Possible GERD, need help

Hi,
about a year ago I consulted a doctor with the following symptoms;
-Stomach pain that felt also like pressure within
-A horrible choking/constricting feeling that feels like I'm actually being choked all up the front of my chest up to my throat
-Change in voice; constant hoarseness, difficulty speaking, pain when trying to speak, constricted and sore throat.
-Difficulty breathing sometimes
-Generally feeling fatigued and constantly unwell and horrible.

The doctor said I'm probably not getting enough fibre, I told them I eat loads of vegetables, but they prescribed me some fibre sachet drinks and that was that. The fibre drinks did nothing.

So I gave up seeking medical help, and decided I'd try changing my diet until I found out what was causing me trouble.
I tried everything over the course of the next 6-8 months; Keto, Carnivore diet, more plant based diet, elimination of certain foods, etc.
Nothing diet related worked.
Whilst I did notice some things slightly exacerbate the symptoms (caffeine, chocolate), eliminating them does not solve the issue, it's still horrendously bad either way.

After all this to no avail, I tried googling my symptoms, and it seems to all point to GERD.

So I finally got to the point where I realised I can't do anything within my own power to cure this, I went back to a different doctor, but actually told them what I think it is after doing online research etc,
They have given me PPIs, the PPIs aren't effective. (omeprazole)

I also don't think it seems like a good idea to use PPI's, why use something that surpresses stomach acid if the actual cause of the problem is a weak sphincter? Stomach acid is there for a reason right?

But yeah, I'm on a waiting list to see a gastroenterologist, could be a long time, not sure what to do in the meantime, some days I feel so ill, I feel like this is putting crazy stress on my whole body, some days I don't see the point in living any more, because if the rest of my life is going to be like this then I don't want to continue.

Hi there,
I hope you can find some relief. I know it’s not easy when symptoms are bad.
For me, I also have a hiatal hernia and LPR (silent reflux). I have had stomach issues in the past and felt pain every time I ate. I agree that PPIs are not great to take long term, but if you need them - take them. I was on the PPI your dr prescribed and it didn’t help me either. I ended up switching to Dexilant (60MG) and it helped. I actually can stop taking it now most of the time and only take it for short spurts when my symptoms flare up. I also drink alkaline water, take heavy duty probiotics as well as prebiotics (food for the probiotics), vitamin C and vitamin D. I take a supplement called GI soothe as well as another called relax matrix (to help with anxiety when I get flare ups). I have tried aloe juice but it doesn’t seem to help me, but I can drink a coconut milk based kefir and that seems to help me as well. You need to try some different supplements (slippery elm, licoroce root etc). Avoid spices, high fat food including whole milk products. Avoid gluten and chocolate, caffeine, wine/alcohol and any tobacco products. Try to get some gentle exercise ... yoga or tai chi. Heavy exercise and lifting too much weight will aggregate the situation. I live in Canada and we usually can get in for gastroscopys relatively quickly. Fingers crossed that you can get your procedure soon and figure out what the issue is for sure! Take care of yourself and try to stay as positive as possible. Stress aggregates the condition. Eat small meals and as per the previous advice ... don’t eat at least 5 hours before bed. Try and prop up the head of your bed with some bricks or other supports under the legs so that you are not laying flat to sleep. That helps as well! Fingers crossed that you begin feeling better soon!! Reach out if you need any other advice. I also am not a doctor, but I have been living with my hiatal hernia and silent reflux for about 11 years now. It took about 5 years to get the initial diagnosis and just knowing what is happening for sure helps a lot. Chat with a naturopath as well if you need to. I have a naturopath and he helps me immensely when I have flare ups. Sometimes it’s just having someone to talk to that can understand what I am going through and offer good prescription strength supplements that help vs aggregate the situation. I was taking vitamin C for a while that made my stomach worse. He prescribed me a different type of vitamin C that is not acidic. Find a good sounding board who can help you work through your symptoms and hopefully you will begin feeling better. Oh and stay away from all night shade veggies (tomatoes, peppers etc). Eat very small bland meals for the next few weeks and see if that helps! Fingers crossed 🤞

HerdyGerdy,

Hang in there. Do not lost hope. Just post in here what's your progress or any situation you are in. I know how that feels as I have it bad in 2016. I got better and completely healed. But recently, it's the meds that I was taking and the recent Covid news have triggered the stomach sensitivities.

All the best.