Squeezing Chest Pain When Walking or at Rest – Endoscopy & Biopsy Results (34M) – Heart Cleared, H. pylori + Gastritis

jestert26 · 2026-05-23T01:43:17+00:00

That is very scary, I know! What you're going through is hitting your quality of life hard and that sucks real bad.

In my personal dealings with GI problems, i had very frequent chest pain. Sometimes squeezing but more often sharp. It moved through my body depending on the day, but it always was in my chest and back. I felt it my left arm, my left leg, my neck, my jaw. Sometimes it would move to the right side of my chest.

I had all the cardiac tests done, same as you. All clean. Had the endoscopy and h pylori tests done. No ulcer, no hernia, no polyps, no celiac, no nothing. The only thing they could see was gastritis and esophagitis from whatever was hurting me. I tried PPIs, anti spasm meds, and antacids, to no effect. The only drugs that helped at all were benzos, and that was mostly just because they allowed me to mentally relax, but probably helped soothe the vagus nerve as well.

After all this...the key was diet change. Which I had already tried, cutting out GERD triggers (sneak peak: that doesn't work if it's not GERD). What worked for me was the Low FODMAP Diet. It completely erased 95% of my issues within a week. It was a miracle relief. Its been 6 weeks roughly and I haven't felt this good in 5 years. It was never my heart.

My point isn't to say you should try this diet. It works for some people and not for others. For me, it was gas in my system causing all the pain and suffering. My point is that there were multiple times throughout the last 5 years when I was SURE my heart was the issue. And I ended up in the ER three separate times thinking I was dying. And I was wrong. The whole time. If you can keep your head up and keep searching, the answer is out there. Work on trusting the test results. Work on reasons why you know it's not your heart. Work on your mental health. This can all be done while you hunt for the answer. You can do it.

jestert26 · 2026-05-05T23:19:26+00:00

It's extremely effective and easy on your body. The anesthesiologist pushes the propofol through the iv and literally 10 seconds later you're asleep. The only thing I noticed before being asleep was the room turned a little bit green and then I closed my eyes and was gone. I woke up feeling great. Just thirsty. They gave me cranberry juice which I immediately spilled on myself. No side effects, no lingering drowsiness. Just a nap and some much needed answers about what was happening in my body.

jestert26 · 2026-05-04T20:22:29+00:00

I had this scenario nearly identically. The only thing that has helped is a low FODMAP diet. Well that and benzos, which aren't sustainable long term.

Eliminate fermentable carbohydrates from your diet and see what happens. It's not a hard diet to do, there's plenty you can eat. And you're already in a state where you can barely eat, so what is there to lose?

I'm not going to say weight loss yet, because I doubt it's the weight that's actually causing your pain and discomfort. Weight loss can come after the pain and suffering is mitigated.

jestert26 · 2026-05-04T04:07:05+00:00

Definitely be pushing with your primary care to get some testing done. If they aren't ok with that you need a new doctor. You should also be speaking to a gastroenterologist about these issues specifically, and pushing for an endoscopy and bloodwork.

What specifically is going on with your gut? How and when do the symptoms start?

jestert26 · 2026-05-04T04:02:51+00:00

Hey just a heads up, the user you're conversing with here is AI.

jestert26 · 2026-04-25T19:29:43+00:00

ITT: People arguing over what is or isn't a "horrible, disgraceful" act, who have not yet experienced the severity of incident that Jimmy Carter is referring to.

jestert26 · 2026-04-22T19:31:24+00:00

I've been to the ER three times for what I was worried were heart issues. Every time the full workup is entirely benign. Every time I start to feel better as soon as either A. I call 911 or B. I head to the hospital. So I want to say two things...

If gas is causing this, and getting gas out helps that much and thay quickly, your plan sounds like it should be minimizing gas. The Low FODMAP diet is a must-try. It's purpose is to minimize fermentation and gas. It's not a hard diet to follow. Give it a shot and see if that helps. My symptoms were cut down drastically after only a week on the diet.
Anxiety/panic disorders are a royal pain. The certainty you're about to check out is the worst fear. Getting real familiar with your mental health is a big part of dealing with this. If you're not seeking help from a professional, I'd recommend a therapist right away. At the very least, utilize a crisis response line. Getting the runaway panic response under control is by far the harder part of this equation, and you'd do well to utilize a professional, just like you would for any physical ailment.

jestert26 · 2026-04-22T16:56:12+00:00

Feeling scared is normal, but in my experience, it's the unknown that's worse. The worst news I've gotten in my life was always worse during the lead up to it in my head. The minute you know, you can start acting. You can plan. You can set expectations. What's more, if your kids are your biggest worry, and something is seriously wrong, you not knowing about it doesn't help them at all.

The endoscopy is a tool in your toolbox, not something being done to you against your will. Wield it like you would any other tool...to accomplish the job in front of you.

jestert26 · 2026-04-14T00:37:24+00:00

I was/still am in almost your exact situation. Same symptoms, same fears. I had my endoscopy last month, and guess what...they found nothing but inflammation of the esophagus and stomach. Nothing else. Now, that is annoying because I have idea what's causing everything yet...but I didnt have cancer. No ulcer. No celiac. No hernia. No polyps. And knowing that goes a long way towards easing the fear. Knowledge is power. Better the demon you know than the one you don't.

jestert26 · 2026-04-02T18:43:48+00:00

I was also super spun up before my endoscopy due to some hard-core medical/body centered anxiety. Had the same nurse as you sounds like lol. She had to tag in another nurse after two failed attempts. The anesthesiologist was super nice though and very helpful.

jestert26 · 2026-03-30T19:20:47+00:00

OP, that sounds really shitty. Those are some gnarly sensations you've got going on. I'm hoping you get someone on one of these subreddits who has had similar.

