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GERD!! Please Help , I Cant Take It Anymore

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Posted 7/20/2011 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hello  My name is Steve and Im 25 years old.  I always got heartburn for years and alway took tums,zantacs, pepic ac etc. On june 29th, i woke up cause I couldnt breathe and my heart was pounding and I was freaking out. I thought I was dying, scarey feeling.  Im pretty sure the stomach acid can into  y mouth when I was sleeping and I swolled down the wrong hole or something. I managed to go back to sleep. The following days were just brutal. Couldnt shallow, feeled like didnt matter how much water I drank my mouth was still dry as hell.  Couldnt breathe well at all and felt like there somethign in my lungs and something in my nose too.  Felt like I couldnt talk also cause I couldnt shallow and it felt like I was gonna studder or choke.  At one time it felt like I was gonna pass out and anxeity was kicking in. Just a gross feeling, I was scared, really scared.  Finally 3 days later feeling like death I went to the ER.  X ray on lungs, ECG(heart), bloodwork and the doctor said I was heathily and in good shape. He have me some pills called Mylan-Omeprazole. I havent got heart burn since but I feel the sympons. Shortness of breathe. gas( feels like i can hicup for ever). But no heartburn now.  I layed baseball that night and I feels brutal, like death. I couldnt swallow and no joke had 12 water and was still dry in the mouth. Passed out that night but woke up from my heart just pounding like crazy, couldnt breathe. Last time that happened and hopefully the last.

I dont feel as bad. But I still wake up in the morning with a dry mouth and trouble breathing, nose feels dry and trouble breathing out of my nose. Feels like something in my lungs. I get lightheaded and feel kinda spaced out now. Sometime feel like i cant swallow. sometimes feel like puking but i dont.  Sometimes still wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air. Im so feed up. Im ready to lose my mind. Maybe I got a lung and sinus infections? I ahve no clue.  Sometimes I feel fine and go on with my daily life and sometimes from afraid to go anyway incase I have a panic attacks or pass out or something or go to talk to somebody and cant speak idk. I also feel really lazy all the time and just wanna sleep and be anti social.

Has anybody had this happen to them.  This isnt your normal I got hearburn etc..  I havent felt 100% normal since june 29th.

I hope Im not alone, Im going to the doctors thursday morning to find out more.  Thanks for your time and hopefully I get more info on what ever is happening to me.

Sorry for the spelling eras, Im no good on a keyboard.  Thanks again

Post Edited (Baldwin2011) : 7/19/2011 6:49:10 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/20/2011 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Baldwin2011,

You are definitely not alone, and the experience you describe is indicative of severe GERD. It sounds like you're getting acid in your throat, mouth, and probably sinuses. Your lungs will also be affected negatively, as they're very sensitive to stomach acid.

The breathing issue you're describing reminds me of something my asthma doctor talked to me about--Vocal Chord Dysfunction.
Here's a link:
my.clevelandclinic.org/head_neck/patients/voice_center/vocal_cord_dysfunction.aspx

If you're getting a lot of acid bathing your vocal chords at night, you can wake up choking and feel as if you're not able to catch your breath.

If this sounds like what you're experiencing, you can help yourself by practicing the following breathing exercises:
_______________________________________________________________
Relaxed Throat Breathing Exercises

During practice:

1. Sip water before and after doing these exercises.
2. Exercises:

A. Shoulders Down
This is the cue for you to relax

B. Hand on abdomen
This helps you focus on easy abdominal breath support--the best and most relaxed way to breathe.

C. Gentle, quick "sip" of air IN (sip, sip, sip)
Breathe through your mouth
Relaxed lips
about 1 second inhale each sip

D. Gentle blow OUT (blow, blow, blow)
Through slightly tight lips
about 2-3 seconds for each blow out

3. Practice 5 reps, 20 times per day when you are NOT having symptoms.

4. Make it automatic, and use it at the first sense of throat tightness to prevent or suppress the VDC. You may start with the inhale or the exhale.

5. Use it to "pre-treat" yourself before known triggers for VCD.

6. This technique can also be a "stress buster" tool to use in other situations.
_________________________________________________________________

If you can figure out a way to elevate the head of your bed, it will help a lot. Get some blocks of wood or bricks, or bed risers, and put them under the legs at the head of the bed. if you can elevate yourself in that way it can the allow gravity to help keep that acid in your stomach.

Also, watch out for GERD triggers in your diet. Here is some information:
www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/features/heartburn-spot-your-personal-triggers


I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling so.
It's good you're going to see a doctor about this.

Good luck!
Denise
Posted 7/20/2011 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
Get to a Gastroenterologist as soon as possible for proper medication.
Posted 7/20/2011 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks alot for writing back Denise. Your an angel :) It makes me feel better just talking about it.

