HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Dealing with GERD / psychological issues

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/28/2012 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Even though GERD is a physical condition it does effect our mental state. I am getting no support from people around me.

According to them I look fine, so I should feel fine !

But the restricted diet, sore throat, general crappy feeling and stress of dealing with symptoms is taking a toll on me.

How does everyone deal with social situations where you cannot eat anything and not able to explain your illness ?
Posted 3/28/2012 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
Oh my goodness, do I know how you feel!!!  I was diagnosed with acid reflux(mild) when I had my EGD.  I thought, well at least it's mild, nothing to worry about like an ulcer.  But the problem is it never goes a way.  I HAVE to take a pill everyday or my stomach will burn badly.  And sometimes even when I do take my pill.  I also have panic disorder and agoraphobia(severity varies).  It is hard to explain to people what you can and can't do certain things without seeming like a nutcase.  With my closest friends I've been able to tell them my weird anxieties with eating and for them to not be alarmed if I don't eat or wait til I get home.  One good friend totally understood.  One time my husband wanted to go out to eat and that's fine.  But I don't eat in restraunts anymore.  If I do it's only a couple bites then I take the rest home.  The last time we went out I only took a few bites of my dinner and the waitress was really confused and concerned why I wasn't eating.  I didn't want to go into explaing my life history so I just told her I wasn't hungry but it was good and I'm taking it home.  I don't know if she believed me. 

I have just had to be upfront with people lately and tell them that I get nauseated easy from food because of acid reflux and anxiety.  And sometimes I just tell people that I'm full, that I had a big lunch or something.  Depending on the company, I might tell a little white lie just so I don't have to go into everything.  But recently I've been trying to reach out for support because all of this has been taking it's toll on my emotional state. 

This morning I got super nauseous, I think from my coffee so I think I need to cut that out again-so depressing.  What have you cut out of your diet and has it taken a toll on you emotionally?  Like I don't think I will be able to go out with friends and have a drink any more-been bothering my stomach a lot lately.

Posted 3/28/2012 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry your not feeling well, If they don't want to understand your situation that is their issue, don't let it take you off track. People don't have a clue sometimes.

Feel better
Posted 3/28/2012 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
Keep searching, there will be people, mabye only 1 or 2 , that will understand and be supportive.
Posted 3/28/2012 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with GERD and I was fine for 2 months. Last one month has been very difficult. I cannot have any preservatives in my food. No diary. I eat only rice / wheat / veggies/ apple( fruit). I experimented with almond milk and my throat which was healing is back to square one. I am improving with prevacid but the progress is painfully slow. I dont have any chest ache/ rib pain. But I have to stick to the food stuff given above. I need to be disciplined and even little lenience my body punishes me with more acid. I hope this situation gets better as I am 29 and planning to have a baby in the next 2 years. I have read articles which say that pregnancy puts GERD in overdrive.

I tried Aloe Vera ( Lily of the desert) but it ended up burning my throat.

I am trying to de stress myself but GERD itself is a huge stress !

@orchid221 hope you recover quickly from your anxieties

@Produceman Thanks ... I needed that boost today
Posted 3/28/2012 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
The social situations are frustrating. I had my Bridal Shower a few weeks ago when I had a bad flare up and I could not eat anyting besides salad And zero alcohol. My friends just looked at me confused even though I have had this issue for a while (although now I am more strict). In 2 weeks I am going out for my bachlorette party and I am nervous because I can only have a few beers. My friends know that it is difficult but they dont fully understand. My poor finacee has not been out to dinner with me in over a month. I am starting to feel b etter so I am avoiding everything at all costs so I can enjoy some of the food at m,y wedding.
Posted 3/28/2012 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
I agree. Most people just don't know how debilitating GERD can be. Although, my family and co-workers have seen first hand of the affects, the lack of sleep, the constant pressure/pain, the anxiety, the trips to the hospital takes it's toll and I haven't been 100% for quite some time. It all just plain sucks. In my intro, cause I just joined today, you'll see that I've had some serious issues from GERD and it sucks. Heck, I've been popping Xanax just to cope. Plus, I have a cruise coming up this weekend and being away from true medical care is causing me concern. So, in one way or another, it's always in my head.

I also have to deal with a lifestyle change that I know I am going to miss. Nothing "out there", but I did like drinking with the boys, making and drinking wine w/my wife, my tomato garden, cheese, spicy food, garlic, etc... Other than the alcohol, I will truly miss that rest. For now anyway. Once I drop the weight I want to lose, I'll give'em another shot. Seems that when I was slender, I didn't have many, if any, of these problems.
Posted 3/28/2012 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
I also agree, people who don't suffer from the symptoms cannot really understand and if they hear 'reflux' they think that it's nothing serious and just pop a few tums.


