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my cure for GERD

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 12/4/2006 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
You have to sleep on your left side and elevate your head/torso to prevent more acid from escaping the stomach - Probalby the most IMPORTANT thing you can do to get over GERD.
Use your mind to help yourself to do this at the very least and give it a little time to work!
If any of you do nothing else, at least do this. How hard can it be!!
Posted 12/4/2006 4:39 AM (GMT 0)
Danie,
I'm sorry this is making you angry. I'm just trying to share another point of view. For me it makes sense, and I'll try to explain why. I'm 48, and before this summer had never had even a hint of indigestion, much less serious reflux. I've never taken a Tums in my life! I'd eaten whatever I wanted, drunk gallons of chlorinated tap water (highly alkaline), and slept any way I wanted. But, in the two months prior to experiencing LPR symtoms, I found out my mother was dying, my husband applied for a job across the country that would cause us to sell our home of 20 years and leave our college-aged children behind, I was fighting a deadline to finish my Master's thesis, and planning the music for my sister's upcoming wedding, and, of course, working. The Wednesday before the wedding I noticed I was clearing my throat an awful lot, and by the Sunday after, I could not take in a breath without coughing uncontrollably. I lost my voice, couldn't sleep, at times couldn't even breathe... you get the picture. Looking back, I cannot NOT believe that my psychological state caused my illness. Therefore, I can believe that dealing with my psychological state can cure my illness.

As I was lying on the table having the upper GI x-ray this past August, (after almost two months on Prilosec) actually seeing with my own eyes the barium going back up my esophagus, I was crushed. I was feeling so much better having been on Prilosec, but realized it had only treated symptoms (by reducing the acid), not stopped the reflux. I want more than that. I currently eat anything I want, drink gallons of tap water, and sleep any way I want, and have for several weeks now, without the coughing and gagging returning. My stressors have not gone away. In fact, my mother did die this fall, my husband did get the job and has already moved while I've stayed behind to sell the house. What is different is how I look at these realities and my body's response to them.

Anyway, that's my experience. I'm not saying it has to be yours.

WDC
Posted 12/4/2006 12:05 PM (GMT 0)

WDC,

I'm sorry about your Mom and congratulations on your achievements including curing yourself from GERD. 

 I have posted many things that I tried and finally helped me get rid of my GERD.  Like you, I had never had any problems with my digestion.  I, on the other hand, got it thru some unfortunate physical circumstances.  I did not have stress or familial pressure. 

Therefore, we can see that there are many causes of this disease and people have to search for an answer for themselves as individuals. 

I merely posted that sleeping on the left side does not cause acid to leech up into the esophagus, that is a fact that anyone can use.  I think anything anyone does to eliminate their GERD will be helpful whether it's using their mind of using physical processes.

What is sad is that people take drugs for 10-15 yrs without doing something else about it.  I blame the medical profession for that though, they encourage people to take drugs and offer no alternative help.

My best to you and wishing everyone good health.

Danie

Posted 12/4/2006 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
Danie,
Thanks for the reply. I agree that what we all want to do is share ideas and let people use what works for them. It's the best way we can support each other. I also agree that the medical profession is letting us down, by sending us off with a bottle of pills and little else.
WDC
Posted 12/6/2006 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
True blue scooby doo... The thing is it is different for everyone. I just find it funny that if it is just physically, like that valve that stops acid from coming back up, why is that when people do get surgery, half or more still need the drugs to keep their acid reflux under control. If its just hiatial hernia, why is that when peeps do get it surgically repaired , half still need drugs? And why is that some peeps with hiatial hernia don;t have acid reflux.
Posted 12/6/2006 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
I am glad to see some folks open to this unconventional approach to GERD. Good questions and comments, fellow posters.

I agree completely that we need to be skeptical about "miracle cures" and calls to stop all meds. I worred alot about this. But I did stop all meds when my symptoms were bad and the more I did counter to the medical advice the better I felt. It was strange.

Sarno has a lot of followers and in his case I think it is because his method may actually work. His latest book has five chapters written by other M.D.s. How often do you see a popular medical book written by six MDs? I think something interesting is going on here and it is worth checking out.