Post Edited (Baldwin2011) : 7/19/2011 7:11:21 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/20/2011 1:10 AM (GMT 0)

couchtater said...
Get to a Gastroenterologist as soon as possible for proper medication.

 Thanks Joy. Do you the pills Im on?Mylan-Omeprazole.  I think they help the burn but Im still getting like a silent heartburn idk

Post Edited (Baldwin2011) : 7/19/2011 7:18:46 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/20/2011 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
Quick essential tips you should immediately do.

1. Elevate your bed 6-8 inches with bricks, books or something. Basically you will sleep at an angle to minimize some damage to your esophageus

2. Do not eat after 7pm try to eat before that. Many people still eat until 8 or 9.
I personally eat at 5 or 6 to minimize any food coming back up.

3.Relax like the other user said.

4. Get rid of the common GERD causing foods....
Alcohol, coffee, chillie, chocolate and greasy food immediately fif you have not yet.

5. See a doctor immediately

6. Research research research

7. Take some DGL-(licorice.)

I have more reccomendations but there mostly natural supplements so not sure which way you want to got conventional medicine or natural and special diets...

Well keep us posted.
Posted 7/20/2011 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
let me repeat point number one above

elevate the head of your bed...and i would add go more than the standard 6 to 8 inches

do,,,not,,,lay...down in such a way that your torso an head are horizontal....ever
Posted 7/20/2011 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
I get the exact same thing you're talking about - "silent heartburn". I'm on Nexium 40mg a day and while I don't feel that it's hurting me, I'm not quite sure that it's helping, either. Fret not! A lot of people on this site have been messing with their dosages trying to find the right balance, it might take some time but hopefully you'll get there too :)

If you're having really bad reflux at night I would HIGHLY suggest that you really heed the suggestions about raising the head of your bed and not eating for at least 3 hours before you go to bed (that number varies for some - for me it's 5 hours).
Posted 7/20/2011 10:14 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. I just started a new diet at Herbal magic. I just wanna start eating all the right thing. I used to eat at 8.9.10pm all the time and this diet teaches your to eat proper and at proper times etc.. I also drank coffee all the time and stopped drinking since june 29th.

Nickles what are the natural products you use?

Post Edited (Baldwin2011) : 7/20/2011 4:22:42 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/20/2011 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there. I'm new here as well and posted my introduction and story just yesterday. I think the MOST important thing we all need to realize is that we are not unique. GERD didn't just jump up and become a reality in you or me or anyone else posting here and that was the first time anyone ever felt the way you describe.I get those same feelings and worries about "maybe I'm the only one" but I know better.

You're young and have your whole life ahead of you. I had the same symptoms you have when I was your age and there was not an awful lot that could be done about them that would give any real relief. Gaviscon and Pepto Bismol just don't cut it, my friend.

You can do all the good things everyone above suggested you do and they will help relieve your symptoms. What I wish someone had told me to do 10 years ago was to get to the real root of the problem and deal with the cause - not just with the symptoms. Kind of like your basement being flooded and you install a pump to remove the standing water instead of fixing the leak. Does that make sense? I hope so.

I've been running "the pump" for way too many years even under the supervision of some very good doctors. I'm not a complainer so I bucked up and treated the symptoms and now I'm looking at the surgery to stop the problem. I'm getting help to repair the leak.

You may not be to that point yet but my reflux/gerd was terrible in my 20's and if I had my life to live over again and could have Nissen Fundiplocation or one of its cousins I'd be inline to get it.

Try to relax even though it's hard. The panic attacks will take your sanity away if you let them. Don't let them!
I may be new here too but I know exactly what you're going through.

Carpe Diem
Posted 7/20/2011 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
I have a doctors app tomo at 1015. If he trys to do the whole its in your head bullcrap Im gonna snap and find a new doc. Im telling I need to see a pro in this feild.

Today was a pretty good day. Nothign to major happened but my nose is still stuffs and bad taste in my mouth. I started drinking aliitle but of ACV with water before i pass out. I read it works and I havent woke up yet.

I will post more tomo and hopefully its good new :)

Thanks for you output too Carpe Diem
Posted 7/20/2011 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Baldwin, I don't take any medicine now because the nissen surgery fixed my reflux.
Before I was on nexium and zantac.
Posted 7/20/2011 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Steve, my oldest son's name is Steve. :) I think a proactive approach is the way to go. I realized about two months ago that I had been too darn nice about my symptoms seeing them as almost a defect in me and something to be a little ashamed of.

No one likes to be sick - almost no one anyway. Women are used to taking care of other people and tend to overlook their own health and wellness to a fault. I now realize that I have done that for way too long.

When I saw my local GI doc right before my last EGD/Upper GI Scope, I got in his face for the first time in the 20 years I've known him and I TOLD him I had had enough. I told him to DO SOMETHING to help me.

