I'm new to this forum. Maybe this story will help someone. I am 46, fit and trim, with no history of any food-related problems, and no bad habits. My husband of 4 years developed bipolar disorder (full blown) about 16 months ago. He had gradually gotten worse for several months, but then totally went nuts and became violent and abusive as well as depressed and suicidal. He's lucky that he didn't kill himself or someone else while in a blind rage.
It was during his first stay in the psyc ward that my acid relux became severe. I've never even had normal heartburn! My vocal cords got burned with acid, etc. I am a teacher and by mid-morning I could hardly speak with gagging. The stress over my husband's condition caused this.
When he is stable, my acid problem is less serious. When is needs another medicane adjustment, my problem worsens. The GI actually told me it had nothing to do with stress! What a nut. I've tried all the PPIs in does up to 80 mg per day. Lately, I'm on nexium (40) plus I take tagamet or another OTC drug on the side as needed. I still gag at night.
My most annoying symptom is nighttime gagging or strangling. I never have gas or burping or pains. I just get a burning in my throat. I had no symptoms until I married my husband 4 years ago, but his bipolar fits have pushed my situation over the edge. Food has nothing to do with my problem. I did give up diet cokes, however. My original symptoms were constant sore throat and choking at night.
I also took generic reglan occasionally. I took 2 pills within about 4 hours and ended up in the emergency room with severe jaw pain, facial distortions, spasms, etc. That was this past MOnday. I won't ever take that drug again. I recommend to everyone to use great caution with this drug.
My husband is doomed to live with his mental illness. He is trying to get on disability now. I pay all expenses, handle any business, etc. He barely functions in the real world. I love the man and don't plan on leaving him. However, my stomach is rebeling against this altered lifestyle. I sure didn't anticipate my life turning this way 5 years ago when we were dating.
Any comments? APG