GERD DIET: Whats the point????????????

tracks83

Hey there, this is Kitt.  I am sorry that you are so frustrated and upset.  I hope you feel better venting here.

Your choice to see a new physician seems wise to me as you are obviously not getting any satisfication from your current Doctor.

Should you  deprive yourself of food you enjoy to end up with the same result either barrets or cancer? Well if your  sure your going to end up with Barrets or cancer then I say go for it but if you are aggravating your condition with your food choices I guess I would back off a bit until I get that new Doctor on board.

Your right, this disorder is not one anyone would ask for but then most disorders and diseases are not anything any one wants.  Don't give up on hope.

We are here to support you.

With kindest personal regards,

Kitt

 

Hi Tracks83,
I'm so sorry to hear you're suffering with GERD. Believe me, we've all been there. This forum is a perfect place for you to vent, ask questions, and get information from people who've "been there". I also had a GI doc who didn't help me at all. I was even hospitalized for a GERD/asthma episode, and honestly, his GI group did nothing for me. They didn't even intercede with the hospital dietary staff to get me meals that I could eat. I was having uncontrolled GERD/gastritis, and they were bringing me things like spaghetti and meat sauce!

That GI doc was very negative on the surgery option for obvious reasons. It is indeed not a perfect surgery, and the results are variable, and sometimes need to be redone. Unfortunately, for some of us it's a necessary procedure. That GI doc told me of other options (like the Esophyx, etc.) had not been around long enough, and weren't very effective. He said that most people who have the surgery are back on PPI's within 5 years. He did not even do any additional tests on me. He told me that I couldn't be experiencing the symptoms I was experiencing, and was no help when I asked him for advice in regards to medications that were easier on the stomach. (My stomach is very reactive.)

I fired that GI doc, and found one who would listen to me with respect, and actually respond to my questions and concerns. He did the prerequisite tests, and initially did not think I was a candidate for the surgery. After another two years of GERD symptoms, and more importantly the subsequent uncontrolled asthma I was having that was caused by the acid reflux, I went back to that GI doc. He did some more testing, and (with the input of my family doctor and asthma doctor) thought that perhaps I should consider the surgery. (I was on so many inhaled steroids and intermittent prednosone to control my asthma and help me breathe that I was having adrenal insufficiency, and symptoms that were very concerning to my physician. They were unable to control my asthma because of the constant onslaught of acid.

I know that my asthma story doesn't match your problem, but I am telling the story so you understand that for some of us, there is no other option. I was very fearful of the procedure, but found the recovery much easier than I had expected. I could end up requiring a redo because of the two months post op coughing due to the pre-op lung inflammation and infection that I experienced. It took time for the effects of the surgery to be felt. Unfortunately I'm afraid that I might have harmed the wrap due to the fact that I had to cough so much, and my internal tissue was compromised by the prednosone I was taking. It was so fragile that the surgeon had to place extra sutures to make up for it.

There are many people on this forum who have suffered with symptoms like yours. You are the one who has to make the decision as to how you will deal with your severe GERD symptoms, but surgery should not be rejected without giving the option some thought. While it is far from perfect, the surgical option has improved the lives of many people suffering from symptoms like yours. It sounds like you've tried lots of things to control your symptoms, and none have been effective.

Selecting a surgeon who is eminently qualified and experienced in the Nissen Fundoplication procedure is the most important thing you can do to ensure a positive outcome. Unfortunately there are many surgeons who agree to do the surgery, but do not have the skill to do it correctly. The horror stories you read about online are the result of improper procedures. Also, you should keep in mind that most people who have the procedure and do well aren't likely to seek out forums on the internet. They're off enjoying their lives.

I expect you'll be hearing from lots of people who have experienced symptoms like yours.
I hope you find the relief you're looking for.
Take care,
Denise

Hi BummedbyGERD,
This is a great place to vent. GERD is a tough thing to live with, and I know what you mean about the limited diet. I go to a restaurant and watch everyone eating and drinking whatever they want, and think to myself that they have no idea what GERD sufferers go through. But, such is life.

You're in a good place to receive advice and support. There are lots of people who are suffering or have suffered what you're experiencing. There is hope, though. There are medications and procedures that can help alleviate the pain you're experiencing.

I'm sure others will stop by and try to give you advice and share their experiences. If you have specific questions, be sure to start a new thread so people can see it easier.
Take care, and good luck!
Denise

My LES does not work properly at all, the nerve controlling it has been damaged.....so no matter what ive done, nothing seems to help.  I had the surgery also, the nissen fundo, which did not help me at all.  It took me 5 doctors before anyone would even consider doing the surgery on me.   If your esophagus does not contract properly they will not do the surgery on you because the surgery could make things worse.  And from my own experience the surgery was complete hell, I would never want to experience that horrendous pain ever again.  I have some sort of neuropathy in my stomach which has left my digestive tract crippled for many years.  I am so sick of this disease, somedays I just cry because there seems no end to this suffering.  I have lived with this for 6 years now.  Yes, even water gives me horrible heartburn.  I would give anything to be healed and normal.  When you arent sick u take your health and life for granted. 

