Resolved question:
Dear Sir/Madam,
For the last 6 weeks I have been suffering with the following system:
1) Dull aching pain in the center chest area (Constant).
2) An occasional burning sensation in the center chest and sternum.
3) An occasional (slight) nausea feeling.
4) A slight feeling of being short of breath.
I have recently had a full examination with a Cardiologist, who was able to rule out any heart condition.
The issue started after one night of consuming large amounts of cocaine. It was a one off, and I do not take this drug (or any other) on a regular basis.
I am a 47 year old male Caucasian. I'm 5'11 and weigh 203 lbs. I'm in good physical condition and frequent the gym (4 days a week). I'm a non-smoker and drink very little alcohol. My eating habit is healthy. My only vice would be my coffee intake (4-5) cups per day.
I was advised by the Cardiologist to take a NSAID (Aspirin) for two weeks following the cocaine consumption along with PPI (Nexium). Since then, I have stopped taking the Aspirin but still take Nexium 20mg twice daily.
Questions:
1) How long should I be taking the PPI for? ( I’m concerned with having to take this medication on a long term basis, due to any side effects)
2) What could be the cause for this to be persistent/constant?
3) Are there any specific test’s that I can have done?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Kind regards,
Steve
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand your concern.
From your history, it seems like a reflux disorder, since the cardiac evaluation is normal, and I will advise you to take a combination of Rabeprazole and Domperidone twice daily for 2 weeks. It also falls under the PPI category, and has no long term side effects.
If it still does not resolve, I will advise an endoscopy, because this is definitely related to gastric causes, rather than any cardiac problems.
Please feel free to discuss further,
Regards.