Esophageal spasms, gastric spasms

[SoooManyQuestions]

Anyone else who gets these or similar gastric pains this with Lupus or other autoimmune conditions? I am doing ok on my new Enbrel prescription but this is the symptom that continues to come and go. It's hard to eat and at times quite painful. It used to keep me up at night, although the Enbrel and basic "good behavior" seem to keep that at bay now.

[PMRpro]

There are a few people on the PMRGCAuk forum who have had them - you are welcome to come over to us and ask for advice. I'd give you their names but I can't remember them!

[SoooManyQuestions in reply to PMRpro]

I'll pay you a visit! Thanks

[OldTed60]

I used to get them really badly but not so much now. My GP told me they are caused by LPR/ silent reflux and she mentioned nutcracker esophagus which I read about and an ENT later confirmed with throat scope. I’m now on a fortified soft/liquid diet, esomeprazole and domperidone for gastroparesis. I also have a hiatus hernia. In my case this is typically associated with my systemic sclerosis and Sjogren's. My gastro advises to avoid very cold or hot foods which I do anyway as it’s very hard to swallow pills and dry foods without a warm cup of tea or coffee or even warm water.

[SoooManyQuestions in reply to OldTed60]

Nutcracker esophagus? That is very much what it feels like, when it's at its worst. What do you fortify your diet with? I consume a veggie based protein drink once a day, but have often wondered whether it's enough, both in nutrition and calories.

[Halfwayuphill]

I too get them from time to time. Some years ago I got them regularly around 5am as if I was having a heart attack. I was convinced it was to do with my digestion but after number tests they decided it could be raynauds spasm of the heart (because of the time of night). I was put on amlodipine which stopped them and also stopped my migraines! Added bonus. In recent years my digestion has worsened and I now have gastroparisis and SIBO. I take alternating antibiotics for this. The spasms have come back but usually in the day and I found changing to Esomeprazole from Omepraxole helped. I have UCTD, with worsening scleroderma gut symptoms, reflux, hiatus hernia etc. Definitely diet helps (small meals, not eating three hours before bed etc. also raising head of bed). Hope they improve - not nice I know.

[SoooManyQuestions in reply to Halfwayuphill]

My gastro put me on amitriptyline, which helps, but anxiety and flares still provoke spasms. Nice to hear that your migraines resolved, but sorry to hear about the gastroparesis. I worry that I might progress to that. Do you do anything else re diet that helps? Thanks so much for these details.

[OldTed60 in reply to SoooManyQuestions]

With Gastroparesis and SIBO, low fodmap diet and a prophylactic antibiotic are usually best alongside a soft or liquid only diet ie smoothies, milkshakes, smooth soups etc. Ensure plus or similar. I have same as Halfway but mine is full blown systemic sclerosis and sjogrens. Reading Halfway’s reply I think perhaps it is Raynaud’s causes mine too as mostly severe when I wasn’t on vasodilator for Raynaud’s. Now on max dose Losartan and Iloprost infusions and yes the spasms are mostly well controlled now. Bingo moment!

[OldTed60 in reply to Halfwayuphill]

👍🏻great answer - you made me realise mine is usually a response to breathing in or drinking/ eating cold just like my Raynaud’s and has eased up with Losartan and monthly Iloprost x

[Tbrz]

Hi, I also get them periodically and they really hurt. As someone else says it feels like you are having a heart attack. I do take laprozole for the other medication I take, but I still get these attacks. ☹️

[SoooManyQuestions]

Ugh, it's awful. 🤒 My gastro put me on amitriptyline and it helps, but yes, I still get them when I'm run down or battling a flare. I've lost so much weight and this makes it even harder to eat, of course. Do you do anything for nutrition?

[Halfwayuphill]

I think my diet is similar to Old Ted but I’m able to swallow most things without having a liquid diet. I’m not so sure I’m that successful as still haven’t regained weight but it’s stabilised. I follow loose FODMAP diet but similar to Monash university (there is an ap free to download.) I think with SIBO we get fluctuating food intolerances rather than allergies although I’ve read people with scleroderma often develop celiac disease. I have very little baker (not supermarket) sourdough but that I have to drop from time to time. I make buckwheat pancakes as an alternative. I’ve decided I’m probably ok with dairy but put lactase drops in when I can and buy full cream organic milk hoping might gain weight. Between antibiotics I make my own 24 hour yoghurt. I haven't as yet found a food supplement that doesn’t seem to have lots of additives. I hate gluten free bread etc made up supermarket products (yuk) but sugar not too much of problem so make polenta/orange cake etc. when I can. it’s taken me years to get here with tested recipes I keep to but so hard when you are feeling nauseous and exhaustedI know. I’m lucky enough to not have to work (I’m 70) and don’t have to agonise over what I spend too much. I just wouldn’t have to the energy for that as well as many people must with cost of living. Regarding the spasms, my rheumatologist prescribed me something else no one has mentioned here but I’m away from home tonight babysitting my granddaughter with my husband and will message tomorrow. I never took it as the Esomeprazole helped but may have to soon I think. Sorry this is bit long! X

[Halfwayuphill]

monash.edu/industry/why-wor...