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Homeopathy
Homeopathy questions? Ask a homeopath for answers ASAP
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Hello. I'm sorry to hear that you are still having these symptoms. I know that I have answered a few questions for you before about this, and I'm assuming that my previous advice was not helpful for you. Now I have something new to tell you. I don't think that you have esophageal ulcers. I think that you have an entirely different condition called esophageal spasms. This is a condition where the muscles of the esophagus tighten up and do not relax. Here is a link that describes the condition: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001334/ One of the best treatments for esophageal spasms is Magnesium. Any kind of chronic spasm in the body is an indication of Magnesium deficiency. The fastest way to resolve this would be to get an IV infusion of Magnesium. However, there are other ways to get Magnesium into the body. It can be taken as an oral drink in the form of Magnesium Citrate mixed with water. Here is an example: http://www.iherb.com/Peter-Gillham-s-Natural-Vitality-Natural-Calm-The-Anti-Stress-Drink-16-oz-453-g/5121 Magnesium helps to relax the tightened muscles of the esophagus and quickly resolves the spasms. Another option is to try homeopathic Magnesium phosphoricum 3X or 6X. Magnesium can be absorbed through the skin by using Magnesium Oil, here is an example: http://www.iherb.com/Health-and-Wisdom-Inc-Magnesium-Oil-12-fl-oz-355-ml/34289 Also, you could make an Epsom Salt Bath (Magnesium Sulphate), which is two cups of Epsom Salt mixed into a tub of water, and soak in it for a while. Dr. Zeoli
Wow Dr. Zeoli, that's an amazing thought. I am going to try that right away!
Thank you so much for all of your previous advice. It WAS helpful! I am actually drinking Slippery Elm Bark around the clock and it does seem to help a touch. I had all the products overnighted that you recommended and it was beneficial. I never took the Throat Coat products though as they had a few ingredients, like mints, orange peel, cinnamon, etc. So in case I had esophagitis or ulcers, I didn't want to make it worse. But the Slippery Elm advice was so valuable!
The last week has been hellllll. OMG. The chest pains are so bad! I almost went to the e/r a few times, but then after I avoid any food/liquids it seems to calm down to a more manageable pain level after a few hours.
I read about e/spasms but I didn't think that would be the case as the articles described it to be more acute pain, sudden, short pains. Whereas my pain is persistent, constant, dull and burns all day long! But, after reading what you wrote it does sound very possible! Interestingly, I've realized the more anxious I am, the worse the pain is so maybe there is a connection due to muscles relaxing, etc. Of course, like my therapist says "what comes first, the chicken or the egg". I am going to try this ideas right away. Thank you so much Dr. Zeoli!
Since we last spoke, I went to my family doctor who gave me Nexium and took blood tests (CBC and H. Plyori - which were both normal). Then he sent me to a GI, who I saw today. Of course, I frantically and immediately asked him if he thought it was cancer and he said the same thing you did, that it was unlikely. But I am still terrified over it, and that anxiety is just making this worse. I just don't see how I could be in such debalitating pain for a month without it being something deathly!
He has me setup for an Upper GI x-ray series Friday. Then if there's anything abnormal we'll do a scope (which I am hoping to avoid, I hate all this testing, I just want to get better and get on with life). Luckily, I tracked down a GI in the area that can do the EGD transnasal, which makes me a lot more comfortable, as I hate the idea of needles or sedatives.
Like I mentioned before, I've had acid reflux for years which I never did anything about except pop some Tums, then it would go away. So I don't know if it lead to Esophagitis or what. That seems to be most of the feedback I've been getting. But I am going try what you said right away to treat possible e/spasms. Thank you soooooo much Dr. Zeoli. Your advice is great and I can't thank you enough for thinking out of the box!
I sure will, thank you SO much Dr. Zeoli!
Oh shoot, sorry one more question. I have Magnesium v-caps, I just popped 2. Their 200mg. How much should I take daily?
Thanks SO much Dr!
Thanks so much Dr for all the nice words!
And that's great advice about the acupuncture. I really do need to try it. My Wife's been on me to go. I am just a needle-phob. Will have to give it a shot, I've heard nothing but good things.
I am not sure if your familiar with the Migun massage beds, I recently got one and it's the whip. It does Accupressure (which I know isn't the same) but it has some awesome health benefits.