I would definitely do whatever is required to heal any damage, but recognize that the healing can occur fast. Perhaps start with doing some inner work and stay on whatever drugs you use. Then try and taper the drugs somewhat. Do some more inner work. Taper some more. Then try to introduce foods and activities that you gave up. All along, tell your mind-body that you are sick of the symptoms and will not tolerate them anymore. You promise to deal honestly with emotions and no more symptoms are allowed. Be prepared for emotional stuff to come up. Two - three weeks should be enough to get back to normal.

I believe there is nothing wrong with our LES. It is the scapegoat. Apologize to it, if you want to. You may feel like a nut, but an army of people have tried this approach for their backs, so why not us, too?

Finally, I should say that I mentioned my GERD recovery to my family physician recently. He was so intrigued he invited me out to lunch to talk about it. He sees the GERD epidemic and can't figure out what to do for his patients.

God bless and may everyone feel better using the approach that works best for them.
Posted 12/8/2006 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
I just refuse to believe it is just the LES and UES that is messed up. I refuse to take drugs for the rest of my life. I refuse to not eat what I want. I refuse, I refuse. What can damga our LES? Acid? Don't believe. Alchohol, nicotine? People who don't do thse things have GERD or LPR. It's bullshiet. I'm gonna try what riverotter and WDC did. Going to give it shot. It's not like I have money to spend on docs and drugs anyway. Even if I did. Thjis is not living. I'll tell y ou how it goes. Peace.
Posted 12/8/2006 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
Oh yeah,

hey riverrotter, is your reflux totally resolved? what specific things did you do to deal with your issues? (i.e. meditation, writing?)
hey WDC, how much has your LPR resolved?
Posted 12/8/2006 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, MOB 1123,
I'd say my LRP is 95% "cured." My only remaining symptom is an occasional lump in my throat, but even that is beginning to wane. I take no meds, and eat whatever I want.

Chapter 9 of Dr. Sarno's book "The Mindbody Prescription" is titled "The Therapeutic Program: The Power of Knowledge." It is divided into three parts: Repudiate the structural diagnosis, the "physical" reason for pain (TMS is a different kind of physical process), Acknowledge the psychological basis for the pain, and Accept the psychological explanation and all of its ramifications as normal for healthy people in our society. Under each of these parts he gives explanation and suggested actions, which include talking to your brain, making written lists, and a daily reflection or meditation periods.

In all honesty, I wish Dr. Sarno had written more about our condition - a lot of it we have to extrapolate from the work he's done on chronic pain. Chapter 7 of the book talks about what he calls the "equivalents" of TMS, and that is where we're found. That being said, however, I think it's important to read the whole book to really impress on yourself how the mindbody connection works.

Best of luck to you,
WDC
Posted 12/11/2006 12:17 PM (GMT 0)

debaser said...I'm wary of anyone who tells people to drop all their medications and start buying books written by a doctor with a "following". I'm also wary of doctors who prescribe meds and nothing else.

GERD as well as other medical conditions have various causes. Some probably are mental. Others may be physical. Most are probably some combination of the two, though. People should approach their problems accordingly, listening to their own bodies along the way.

I agree with debaser being wary of anyone who tells people to drop all their medications.  (personally I am wary too of anyone who has a following)

BUT............

riverottter, there are people on here who should not do this. They may mistakeningly think they shold stop  all meds. Please clarify only for those who do not have a serious medical condition.  You should not tell people to stop all meds or even herbs till they start on this program and see how it's going.  My herbal people said your body will tell you when it's time to stop meds or herbs.  You are walking a dangerous line with what your saying to people.  Some may have a very serious condition.  I too do not like taking meds. The side affects are many.  I have had GERD for years and now my esophagus is dilated which we do not know why.   My prevacid isn't working anymore.  Yes I do believe the mind can tell the body things that affects it. But for those desperate to have relief who might have a very serious condition may stop all their meds and maybe create more problems and might cause they to die for some reason. 

But one thing I would not do is give others advice to stop all meds when you don't know their condition.  You only read a boodk and it's great for yourself that it has helped.  But some other people are not as strong minded as you may be..

So be very careful to clarify yourself that you tried this for  and are only sharing this with those who might want to try it and for others to talk to their doctor or a therapist. 

