Introduction and whining!

Hello all!

I've lost track of exactly how many years I've been suffering from GERD; I suspect it's at least ten years. I've tried assorted natural treatments as well as having been on Nexium (2x per day) and ranitidine for years. Even while on the Nexium I would have nighttime non (or less) acid reflux which caused my throat to be irritated and dry, and affected my voice.

Last fall I started seeing a chiropractor who said she could cure my reflux via chiropractic. I've been on a steady diet of chiropractic treatments since then; her treatments included adjusting my stomach to reduce hernia. At her urging I went off Nexium; at first I was having daytime attacks on occasion, but now I'm pretty much symptom-free during the day (with rare exceptions). However, the nighttime reflux is still a problem. I've been taking a Pepcid Complete (or equivalent) which has both a H2 blocker and antacid, during the night or before bedtime, or both.

One of the chiros is a nutritionist as well, and she has suggested that I could cure my GERD by switching to a gluten-free diet. I tried a 10-day cleansing diet which was extremely restrictive, and I couldn't tolerate it; it made me frustrated and emotional in the extreme. I don't WANT to stop eating wheat; I like wheat and it's everywhere... but I'm starting to think that I might have to. It makes me unhappy to think that. Whenever medical specialists have suggested I do this (eliminate wheat) I end up feeling like they're throwing the idea out without knowing that it's the solution, and without appreciating how hard it is. I have had an intestinal biopsy which did not show evidence of Celiac disease, so at least I know that. I do have other food sensitivities, though.

Within the last week or two my nighttime reflux has seemed worse, and now the inside of my mouth toward the back teeth feels weird and irritated. I'm worried and feel like I need to go back on the PPIs.

HELP!

Thank you! I have, in fact, had three endoscopies, one of which was to install the Ph monitoring device. So, yes, had that. The last endoscopy I had was quite a few years ago now; I think I need to go see the gastroenterologist again, who will possibly recommend another endoscopy.

My biggest concerns at this point are that:

A) I was not symptom-free even while on Nexium.
B) there are health consequences to long-term Nexium use which I am becoming concerned about as I'm in my 40s and am thin and female - thus more at risk for osteoporosis.
C) Acid is an important part of the digestive process, as my nutritionist explained, and long-term suppression can have systemic negative consequences.
D) Despite initial success, chiropractic and going off the Nexium don't seem to be working out for me.
E) I don't *want* to eliminate wheat but perhaps that is something I really should try.
F) I'm afraid of the surgical options for treatment, but perhaps those are something worth considering. I hadn't heard of the Esophyx procedure until today.

Any responses are welcome!