcp (low dose estrogen).

Any info would be a great help.

Thanks to all.

[DaMomma]

Babs..Hun, to be honest with you I dont recall this happening to me in my chest area..but I do get muscle twitching off and on in other areas of my body.

It dont have any pain involved does it? It kinda feels like butterflies fluttering crazily under the skin?

[Meryl]

Babs, I get a fluttering in my chest that is caused by an esophageal spasm. When I get it, I actually have to cough. I've had it for years and I don't really worry about it anymore. Hope this helps.

[RoundRobin]

Babs: I'm having a hard time understanding your symptom....does your heart beat funny when this happens? Or does it speed up? I get fluttering sensations in my chest that scare the crap out of me, but it feels like my heart isn't beating right. And it always makes me cough. It only started in peri, so I know it has to do with my 'mones. I guess the peri symptoms go away when we reach full blown menopause...but by then, we have another whole set of issues to deal with (read: no estrogen). Sigh. So much fun to be a woman, huh? <_<

[Meryl]

Roundrobin, I'm pretty sure that's your esophagus, not your heart.

[DaMomma]

Im being to wonder if maybe your feeling palps Babs...have you or do you know what those feel like?

[dicannon]

I agree with Meryl. Sounds like an esophogus spasm to me. I've had them and that's exactly what it has felt like.

[Tots]

Hi Meryl and dicannon,

I have a question for you guys. What is an esophageal spasm? I have had heart palps. And I have also had this fluttering that I called palps but now I'm beginning to wonder. When this flutters, it feels like it is right below my heart, almost in my stomach. Is an esophageal spasm peri related or a side affect of anxiety or something? Usually I "cough" it away. I have had this happen for years although lately (knock on wood) it doesn't appear to be a problem.

Just wondering............

[Meryl]

Tots, it's a weird, indescribable feeling. Kind of mimics a heartbeat in a way, but I also feel it in my throat, and it makes me cough. It doesn't last very long and comes and goes. I try to ignore it, but it does feel really strange. My sister has it too.

[Meryl]

Tots, P.S., the doctor told me it was my esophagus. The esophagus is a muscle too and contracts just like any other muscle. I have no idea what causes it. Many times esophageal and hernias mimic heart problems. That's why so many people go to the emergency room!

[Tots]

Thanks for the reply Meryl. My flutters actually feel like something flapping or fluttering in my abdomen, below my heart. If I cough it seems to get rid of them. I always wondered if that is what people were talking about when they would refer to "butterflies in your stomach" . At any rate, whatever it is, I know it won't kill me....I've had it too long.

[babsmj]

Thanks to all for your replies. Just so you know, it definately was not fluttering. I've had the fluttering and this is distinctly different. It was more like a spasm (between breasts) with no pain. I did call the doctor. He asked a bunch a questions like "does it happen because of exertion" and "do I have any other symptoms". This was not the case so he does not believe it's heart related. He said that if it persists to make an appointment. Oddly enough, it has stopped today but was pretty consistent yesterday. The other odd thing is I started a period today which was a big surprise (not due for 5 more days).

I don't feel a spasms so far (subject to change without notice) but still feels like something is there.

Thanks again for concerns.

[RoundRobin]

Need help here! I'm having the week from hell still.

This morning in the shower, I closed my eyes to shampoo my hair, and got the spins. I literally thought I was going to fall down. When I walk I have to hold on to stuff, like I'm in a bathroom on an airplane. Is this normal for peri? Has anyone else had this happen? It's more than a dizzy spell, it feels like I have no balance. I've had vertigo, but this is different, and it's really unnerving...I still haven't gotten my period, but I've been having period-type cramps for over a week, and all my emotions are pushed up to the max. What is going on? Should I do another pregnancy test? I CANNOT STAND THIS. Christams is in a week and half, and I feel like I"m going to lose my mind. Can a person just explode? 'cause that's what I feel like...like I'm going to explode. My poor DH is beside himself; says he doesn't know what to do to help me. I just wish this would all stop.

Anyone out there who has had the spins, please tell me what you did, and how long this lasted.