I wish it was that simple as I'm sure most on the board do.

The lifestyle changes, as rOmaalan mentioned above, I am also finding hard to adopt to.  I used to love spicy food and a nice glass of wine and a few beers afterwork and it's a hard adjustment.

 

Posted 3/28/2012 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
It's giving up a lifestyle that you were use to and that even brought you joy. The simple things like going to a friend's house for dinner, going out for drinks with friends, my morning coffee-a time that I enjoy the most and is my most peaceful time of day. It's the taste of the coffee that is comforting. Plus I think the caffeine makes my brain sharper than any other time of day cause that's when I do all my thinking and planning and being creative. It will be very depressing to give those things up. Well, I have been over the past several months and I have gotten pretty depressed. So I know what that's like.
Posted 3/28/2012 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
@Orchid

I know what you mean. I was invited out to a house for a birthday dinner last week (they have no idea that I have the GERD issues)and when they served dinner I was able to less than half the offerings, and none of the dessert, since I am now paranoid that any of the foods (spicy, rich, acidic, chocolate)will make my condition even worse.

I suppose I'll get used to it with more time and find ways to be creative with my own cooking and eating, but for now it's quiet a change.
Posted 3/28/2012 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
I am so glad to read all the replies. I was feeling so lonely and felt that no one exactly understood what I was going through.

@orchid Quitting tea and coffee, I have thrown out all the zen moments out of my life. I used to love having tea in the morning or having my decaf in the afternoon.

@cylon I am in the same situation you are in. I already turned down 2 invitations for dinner. I have to attend one on Sunday as it is related to my husband's work place. I am anxious and tired of explaining ppl my problems I encounter with Gerd.

@r0maalan I just gained few pounds and I had gerd problems. I have already lost 6 pounds. Planning to lose 10-15 pounds and try my luck of eliminating gerd
Posted 3/28/2012 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
@new


I think you'll fine (as I am) that there are alot of supportive people on here who can offer good advice and share their experiences.

Perhaps for the dinner on Sunday you can eat some 'safe' food before you go to fill you up somewhat , so that if they do serve foods you cannot tolerate you are not stuck starving all night. 

I had pretty much put my exercising on hold the past few months dealing with the symptoms as I was feeling that cardio would make things worse and that I'd be out of breath too easily.   But I know I need to incorporate some exercise back into my life, both as a way to get back in better shape (drop 10 lbs) and also to help with the stress of it all. 

Posted 3/29/2012 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
@ Cylon - Thanks for the reply.

Yesterday was my birthday and it was tough as I am surviving on basic food's which have very low fat. So had my usual wheat bread , rice / veggies. The same diet I am on for past few weeks. I do get jealous when I see everyone around me having calorie rich foods.
Posted 3/29/2012 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
@ericapeace2000 - I hope you feel better and can enjoy cake at your wedding. Its been a month since I went out for dinner with my husband.
Posted 3/29/2012 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
I get very jealous too of what others are able to enjoy.  I can't not want those things too.  Going out to eat without the fear of an upset stomach or nausea(thus leading to panic), having drinks with friends, eating anything you want, not taking a pill everyday....

It's going to be a tough rest of the week.  I'm drinking some decaf green tea in place of my usual coffee.  I don't have a headache but I feel so sluggish, like I don't want to do anything or think about anything.  I think, well tea is super healthy(I don't drink black tea anymore, just ginger, green, and tension tamer, anything mild and decaf).  Maybe I could go on a super health kick.  Instead of drinking a beer, have a bottle of water, clean up my diet.  Be a health nut.  It seems like it would make me feel better if I was doing it with a purpose instead of feeling like I was giving things up. 

And too, I've noticed that my acid reflux is worse when my anxiety is worse and my anxiety is worse when I'm upset about things.  I either need to work on my anxiety and emotional state or take anti-depressants.  I'm afraid of the side effects though.

Anyone get real nauseated from their GERD or acid reflux?  Even if your stomach doesn't necessarily feel upset?

Posted 3/29/2012 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
@Orchid

I certainly can relate.  I used to enjoy a few mugs of coffee a day, when I woke up , and at work.   I do still a very small cup in the morning at home and then change to herbal tea.  It doesn't seem to bother my system (at least not that I can notice) and I've been such a coffee fan all my life, I don't think I can cut it out all together immediatey quite yet.

