Upper back pain for 6 weeks...

[markymark455]

i Guys,

Just wanted to join this discussion. The last 10 days or so I’ve had symptoms that are making me worry about esophageal cancer. I’ve had severe bloating, heartburn/chest pain, hiccups and the sensation of a lump in my throat/sore throat. I’m actually away on holiday and it’s ruined it because I just can’t switch off from the fear it’s serious.
I’ve read through a lot of this thread but I’m really concerned. The chest pain wakes me up each morning even though I’m taking nexium.
I have a dr appointment scheduled for Monday; I guess I’m just looking for some comfort/reassurance :(

[lucymarie]

Esophageal cancer is very rare and most of your symptoms could be attributed to MANY far less serious causes, GERD being one of them. Also globus sensation is very common when we get anxious about health, particularly if you are worrying about your oesophagus. Hopefully your doctor's appointment will give you some answers and ease your mind. Let us know how you get on :)

And whatever you do - DON'T spend your weekend googling esophageal cancer, you will only read horror stories and all but write your will when it's probably near 100% you don't have the condition.

[markymark455]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I’m trying my hardest not to google, but it’s so difficult. Can I really be having chest pain 24/7? The nexium helps but by the end of the day it’s back and my heart sinks. I’ve gotten into a horrible routine of swallowing and clearing my throat because I can feel a lump there...which has now progressed to a swollen gland on the left of my neck.
I feel pretty helpless and don’t feel like going to work or seeing anybody. I hate it

[markymark455]

So I’ve been to the doctor-she says acid reflux. She checked my throat/blood pressure/stomach and glands. Prescribed ranitidine. Weirdly I don’t feel assured but more worked up.
Is it normal to feel sick all the time from it? And to wake up with pain and sore throat each day? I’m so scared it’s making life a misery :(

[Fishmanpa]

Besides the meds, what are you doing to help treat it? Have you looked into the FODMAP diet? (https://www.ibsdiets.org/fodmap-diet/fodmap-food-list/)

Positive thoughts

[markymark455]

I’ve been eliminating certain foods to see if that helps but no such joy so far.

I’m struggling to cope at the moment; my symptoms are worse than ever. Chest pain wakes me up, I have a sore throat 24/7, I’m hiccuping all day long-can this really be acid reflux? The ranitidine I was prescribed seems to be making things worse if anything. I just don’t know which way to turn

[Blue23Blent]

I've been in the same boat worrying about throat cancer. Still worrying about it because I'm experiencing symptoms. It's crazy how if this is anxiety that it can cause these symptoms!

I'm having a CT scan done today. Fingers crossed! Doctor believes it will come back negative but I keep worrying about what if it doesn't?!

[markymark455]

Hi guys,

Posted before on this subject but right now I need talking down or something. I’ve convinced I have Oesophageal cancer and my symptoms just arnt improving. A brief outline of my symptoms:

Pain when swallowing (burning in chest after swallowing my food after each mouthful)
Lump in throat/throat clearing/cough
Heartburn
Chest and back pain that wakes me up each morning meaning lack of decent sleep for over a month.
Hiccups
Bloating

So these symptoms have been going on for 5 weeks now almost constantly. Dr gave me ranitidine which had no effect. Now on lansoprozole which has helped but it still feels like there is something ‘in’ my chest and the pain sometimes seeps back through. I’ve had a stool sample to check for H pylori which came back clear.
I’ve worked myself up so much that I’ve convinced myself I’m dying. I’ve suffered with health anxiety for years but this feels different to any past episodes. I’ve asked my doctor for a private referral because I’m happy to pay out to try and get some answers. I don’t know where else to turn. I’m only 28 and feel that things should have improved after 5 weeks? I’ve adapted my diet and cut out what things may aggravate it. Spicy/greasy foods, caffeine etc. The fact things haven’t changed slightly has filled me with unbelievable worry.
It’s horrendous trying to psyche myself up for work each day and pretend everything is ok.
If anyone can provide some perspective I’d appreciate it. Thanks

[nomorepanic]

Hi

This is just a courtesy reply to let you know that your thread was merged with another of your threads.

Please when posting on similar topics add it onto your previous post rather than starting a new one.

It is nothing personal it is just to make it easier for people to follow your story and to give you advice as a whole.

