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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 9/29/2013 11:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I'm 27 years old and have been suffering from GERD and heartburn for around 7 months. Initially I thought it was a bit of heartburn but it has ensured for most of the year!

It has gotten so bad now that my doctor has recently prescribed me anti-depressants due to the effect and anxiety that it is causing me. I am worried that it will never get better and that it is causing me long term damage.

I went for an endoscopy in July and said all they found was stomach erosions. There was some confusion as to whether I got tested for H Pylori (they seemed to think I did and it was negative) but they are booking me in for another endoscopy.

I have been prescribed 2 x 30mg a day Lansoprazole (which seemed to improve things but not completely) and then switched to 1 x 40mg Esomprazole (Nexium?) a day which also helped but seemed to agree with me less. I have tried numerous times to come off PPI's and altered diet etc and it just keeps on coming back, burning my oesophagus. I have had really hot breath and sometimes sore throats as well.

I feel so low, I'm 27 and it just feels like I am going to have this for the rest of my life. Has anyone had any success stories when eventually things have just fixed itself after long term use of PPI's? I'm just looking for any hope.

I don't drink or smoke and am not overweight....

Thank you for any input.
Posted 9/29/2013 12:41 PM (GMT 0)
I am 32 and have had GERD for over 12 years. Probably longer. I've been on PPIs for 12 years.

If you don't have to take them don't. I personally could never get off of them and now considering surgery.

It's the one pill you never forget to take.

One thing you might want to research is acid rebound and how long that lasts. After the initial rebound you might be able to come off but I would definitely consult your doc when doing so.

But, you do have to consider quality of life. And if it gets your quality of life where it's needed, then maybe it's worth it. I don't know.

Good luck and stay positive. It could be much worse!
Posted 9/29/2013 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
Have you tried an elimination diet? There might be trigger foods causing the reflux to get worse. It could also be stress/anxiety related, which might also be the reason your doc prescribed an anti-depressant.

I hope you get to hear from others with success stories. I didn't have your pain, so can't help there.
Posted 9/29/2013 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your replies, it's comforting to know people are out there willing to talk.

Whenever I try and come off the PPI's there is the initial rebound and then just the regular heartburn nearly everyday, all day.... I try and just take antacids but they don't fully work.

I have tried to eliminate things from my diet, eating smaller meals, it seems like the usual culprits of tomato and spicy foods don't help. Other than that I still have it.

I just wondered whether anyone has been on PPI's for a while but has managed to control/eliminate their heartburn/GERD? It's just so depressing and painful everyday and to think like 6 months ago I didn't have this...
Posted 9/30/2013 1:16 AM (GMT 0)

neo_4789 said...
I just wondered whether anyone has been on PPI's for a while but has managed to control/eliminate their heartburn/GERD? It's just so depressing and painful everyday and to think like 6 months ago I didn't have this...

I have been on PPI's for almost two years now and they have played a vital role in controlling my GERD. Just like living with any other chronic condition you will have your bad days but for the most part GERD is something that you can control. A combination of Prevacid, Carafate, and slippery elm have been my preferred ways of dealing with flare ups.

The most important change for me has been my diet. Low fat low acid has worked for me immensely and has even lead to weightloss.

Please try your hardest to remain positive. I have been where you are, slightly depressed by how quickly my life changed due to GERD. It definitely gets better over time and it sounds as if you have made terrific changes in this battle with GERD. You will be victorious!
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