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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 8/30/2009 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi!
I'm a new member to board. I was diagnosed with GERD a few years ago. It wasn't that bad before. I was using Nexium for a month. I stopped and I was feeling fine, until a 2 weeks ago, when I had an "attack". I was having a constant heartburn and it wouldn't go away. I couldn't stop worrying about it and that made it worse. I finally went back to the doctor and took lab tests which were negative for anything. I was using Pepcid AC which did relieve the acid from the throat, but then the heart burn was still there. I'm currently on Protonix, which does help, but I feel "anxious" all the times. I'm still contemplating on whether to use it everyday or every other day. One thing that I know must do, is stay positive. I learned that stress really aggravates the condition.

I joined this forum for support and learn from the other long-time sufferers who deal with the same thing every day. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Posted 8/30/2009 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum. Yes stress does aggraate the condition. I had the laprscopic nissen fundoplication on 19 August 09. The medication never did naything for me. During the paast 3 years they kept trying differant medication but I did not get any relief from them. You are right you need to keep a positive attitude. If the medications are giving you probvlems you might want to talk to your doctor andlet him know how they are making you feel. DO you have a GI doctor if not you should get a referal to one. There are other tests that can be done, barium swallow manometry endoscopy. These are all great tools in helping to determine what is going on.

I am still having some reflux issues but that is to be expected during the healing process. Take care of yourseld and let us know how things are going
Mary
Posted 8/30/2009 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
I was having anxiety problems this past March and had a complete thyroid panel done. I found out I had subclinical hypothyroidism. I found out thyroid problem can cause all sort of immunity problems and nerve problems.Ask your doc to check you out for that too.

Joy
Posted 8/30/2009 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
Bee23

Welcome to HealingWell and you have come to the right forum looking for support.  We are all here to support each other so welcome aboard.

I have had GERD/Heartburn for quite a few years now but only the last couple of years have I been on Prilosec and use it once daily.  I use Rolaids for sudden heartburn.

Most of the time this works well for me unless I overdue it on my Diet Coke.  (I only have one vice LOL)

I started the Prilosec after a nasty flair that put me in the ER and on IV Protonix.  Since then I have tried to be careful what I eat late in the day as Ice  Cream will regurge on me especially if it is custard based. Also mixing different foods will cause me to burp alot and regurge..........i.e. broccoli and tomatoe sauce together. 

I have not been scoped but dx by sx.

Please ask your questions and know the members are wonderful and wise.

I wish you peace,

Kitt

 

Posted 8/31/2009 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
HI Bee23!
Welcome to the forum! There are lots of people who've experienced symptoms like yours--including anxiety. As Mary said, anxiety and stress definitely increase the symptoms, so try to keep a positive attitude and try not to worry. GERD is a very common disorder. You're in the right place--we've been there, and done that!

If you're experiencing symptoms, I'd recommend you take the Protonix daily--probably about a half hour before dinner is the best timing. Nighttime is usually the worst time for GERD because when you lie down, the acid can migrate up into your esophagus more easily.

Have you tried elevating the head of your bed? You can use blocks, or buy risers at a medical store or (cheaper) at Bed Bath and Beyond--I saw them not long ago. I think they're out now, because lots of college kids raise their beds so they store things under them. The elevated head of the bed allows gravity to help keep the acid in your stomach, where it belongs.

I'm sure more members will stop by soon and give you some more tips.
Glad you've joined us!
We'll do our best to help and support you.
Take care,
Denise turn
Posted 8/31/2009 2:28 AM (GMT 0)
hi and welcome!

I take Protonix once and sometimes twice a day.

It works well for me but I do find that when I am stresses everything about my acid reflux is worse. It is such a benefit to our bodies and minds as a whole if we just work hard to control the stress. I know it is easier said than done right ?!!

I just use mind over matter when I get anxious. My Gerd has at times felt like I surely was having a heart attack and it is scary so know that we do understand what you are going though for sure. Breathing techniques help too to relax so check into those as well.

