Expert: Eric Brandt - 3/25/2009

Question
For the last week, I have experienced horrific gas pain than comes and goes and moves around beginning in my lower abdomen and moving upward to behind my breastbone.  It can be so severe that it totally incapacitates me and I actually have to stop what I am doing and wait it out.  Nausea accompanies this.  
People tell me I am having a heart attack but I think it is gas as it moves around and then leaves.
I no longer have a gallbladder (removed in 1974) but the pain that I experience behind my breastbone is very similar to the horrendous pain of a gallbladder attack.
I had this same type of pain for a month about 2 years ago and Nexium helped; however, I stopped the Nexium a few months ago as I had been pain free for almost 2 years.  Maybe I should not have done that?   Could this be the reason that I am once again having such pain?  
I have just started Nexium again.  How long should it take the Nexium to kick in and stop the pain for good like it did last time?
Does this sound like gas to you and why does it rise up my body, then descend and then stop several times a day???
Thx for your help.


Answer
Hi Brenda,
The Nexium wold help within 2 or 3 days if it is going to help at all. Are you able to pass gas? Is the pain relieved once you pass the gas? If it is gas it would move with norma peristaltic gut movements. You can prevent gas by avoiding foods that you know cause gas. Also taking Beano with foods that cause you to have gas can help. Chew your food slowly and thoroughly. That will also help.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm