I recently started having chest pains (right and left side) along with tenderness/burning in the chest area. The tenderness is surface pain, and all it takes is my clothing to rub it the wrong way and instant irritation. I also have started to belch all the time no matter if I eat or not, accompanied with gas as well. Just drinking water can start up my symptoms. I have been to the cardiologist for EKG, stress test, and Echo, and all is well. My family physician has put me on protonix 40mg, and I have been taking that a little over a month now with no relief.......it s just makes my stomach upset at times. Should I give the protonix more time, as he has prescribed 8weeks, or should I be asking for alternatives? I m at my wits end, as I have trouble sleeping and functioning during the day, plus this has got me stressed out and I m sure I m having anxiety due to all of this as well. By the way I m 40yrs old, I exercise 3-4 times a week, and I ve always have watched what I eat. The only meds I have ever taken on a regular basis are Crestor20mg. I do have arthritis in the spine and narrowing of the discs in my neck, but I take no meds for those condtions.....only when they flare up. I feel like I m falling apart.........any suggestions would be spectacular!