[ErinKC]

You have textbook GERD symptoms. I'd imagine that's exactly what google would tell you, too! But, I still advice against googling. I'm sorry you're dealing with this, since even though I'm sure you don't have cancer, your symptoms are probably very uncomfortable!

[AMomentofClarity]

Hi guys,

Posted before on this subject but right now I need talking down or something. I’ve convinced I have Oesophageal cancer and my symptoms just arnt improving. A brief outline of my symptoms:

Pain when swallowing (burning in chest after swallowing my food after each mouthful)
Lump in throat/throat clearing/cough
Heartburn
Chest and back pain that wakes me up each morning meaning lack of decent sleep for over a month.
Hiccups
Bloating

So these symptoms have been going on for 5 weeks now almost constantly. Dr gave me ranitidine which had no effect. Now on lansoprozole which has helped but it still feels like there is something ‘in’ my chest and the pain sometimes seeps back through. I’ve had a stool sample to check for H pylori which came back clear.
I’ve worked myself up so much that I’ve convinced myself I’m dying. I’ve suffered with health anxiety for years but this feels different to any past episodes. I’ve asked my doctor for a private referral because I’m happy to pay out to try and get some answers. I don’t know where else to turn. I’m only 28 and feel that things should have improved after 5 weeks? I’ve adapted my diet and cut out what things may aggravate it. Spicy/greasy foods, caffeine etc. The fact things haven’t changed slightly has filled me with unbelievable worry.
It’s horrendous trying to psyche myself up for work each day and pretend everything is ok.
If anyone can provide some perspective I’d appreciate it. Thanks

Give the PPI time. It can take a couple of weeks to become fully effective at stopping acid, then another couple weeks for any esophagus inflammation, stomach inflammation, etc to heal.
It will get better.

[markymark455]

What I don’t understand is there is no rhyme or reason to the symptoms. They can occur after a glass of water (constant hiccups) or they can be after food or before food? I’m so scared of what could happen. I’m just living in a bubble at the moment.
I’m hoping a consultation with a gastroenterologist may shed some light or at least move towards finding out what’s going on

[AMomentofClarity]

What I don’t understand is there is no rhyme or reason to the symptoms. They can occur after a glass of water (constant hiccups) or they can be after food or before food? I’m so scared of what could happen. I’m just living in a bubble at the moment.
I’m hoping a consultation with a gastroenterologist may shed some light or at least move towards finding out what’s going on

That’s how reflux works sometimes. There’s varying degrees...some people only get it after eating certain things, some people get it more frequently. It certainly doesn’t mean it’s esophageal cancer.

[Blue23Blent]

Hey Mark.

I’ve been trying to stay off this because it seems to feed my fears and what not. However, you sound like me. I just can’t trust the doctors no matter who I see because I’m experiencing symptoms. Idk if this is you but my throat constantly feels dry and like something is just wrong. I’ve thought I had every throat cancer you can imagine but I really think it’s stress but I just can’t handle accepting that for some reason.

I’ve had a scope done. Ct scan. All clear. Still struggling.

This coming Wednesday I have a therapist appointment I made. I’m focusing on my HA NOW. I suggest you do same or it will just get worse

[markymark455]

Thanks blue. I know where you’re coming from. HA is a daily battle. But because I’ve had no scope or scans I can’t shake off these feelings. I want peace of mind more than anything else...but unless I get tests or the symptoms disappear I’m not sure how to achieve it.

[escapeartist]

Hi Markymark,

I could have written your post about a month ago. i had just been diagnosed with GERD and feeling exactly the same (no rhyme nor reason to symptoms, lump in throat, pain in back - not chest etc).

I have now convinced myself it is not oesophageal cancer, but some other type of cancer, which I will avoid as it could be a trigger.

If you are concerned and you have never had GERD before, you can always push for an endoscopy.
Having said that, have a look at the stats for oesophageal cancer - they really are very low! How old are you? Have you been a smoker/heavy drinker?

[markymark455]

Thanks escapeartist.
I’m not a heavy drinker or smoker no. I’m 28. Have you had any investigations into your symptoms at all? What makes you think it’s a different type of cancer? I haven’t had GERD before no, so I would really like some sort of testing done I think.

