Newly Diagnosed

I have just recently been diagnosed with GERD. I've been suffering with the symptoms for quite a while. I've been experimenting with the different foods that I eat to see what I need to avoid now and trying to perform the necessary lifestyle changes. It is difficult and often I feel a sense of despair and sadness. Did any of you have negative feelings when you were first diagnosed with this disease?

HI Ms. DeeDee** I have other medical problems and GERD was just another diagnoses for me. Welcomed but not happy it's something I will ALSO have to learn to live with for the rest of my life!

YES--a feeling of despair and anxiety attacks hit me too. No one wants to change their way of living without a choice. It'll take time to accept this diagnoses but accept it you must. You'll learn that no food is worth the pain it brings on.

As for food, my best advice is to avoid spicey, greasy and fatty foods. What's left, you ask??? You'll find out. Everyone is a bit different in what they can and can't tolerate. Think of your stomach as that of a child. What would you knowingly feed a child? Your stomach has now become very similar to theirs.

I take 40mg of Protonix 2x a day for my GERD. I just call it Acid Reflux, one in the same. When that doesn't help I have to go on Carafate liquid to help the eroded tissue in me heal. I was first on Zantac but it stopped helping me. Then I went on Prilosec but in time it also stopped helping me. I now wonder how long Protonix will help. Your meds may not always stay the same. Keep in close touch with your doctor on any changes you have. Even when in the same class, not all drugs work the same for all people.