Thanks so much, and God Bless Power-Surge...I don't know what I would do it I couldn't come here and vent.
-Robin

[DaMomma]

OH RRRRRRROBIN, huney...im so sorry,..yes what is happening has been very normal for me, Cheche and Tots have had/have them too sweetie, and I know there are even more, but those two I know for a fact.

Hun, I cant tell ya how long that **** will last....it varies..I get them off and on the first time it hit me was when I was 38 and that was part of the severe symptoms I was having when I went on HRTS....I had to drive the bus and had all 6 kids at home and 5 in school...

Your hormones are juggling around hun, thats the best I can tell you, back in OCT and well even now, my emotions, cramps, periods, all sorts of other symptoms make no ryhme nor reason to me.

Just last night I was so depressed and I couldnt stop crying, my BF was getting worked up as well, because he feels his hands are tied.

Sometimes I have to go out in the garage and in my car and just SCREAM..I take a pillow and punch in it too...Im thinkin of getting a punching bag, some how, someway..and put it in my basement to pulverize when I get to the "exploding" point.

If taking a pregnancy test would give you peace of mind, then I would do it. This stuff..peri messes with the mind, anything that gives relief..GO FOR IT!..because you dont need extra stress, nor any allowances for anxiety to build..

You will get through this hun... i cant tell ya when though hun.
Hugs to you

[greenie]

I just looked up "esophageal spasms" and they can be caused by acid reflux. I had them this spring, and I thought it was my heart fluttering. Then I found out I have acid reflux, and when I started taking antacids the spasms went away.

This article I found also says the spasms can be caused by anxiety or panic attacks. Or very hot or cold foods or liquids can trigger them.

Interesting...

[KimmieA]

<_< Hi everyone,

I've also had the spasms or palpitations or whatever they are, and it also makes me feel like I have to cough. I'm SO glad to hear that others have experienced this and we'll all still alive!

Robin - Just these past few days I've experienced the EXACT same thing where all of a sudden I felt a dizzy, spinning sensation and thought I was going to pass out or fall down, but I was fine. It did bring on one heck of a panic attack though. I had an episode like that this morning before work and ended up taking a Valium half way to work because by then I was in total anxiety mode, legs shaking, the whole nine yards. I hate this. I thought my panic attacks were more or less a thing of the past, and now I find myself dealing with them again. It's just such a comfort to know that I'm not alone in this and that hopefully there is a light at the end of the menopause tunnel! I'm also dealing with migraines, which doesn't help matters. Hope you're feeling better.

Kimmie

[KGBell]

I know these are not recent posts, but thank God, thank God, thank God they are here. I was ready to go to the ER (but I won't) with these flutters, pressure on my chest, dizziness and nausea. The esophageal spasm makes sense for me. I have had acid reflux and it's been gone for awhile, but have been having symtoms lately again like that metal taste in my mouth. Ya know, ya feel good for awhile then you hit another bump. My oldest is getting married and we are trying to do a wedding while on two different coasts - talk about stress. It's just been EVERYTHING lately - one little thing after another and I think I just burst tonight. But now I feel better after reading all of these posts on this subject. God bless all of you - keep writing.
KGB

[Iradan]

I had those flutters that sent me to ER and they told me the same: esophageal spasm but mine is accompanied with shoulder pain and tingling in my fingers. I also have on and off acid reflux, comesa nd goes without any real reason, manly when I am stressed. So I had to trust drs. since they did a complete hcardiac workshop 3 times and a bunch of other tests. THis was 3 y ago. So I got used to it and never paid attention. But this new syptoms started recently chest pressure ( not flutters) and same tingling and numbness and spasm of my heck, back and soulder muscles. I feel sometimes like my entires body, including digestive system is going into spasm, very strange. I am having electroshock like sensations on my skin as I type now and have dizziness attack in the shower too. I am so happy to find this board, I was thinking it's heart attack and was going to ER every time. Since they tested everything possible already, they just do EKG, draw blood and send me home. It's soo frustrating and embarrasing, so now I am just taking ativan and try to sit tight and wait until it's over. The dr explained that esophagus and heart share the same nervous system , and acid reflus and esospasm can mimic heart desease but still its scares the life out of me. I also have fatigue and get sleepy sometimes when this starts, could it be simply anxiety attack? Please, anyone, I am losing my mind over it. I sometimes have anxiety while driving but it fees like my heart is pounding and I have pins and needls in my finger tips. So this is definetely differet and my heart does not race, just the pain, spasm and tinglingall over. Apppreciate your feedback.
Dina

[che che]

Hi Iradan,

I Hope you are feeling better soon.Its interesting you have posted this .I too have off and on bouts of acid reflux It seems to come and go with ovulation?.