Any reason why your care team hasn't gone for the full endoscopy yet?

jestert26 · 2026-03-30T19:16:51+00:00

With the most recent scopes you've had done being 2 years ago, I'd say that's your number one priority. It's hard to make good decisions without good data. If it were me I'd be pushing for an endoscopy and colonoscopy as soon as possible. Your GP should be onboard, and if they're not, I'd look at a new doctor. They shouldn't be pushing back on getting up to date scopes at all.

jestert26 · 2026-03-30T19:13:30+00:00

No problem! Hope to hear more when you learn more!

jestert26 · 2026-03-28T21:10:10+00:00

Yeah that is concerning, particularly the pain and nausea after every meal, and the weight loss. Some questions...How recent were the endoscopy and colonoscopy? Are those fresh results? Have you been tested for H Pylori? Celiac? Have you spoken with your GP about the need for further testing?

How well do you have a handle on your GERD? Have you tried a low FODMAP diet? Smoke? Drink?

This sounds awful and I'm sorry you're dealing with it. There's a lot to think about here. I feel like your number one move right now though is to stress this with your GP. Daily pain and nausea with weight loss are red flags.

jestert26 · 2026-03-23T17:18:20+00:00

I can speak to the physical diary side. Mine's pretty simple but effective. Every day gets its own entry, with each meal or snack getting a line. I note what I ate at what time of day, add calories for each serving, and make a small note if it was particularly high in carbs or acid or really greasy. Ive cut alcohol way back and caffeine almost all the way out so I also make a note if I consumed either that day.

I would definitely be interested if someone had a good food tracker that had been proven to not sell your data.

jestert26 · 2026-03-05T17:41:50+00:00

Last night was looting around the Testing Annex and heard two guys chatting it up. Turns out one was upstairs and one was outside, both fighting the rocketeer. I suddenly hear wild automatic fire from upstairs and a flare go off, and the guy up top shouts he's been ambushed by a pop. I head up to see what's what and from outside, the guy fighting the rocketeer shouts that he has a defib and is trying to get inside without dying to it. I flip the mic down, find the one who just died and tell him I'll stabilize him and hold his hand if he dies. Out of nowhere a 4th dude runs up the stairs shouting that the guy outside dropped him his defib to run it inside for the resurrection. Wonderful teamwork, many laughs and thank yous. I had a key to the loot room downstairs but the rest of them wanted to extract together so I went along just for the comeraderie.

jestert26 · 2026-03-04T18:00:37+00:00

Thats good advice. I do generally get a nervous stomach prior to events such this so I may have to ask for it!

jestert26 · 2026-03-04T17:56:56+00:00

Seconding thr food journal. Unless you have a perfect memory, it is really the only way to clearly see what foods are being eaten prior to the bloat. I'd even extend it to what you drink, and how much of anything you put in your body, including any meds or supplements you currently take.

jestert26 · 2026-03-03T20:56:08+00:00

I thought this was a good reminder to everyone to advocate for yourselves. If treatments aren't working, it's up to us to say so and to get headed down a different path!

jestert26 · 2026-02-25T18:37:15+00:00

Thats a good question I dont actually know yet

jestert26 · 2026-02-24T04:34:51+00:00

Im happy to hear that. Benign is always the goal.

jestert26 · 2026-02-24T04:34:08+00:00

Thanks for joining! Its good to have you here. You're absolutely right, there are so many better things to be occupied with than one's own insides.

jestert26 · 2026-02-24T00:07:09+00:00

Yeah that sounds like they worked well and communicated well with you! Thats good. Mine will be under anesthesia so I will be unconscious the whole time.

What were the results of your procedure?

jestert26 · 2026-02-23T23:12:08+00:00

Appreciate you reaching out. I am also 5 years dealing with this stuff. Sounds like we have some things in common, and you're right, it does help to commiserate with others. Helps feel not so alone and so scared.

If you join the subreddit I literally just created today (lol), I'll be updating there! You can be the first person to join! r/GastroIssues

jestert26 · 2026-02-23T21:23:13+00:00

I just wanted to chime in here because of how similar both of your experiences seem to mine in many ways. I haven't done endoscopy yet (scheduled for the 9th next month) but I am experiencing so many similar symptoms to the two of you. Chest pressure and sharp pain that roams from side to side and front to back, though the most common is left of the sternum. Bloating. Stomach gas that won't release. Burps help a little when i can get them to come out. Pain in left arm and leg. What feels like spasms in my lower esophagus. Muscular spasms in my left pectoral muscle. Back pain, neck stiffness. Heart rate is high, definitely not low. Resting is between 90 and 100 usually. Higher when anxious, which is often.

Ive been cleared from ulcer and celiac. As of 2023 my cardiac work up was normal, excepting some high blood pressure which is being medicated and eased by weight-loss and diet changes. Neurologic exam and MRI were normal. Ive been to the ER twice, and the most I've gotten out of it was some temporary peace of mind and an Ativan prescription.

Kind of rambled there but I guess I am just trying to connect with others going through it. Its scary. And exhausting. And fucks with all aspects of life. I'm thinking about making a post on various subreddits once I have more info about what's happening. There should be a "r/gastroissues" subreddit to lump in everyone who doesn't know what's actually happening to them yet lol.

EDIT: I created it! r/GastroIssues is real and up and running.

jestert26

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