Hi tracks83,

One of the things I learned from a cardiologist (who at one time worked with a gastroenterologist) and my GI doctor is to never skip a meal. What both doctors said is that your body gets accustomed to having meals at certain times. about an hour before the expect meal, the stomach starts ramping up the acid and will continue to pump out acid until it gets the expected food. He also suggested taking an acid buffer either before or immediately after each meal. This buffer is in addition to your prescription med. In my case when I am having a bout of GERD I take 2-4 oz of aloe vera juice before my meal and then chew 3 papaya enzyme tablets after my meal. I pick foods that are easy to digest. I also take a probiotic and eat activa yogurt which all seems to help. BTW--this also helps my IBS.

Marburg

FOR GABBY...maybe U can check the NEW surgery on Google-

MAGNETIC REFLUX SURGERY...BY LINX SYSTEM

My sphincter does not work either:(
I know how it feels like ...I have the same issue too...
I dont know but I am praying the FDA approves this surgery , and they put a magnet on my sphincter and finally, no more acids crawling back up...

GABBY...

do you take PPIs? they do really help...

do you eat foods that have no acidity in it, and are non-fatening or easy to digest

when you drink water, drink tiny zips
if you drink the h20 heavily, fast, the sphincter opens and does not close, the nerves get more damage or the muscle loosens more

when you eat, choose soft foods, chew little bites...try yogurt-like foods with low acidity

over 1 month, the sphincter nerves/muscles SOMETIMES somehow tiny-bit improve on these...plus the PPIS

also ive noticed when I put my arms up in the air, or walk fast, or climb stairs, the sphincter opens/loosens, it is when I reflux so I am avoiding body-involvement that would cause the sphincter to loosen alot

Ive also noticed that when I stuff my stomach, it loosens

When I sleep on my stomach, it loosens

always try to notice what loosens it and you reflux after it immediately...keep me posted please...I am praying for you and everyone with this...I am living a nightmare.

goodluck

phixgrrrl,


Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)--the muscle connecting the esophagus with the stomach.



Some doctors believe a hiatal hernia may weaken the LES and cause reflux. Hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves up into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm (diaphragmatic hiatus).



Certain foods and beverages, including chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods, coffee, or alcoholic beverages, may weaken the LES causing reflux and heartburn. Studies show that cigarette smoking relaxes the LES. Obesity and pregnancy can also cause GERD.



There is much information here in the forums that you should find helpful.



I am sure you will be hearing from others here in the forum re your questions.



Take care,

Kitt

I was dx with GERD 7 years ago and have been on PPIs since.  I was told at the outset (and I believe it), diet does not have a great deal to do with the GERD associated with a dysfunctional LES.  Your stomach will produce the same amount of acid with a sip of water, as an actual food item.  That being said, I have found that there are certain foods that can aggravate my stomach, particularly the heavier meals.  they don't really produce more acid, but the reflux definitely gets worse. 

Overall, I eat what I want, but I limit the heavier food items to much smaller portions.  Still taking nexium and zantac, and was told I would have to continue for life (I'm 41).

Elcamino

Welcome, Nolique.

I ,personally, am scared to put more acid in my stomach, so I've never tried apple cider vineger.
Another poster on here has gall bladder troubles, maybe she'll come along and discussed this with you.
I'm going to have the newest surgery for acid reflux...EsophyX TIF. Have you discussed surgery options with your doctor?

Joy

They go down your throat with a special scope and "staple" the top of your stomach around your LES. There's a website about the surgery and video on youtube. Just type in EsophyX TIF.
It takes about and hour to hour and a half to perform. I'm excited about the prospect of stopping my cough and getting off the medications.
I've heard that long term use of of PPI can cause bone loss due to the fact your body needs acid to absorb Calcium.

Joy

If you are following a GERD diet you should avoid large meals, eat small meals frequently, cut down on fatty food and not eat within 2-3 hours of bedtime. Keep a diary or mental note of foods eaten and their effect. If you are following an acid reflux diet this will help to decide which foods are causing the problem. With an acid reflux diet, avoid acidic foods, spicy and hot foods. Also avoid extremely hot foods and drinks. Let foods and drinks cool before consuming them. Drinking very hot drinks has been shown to correlate with gastric and duodenal ulcers and should be avoided when on a reflux diet.