I have been trying to be positive also and I do know that sugar and anything that isn't a natural food is potentially harmful to our bodies over time.   Which change in diet does help subside symptoms. Meaning eating vegetables and chicken and turkey and fish. 

Please just let people know this is something you have tried and that it worked for you and if they have a serious medical condition with GERD, to try it but DO NOT STOP MEDS UNTIL THEY ARE FEELING BETTER.  You can try something without stopping meds abruptly.

Posted 12/11/2006 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hey WDC and Riverotter,

Something just dawned on me. The reason why that there so much of this "nighttime reflux" is because when we sleep, that's when our unconcious is most active manifesting bouts of refluxed acid.
Posted 12/12/2006 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
Something else to consider, though, is that people with GERD seem to have worse nighttime symptoms (when they're laying down) and those with LPR seem to have worse daytime symptoms (when upright). Check out the article recommended by sillylilly on the differences between GERD and LPR.

It's an interesting thought, though.

WDC
Posted 12/12/2006 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
I so appreciate all these comments! I've been on Nexium for five years, and today's the day I go cold turkey. It really helps to read these comments and know there are others' are in the same situation. I have watched the video, "The Secret" www.thesecret.tv, that basically subscribes to the mind-body connection and how our beliefs and long-held emotions literally form every aspect of our bodies. I know that mine can handle the extra stress while I quit this long-term drug. . . Check it out for yourselves if you're interested. Me? I intend on living my life free of these drugs, or at least as much as I can. Not to mention the over-the-top price tag on a month's worth of Nexium. . .corporate greed in action?
Posted 12/13/2006 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hey saltlaker,

Nexium for five years, wow. I feel for you. Our bodies aren't meant to take drugs forever. Acid Reflux is not from a Nexium deficiency. But if you mean taking for 5 years maybe tapering it may help. Each situation is different. But if you feel confident about it, I support you. Can I ask you something? Did your reflux start during a moment of high stress? Culmination of events. Espeacially events you felt you had no control over?
Posted 12/13/2006 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi back,
Thanks for responding, I appreciate it. This is the second day and I feel FINE! I am a-symptomatic and feel I can handle this without any difficulties. When acid reflux along with hiatus hernia appeared five years ago, I was told I'd be on Nexium the rest of my life. I believed what the doctor said, but only with reservations. I'm a very healthy woman and to me, this was a setback but I felt I could "live" with it. I do not want to go into detail about some of the problems I've had with this medication, but I knew it was time to let go of the security blanket. And you and some of the others are so right, STRESS is the demon that keeps things stirred up. As I said in my last communique, I watched The Secret, and the message spoke to me loud and clear: the power to heal is in one's mind and one's emotions, even with life-threatening illness. I am not being glib, or dismissing health issues that others might suffer, but I think we have been brain-washed to believe the AMA has the answers for everything pertaining to health. This simply is not true. I have tested the mind-body theory on a few other dis-comforts and know that healing one's self works. I use meditations and affirmations and so far so good. I KNOW THAT PERFECT HEALTH IS MY RIGHT AND I INSIST ON IT. I will not allow anything to deter me or stress me out to where I suffer needlessly. And BTW, I have not altered my diet at all, with the exceptions of eating even smaller meals. Right now, I am enjoying my second cup of coffee. I feel great. . .I wish this for all of you.
Posted 12/13/2006 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Saltlaker,

Good for you!!! Yeah, what is this hiatus hernia? Docs have still have yet to tell us why some people who do have it never have reflux and some people who don't have it, have relflux yet they tell us about it as if it is some how related to reflux. maybe its a scare tactic to keep us fixed on the physical. haha.
Your right perfect health is your right, and disease is just simpky dis-ease. I'm glad you're doing so well. Keep at it.
Posted 12/13/2006 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you! Hiatus Hernia is the stomach ripping through the diaphragm. I can't believe that anyone who is athletic and active gets away from this, as we all stress and strain muscles--something's gotta give. Maybe the trick is to build up the abdominal muscles to prevent it from happening, I don’t know.
Posted 12/13/2006 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Here is a good link to explain exactly what hiatus hernia is. http://www.gicare.com/pated/ecdgs08.htm
Posted 12/14/2006 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Oops, I haven't been reading this lately, so haven't responded. I'm still doing really great...feeling fine and processing emotions rather than getting sick. Glad to hear some others are getting some benefit, too.