I have had a short bout a mo or two of heart palps but there are times...quite a few as a matter of fact that i have this fluter and it stops me in my tracks.It feels similar to a palp but right after i feel the acid in my throat.I had wondered if there was such a thing as esophagus spasms.

Just as i occasionally have twitches on different parts of the body i had figured ...why not the esophagas...LOL.

Again,hope your feeling better,and thanks for posting this...very helpful

[witcheypoo]

I too have esophageal spasms. I had acid reflux for several months. I was taking alot of antacids. I also had a sensation in my throat that made me feel as if food were getting stuck. I decided to go to a gastro guy. He suggested I get an endoscopy. I have a small hiatal hernia and he also stretched my esophagas. I take prilosec everyday. I still have the spasms but they seem to be better. On occasion I still feel like the spasms are my heart. That is my peri-paranoid side. As many of the previous post said....just cough and it seems to help. I do have a question for all of you who have been diagnosed with esophageal spasms. Have you ever had a spasm that seemed like it was vibrating. I had this a few weeks ago. I usually just have fluttering but this was a definate hard vibration. After a second of panic I coughed. It stopped and I went into panic attack mode. I have not had it since and hope I never get it again. Has anyone else had this?

[Iradan]

Interesting you mentiond coughing, I forgot it. I do feel like chocking and food stuck in my throat, and all this acid makes me cough. In this case I know it's acid reflux becuase I get weird and bitter taste in my moth and sort of burning sensation in the tip of my tongue. I've read that esophageal spasm is a real thing but it's sort of diffuse esophageal spasm and can get really bad, when muscle contract and you can;t swaalow food. Actualy, it was a few times when I tried to swallow and could not... So I want to think it's esophageal spasm but in my case it comes with colon spasm too, there are time that I have no heartburn for months and still my entire digestive tract goes into spasm, so I think it;s more IBS or spasms. I start thinking, if menopause itself can cause this, or some inderlying conditions simply exacerbated by hormonal fluxtuations. Stress makes it all very bad, not food itself. I was on Prevacid, protonix and similar for some time, and it took careo fhte acidity but replace it with nausea and headaches, so I had to stop. I don't think we have more stomach acid as we age, rather less of it, and this is what actually causes acid reflux since the food does not get digested properly and it sits longer in the stomach and keeps the LES opened. I also noticed that carbs, especially wheat, sugar, and dairy (except aged cheese) give me terrible hertburn, and so all sweet and citrus fruit. So, I try to avoid it in general. Anyway, it's great that we can share information, its very helpful and helps to stay sane.

[*anne*]

Searching the internet and came across this old thread. I was thinking and panicking..........palpitations. Then I see esophogeal spasms. I had a round of them today after drinking COLD gatorade. Thanks ladies! I've had them before and figured it was my thyroid out of sync. But the spasms describe it better.

[flamminggoddess]

Searching the internet and came across this old thread. I was thinking and panicking..........palpitations. Then I see esophogeal spasms. I had a round of them today after drinking COLD gatorade. Thanks ladies! I've had them before and figured it was my thyroid out of sync. But the spasms describe it better.

Hi! I'm new here....but I wanted to thank you all for posting. I have come here OFTEN since discovering PS and it has been a Godsend! When I'm sure I've completely lost my mind and that I have every disease ever known to man and I'm about to have a panic attack, I jump on here and read and read and read. It soothes me knowing that I'm not alone in all this craziness. I have esophagus spams (thought for sure I was having heart attack), the over the top dizziness (has to be brain cancer), severe bloating on and off (must be ovarian cancer), IBS, acid reflux....and on the list goes. You get the idea! Some days one or two symptoms, some days WAAAAY too many and it's all I can do to keep my head above water. Oh, and I'm also loosing my hair - which is a major source of angst and depression that I'm sure exacerbates all the above!