What you said really makes sense and I am really thinking there's a good chance this does stem from anxiety. Like you said, directly or indirectly.
Two other questions if you don't mind.
I read a lot about how stress hormones produce inflammation and that anxiety will find somewhere to land. Being that the esophagus is muscle, is it physically possible that the anxiety could be tightening the esophagus itself, which is causing these symptoms, including the burning chest pain? In your response you said it could be tightening the surrounding muscles. But is it possible, medically speaking that it could actually tighten the esophagus itself?
Second question. Do you have any advice on herbs or homeopathic remedies that decrease inflammation? I am thinking if the esophagus is inflamed, it might be worth trying some natural anti-inflammatories.
Thanks for everrrrrrything! You've been a Godsend to say the least!
Oh Dr. Zeoli, thank you so very, very much. This is greattttt information. You are so amazing, going to try these suggestions right now!
I haven't Dr. Zeoli, I've never really had any reactions to any food that I've know of. That's a great suggestion though and will keep an eye on that! You've been amazing, thank you for everything!
Dr. Zeoli,
Can I pick your brain one more time on this issue.
I went for a EGD Friday. Did it non-sedated, wasn't too bad. The GI said everything looked great, except for a "little irritation" in the stomach. When I asked what was causing this debilitating chest pain, he said it could be from the stomach or most likely esophageal spasms. Then he said "stay on the PPI's" and took off.
I've been watching what I eat really carefully, and we're now on 6 weeks of extreme chest pain. It's awful. Nothing really seems to make it worse or better.
I will say, the more anxious I am, the worse it is.
Sometimes the chest pain feels like a squeezing, other times it feels like a burning. When it's really bad, I burp a lot and everything I drink seems to "gurgle" down. Sometimes it's a little difficult to swallow. Also, sometimes I feel a touch bloated in the upper abdomen and can have an upset stomach/nausea. Though all the various symptoms are very slight. It's the daily, chest pain that's awful. It usually last all day, it's really persistent (not sharp or intermittent). Just a strong dull, pressure, burning feeling in upper chest. And it's often debilitating. I had to pull over today while driving because it was so bad.
All that being said, can you guess what's causing this? Do you think it's irritation from the stomach that they found or esophageal spasms? Also, is irritation of the stomach the same as gastritis? I've read that gastritis can cause chest pain, but everything online says chest pain isn't common with gastritis. All the info seems to point to more stomach related problems, in which I don't have very many problems with the stomach.
Thank you for everything Dr. Zeoli, I'll send another bonus!
I know, sigh. Your so right. And you got it, it's never woken me up, it' never present when I am calm, etc. I don't know if I get anxious because I feel the symptoms, or if I feel the symptoms because I get anxious. It's that what came first, the chicken or the egg thing.
Your so right though, it seems like something would make this better, or worse. I've tried so many different things. Including the Arsenicum, Arnica Montana, Nux Vomica, Magnesium, Slipper Elm, Marshmallow Root, Licorice, Nexium for 3 weeks, Prevacid for a month, cut out all bat eating for a month, every antacid in liquid or pill form, I even just got the Zyflamed we talked about.
I guess in my head, it's just so hard to accept that it's anxiety because it's such debilitating pain. I mean, it's not a mild pressure, it's a really, really bad squeezing, burning feeling.
Like I mentioned before, this started 10 months ago, then went away after a month. During that time, I went to a cardiologist for an Echo, Stress test and Holter Monitor. Everything was fine. BUT, I didn't have any chest pain during the time of testing. Do you think it's necessary to repeat these tests? I sure hope not.
I have had 2-3 EKG's done, while I've had the pain present at my local doctors and the EKG's we're always fine.
Thanks for everything Dr. Zeoli. Gosh, I must sound nuts. This stuff is just so scary and painful. I don't know if it anxiety related or not. But I am really starting to believe it's likely.
Wow, that EFT is really cool! Thanks for plugging me into that. Just tried it and going to stick with it.
And your right, I need to try the acupuncture! Going to call tomorrow. I've heard so many great things about it.
I just checked this out: http://trivedimasterwellness.com, seems a little scamy, but I am going to try it, lol.
Great call on the Crot-T, will grab some tomorrow. I've never heard of it before.
You are soooooo amazing Dr. Zeoli. Your knowledge is fascinating. You have been so helpful and I can't thank you enough! If the medical world had half of your talents, the world would be a lot healthier place. Thank you for everything!