Have a good evening....Anne

Posted 8/31/2009 6:36 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for the kind welcome and support. It means a lot to me, especially right now. Sometimes, I do feel alone in this. It's like no one else that I know, understands what I'm going through. It's nice to see that this forum is busy throughout the day. I was on another forum that was getting 1 or 2 posts per day, which was getting discouraging.

To reply to some of the posts:
I'll try and look into the thyroid issue and also get a referral to a GI doctor.

Stress and anxiety, I feel, is the hardest thing to overcome each and everyday. After talking about it today with a few friends, acceptance of the condition and talking about it helps a lot.

If only I could have ice cream tonight. lol.

I'll look into taking the Protonix everyday, at least for the 30 days.

I went out earlier today and looked for some sleeping pillow aids. I bought 3 large circular pillows and putting them in a triangle with my regular pillows felt great. Let's see how this works before I get into raising the head of the bed or blocks.

I've tried some breathing techniques today and it really helped through some stressful moments. Eventually, I forgot what I was thinking about and moved on to finding something to keep me busy.
I went driving around town. lol. For some reason, driving helps me forget about the condition.

Post Edited (Bee23) : 8/31/2009 9:55:32 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/31/2009 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bee,
Whatever you can do to keep your mind off your symptoms, it'll help. I suffered from GERD for years, and still have a very reactive stomach, that can cause me lots of discomfort. (I had the surgery in February, so the GERD has stopped, but I still live with a very sensitive stomach.)

If I focus constantly on it, I find that my symptoms are that much worse, and if I'm stressed, the acid really gets going.

I'm glad you found this forum! It's the best, isn't it? I'm a teacher and going back to school tomorrow, so I'll be posting a little less consistently, I'm afraid. I always try to check and see if there's anything I need to respond to, though.

Have a great day. I hope you're feeling much better.
Take care,
Denise
Posted 8/31/2009 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
HI Bee23!
Welcome to Healingwell. You will find many friends here. You definately need to be seeing a GI Dr.

I suffered for years but not from heartburn. Vert seldom did I have heartburn. But I had a cough that was so severe that I wasn't sleeping and the combination caused my blood pressure to spike to 190/110. Not good. My GI Dr. didn't think it was the reflux even though I would cough until I threw up sometimes.

Finally after the hi bp I told him something has to be done. I couldn't live that way anymore.

Lots of test - all the regular ones they give you before you can have surgery plus lung tests. I had also had a full body scan for another problem.

The tests showed that I coughed when I had reflux. I had surgery in Oct. 07.

A great surgeon makes for great results.

However, a GI dr may be able to treat u with meds and get the right combination.

Welcome to our forum..

Jayne
Posted 8/31/2009 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
The pillows are not the best thing for you. They make you bend at the waist, which can put pressure on your stomach, not to mention your back. I tried the pillow method and I kept sliding off of them and having back spasms.
Target sells the bed risers, too (very cheap).

Joy
Posted 9/1/2009 1:00 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with Joy. The pillows can get your body into a position that actually puts more pressure on your stomach. Ideally, you'll get the head of your bed elevated, so you've got the elevation on a flat surface. If not, you could get a wedge from a medical store...it's a foam piece that props your body up. It can also allow you to slip down and get out of position, but it's a lot better than pillows. They come in different heights, but don't get one that's too high, because it probably won't be too comfortable.

Good luck, Bee! We're rooting for you!
Denise
Posted 9/1/2009 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
The wedge didn't work for me either. I even placed it under my top mattress. It bent me too much and broke down my mattress. My father places two by fours under his bed to raise his head.

Joy
Posted 9/1/2009 4:30 AM (GMT 0)
Though not ideal if you want to sleep with someone at night, lol, but I have slept in my lazy boy for about two years now and I sleep like a baby and no more night time Acid reflux unless I eat a bowl of icecream or something i know I shouldnt do !!! 

I can curl right up in that chair just like a baby and funny enough I actuaaly cant wait to get back to it after I am away and have to sleep in a bed while I am gone !!

Might sound silly but it really works for me.Take care , Anne

Posted 9/2/2009 2:27 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for all the suggestions and advice. I'll look into something that elevates the head of the bed. And yes, this forum is the best. lol.
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