I agree: DON'T drop meds if you think it will cause physical harm. Be very cautious. I tapered the drugs and did lots of mind-body-emotion work and as the symptoms went away I started eating and drinking what I liked. Now I think I can keep the symptoms away without the drugs.

I could go on and on about the tricky nature of this treatment method..how to make it work and avoid the dangers. Everyone has to decide for themselves based on their own condition. I just think it can't hurt to read Sarno's books and ponder his message. If you try the method, you will have to be diligent and serious with it.

One neat aspect of the Sarno approach is this (which bears repeating): Sarno's back patients complained of pain and presented MRIs to show that there were real problems in their backs. Their spines looked terrible and the patients were obviously worried about this. MRI looks bad, therefore I must have pain. Sarno, after years of this pattern, did something crazy. He took MRIs of lots of well people, painfree people. What he found was that they too had backs and spines that looked terrible! But they had no pain.

This is when the lightbulb went off for Sarno...physical problems may or may not cause pain and symptoms. So I suspect that many Americans may have a pathetic looking LES or borderline hiatal hernia, but only some of us have symptoms there. That would explain how I could banish my symptoms overnight by dealing with emotions. My LES is the same, then and now, perhaps. It is not great. But it was never the problem in the first place. The symptoms just came from around there.

Once I decided I didn't want those symptoms and would deal with emotions another way, the LES symptoms went away. Now I have my crummy LES, just as before, but it is good enough to get the job done most days and with no symptoms I can move on to other things in life.

This is a crude theory, but for now it works for me.

Any more success stories out there?

Best wishes, keep the faith and be careful with this approach!
riverotter
Posted 12/14/2006 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
These comments are so helpful. . .I’ve read everyone carefully. This is my third day off the purple pill and I feel fine. I took the suggestion of one in the forum, and bought orange-peel extract. I went to our local health food store today so I don't know how well it works. According to the rep at Wild Oats, it works great. She had a peptic ulcer and credits orange peel for helping cure it. Besides orange peel (plus enzymes), I take a high-potency enzyme before each meal, and a probiotic capsule, once in the morning, and again at night. I also think unfiltered apple cider vinegar works, along with honey (not together—or it might—I don’t know). Also, I've cut way back on meals, only eating small portions. In the evening, I try to eat really light; broth, fruit, maybe along with crackers or bread. I sleep like a rock, so heartburn is not an issue during the night.

What’s interesting, my last two scopes came back with the diagnosis of “normal”. I am not at all sure why I was suppose to stay on the Nexium when everything was fine. I asked the pharmacist that question yesterday and he said, “you want it, they’ll keep giving it to you.”

MOB1123 asked if events of stress possibly led up to the onset of acid reflux. I thought about the question (had not before) and realized I've only been on Nexium 4 years not 5 as I thought. The first event happened shortly after my oldest son passed away suddenly. That's a huge stressor, and I'm guessing what triggered it. I had not realized it until now, I just assumed it was something that evolved from normal health problems—except that I’m incredibly healthy. I really think doctors tend to literally scare the hell out of us, and we really do need to pay attention to our own intuition. Therein lies the secret to personal success and that is paying attention to the messages our bodies send us—and believing what we are feeling.
Posted 12/15/2006 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi: I've read through postings but didn't see anything pertaining to this: have any of you ever had episodes of breathing difficulty along with tightening in the chest area (sternal or slightly lower). Sometimes there is radiating burning pain across upper chest, sometimes not.

First one happened in July. I went to Urgent Care where they told me I was having bronchospasm so they prescribed short-course Prednisone, Nexium 2x's daily, Albuterol and antibiotic. During ensuing visits to MD he said to stay on the Nexium and he promised in 3 weeks I'd get better. I did: barely.

Then I got a terrible viral sore throat in October, went off Nexium for four days, then had this gripping spasming and breathing difficulty again in the upper chest area. Yes, I was very scared, had accompanying panic no doubt which worsened acid, and kept seeing my doctor because the difficulty in breathing was very distressing. A lung x-ray "couldn't rule out pneumonia" so I was put on antibiotic again. I never had a fever, though.