I suppose I've been peri for about 4 years, with these major symptoms becoming severe the past few years. Oh....and did I mention that I get this most bizarre sensation on my left side - mostly arm, but sometimes portion of leg and face - that is most difficult to describe. It's like those areas are numb...but not. Tingling...but not. Spasming....but not. I look at my arm, see it, know it's part of me, yet it FEELS weird - not only internally, but to actually touch. I pinch it to see if I can feel it. Best way I can describe is that its like watching myself be pinched from a distance...I know it's happening, can feel it, but it takes awhile to register. Anyone else get this? It comes and goes - MOST BIZARRE and disconcerting...to say the least!!

again...TO YOU ALL....THANK YOU for being here and having the courage to post from your heart - the whole naked, scared, paranoid, freaked out truth - so that others such as myself have a space to feel 'normal'
Blessings to you all............Wendy

[Coty82]

Hello, i am so happy i have found this forum because i have the same symptom in my chest and i couldnt explain whats wrong with me. I feel like a strange spasm in my chest that gives me the need to cough, wich is disturbing especiallly if i want to talk, for ex at school. It is nothing related to the heart, it doesnt hurts, and doesnt make me suffocate, but it does make me cough.. And there is another strange thing about this symptom - if i move, walk or do any kind of muscular effort, the symptom dissapears. Maybe this fact might help you tell me what could it be. Its been a long time since somebody wrote on this subject but i hope i`l get some feedback. How can this problem be treaten? What could cause it? Thank you very much !

[Harmony2k]

hi, I too have this symptom on occasion, and what I find that does help, is one, to cough, and the other is to burp.. sorry
if I offend anyone ... but for some weird reason it helps. Obviously be mindful of where you are, but for me it feels like
a bubble of air is trapped in the middle of my chest and is trying to pop. I too thought is was my heart but it didn't skip a beat,
but because I got a rush of panic, it made me dizzy (I made me dizzy if you know what I mean). The weird thing is that I can
always burp when I get the sensation. If I tried to force myself to burp under normal circumstances, it's quite difficult.

After three years of it off and on I figured I would be six feet under by now if it was anything serious, but it still sometimes
manages to get me off guard and causes me to have the awful cold sweat.

[~sz~]

hi,

i have had those feeling since i was 20 yrs old, now i am 42. I also had always hard time describing it...the best i could do was the "bubble" thing as many others described it...i always wondered what it was and now that i am reading about the spasm that actually makes sense. the problem is that it is a kinda scary feeling since you don't know whats happening, therefore it causes panick attack, which comes with the tingeling feeling in the hands, or the dizziness, etc etc...

so the thing is to stay calm and get the panick attack under control. and as said i've had it off and on for over 20 yrs i still cannot get used to it, it's a freaky feeling, i don't like it.



well ok another post real quick, they cannot be espphaegal spasms since this is what I found, it states that they are very painful, the sensation I think we are all talking about are absolutely pain free...so anyhow here is a quote...so i don't think this is it.

"You're really thirsty, so you take a huge gulp of a cold, carbonated beverage. Suddenly, you experience a severe pain in your midchest that lets up after a couple of seconds. This is one form of esophageal spasm. In some people, esophageal spasms can lead to chronic swallowing problems and pain.

Esophageal spasms are an uncoordinated series of muscle contractions that prevent food from traveling properly from your esophagus to your stomach. These spasms can be very painful. Chest pain is a common symptom of esophageal spasm.

Treatment of esophageal spasms in the short term may involve using medications to quickly relax the esophageal muscles. Long-term treatment may involve managing any contributing health condition, taking additional medications and altering your eating habits. "

[Womanoflove]

There are time I have a weird chest sensation and flutter in the middle of my chest. It doesn't hurt and I don't feel like coughing. There are times it comes after eating and drinking. It's annoying and happens a various times. I've done all the heart test and have come out normal. Could this be anxiety/panic or the esophegeal spasm. Also, is the esophegeal spasm a common peri symptom?

[hrica1]

I am really glad I found this thread,

I am getting the same, weird, hard to describe feeling n my mid/lower chest. It only lasts for seconds but feels a bit like a fast asthma attack, but it's not..like the wind got knocked out of me, and coughing helps, after the "episode" I feel like what the heck was that?" I mean it's not a "pain" but more like some thing doing a jumping jack in there.

