hello all!

Hello, first time posting. Hopefully someone can help, I'm trying to find some closure without having to back to the doctor. I've been back and forth to the doctor over the past 2 years. I've been on multiple ppi's as well as reglan which I can say I'm not fond of the side effects. I've had a barium xray with minimal reflux, blood tests, h pylori tests, endoscopy, and an ultrasound all which came back negative for anything. My symptoms include early fullness, loss of appetite, bloating, retching after meals, and a constant discomfort/nausea. I never get heartburn nor have trouble sleeping on a full stomach. I don't drink alcohol or smoke, I've stopping drinking caffeine and carbonated beverages, and stopped eating high-fatty foods. I know I should go and have a gastric emptying exam done, but I'm rather fearful. I've always been rather healthy and fit and I don't want anything on my medical record that is chronic. I'm quite sure its dyspepsia/gastroparesis, I've read the symptoms over and over on the internet but I was hoping someone with like symptoms could put me at ease. I know its foolish to not seek medical attention all the way through but I've always had plans to join the military or have an active career which a chronic problem on my medical records would only act as a strike against me. And is there any satisfaction that can come from having a doctor tell me? Any input would be greatly appreciated, its really difficult to talk to family and friends about this, no one I know understands what its like to constantly be nauseated, having to stop eating after only a few bites, or retching like I'm going to throw up after eating out. It doesn't pain me, but it sure depresses me day after day.

Peter

Peko13,

Hello and welcome to HealingWell and the GERD/Heartburn Forum. I want to address your desire to have an active career as I think perhaps some of your issues may be anxiety related.

I have had a dx of GERD for years and I have never missed any work due to my GERD. I was dx by sx and I am able to manage with the use of one PPI. Also I am careful with the trigger foods that cause reflux so I do well. I think you will find many people who have this dx that live a full and productive life and this disorder does not hold them back.

Keep in mind that acid reflux can come and go for both children and adults. If you experience GERD on a less frequent basis, you may have acute reflux caused by food sensitivity, eating too much, or pathogenic bacteria in food. This is FYI and perhaps your problem is acute.



I agree with Alcie, we are not professionals but peers so stick with us and I am sure you will hear from some of our other wise and caring members.



Again welcome to HW.



Kitt

Pete-
Anxiety and stress may be reflux triggers, but that's not my bailywick. Hopefully you can find more by searching the website. There's also a whole forum for that here.

So you had the same common problem with Reglan that I had. The facial twitches. Fortunately you recognized it before it became permanent.

It may not be the actual alcohol that causes your reflux but the other stuff in it. Beer and wine are notorious for sulfites. Mixed drinks often contain corn syrup in the mixers, which also contain sulfite.

Caffeine has its own problems, notably acid. You could try drinking less and going with the less acid varities. I don't have a problem with coffee itself, but the junk mixed with it - sugar not labeled cane sugar, corn syrup containing creamers are sulfite-containing triggers for me. I also have a lactose intolerance and don't do well with milk protein either, but soy milk seems to be ok.

Yes, do log what you eat. Try it for at least a couple of weeks, preferably a month. You might just find that avoiding your triggers keeps you from needing meds or surgery. At least it's a free test.