[escapeartist]

As I said, given your age and history it is very highly unlikely. Your symptoms also all sound like they could well be anxiety :)

I am having investigations (I think mostly to calm me down) both GPs that I saw were very reassuring. However, as you probably know the NHS is a slow beast and I don't have my endoscopy for another month or so.

A common cause of GERD is also an ulcer, which can be treated very easily with antibiotics and antacids. Again, if you do get some investigations this would show up easily.

Do not fret - I think you are fighting fit. Try and have think about what may be causing your anxiety and see if you can tackle that (I know, easy for me to say, I'm on same boat at the moment).

[markymark455]

Yeah sure. I’m going to a consultation with a specialist on Monday so I’m hoping that may help. My dr did say ulcers could be a cause. However I presume because I’m fairly young she’s reluctant to refer me which is why I’m sort of doing it off my own back because I can’t go on feeling like this.
Keep me informed how you’re getting on :)

[escapeartist]

Are you seeing someone privately?

I just wanted to say, don't forget about the mental side of things. Look into your anxiety (which could well be causing the acid reflux too) and see if you can get some help on that front too.

I wish you good luck!

[ErinKC]

Your anxiety can absolutely be making all your symptoms worse. The only time I have symptoms of acid reflux is when my anxiety is high.

[Blue23Blent]

Thanks blue. I know where you’re coming from. HA is a daily battle. But because I’ve had no scope or scans I can’t shake off these feelings. I want peace of mind more than anything else...but unless I get tests or the symptoms disappear I’m not sure how to achieve it.

Most likely all your tests will come back negative. I felt like scope and ct scan were needed but they weren’t. I pushed for them because I needed that to but it didn’t really help in the long run I just thought “it missed something” or “maybe now something is really growing”

You are OK!!! You are literally what I’m going through.

[markymark455]

Thanks guys. I seem to just get some many symtoms with it that I can’t explain. For example I’m waking up every morning with terrible pain in my back on my left side in the middle. I was rational and thought is it the way I’m lying so I’ve tried different positions to no avail. It’s hard not to think it’s related to everything else going on.

[escapeartist]

HI Markymark,

I could have pretty much written your post. New onset GERD (never had it before), treated with PPIs but pain still coming and going. Last GP who saw me thinks it wasn't even acid reflux....
Pain in the middle of back, between shoulder blades. I am convinced I have pancreatic cancer, though I know for my age group the incidence is 1 in 100,000 (for yours for oesophageal cancer it is less than that - it basically comes up zero on thr graph, you can check here, https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/oesophageal-cancer/incidence#heading-One)

Acid reflux has many different symptoms, some can be felt in the front, some at the back, some on your stomach, some in your chest. It is not going to harm you, as uncomfortable and upsetting as it may be.

[markymark455]

HI Markymark,

I could have pretty much written your post. New onset GERD (never had it before), treated with PPIs but pain still coming and going. Last GP who saw me thinks it wasn't even acid reflux....
Pain in the middle of back, between shoulder blades. I am convinced I have pancreatic cancer, though I know for my age group the incidence is 1 in 100,000 (for yours for oesophageal cancer it is less than that - it basically comes up zero on thr graph, you can check here, https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/oesophageal-cancer/incidence#heading-One)

Acid reflux has many different symptoms, some can be felt in the front, some at the back, some on your stomach, some in your chest. It is not going to harm you, as uncomfortable and upsetting as it may be.



The symptoms just seem to be so broad. The last week I’ve woken up everyday with pain on the left side of my back (about chest height). I’ve tried changing sleeping positions and all sorts. So now I’m thinking has cancer spread to other areas? I feel like a ticking time bomb.
I’m going to the private consultation Monday and I’m hoping I’ll have chance to air all my thoughts and worries with the specialist.

What’s making you think it’s pancreatic cancer?

[escapeartist]

The real answer to your question is: because I have health anxiety.

I have been foolish enough to google, so I have a constellation of symptoms in my head that 99.99% of the time are completely benign, and 0.001% are indicative of pancreatic cancer.

I think I may well be on the mend (with the HA, my GERD is still all over the place). Like you I got GERD for the first time in my life and it has scared me. I have been through a very stressful period lately (3 house moves in 1 year, new job, new country, stressed kids, sole earner etc etc etc) which is manifesting itself, I guess, into HA. Anything to distract the mind from actually dealing with my stresses.