Since then I keep getting these spasms with breathing difficulty: feels like "drag" on my breathing, like something is holding it back. Spasms, for lack of a better word, last from two to four days with Albuterol not really bringing relief. Other more traditional G.E.R.D. symptoms are manageable (trouble swallowing, intense gas, gut pain) but this new twist of trouble breathing is very distressing and doesn't really seem to be getting better - or getting better so slowly it's intolerable. I understand why chronically ill people want to give up.

I've seen an ENT - some swelling and redness of vocal folds - and a Pulmonologist - normal lung function test results - and now I'm waiting to see a new Gastroenterologist. 

I just want this breathing issue to go away. I had the Nissen Fundoplication surgery three years ago and had 95% resolution of problems afterward, but now onset of new symptoms. After the Nissen I had trouble swallowing cold liquids for two years. confused

Posted 12/15/2006 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Swampa,

First off, I don't understand why they would start you on anti-biotics. (Did they take a culture or any blood tests? Anti-biotics, which I believe if used uneccsarily will trhow off the bacteria/yeast balance in your body messing up your digestive system more. People treated for H. Pylori with antibiotics for they're ulcers tend to develop GERD. I wonder why? Relapacing one physcial ailmet for another, and not getting to the root of the problem. Prednisone, I believe is a steroid. ( Which I believe may contribute to GERD, becoming addicted to it, resulting in a continuing rebound effect where you need stronger and stronger doses.BAsically your body gets used to it like any other drug) Steroids are anti-inflammatories, but they' are also immunosuppresants...(research it if you don't believe me) making you more suceptible to infection, therefore probably your viral infection. I think, but not sure Allbeterol is a steroid too. Sorry about the fundo prob. Maybe we're just replacing one physical ailment for another.

Let me ask you, did you more traditional GERD symptoms come at moment of high anxiety or stress? Are there any stressors in your life today? Prob all the health issues too? Don;t let your health issues worry you, be concerned but not worried. The mind loves to distract you through the body. Check out riverrotters first post's. Let me know what you think?

Posted 12/15/2006 2:46 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Saltlaker,

Glad your day is fine. Just like you I been off it for several days. Maybe it's the rebound effect or the mind trying really hard to distract me, but symproms include, burping in chest area, throat hiccups if that makes sense, and water brash. A little irritation on the right side of my throat. But I'm going to stick it out. Really think it is anxiety. Wake up with fists clenched. Its like a vicous cycle you know, the symptoms and all the damage docs say that can happen just add to the anxiety. But I am a believer. I believe in GOD.

I can't believe your doc couldn't suggest you cut down or trying stopping the meds when your endoscopy came out normal.

Can I ask you another question? What was your diet like in general in your life? And what was your diet like during the time of high stress which let to the onset of your symptoms?

Posted 12/15/2006 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hey MOB1123,
Glad to hear you're doing better, and am not surprised to hear it's not "perfect." What I'm finding is sometimes on days when I have no LPR symptoms at all (yes, I'm having those days!) something else starts to hurt. I was at the gym the other day, and afterwards, my lower back started hurting. "What did I do to my back?" I started asking, then realized I had done nothing to it, it was taking the place of my throat symptoms! For a while my wrist was hurting - same thing. Had it been my right wrist, I probably would have concluded it was from too much computer mouse usage, but it was my left. Really no reason for it to hurt. Once I realize this, the pain goes away. It's pretty freaky!
Good luck to you,
WDC
Posted 12/15/2006 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi MOB1123,
My diet was never really great, even now I need to think before I eat. I love cheeseburgers and tacos, and practically everything that's not supposed to be good for me.

The only symptoms I'm currently having is "warmness" in the middle of my abdomen, nothing terrible, but the "presence" of acid reflux is making itself known. Is it going off Nexium after being on it so long?

I'd like to ask a question: Does anybody have weird dreams while going through the cold turkey period? I am having dreams of frustration and feeling helpless. . .don't know why, it's not my personality, as I am mostly upbeat and in control.
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