Also I noticed triggers for this, which are not the norm but make them happen for me. Nicotine, Caffeine, stress, gas, and some times nothing at all

What sent me to the ER was a "very strong" episode where it felt like some one kicked me in the chest that knocked the wind out of me, went to ER ..all heart tests fine. Referred me to Heart specialist. Heart doc put me through the ringer, a whole day of tests, Treadmill, SPECT scan, ultrasound, blood work. All came back "OK", except a false positive reading on the SPECT scan which those are highly unreliable...so don't get one, get a newer form of a Nuclear medicine Scan or a full CAT of the heart

Finally saw my Family Doc after all this, and he says my heart's fine, but with my history of GERD, Anxiety, Panic attacks, that he felt that this was "Esophageal Spasms" which can be quite soft or strong. The nerve that runs from your heart & esophagus to the brain are the same, that is why your first reaction is "I am having a heart attack!!" and the same meds are treated for both (nitro)

They still scare the heck out of me as they still happen, being so close to the heart any discomfort in that area will really ruin your day.

Glad to see I am not alone!

[kristinfrn]

I am really glad I found this thread,

I am getting the same, weird, hard to describe feeling n my mid/lower chest. It only lasts for seconds but feels a bit like a fast asthma attack, but it's not..like the wind got knocked out of me, and coughing helps, after the "episode" I feel like what the heck was that?" I mean it's not a "pain" but more like some thing doing a jumping jack in there.

Also I noticed triggers for this, which are not the norm but make them happen for me. Nicotine, Caffeine, stress, gas, and some times nothing at all

What sent me to the ER was a "very strong" episode where it felt like some one kicked me in the chest that knocked the wind out of me, went to ER ..all heart tests fine. Referred me to Heart specialist. Heart doc put me through the ringer, a whole day of tests, Treadmill, SPECT scan, ultrasound, blood work. All came back "OK", except a false positive reading on the SPECT scan which those are highly unreliable...so don't get one, get a newer form of a Nuclear medicine Scan or a full CAT of the heart

Finally saw my Family Doc after all this, and he says my heart's fine, but with my history of GERD, Anxiety, Panic attacks, that he felt that this was "Esophageal Spasms" which can be quite soft or strong. The nerve that runs from your heart & esophagus to the brain are the same, that is why your first reaction is "I am having a heart attack!!" and the same meds are treated for both (nitro)

They still scare the heck out of me as they still happen, being so close to the heart any discomfort in that area will really ruin your day.

Glad to see I am not alone!

[kristinfrn]

Sorry hrica1- I am new to this and quoted you instead of replying- I too have been having episodes like this- 2 years ago was driving in car with kids and had a big flutter or squeeze in my chest so strong that my vision faded around the edges and I almost passed out- it made me cough and then I was better but went to the ER immediately where after a negative cardiac workup i was diagnosed with esophageal spasms- I did follow up with a cardio and had EKG, ECHO, stress test, labs all saying my heart is very healthy - the episode was followed with lots of burping and i had eated alot of spicy food prior. I also had an EGD which showed some esophageal irritation and small hiatla hernia. Was put on prilosec which helped with the flutters. Two years have passed and i have not taken prilosec except for the 3 months after the episode 2 years ago. The other day I was driving and the same thing happened again - tightening or flutter midchest and throat and the fading feeling like i am going to pass out but cough and don't- my stomach had been upset for days prior AND i was on my period(the last episode happend right after my period ended). I am 42 and have been having irregular, missed or 2 periods a month then 3 without, occasional nightsweats- I attribute all of this to hormones and peri. Progesterone is know to relax muscle - i have read that it can relax the muscle that cause the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus to relax causing reflux- the acid then irritates the esophagus which can in turn cause spasms? Makes sense I guess- just wondering if anyone else has the fading feeling after or during the flutter or sqeeze- don't really kow how to describe? I am so glad I found this site- just nervous about driving- although it happens infrequently I worry for my kids and others driving- I am starting on Prilosec again and have a Dr. appt tomorrow. But I agree - so close to the heart it is scarey and can easily trigger a panic attack- also no fun!