intense heartburn and gastric regurge

[marmitesoldier]

Hi:
Just got certified and thru all dives had burbs, painful, burning regurge, radiating pain in shoulders, back and gut, no nausea or headache. Continued for a couple of days after and can hardly swallow anything for 1-2 days. I had dove a couple of times in the past without cert and no problem. What can i do to decrease this, i am fearful of throwing up and aspirating.
Judy

 

[DocVikingo]

Sounds most uncomfortable.

Factors such as changes in air volume in gas containing areas of the body (which includes the GI tract) positions assumed (i.e., horizontal & upside down), breathing super-dry air and the anxiety that often surrounds scuba in new divers can dispose to such symptoms as you are reporting.

What you are describing sounds much like gastroesophageal reflux disease ("GERD"), and you can read a bit about that disorder at http://www.gerd.com. The signs and symptoms of GERD-like syndromes often benefit significantly from treatment with a combination of drugs.

Your first step should be to consult with a GI specialist so that your condition can be properly diagnosed. Appropriate treatment will follow.

Best of luck.

DocVikingo