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Does anyone here have or heard of nutcracker esophagus?

Digestive Health | Last Active: Mar 7, 2023 | Replies (32)
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@rashida

@blackoutthesun - I have never been diagnosed with this officially, but I am pretty sure I have experienced it because GERD has very similar symptoms and I do have GERD caused by a hiatal hernia. The pain comes n so suddenly and feels like a heart attack. I have discovered that sipping some water eases the pain within mere minutes, so I always have a bottle or glass of water near me at all times. Not eating (not even a small snack)) or drinking anything (except for the sips of water durin an attack or when taking medication) after 7:00 p.m. and having the top of my bed raised in risers really helps too.

I had no idea what Jackhammer or Nutcracker Esophagus Syndrome was until I read your post and googled it!

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-jackhammer-esophagus-1191896

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Replies to "@blackoutthesun - I have never been diagnosed with this officially, but I am pretty sure I..."
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Mar 1, 2022

Hello @rashida

I noticed you are interested in learning more about nutcracker esophagus. It sounds as if you have found some helpful things to do when you have an episode such as the sips of water and raising the head of your bed. Do you take any meds as well?

Have these symptoms been going on for a long time and have you talked with a doctor about it?

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kaceysmom | @kaceysmom | Oct 6, 2022

I have nutcracker esophageal spasms. I've had them periodically for about 30 years - don't know why I get them and a few times it brought me to my knees - thought I was having a heart attack. A few times I had to go to the E.R. to help stop the spasm. I put a nitroglycerin tablet under my tongue to help to stop the spasm. BUT, I found that if I can stop the spasm as soon as I FEEL it coming on, I drink a glass of very cold or ice water quickly. I found lately that that stops the spasm for me. When I do get a spasm I feel really crummy all day long - and on edge, afraid it will start again. My doctor does not know why I get them or what to do about them except for using the nitroglycerine.

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