I guess the good way of looking at  things is that this has forced me to live a healthier diet, more veggies, less meat and rich foods, if I can look on the bright side of things :)


I haven't had nausea yet, but I have had some issues sleeping due to anxiety and trying to sleep on a wedge pillow.

 

Posted 3/29/2012 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
I love coffee too.  I miss the days of going to a coffee shop-haven't done that in years.  Just yesterday I got really nauseous, thought I was going to be sick several times and the only thing I can think of is that it's from the coffee.  Coffee and beer have been burning my stomach a little lately.  I've had to stop coffee a couple times actually but was able to start it back up again.  So maybe again someday. 
Posted 3/29/2012 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
@ orchid - I have nausea, dizziness depending on what I eat. Almonds made me nauseous. I normally have nausea in the morning
Posted 3/29/2012 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor told me she will give referral to GI once I have completed my dose of Prevacid / 6 weeks. I am scared, I may have ulcers or parasites or some other prob. Gerd is a symptom because of some underlying problem. She did perform blood test and it was negative for H plyori

Anyone out there who is in the same situation?
Is this normal practice?
Posted 3/30/2012 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
i have been made fun of before for eating a simple pancake once with colleagues for lunch. try to follow your path. my wife used to get upset now she makes special dishes for me and is supportive. i wouldnt be here without her. my kids sometimes include me in ice cream, but i usually suffer..but i feel that i cannot totally go without. my oldest daughter watches the clock at nights and sometimes says sorry daddy im having a snack cuz u cannot have one. its hard. just do your best. if people arent supportive then be done with them. when i had a job i just quit eating lunch with that group..said i was busy..forget them. we are all suffering here dont be afraid to get snippy if u have too. one dr. ridiculed me and i refused to pay him. eventually he dropped the bill. i was not going to pay him when he told me 2 years ago nothing was wrong. id give a limb in exchange for no lpr/gerd
Posted 3/31/2012 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
i have been pretty miserable lately,one day my stomack and ribs are sore and burning..then my chest and throat will burn,i feel bloated even if i don't eat,i mostly just eat crackers and drink water..i have anxiety and depression..a month ago i was fine..i have a 2 year old and i just want to enjoy life...
Posted 4/1/2012 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi guys I'm also feeling anxious which makes the whole condition worse.my Gp started me on zoloft last week and I must say I feel a little bit better.. But I also am so confused and scared of taking meds because there are a lot of information that makes out meds make it worse... I dont know what to believe really ...
Posted 4/3/2012 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
I have started with a problem of thick sticky mucous in my throat and thought allergies a couple months ago. When allergy medication didnt work, a google link pointed out gerd. I have been on Prilosec for 6 days. At first it cured the mucous problem but actually CAUSED heartburn which I never had before the Prilosec. Still confused at that. Today it seems no heartburn but back with the thick mucous. So I am confused and searching this site for answers.

I use to think I was alone in my anxiety but I really see how many people's post at this site mention it. It seems like most of them actually. I have been anxious for the last 10 year with the last few years actually being better until this current medical episode. My point in this post is that Feather I started Zoloft 10 years ago and used it everyday until 2-3 years ago. I somehow got confidence 2 years to stop it and haven't felt like going back in those two years. But I did think about it a little this last week but then decided against it. It helped me with the "condition" of anxiety and depression 10 years ago. Slowly I fixed a lot of it with prayer, a positive attitude and dealing with childhood issues but it was a hard process. My dad described it as a medication to get you over a short term hurdle but then it is best to try to live without the Zoloft. Of course he didn't know the circumstances going on in my brain, but in the end I think he was/is right. But each person is different so handle it accordingly.
Posted 4/3/2012 12:59 PM (GMT 0)
This condition has put me in tears at times. My wedding is coming up (which has aggravated my condition) and I have been stressed about the GERD for the wedding, bachlorette and vacation. SOme days are better than others. I find myself getting angry sormtimes but I know that is not going to help things.
Posted 4/3/2012 1:03 PM (GMT 0)
I too just started on Prozac yesterday. I've just been miserable lately, stomach bothering me, severe anxiety and depression, not knowing which thing is causing the other. I will always have to be on Prilosec and always have stomach issues but it has been a pattern for me that when I'm really anxious or upset about some things in my life I have stomach issues along with it. It used to be IBS. I wish I had that instead of acid reflux. I don't know, maybe not. But I hope this new medication will help calm my nerves and help with my depression. I too have thought about the future and how long I should stay on it, if and when I start feeling better and deal with some issues. We'll see I guess. I guess that will be something to talk to my doctor about later.

Thanks for posting.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12