He, immediately and for the first time ever, suggested the Nissen Fundoplication surgery. It is the right thing for ME at this time because since then I had tests to determine that fact in a major hospital not far from where I live.

I'm not suggesting that you need the procedure now. I'm just saying that it's good to stand up for the pain and ill health your are experiencing if you have GERD and have it as bad as it sounds as if you do.

I wish there had been things available back when I was your age that are available now including, meds and surgery if you need it.

Hang in there!
Posted 7/21/2011 12:46 PM (GMT 0)
Heys guys. Can you give me more details on Nissen Fundoplication surgery. Heading to the doctor shortly
Posted 7/21/2011 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning Steve - I've been thinking about you today and your upcoming appt. I envy you and yet I understand your concerns because I'll be in the same boat next week with my 2nd visit to the surgeon and I'll have to make a decision about moving forward with it.

I had one of the worst nights yet last night. I can't go on much longer either. I'm living on Mylanta and Pepto Bismol and when I try to eat "anything" much at all - even a tiny amount -I get so sick and I stay that way.

I'm actually feeling depressed about the whole thing today. I think if the surgeon was going through what some of us waiting for surgery are going through now that my problem would get fixed sooner rather than later.

Please post again when you get back from your appt and let us know what happened. Just be sure and stand up for yourself and don't settle for less than the best help you can get.

Hang in there!
Posted 7/21/2011 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
They laproscopically go into your belly, detact the fundus of your stomach, repair the hiatial hernia, then wrap the esophagus with the fundus and stitch it.

http://www.umm.edu/general_surgery/nissen_fundo.htm

This is a link to university of Maryland medical center discribing the surgery and recovery.
Posted 7/22/2011 1:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Folks. K, I got a ashma puffer casue I used to have ashma as a child. So right now my breathning as improved. I got some aniboxics incasue I have a throat and lung or sinus infection. and I had soem betters pills for GERD called Tecta 40Mgs Pantoprazole Magnessuim. Anybody use them before? Im gonna give all of this a try and see how I feel this weekend. Im so dedicated to this herbal magic diet right now. After 4 days on it , Im eating proper. I never use to eat breakfast. Now Im eating like a normal person should. My eating style before was atotal disgrace. Im also drinkking wheatgrass in the mornings. Tasted like crap but mix it was some ice tea and its a little better. Wheatgrass is supposed to cleanse you and it so healthily for you. http://dynamicgreens.com/wheatgrass-benefits-of-wheatgrass.html. I think it might help some people. Its so so so so good for you. My cousin wont leave his house with out it for the last 2 years. He's 32 and beyond healthy.

Talk to ya later people and what do you guys think? and thanks how are you feeling now Carpe Diem?
Posted 7/22/2011 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
Steve, I'm happy that you're trying some new things and getting your asthma under control and that your spirits are better this morning. Remember that keeping a journal of what you're doing and how the things you're doing are working for you is sometimes a really good thing.

I'd be in a big mess right now without my journal because I recorded in it what I ate and whether it bothered me, what meds I had been given, how I slept, how I woke up feeling and most importantly to me, I recorded what was new, different and what had changed when I felt better or worse.

I know a lot of people benefit from holistic treatment and dietary changes. I just wasn't one of them but I do hope for your sake that you are one of them. I've eaten very healthy for nearly two years and GERD/hiatal hernia/open LES are worse than they've ever been. That's why I'm having the Nissen procedure.

Keep us informed how things go for you with all your new information and input from your doctor and hang in there.

I really hope you get better soon . . .

Post Edited (halloweenbaby) : 7/22/2011 8:02:17 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/23/2011 10:57 PM (GMT 0)

Baldwin2011 said...
Hello My name is Steve and Im 25 years old. I always got heartburn for years and alway took tums,zantacs, pepic ac etc. On june 29th, i woke up cause I couldnt breathe and my heart was pounding and I was freaking out. I thought I was dying, scarey feeling. Im pretty sure the stomach acid can into y mouth when I was sleeping and I swolled down the wrong hole or something. I managed to go back to sleep. The following days were just brutal. Couldnt shallow, feeled like didnt matter how much water I drank my mouth was still dry as hell. Couldnt breathe well at all and felt like there somethign in my lungs and something in my nose too. Felt like I couldnt talk also cause I couldnt shallow and it felt like I was gonna studder or choke. At one time it felt like I was gonna pass out and anxeity was kicking in. Just a gross feeling, I was scared, really scared. Finally 3 days later feeling like death I went to the ER. X ray on lungs, ECG(heart), bloodwork and the doctor said I was heathily and in good shape. He have me some pills called Mylan-Omeprazole. I havent got heart burn since but I feel the sympons. Shortness of breathe. gas( feels like i can hicup for ever). But no heartburn now. I layed baseball that night and I feels brutal, like death. I couldnt swallow and no joke had 12 water and was still dry in the mouth. Passed out that night but woke up from my heart just pounding like crazy, couldnt breathe. Last time that happened and hopefully the last.


