HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

i'm 17 years old doctor says i may have GERD, but my symptoms still scare me

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/20/2007 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
I'm 17 years old and the doctor thinks i may have acid reflux, i'm going to the stomach specialist at UVA on November 12, but i'm scared and i just would like to hear from other people that they're feeling these same symptoms but that it's going to be ok because sometimes i worry that theres something worse wrong with me and that i'm going to die or something. Everyone tells me that i worry to much and thats probably why i feel so bad about this, but even if thats the case i'll probably feel better after hearing from you guys.

My symptoms are:
light headed feeling, which actually caused me to have a panic attack last sunday because i thought i was dying
burping, sometimes tastes very acidic
very gasy
discomfort in the ears and head
pressure in my stomach
an off and on soar throat
also an off and on cough
Posted 10/20/2007 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
snakelover > Your symtoms sounds like acid reflux to me. You will not die of reflux. It may be uncomfortable, but you will be ok.

Have you tried any sort of over the counter medication like Tums?
Posted 10/20/2007 12:50 PM (GMT 0)
no not really, but the doctor actually gave me some nexium and i've been taking it for 4 days and havn't really gotten better but the bottle says that it could take 4-8 weeks to relieve all of my symptoms so i'm just gonna have to wait and see if it starts to help

Posted 10/20/2007 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
i have problems too .with acid reflux i watch what i eat and stay away from fastfoods anything greasy no pop to drink .i stay with ice water .chicken sandwiches.no chips.eat fruit bannans grapes .i drink apple cider vinegar a table spoon or two with a glass of pressed apple juice 10 ounce glass a couple aday you can get the apple vinegar at the health store its called bragg organic the mother.its good for you.and it helps me pluse i take two table spoons of malox anti acid but wait for 2 hours after you take your nexium.also the health store has organic carrot juice that helps with acid call your locall health store tell them your problems .they will let you know what will help with acid reflux. and try to relax things will go easy for you .and make sure you sleep with a couple of pillows that will keep your head up so the acid doesnt come up while you sleep.good luck and take care let us know how you are doing. if i can be any help.Rick
Posted 10/20/2007 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
thanks so much rick
Posted 10/20/2007 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
yeah i'm having a bit of trouble dealing with this at this point though my biggest problem, since i don't know for sure that i have GERD, i'm worried that its something else because i always worry about stuff that might be wrong with me. Like the way my head feels makes me worry that i have brain cancer even though i probably dont and it's really nice to hear that other people have the same problems with their head
Posted 10/21/2007 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there SnakeLover...I haven't yet welcomed you to the GERD forum here on healingwell, so now, I'd like to extend a warm welcome. Next, I'd like to say I am sorry you are suffering, especially since you are so young. I see you are scared that your symptoms are because of something else, something maybe life threatening. I too suffer with that problem. The best thing I can do is tell you to relax. If something is God forbid, seriously wrong with you, your doctors will find it, and deal with it. If you let your mind wander, you will drive yourself crazy, and then you will have other, more serious problems...like anxiety for example. I know it is easier said than done, but try to relax and go with the flow. Based on the above symptoms, I'd have to say you have like acid reflux going on. Take the pills as prescribed...something I am wondering is why the bottle says it could take 4-8 weeks for the Nexium to work. I have never heard of it taking that long. Generally, it starts to work within a week. In the meantime, feel free to look at back posts regarding things you can do to help your problems. Soon I will be posting something about minimizing GERD symptoms, and I know in the post about Vitamin D definciency, I posted some pointers in minimizing symptoms. If I were you, I'd call your doctor next week, and tell him you are still uncomfortable. Maybe he can put you on something else. At any rate, keep us posted as to what's going on with you, and check back for helpful posts. I hope you find some relief soon!
Posted 10/24/2007 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
still scared about the way my head feels! just woke up and couldn't fall back asleep and had a very weird taste in the back of my mouth which i'm assuming is from the acid. I'm also worried because pretty much i'm on a ridiculously bland diet and i'm taking the nexium, tums, and gas x and i seem to be doing better during the day but my nights are still god awful
Posted 10/24/2007 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
I have been dealing with this issue for years, and my honest opinion is that you just have gerd - you have all the symptms, and I think the head thing and everything else may be a result of anxiety/stress.  I used to suffer from anixiety and panic disorder that I have since gotten under control, but it used to do crazy things to my body.  I know it was mental bc everytime I would start on an SSRI all my symptoms would pretty much disappear.  People dont realize that half their medical issues are more than likely caused by stress.  So relax as best you can.  Do you have a history of anxiety or depression?  Im sure you are fine. 
Posted 10/24/2007 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
Snake: I agree with what Lem526 said. I have had/have the same issues as you---GERD/anxiety in the past. I have something called "health anxiety"---where everytime I get a 'pain'--I think the worst is going to happen---and I am usually fine (or treatable). Cyber hugs to you!

it is easier said than done--but, this board does help!
Posted 10/24/2007 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
Snake, looking into if you have had or do have anxiety issues and or depression is probably a great idea. A lot of people don't realize the role stress, anxiety, and depression can truly play on your body. Sometimes the above can make you think and feel like you are sick, when truly, you are not. Have you ever had issues with any of the above? If not, I would suggest possibly brining it up to your doctor, and see what he says. This is just a thought hun! Wishing you all the best. Stay with us for the support you need, and keep us updated on how you are doing.
Posted 10/24/2007 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
i dont really have a history of anxiety problems or anything like that but i worry about a lot of things, and i think i've been so worried about this that i've just gotten carried away in my mind and have made it worse. but i am so far having an amazing day today so i think im doing a bit better
Posted 10/25/2007 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
I am glad you are having a good day! I just suggested the anxiety issues because it seems to be a pretty common thing. I do hope you are feeling better for good, and not just temporarily. Please know though that we are here if you need ANYTHING at all. Stick with us hun!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply