Dot
Sorry you are having so much trouble.If your problem stays severe for a long period of time it could do damage to yur esophagus and this may lead to surgery. Also, if the reflux valve isn't working properly it could lead to surgery, but in my case being overweight is a big big problem and doctors say that the first thing I could to help would be lose weight. Secondly, don't eat any fried foods. Thirdly, I don't eat anything after dinner or drink any kind of soft drink or juice. If I eat after 7pm I have problems. Finally, I sometimes stack my pillows so that I am practically sitting straight up in bed to sleep. Also, was told to prop the headboard 8-10 inches off the floor. My husband didn't like that so I just use pillows (but not soft pillows except the top one). Hope this helps. Sounds like you are getting anxiety attacks along with this and it is making it worse. Just think about what is going on at the time and try to keep as calm as you can. The doctor should do all the tests to best treat this.