It has been three months and I have had quite enough. I am ready to fight back. Still, I guess like many of us on here, I do find physical symptoms quite upsetting.

Here's to healthy minds and healthy bodies. Hope you are better today.

[markymark455]

Still rubbish. Got a gastro appointment today. My biggest worry right now is the nocturnal back pain I’m experiencing. It’s been going on for well over 2 weeks and wakes me at the same time every night/early morning.
It’s in the same spot and is a dull ache, but once I’m
awake no matter how I position myself I can’t get back to sleep. I’m afraid the gastro dr won’t be able to help with that even though this only all started along with the reflux style symptoms :(

[woaidelrey]

feeling even crappier... difficulty swallowing, back pain, lump in throat.. i just dont know what to do anymore and in such a panic that i cant even function :weep:

[markymark455]

Hi guys,

I’ve had ongoing symptoms of reflux/chest pain for almost 2 months now. However, each day I’ve had the chest pain waking me early morning which extends into the left hand side of my back. I’ve seen a gastro dr who said he can’t explain it and was attempting to reassure me. However, the chest pain seems to have faded whereas the back pain is getting excruciatingly painful to the point of not sleeping. I dread going to bed now when all I want to do is sleep and switch off from living hell!

Does anyone have any similar experiences? I feel like all I do is bother my doctor every other week but I need to know what I can do. All I can think is it’s cancer that has spread from my chest or something.

[Fishmanpa]

What's your diet like? Do you eat after 6pm?

Positive thoughts

[escapeartist]

Hi Markymark,

Let us know how it goes. Can you draw any connections between your stress and the symptoms. I have very very similar symptoms (reflux, swallowing etc) but pain (mostly at night too, but occasionally in day too) is on my right side, between my shoulder blades and to the right. 2 GPs and a Gastroenterologist (who used to lecture at Harvard no less) have seen me and said I am fine... and that it's stress...

And yet, I think I may be dying...

Hugs to you - keep well and let us know how your appointment goes. I feel your pain (almost literally).

[Elen]

Hi

This is just a courtesy reply to let you know that your thread was merged with another of your threads.

Please when posting on similar topics add it onto your previous post rather than starting a new one.

It is nothing personal it is just to make it easier for people to follow your story and to give you advice as a whole.

Elen

[markymark455]

Hi Markymark,

Let us know how it goes. Can you draw any connections between your stress and the symptoms. I have very very similar symptoms (reflux, swallowing etc) but pain (mostly at night too, but occasionally in day too) is on my right side, between my shoulder blades and to the right. 2 GPs and a Gastroenterologist (who used to lecture at Harvard no less) have seen me and said I am fine... and that it's stress...

And yet, I think I may be dying...

Hugs to you - keep well and let us know how your appointment goes. I feel your pain (almost literally).

Escapeartist,

I met with the gastro doc-it was quite a mixed bag. He essentially advised against an endoscopy as in his eyes it’s an unnecessary procedure for someone who is most likely perfectly healthy etc. However, he did say he would happily organise one should this continue and I feel the need in the future.
Here it gets quite confusing.

He pretty much suggested that as I wasn’t suffering classic symptoms of serious disease such as weight loss, vomiting or difficultly swallowing, it would likely be hard to find what was causing my symptoms. He even doubted that if ranitidine and lansoprazole were not 100% taking my symptoms away then it’s probably not even acid reflux. So this has in turn made me even worse if possible! I’m now thinking well great, he doesn’t even think it’s reflux, isn’t recommending any testing and doesn’t have any answers for me. So I feel even more confused/stressed if it were possible.
Further he said as he is a gastro, he can’t diagnose why the back pain I have is so severe. All he could do was reassure me it wasn’t in the place you’d see pancreas pain.

The only thing which did help in a way was he reeled off all the testing and things over the years and asking me what they were for. The truth? Some of them I couldn’t even remember what they were for. This made me realise that HA plays such a HUGE part. At some stage I was so worried it warranted further testing, yet now down the line I can’t even remember what those symptoms were! I’m sure you’ll be able to relate.

That being said, it doesn’t change the fact that I have no answers and my symptoms still continue. I start to wonder if I’ve ever had a stage where it’s lasted this long (6 weeks almost) with no improvement. All I can do is go back to my GP and see what she can recommend to investigate I guess :(

Sorry for the long post!