Thank you sooooo much Dr. Zeoli, thats really reassuring and helpful. You are so great!!!
Hello. I would be happy to help you with this. I will review your reports and think about what options are available to you as a next step. In the meantime, if you could provide me with some additional information then that would be very helpful. Previously, you mentioned that you did not have the pain in bed or while sleeping. Did that change? When exactly are you having the pain now and when is it better? What do the people around you say when you are having the pain? Can they tell that you are in distress, or is it something you can hide? Are you having any other symptoms at all? Let me review your previous questions and think about all this for a while. I will send you a response within a day.
Thank you so much Dr. David, this is amazing information. I am going to send over a bonus for all of your help, as always.
Like I mentioned, when I had the Upper GI, I had no pain that morning and they still detected the slight dysmotility. Is it possible that the dysmotility is worse when I have the bad pain?
Can stress cause dysmotility?
I am going to look into the things you mentioned. I just wish I had a name on what was going on. Until it goes away or until I found out whats causing it, every other thought is "my gosh it has to be my heart". The cardiologist said it was really unlikely, but that we could do a CT Coronary Anagiogram (or something). But I don't want to spend another 3k if I don't have too. At the same time, I can't help but fear the cardiologist is wrong.
Do heart problems usually cause burning? Also, if it was a heart problem, would the problem really last hours every day?
Thanks for everything!
Your so great, thank you so much for YOUR generosity Dr. David.
I am so sorry to learn that about your Father. Thank you for sharing those reassuring words.
Okay last question. Can stress cause a dysmotility? It so bizarre, but some days will start out with no pain. Then as soon as I say "hey it's not there" it comes on within minutes. Then it gets worse and worse the more that I think about it. If I focus on it, it will become excruciating!
I mean, something is going on with the esophagus. It's really noisy when the chest pain is present. Also, the food sticking really badly, etc. But is it possible, I can be causing my esophagus to do this with my crazy head? Like a somatization or mind-body connection kind of thing?
I just don't know what to think. To me, the 2 tests both revealed something (gastritis and dysmotility) but every time I talk to a professional, you guys all the same thing. There's nothing serious going on. Can I be creating this problem?
Hey Dr. David, can I get your take on something?
Still dealing with this issue 24-7, but might be making some progress. After lots of trial and error my GP thinks it esophageal spasms. I had another EKG which is fine, so he continues to say it's not my heart.
I read that peppermint oil can help esophageal spasms as it's a vasodilator and relaxes smooth muscle tissue.
I don't want to speak too soon, but I took 2 droppers full of peppermint oil and the tightness in my chest let up quite a bit!
BUT within minutes, it causes a kind of fluttery feeling in my chest, where the heart is. Like something is in there swimming around. I can't tell if this is the spasm letting up, or if it's my heart doing something. I fear that the pain is going away because it's a vasodilator and it's helping my heart, in which this was angina.
Do you have any thoughts on this?
Also, do you know what a safe daily dose would be? I took 2 full droppers and started sweating a few minutes after. I was calm so it wasn't anxiety. It was really unusual for me. I read that can be an peppermint overdose symptom.
I am still freaking out that there's something wrong with my heart. My heartbeat will be real fast, then real slow at times. The chest pain can be so severe. Often squeezing. Sometimes elephant on the chest. Now, the new symptom is I'll get a sharp, stabbing pain then and heart skips a beat, giving that chocking feeling. Like a painful PVC. (That's what it feels like anyway). So needless to say, I am just living in terror all the time that I have heart disease.
Agh, exhausting. On a better note, this might be the solution as my chest felt better within 5-10 minutes. I just don't know if it's feeling better because it's helping my tightened spasm, or helping my heart!
Like I said before, if this is too much, just ignore it. I wouldn't blame you. This too much for me too. Thank you for everything.
Agh Dr. Zeoli your the best!
I am going to send over another $20. I swear I am going send you over a real nice bonus if I ever get better.
Here's the product:
http://www.evitamins.com/peppermint-leaf-af-natures-answer-1986?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=google%2Bshopping&gclid=CNCB0sHznbMCFcxAMgodIBAAUA
Thanks for helping me to figure out a safe dosage.
