Stomach or Heart

[ctyguy]

Im over 5 months post-op now and things seem to be going along just fine more or less. I had a few bumps in the road early in recovery but since about 8 weeks its been pleasantly uneventful.

Im looking for feedback in trying to determine if this gurgling I have from time to time is related to my heart or is it simply a stomach issue. About a week ago I had several days of heartburn, nothing major but enough to keep me up for a night or two. Now this was after a day of Ohio State Fair food and a few frosty beers to wash it down. I chalked it up to heartburn but what eats at me is that prior to my surgery I was told heart related issues can present themselves as heartburn type symptoms, which I seemed to have alot of. Today for example I had all kinds of gurgling in the afternoon but my diet for today and yesterday was bland. Grilled chicken and salad for lunch AND dinner. Maybe I'm being hyper-sensitive but Im just looking for feedback from others around what they have experienced post-op. Im going to see my doctor for a 6 month checkup in about a week so I can pose those questions to him but since he isn't really a heart doctor I don't expect him to have an expert opinion.

 

[Ross]

I'm siding with stomach issues. Seems you know what triggers heartburn, so I really don't think it's anything related to that at all.

 

[hensylee]

sounds like stomach to me, too. But you will keep track of it and if it continues you might want to get it checked.

 

[tobagotwo]

Well, your heart doesn't gurgle. And if it did, you'd likely not have time to write an email about it...

Best wishes,

 

[ctyguy]

Maybe I should change my screen name to Captain Obvious ? All I know is that even at 5 months post-op anything I feel that is in my chest Im still on edge over. Heartburn unnerves me a bit, especially when I think I've been good from a diet standpoint.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Did you take any antacids (Tums, Pepcid, Prilosec)?

Tums (or any chewable antacid) should help quickly but doesn't last long. Take Prilosec in the morning, Pepcid before bed.

Other tips include raising the head of your bed around 6 inches and not wearing tight pants / belt. SMALL MEALS also help.

Hope it clears up soon.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Guest]

Did you take any antacids (Tums, Pepcid, Prilosec)?

Tums (or any chewable antacid) should help quickly but doesn't last long. Take Prilosec in the morning, Pepcid before bed.

Other tips include raising the head of your bed around 6 inches and not wearing tight pants / belt. SMALL MEALS also help.

Hope it clears up soon.

'AL Capshaw'

If you are taking coumadin, Prilosec OTC may effect your INR. I've had reflux issues in the past, was taking Prilosec OTC before my OHS and after as I did not want to have to guess if it was the reflux or something else. When I stopped post op, my INR went up.

Scott, I'll be 9 months post op this Thursday, I still get twinges once in a while, I think it's only natural for us to react, we also have good heads on our shoulders to know when we need to see our doctor and when we can dismiss symptoms.

 

[Snoviper]

I would think it is just stomach problems, I actually started to have stomach issues after I found out I had to have surgery, I think from the worrying. Stress can cause all sorts of issues with stomach and bowels, of course having the heart problems causes stress. Always good to check with your doctor though.

 

[Bina]

Post op my stomach gurgled, bubbled and rebelled after every meal. I stuck it out with small meals of easily digested foods.
I also only drank water, nothing else. Good Luck.

 

[Duff Man]

Go with your gut

 

[Susan BAV]

I know that when I get heartburn, it often lasts for two to four days from whatever I consumed that set me off -- usually some form of chilis or peppers, and sometimes certain carbs.

Even when I don't have heartburn, my stomach often sounds like the "chitty-chitty-bang-bang" car...

BTW, an excellent thing to knock out heartburn (but it will turn your tongue black) is chewable Pepto Bismol.