Is this GERD/Acid reflux?

Hello all!

I am new here but would love to see if anyone can help me with the issues I have been experiencing for the past two years. I am 31 now, and have had this issue since I was 29.

It started after Ihad eaten a McDonald's hamburger. Within about two hours of eating it I was sick with stomach flu type symptoms including nausea/diarreah. That lasted for four weeks straight (the diarreah) and I went from abut 102 lbs which is my normal weight to 92 lbs. within that time frame. After that four week period the diarreah stopped. I the began having indigestion/belching about two times a week. Then it increased to 4 or 5 times a week, then progressed to daily. It was a pattern that escalated over a few months. At first It was only some foods then it was every food and even water that would affect me. My main symptoms are a sharp pain that I will get that typically ends up being a gas/air bubble (I know this because when I belch I feel much better!) It happens approximately 1 1/2 to two hours after eating and it's every meal. Typically meals such as plain grilled chicken and white rice are much easier to digest than something fried or what have you. White bread is always easier then wheat...and etc etc etc. I think the biggest offenders have to be Peanut Butter, Ice Cream, and Red Tomatoe based sauces. I had one episode two years ago where I had eaten Arbys Roast Beef and cheese sticks, and think then went home and had some "Crunch and Munch" popcorn with the toffee on it. I went to bed shortly after and was awoken at 5 AM with what I thought was a heart attack. I couldn't move...and it felt like an Elephant was on my chest it hurt so bad. By the time teh ambulance arrived I was better/fine. After that episode I went to a gastro. They did a scope in April of 07, and it did show inflamation or redness, but not severe. She said it showed Acid Reflux. I have also had a gastric emptying scan and a Hidaa Scan and Ultrasound which were all normal. I do not take any medicine and only use TUMS when the pain gets really bad. Typically I can use TUMS and it will allow me to belch and I feel much better. My main symptom is pain/pressure that builds up after eating a meal...but it is always at least an hour and a half after eating.

For background - my father has GERD and has been on meds and fiber pills for about 15 years now. My brother is a year older than I, and has acid reflux that started at age 30 as well. He has been on meds for 3 years now. My question is basically do my symptoms sound like that of Acid reflux since I don't often get typical Heartburn? And will I need to be on a PPI for sure?

I have tried Prilosec for a week but ended up having other sharp pains higher in my chest when I took it. The gastro said it was probably that I was constipated from the meds and then needed to take some laxative. I stopped taking the Prilosec and havent taken a daily med since because I didnt want to replace one pain with another ;(

I work full time, attend classes, and have two little ones to raise alone....any help in ways I could manage this on a daily basis would be appreciated ;)

Hello and Welcome,

I agree your sx sound like heartburn I would suggest returning to your GI to have a talk with her re your continued sx. You may need medication.

Also any reflux when your sleeping or lying down?

The diary idea is a great idea.

Do keep talking to us.

Kitt