In the rare, hypothetical case that I had both spasms and gastritis, would peppermint oil aggravate or worsen gastritis? I've heard mixed things on it's effect on the stomach lining.
Thanks for the reassurance with the heart. I needed that. The chest pain can just be so scary at times and it's making me nuts. I can't stop thinking that the pain is my heart and that the stress test didn't pick it up since I had no pain 30 days +/- from the time I had the stress echo. My anxiety has been especially worse since I started getting these random stabbing/PVC's (only yesterday and today). My anxiety has been through the roof. I guess it could be muscle spasm or from the esophagus.
Can I ask you just two more heart related questions, then I'll try really hard to leave it alone. I had another normal EKG with my GP a few days ago. I don't know if I had pain at the exact time I had the test, but I had the chest pain most of the day, before and after the appt. Do you think if there was a blockage, or something going on with the EKG would reflect it?
Also, this pain has been here for 3 months. My GP said my EKG yesterday, looked identical to the one we did 3 months ago. If I was having daily pain from my heart, medically speaking, do you think there would be some kind of change on the EKG? I would think so, but I don't know how any of this stuff works (and that's why I freak out so much, because I just don't understand it).
On another better note, I am sucking up my fears, taking your advice and have my first acupuncture therapy tomorrow! So excited!
Thanks for everything Dr. Zeoli, you've been such a blessing.
Thank you for the bonus! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the acupuncture treatment. If it helped you somewhat, then it would be a good idea to continue with more treatments.
The Oximeter is an excellent tool in regards ***** ***** the health of the lungs. A normal reading is between 94 and 98 percent. If the level falls consistently below 90%, then that's an indication that the lungs are not working properly.
The blood oxygen level will not necessarily decrease from shortness of breath unless it is being caused by a lung disease. Heart disease by itself will not cause a drop in blood oxygen levels as the blood oxygen level does not give an indication of heart performance.
I am so glad to hear that you are feeling better! Yes, that is exactly what I would have said, "if you can run on a treadmill, then it probably isn't your heart". Also if eating greasy Mexican food stirred up some symptoms, then that is a definite indication that the problem is in your stomach.
I apologize for taking so long to reply.
No need to feel embarrassed about asking questions. We all need to ask questions some time. It is an honor and a priviledge to be able to provide some useful answers on occasion.
If you are located near Seattle, Washington or if you are interested in visiting the area, the Tahoma Clinic is a popular destination for people who wish to have their Amino Acid levels checked and treated. This is the clinic where I practice when I am in Washington, however I am currently out of town and will not be back until next year. There are many other doctors there who would be happy to see you however.
Here is the link:
http://www.tahomaclinic.com/
Otherwise you can find a doctor who does the Amino Acid testing in your area by using the ACAM web site and the "Locate an ACAM physician" feature in the middle of the home page. Here is the link:
http://www.acamnet.org/site/c.ltJWJ4MPIwE/b.2071557/k.7C1E/ACAM_Homepage.htm
I'm not sure how to answer your question about a possible phone consultation or exchanging info. The Just Answer web site has a policy against doing this, and any phone numbers or email addresses get blocked out of the chat messages. I will think about a possible solution for this.
Taking the Amino Acid supplements should not irritate the gastritis at all. However, 5-HTP has a reputation for causing a temporary upset stomach. If you can find an Amino Acid supplement without 5-HTP that would be a safer option. It is best to take Amino Acids on an empty stomach or with a small amount of apple sauce.
Dr. David,
Hi Dr. David,
Thank you soooo much Dr. David, just ordered the Betaine/Pepsin. That's a great plan. If this is GERD caused by low acid, everything I've been doing would have only made the condition worse, as the only things I've tried, have been to decrease acid. Including eating nothing acidic, spicy, etc. I think this will demonstrate whether the issue is high/low acid. Thank you so much for another amazing suggestion!
I know this is exhausting for you too and I am so sorry. I am just so desperate for answers.
Honestly Dr. David do you think I could be doing all of this with my anxiety? Sometimes I am certain that I am, other times it seems like theres no way. I know you can't tell over the internet, but based on everything I've said, does it seem likely, or even possible that my anxiety could be causing all this?
The gastritis seems so logical since it was seen (though mild), but I just don't seem to match the symptoms I read on the forums of Gastritis sufferers (most who complain of gnawing stomach pain, nausea, etc). Plus, this has been relentless for 4 months and it's often fine before bed. But then, I'll be relaxed and I'll get the burning on occasion out of nowhere.
