How to manage acid reflux and anxiety at night with GERD?

Question

Hello doctor,

I’ve been diagnosed with GERD and Barrett’s esophagus. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been experiencing pain in the middle of my back, especially under my right shoulder blade and around my right rib area. The discomfort is noticeably worse in the mornings when I wake up. It almost feels like there’s pressure on my back, as if someone’s lying on it.

This week, I’ve also started having random shooting pains throughout my body, along with occasional warm sensations in my legs. These episodes come and go without warning, and honestly, they’ve been pretty scary.

My health anxiety has been through the roof lately, and instead of searching for answers online, I thought it would be better to reach out here for professional guidance.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I’ve reviewed your concerns, and I understand how distressing these symptoms can be. I’m sorry you’re going through this.

It's important to note that shooting pains and sensations of warmth in the legs are not typical signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, or Barrett’s esophagus, a condition in which the lining of the esophagus changes due to chronic acid exposure. These symptoms may be unrelated and could potentially be linked to other medical conditions, such as nerve-related issues, or in some cases, may be influenced by anxiety.

Unfortunately, without a detailed medical history and physical exam, I can’t provide a specific diagnosis at this time. However, I strongly recommend that you speak with your primary care physician or a specialist, such as a neurologist or gastroenterologist, who can evaluate these symptoms more thoroughly and decide whether further testing (like imaging or blood work) is needed.

In the meantime, here are a few suggestions:

Continue managing your acid reflux carefully. If you’ve been prescribed a medication like Esomeprazole + Domperidone (e.g., Sompraz D 40 mg), it can help reduce acid and improve motility. Be sure to take it as directed.
Address anxiety, which can amplify physical symptoms. Techniques like deep breathing, guided meditation, or gentle yoga can be very effective.
Prioritize lifestyle habits - Eat a balanced diet, avoid late-night meals, limit caffeine and alcohol, exercise regularly, and aim for consistent, quality sleep.

I hope this helps.

Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.

Thank you.