[Fishmanpa]

What's your diet like? Do you eat after 6pm?

I know you're on a PPI but a PPI alone will not always solve GERD/Reflux issues.

Positive thoughts

[escapeartist]

Thanks for the response, Markymark. It does sound very much like my experience with the Gastro doc. Hahaha, he also said, hmmm, don't think you have acid reflux/oesophagitis. And what about the pain in my back? He doesn't know... suggests psych.

I do have an endoscopy still, in a few weeks, booked through my GP. Gastro said he would be v v surprised if it shows anything.

I am 100% with you - I have a list of anxieties that were very real at the time but have since been nothing. However, like you, never anything that has lasted 3 months. I have also lost weight, but that is something that does happen to me when stressed (especially when I am stressed for a long period of time).

What would it take for your to be reassured? That is the question...

[markymark455]

Funny how we seem to be so similar escapeartist! Have you had any other investigations up until now? Just curious as part of my own journey. Keep me informed how the endo goes for you.

In the back of my mind, probably an endoscopy. I’ll give it a while and see how I go, but at least I know if things don’t improve the gastro said he would happily arrange an endoscopy for me, although he’s really against me having one. What he was saying made sense...he said if that came back clear you’d mostly like say to yourself ‘well if it’s not that, what is it?’ And I’d start looking for other things. Which probably is true.
At the same time, I don’t think that my symptoms will improve until I have some proper answers/diagnosis. But then again this is classic HA I guess. In the back of my mind I’ll be thinking well what if I should have had the endoscopy and that could create a snowball effect in itself. Who knows for now?

Thanks for listening :)

[markymark455]

Hi guys,

I’ve got back pain that is at its most severe during the night and has been going on for about 6 weeks.
It only really affects my upper left side, but it wakes me up and then I can’t go back to sleep (sometimes for hours). When I’m up and about for an hour or so the pain subsided and doesn’t affect my daytime activities.
It’s now at the point where I dread the day because I’m so tired, and I dread the night because I don’t sleep!
Naturally with my health anxiety at a high I’m worrying it’s something sinister, mainly because it’s so severe during the night.
I’ve tried heat pads, massage, pain relief, trying sleeping in different beds/positions and there is no improvement.
Has anyone had this? I seem to be going round in circles with my doctor!

[ScaredBBOY]

I’m having a similar problem for the past few days I’ve been having pain between my shoulder blades sometimes it goes to under my right and my right arm feels a little numb sometimes it goes to the left I feel so scared I hope yours went away I don’t know what this is ....

[Elen]

Hi

This is just a courtesy reply to let you know that your thread was merged with another of your threads.

Please when posting on similar topics add it onto your previous post rather than starting a new one.

It is nothing personal it is just to make it easier for people to follow your story and to give you advice as a whole.

Elen

[Fishmanpa]

I know you're on a PPI but a PPI alone will not always solve GERD/Reflux issues.

I'll ask again...


What's your diet like? Do you eat after 6pm?

Positive thoughts

[ScaredBBOY]

Hey markymark and escapeartist I’m going through the same thing I’m also 28 male and scared I might have some type of cancer have back pain all day that comes and goes mostly upper back between my shoulder and migrates to the right and my arm gets a bit numb I don’t have any stomach issues and I’ve lost 14 pounds in the last 3 weeks don’t have hiccups but I’m burping all day
I’m freaking out and it’s going to take me a while to see my gp

It’s crazy how when I’m active the pain subsides but I don’t know if it’s because I’m not thinkin about it or that it’s jus subsiding I take muscle relaxer to go to sleep it’s puts me to sleep but I always wake up middle of the night shaking go back to sleep and wake early shaking hard to think this is all anxiety

[Dave_Lister]

I have the same kind of issues going on. I was diagnosed with a fatty liver back in the spring so I have really cut back on fatty food, and have lost almost 25 lbs from working out at the gym and dieting, but I am still having diaphragm pain issues and I get the back pain too. I am being sent to a gastro but they cannot see me until June :mad:. I have the same thoughts as you do, but if my doctor was concerned I'm sure he would have expedited my case. When my doctor was using his automated dictation device he said possible gerd or ulcer. I am thinking it could be an ulcer, and maybe that is what you have Marky?