When I get the cramping, I am sure it's esophageal spasms and if that is the case, I am sure it's from my stress. But when I get the burning, I am just clueless. Those two symptoms seem to alternate all day long.I don't know, I am just so exhausted from all this. Just want to get my life back.
Thanks for everything and sorry this has been so overwhelming for both of us!
Thanks for always being so great Dr. David. This is reassuring and hopefully I can stop dwelling on it. Sending over a $50, thanks again for being so throughout and patient!
Thank you so much Dr. David and thanks for all the laughs and a great message, your the best and happy holidays!
Hey Dr. David,
Sorry one other quick thing.
I went for acupuncture today. She did a spot on my neck, where the adams apple is. I told her to take it out because it hurt and felt a little hard to breath.
She pulled up the skin when she did it and I don't think the needle went very deep. She seems to know whats she's doing.
Ever since though, it feels like I got punched in the throat. It's a little difficult to swallow, feels a little strange to talk. But the worst is this constant pressure in my adams apple area. Like I got punched in it!
Of course, this is making my anxiety go crazy, thinking she punctured something or that I am not going to be able to breath during the night.
Is this okay? What the heck do you think happened?
I've gone several other times and had great experiences. But she's never touch that point. Am I okay?
Thanks and sorry. It's always something!
Hello,
I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this.
In all honesty, it is the anxiety and panic that you are feeling right now. The acupuncture needle did not hurt you. It is only the fear that is telling you that something is wrong.
If you are breathing now, then there is no chance that you will have any problem with breathing later. You will be fine, I promise.
Even if the needle hit the windpipe or the cartilage of the trachea, that is no problem. It will heal up by itself in a few days.
It is OK if there is a bruise. That doesn't mean that you are bleeding to death. You will be fine.
It is not possible for the needle to break. Really, there is no problem.
Please try laughing a little instead of screaming. Be sure to take a few slow and deep breaths.
If you still have some of the Lachesis mutus 30C, now is a good time to take another dose.
Dr. David
Thanks Dr. David,
I've heard of that globus issue before. From what I read though, it's more of a lump in the throat. This feels like something is squeezing in there and it moves into my chest.
The other thing that's weird too, is that I am SO burpy. Literally it can be constant during the day. Plus the whole food sticking a little while eating at times.
Also, it's still bizarre that when I swallow any liquid (even my own spit) it goes down, causes the stomach rumble, then pressure radiates up, causing a "gulping" sound once the pressure gets to my throat, which makes me burp. Again this happens evvvverytime I swallow. Even when the constricting feeling is absent.
I was trying to avoid contacting you about this. I just figured I'd spin it past you to see if gives evidence to spams, gastritis, dysmotility or stress. Do you think it's any of those things? I know it's nothing serious, because it's all been checked out. But it's still annoying. And, I just hope it's not some coordination issue in the esophagus that never goes away. I am hoping it's just stress, I suppose.
I've never had a problem with it until that burning issue came about. Also, do you have any ideas on anything that could possibly relieve that throat pressure? It can be quite uncomfortable at times.
Thanks for everything!
I can go as far as to say it could have resulted in saving my sons life and our entire family now knows what bipolar is and how to assist and understand my most wonderful son, brother and friend to all who loves him dearly. Thank you very much
Corrie MollPretoria, South Africa
I thank-you so much! It really helped to have this information and confirmation. We will watch her carefully and get her in for the examination and US right away if things do not improve. God bless you as well!
ClaudiaAlbuquerque, NM
Outstanding response time less than 6 minutes. Answered the question professionally and with a great deal of compassion.
KevinBeaverton, OR
Suggested diagnosis was what I hoped and will take this info to my doctor's appointment next week.
ElanorTracy, CA
I feel better already! Thank you.
Thank you to the Physician who answered my question today. The answer was far more informative than what I got from the Physicians I saw in person for my problem.
JulieLockesburg, AR
You have been more help than you know. I seriously don't know what my sisters situation would be today if you had not gone above and beyond just answering my questions.
John and StefanieTucson, AZ
I have been dealing with an extremely serious health crisis for over three years, and one your physicians asked me more questions, gave me more answers and encouragement than a dozen different doctors who have been treating me!!
Janet VPhoenix, AZ
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