Heartburn/Reflux linked to IC?

Facebook iconTwitter iconGoogle icon

Forums: 

Hi everyone,
I got struck down with IC about 4 months ago. As I'm in Australia I have unfortunately not been able to vist Matia yet but I have been following her diets and found a great local Chinese Dr/acupuncturist who has put me on the right healing path and I am feeling 90% back to my old self. HOWEVER, about 1.5 months into treatment I started getting bad heartburn and reflux which is something I have NEVER had a problem with before. It started out as heartburn chest pains during some meals and then about 3 weeks ago developed into what feels like moderate reflux and an acidic/burning feeling through my chest and sometimes the spot right in between my chest and belly button (feels like a burning ulcer or something) that is often there 24/7 for days. I can't figure out if this is IC related? Or perhaps something that has started to happen as a result of chinese herbs or the diet?? It's very uncomfortable and worrisome for me and I have to say it's getting me down a little that just as I am recovering from IC I have a new health problem to deal with. Has anyone else had this problem? Is it a die-off symptom perhaps? Would be really interested to hear from anyone that might have suggestions for how to fix this problem!
Thanks :) 

Ria Chantler's picture
Ria Chantler

I don't know if it's the same thing...but I have something called costochondritis whuch is inflammation of the intercostal muscles in the chest. I am having terrible trouble at the moment with it...feels like terrible heartburn and pain in the chest that feels like a red hot poker being stuck into my front and coming out the back. I assume the inflammation is part of the die off as my bladder was the worst it's ever been 4 weeks ago, very sore and inflamed yet now my bladder feels great. My chest feels awful though and that hasn't reared it's ugly head in a year. That reflux you have is a type of inflammation...this would be caused by the diet but shouldn't last forever. I do take antacid tabs when desperate and also an electric heat blanket helps as well as getting your partner to rub your back. If your desperate half a t-spoon of bicarb in water should take the edge off.I understand your pain though it's bloody annoying...maybe you have costochondritis as that can be caused by bacteria believe it or not and is more common in women. Look after yourselfRia x