new to forum

I just found this forum and have been on the fibromyalgia section cause it is that that brought me here. However, I noticed some talk of Gerd in there which led me to this section. I've never heard of Gerd - I do have Reflux disease (that diagnostic came after a scope two years ago). I was just wondering what Gerd stands for and is it the same as Reflux. I only take Zantac for this and the symptoms come and go depending on what I eat or drink. However, I quit smoking a month and a half ago and have had to deal with this every single daysince. It lets go when I remember to take a Zantac (which I sometimes take three a day lately) but I am terrible at taking meds. I looked around this site and read some to find what Gerd stands for and couldnt seem to find anything. I would really appreciate it if someone could elaborate a little on this disease and whether or not quitting smoking could make it worse if anyone knows. (I smoked for 24 years and am 35 years old. I am also being tested for Lupus and Thyroid. I've had stomach problems since I was a kid, don't believe I have an ulcer at the moment, dealing with a lot of sinus problems and am only taking sleep aid which I just started - just some info to help anyone who would like to give a little advice on what's going on with the frequent heartburn (which is putting it mildly, I feel like a volcano is going on inside) Thanks in advance.

DavidS - YES!  I definitely would like to hear what you did to make your acid reflux "a thing of the past"!   Thanks for posting about the pH.  I have used those test strips but it is often difficult to tell for sure about the color and what number it is trying to show.

Will look forward to your next post. Thank you!  (Searchin')