I dont feel as bad. But I still wake up in the morning with a dry mouth and trouble breathing, nose feels dry and trouble breathing out of my nose. Feels like something in my lungs. I get lightheaded and feel kinda spaced out now. Sometime feel like i cant swallow. sometimes feel like puking but i dont. Sometimes still wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air. Im so feed up. Im ready to lose my mind. Maybe I got a lung and sinus infections? I ahve no clue. Sometimes I feel fine and go on with my daily life and sometimes from afraid to go anyway incase I have a panic attacks or pass out or something or go to talk to somebody and cant speak idk. I also feel really lazy all the time and just wanna sleep and be anti social.



Has anybody had this happen to them. This isnt your normal I got hearburn etc.. I havent felt 100% normal since june 29th.



I hope Im not alone, Im going to the doctors thursday morning to find out more. Thanks for your time and hopefully I get more info on what ever is happening to me.



Sorry for the spelling eras, Im no good on a keyboard. Thanks again

I had similar symptoms when mine started back in May this year. One day I was fit healthy and exercised regularly, then the next I was breathless, pains in my neck, chest, ears, throat knotted up like there was a huge lump in it, and acid like you couldn't imagine ( well, you probably could actually) I was in the hospital 3 times for blood tests and ECG's ( all came back normal) It's really awful when you're experiencing this pain and the doc's just say you're fine!!!! I'm a newbie to this disease so I'm learning the ropes too, but what I would suggest is diet changes including no chocolate, spicy foods, alcohol, etc etc, and eat small meals maybe 5 or 6 a day. I hope you feel better soon. Loz x P.s try drinking ginger tea and having manuka honey it helps me.
Posted 7/25/2011 12:59 PM (GMT 0)
lozzy42 Whats up

Doesnt this piss you off so much?. I was the same went from hitting the thread mill and my punching bag to this. It almost a month feeling like crap. Now I dont get heart burn just outta breathe in the morning and my mouth feels dry. Its like I have heartburn but no burn idk. It sucks
Posted 7/25/2011 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
Baldwin2011

What has your GI physician suggested or did I miss that somewhere in your thread ? 

You have received lots of great advice from the members.  I hope things settle down even more for you .

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 7/25/2011 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
Baldwin2011

Yup, I'm really pissed that exercising actually makes me feel ill !! I've got a constant burning tongue ( not sure why as I'm not refluxing) and like yourself I get breathless alot quicker.It doesn't help having asthma, but it never interfered with me before. This is probably the worst disorder I've ever had . It's so unpredictable sad Hope you feel better soon. x
Posted 7/25/2011 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
Lozzy, burning tongue can be a sign of B12 deficiency or iron deficiency - have you had your levels of these checked when they did blood tests? Anaemia can also make you breathless.... and poorly controlled GERD or gastritis can make you anaemic, as can Helicobacter. Maybe worth double checking that these causes have been ruled out. Apologies if you've already detailed them on a different thread........

MMM
Posted 7/26/2011 5:28 PM (GMT 0)

Baldwin2011 said...
lozzy42 Whats up

Doesnt this piss you off so much?. I was the same went from hitting the thread mill and my punching bag to this. It almost a month feeling like crap. Now I dont get heart burn just outta breathe in the morning and my mouth feels dry. Its like I have heartburn but no burn idk. It sucks

I just have to say... yes. Yes it does. LOL! It sucks! But luckily you can come here and rant to people who know (sometimes) exactly how you feel!

And I am 26 so when I tell my doctor I have GERD, he tells me I'm a little young for that. Thanks, guy.

Post Edited (aeshleyrose) : 7/26/2011 11:32:15 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/26/2011 5:31 PM (GMT 0)

lozzy42 said...
Baldwin2011

Yup, I'm really pissed that exercising actually makes me feel ill !! I've got a constant burning tongue ( not sure why as I'm not refluxing) and like yourself I get breathless alot quicker.It doesn't help having asthma, but it never interfered with me before. This is probably the worst disorder I've ever had . It's so unpredictable sad Hope you feel better soon. x

Lozzy, I can't believe it either! My GERD has caused me to lose 15kg so far, so I figured, okay, that's good, let's tone it up, shall we? My GERD said NO. The only thing I can do is Yoga, which is amazing, but when I'm frustrated I just want to take a nice long run!!

May I please just say that it is incredibly comforting to come here and find others who feel your pain? I mean that metaphorically. I wish NONE of us had any pain!

You're all great.
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