Hi Chris,
I have experienced these and was put through some tests, my hubby too. It feels exactly like a heart attack doesn't it and is very frightening.
The doctor said it was caused by a spasm in the oesophagus and can mimic a heart attack.

My husband finds that drinking soda water helps to make him burp and that eases it but he has to lie down till it eases.
I take a combination of a spasmonal and gaviscon and a pain killer. Not really sure which helps but who cares?!
Sometimes, if i catch it quick enough I have found exercise ie walking the dog heps.


Could be acid reflux too. Do you take a stomach protector?

I've had those same symptoms too. It turned out to be reflux - acid going up the oesophagus. I'd stopped taking the stomach protectors!! So I am back on them now and haven't had another problem.
I take Omeprazole or rantitide. I am still trying to decide which one gives me the least side effects!

My GP said you need them if you are on steriods and/or anti-inflamatories as they upset your stomach.

Maybe have a word with your GP if you are not on them.

Anne

HI CHRIS I TOO GET CHEST PAINS SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE I HAVE BEEN THUMPED IN THE CHEST AND BRUISED I TOO HAVE HAD SCANS ULTRA SOUND ETC. DOCTOR SAYS IT IS PROBABLY CAUSED BY MUCLE AND BONE WEAKNESS FROM RA AND STEROIDS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPEND I WAS SCARED IT WAS MY HEART AS ALSO HAD THE PINS AND NEEDLES WHICH ARE ALWAYS AROUND LIKE ALL THE OTHER THINGS WE INHERIT WITH RA WE LEARN TO LIVE WITH THEM
I DONT THINK PEOPLE REALISE THAT RA IS MUCH MORE THAN ACHEING BONES IF ONLY THEY KNEW TAKE CARE AND I WISH YOU LOTS AND LOTS OF GOOD DAYS KATE

I too have experianced some thing like that, even going to pain along the jaw it's very worrying. it does pass though. I found that sipping water helps it pass so I've decided that it must be to do with indigestion or something like that. I've had a heart trace and that was ok. It does help with the worry knowing that my heart is ok. Glenys.

Hi Chris

I had similar episodes for many years prior to being diagnosed with RA and so have been on acid inhibitors for long time because of this. I do have a hiatus hernia (like lots of people) which inevitably causes reflux but my symptoms are not brought on by eating particular types of food or drink which I believe is usually the case with reflux-type problems. I had to go to A & E once because the pain was so severe and they did an ECG which was normal. What did relieve it though was some sort of anti-spasmodic injection.

The first strange thing is that I only ever get it when I'm coming down with some sort of virus. Secondly, it has virtually disappeared since my RA diagnosis. I mentioned it once to my consultant and he was puzzled by this. I'm not complaining though as is was horrible and although I do get little twinges at the onset of a cold now, it's nothing like it used to be. Could it have been RA related and therefore being controlled by the drugs now? I don't know but it's all part of the big RA mystery!

I hope you get something to ease your pain.

Kathryn
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