What can I do?

Hello all, I came to a point just now that I had to register and get some advice. First of all, I am a 21 year old male in good health other than GERD. I have been taking Zegerid 60 mg once a day for a few months and was pretty much eating whatever I wanted with no problems at all. Alcohol and caffine are no longer part of my diet and this seemed to help me. The past two days have me scared and not knowing what to do.

The last couple of nights including tonight I am having a hard time swallowing without feeling like I'm going to gag. This is worse when I lay down so I haven't been sleeping hardly at all. My GERD has never really been heartburn, it always seems to effect my throat. I also notice the last couple of months it is like I have congestion in my throat/chest, yet tests say my lungs are clear so I'm guessing it is acid in my throat. I am only 21 and I feel like my health is crumbling right now and there seems to be nothing to help me. Should I call the doctor in the morning and see if I need to change medications?

I have also been suffering from depression partly because of this and I haven't felt happy for almost a year. I am to the point where even though I'm 21 I feel like I will never be truly health again. I do play racquetball 4 times a week and work out as well, but GERD is not allowing me to eat the way I need to in order to build lean muscle mass.

If anybody can help me please post, thanks

Cody

Hi Michelle,
Don't give up hope. You will resolve this issue. If you don't have the head of your bed raised, you should do so. You can put blocks under the legs, or get "risers" from a local health supply company. That way, the acid from your stomach is more likely to stay there.

It may be too soon to mention this, but you always have the surgical option...a Nissen Fundoplication is something you can read about on this site. Be careful surfing the net for information, because you'll read a lot of scary and hysterical posts by people who have had bad experiences. There are many people here who have had this procedure and can speak to their results. I had one on February 27th of this year, and are thrilled with the results.
Not to say that you'll need this surgery, but it is always there for you, if you find you need it.

Hopefully you've found a GI doctor you're happy with...if not, keep looking.
Stay here on this forum...there is a lot of support, and a wealth of information. We've "been there"!
Best Wishes!
Denise

I get the shortness of breath thing also if I eat too close to bed time. This is definately frustrating in many ways!

Hello cody and welcome to HealingWell and the GERD/Heartburn forum.  I am glad you found us.

I have anxiety/depression and GERD.  I know the GERD can kick up my anxiety but I do very well on Prilosec and I just have to be careful of certain foods.  I know which foods I cannot eat and if I choose wrong then I pay with regurge and heartburn.

Please stick with us as we know what your going through and where your coming from.

Again a Warm welcome.

Kitt

I had the scope in December and it showed a hiatis hernia or whatever but not a whole lot of damage yet. I think I'm going to call the Dr. and ask about this and I also am having pain in my ears after meals. VERY weird it seems but maybe there is a connection? Thanks for the replies.

HELLO SOMETIMES MY HEART WILL RACE.. I DONT KNOW IF ITS MY GERD...MEDICATION OR STRESS..COULD BE ALL THREE...HAD MY HEART CHECKED AND ALL WAS OK..