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Out of Control GERD

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 7/28/2011 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
I am new to this site, but a 4 year veteran to GERD. I seemed to have reached a point where medication isn't giving me much relief from an esophagus that constantly feels like I drank scalding hot water. Tomorrow I will have an endoscopy to find out just how bad it really is. I am praying that the scope will show nothing more than severe reflux and something that possibly surgery may improve. I have done some reading and investigating of the various procedures... I have heard horror stories about most of these surgeries and I am very confused.

I would appreciate any enlightenment from people who have had these procedures...good, bad, and the ugly. I really feel like I will be facing a decision very soon. Thanks in advance to all that might contribute.

brian
Posted 7/28/2011 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
brian
welcome to Healingwell. You will get true input as to the surgery options here. We don't tell horror stories, but we don't sugar coat it either. Most of what you have read on the web is from people who probably weren't the best candidate or didn't research their surgeons experience and they had a less than desirable outcome. Stick with us and ask us some specific questions you have and we can give you answers. I myself have had 2 Nissens and with the info I got today I am gonna have #3 real soon.

take care,
Bill
Posted 7/28/2011 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
The surgery was a blessing for me. I'm 19 months post-op and have never felt better. :)

When I was at the point to decide weither or not to have the surgery I came here. The wonderful people here helped me overcome my fears and answered my many questions.

So ask away.....
Posted 7/28/2011 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Bill and Joy for your comments.  Bill, I'll have a much better idea of what's going on after my scope tomorrow and I intend to be right back here for questions I may have.  Thanks again,

Brian

Posted 7/31/2011 5:11 AM (GMT 0)
brianj,

can you let us know your scope results?
Posted 8/1/2011 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Scope reports says everything is normal, except Z line showed mild irregularity. Dr. biopsied that area, but I don't have those results yet. Thank you.
Posted 8/1/2011 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
brian,

Does your GI physician have a plan of care for you ? 

A proper food plan can also prevent other sorts of digestive problems that could be associated with acid reflux or heartburn. It is important that you find the right plan that fits you. Knowing what foods to avoid is the key to preventing or relieving your acid reflux symptoms.

Most acid reflux sufferers will find relief by eliminating the foods that cause them their acid reflux condition. High fat foods such as fried foods, high fat dairy products and high fat meats. Foods high in acid are also large contributors of acid reflux. Foods high in acid content include citrus fruits such as lemons, grapefruits and oranges. High acid vegetables include tomatoes and onions. There are drinks that cause acid reflux such as caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea. Soda pop can also contribute to acid reflux.

If these types of foods and drinks cause your acid reflux symptoms then it is important that you eliminate them from your diet. The importance of a proper food plan is imperative in controlling your acid reflux symptoms. It means that foods you really enjoy cannot be a part of your new food plan. Foods with a lot of spice and pepper are out. Fruits and vegetables that are gassy should not be in your food plan as well. Unfortunately, this means that some healthy choices are not a part of your food plan. Supplements can replace the gassy fruits and vegetables. The safest beverages for the acid reflux sufferer are water, mineral water, no fat or low fat milk, decaffeinated tea or non-citrus juices.  You may want to keep a food diary for a couple of weeks to keep track of what foods cause you acid reflux symptoms and what foods do not cause the symptoms.

Consult a Doctor or Nutritionist so they can advise a new food plan based on your findings from your two-week review period. It is very important to consult your doctor before altering your diet. Find out whether you really have acid reflux or not. If you do have acid reflux then a few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle will go a long way in relieving you of your acid reflux symptoms.

Let us know how you are doing.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 8/3/2011 10:22 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your post Kitt.  The doctor changed my meds fron Nexium to Aciphex and I seem to be getting a little better relief.  I have mostly determined what are the "trigger foods" and try and stay clear or greatly reduce their intake.  One great note to add is that the endoscopy biopsies all came back good, no Barretts, pylori or bacteria, just inflammation from the reflux.  A little health background that I haven't disclosed on this forum is that I was diagnosed with leukemia (CLL) three and half years ago.  Strangely enough, my reflux problem began 4 months after that news was dropped on me-almosy like stress-induced GERD because prior I never had any digestive problems.  I am a 55 year old male, excellent condition otherwise.  Up until a couple years ago I was a marathon runner (blew out my right knee), but I still continue to run shorter distances and go to the gym 4/5 days/week.  I haven't had to have any treatment for the cancer...I am on a wait and watch program where MD Anderson tracks the cancer's progress through blood work and thank God and lots of prayers, this cancer is in an indolent stage and has been since my diagnosis.   These forums are a blessing, such great resources for information and support and I am very grateful that I located this one.  I have learned over the last few years that there are many issues, ect. that are out of my control, but knowing all I can about those issues will help me to make the right decisions when they (the issues) begin to affect the quality of my life.  I learned to couple that knowledge with a ramped up spiritual life...2 great tools to lead you forward.

I want to learn the ins and outs of the various surgical procedures available and have a plan in place if this medication doesn't take control...I want to tackle this thing before Barretts or worse.  Thanks to everyone who responded to my posts..I sincerely appreciate it!

Regards,

Brian

Posted 8/4/2011 2:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi I'm new here.  I'm 48 years old. Two years ago I stopped menstruating (menopause) since them I developed GERD.  I would wake up in the middle of the night with horrible burning in my throat, to the point of almost feeling like I was choking.  I would feel like palpitations in my throat. Thought it was heart and ended up in the emergency room. Heart tests were done and nothing related to heart just the acid reflux.  Menopause is horrible, I have never had GERD before this.  Tomorrow I'm having a endoscopy done. Hopefully the G.I. doctor can put me on med to ease this.  BTW does that have had a endo does it hurt? I know I will be put under.  I'm kind of afraid.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Posted 8/4/2011 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Martha, I'm new here also. My AR/GERD mysteriously appeared after I stopped taking hormones.

No, an endo doesn't hurt at all. I've had 3 and don't remember a thing about it.

Sorry I got here late. I just checked your post date so hopefully by now it's all over with.

Wishing you many blessings.

Annie
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