NERD

I've been trying to understand my symptoms and the contradictions with the various tests that I've gone through.

March 2011:
Symptoms
Severe reflux symptoms (in the throat as well as esophagus)
PPIs/H2 gave side effects, quit them end of April 2011
Tests [Endoscopy => normal]

Spring/Summer:
Tests [Manometry => normal / ph => abnormal] <= these were with Dr. Koufman
Tried neuro-drugs: Gabapentin, anti-depressants, benzos
Got a variety of side effects, so could not stay on them for too long

Sept/Oct 2011:
Throat symptoms started to get better, reflux symptoms better but not gone - wax and wane (can taste bitter acid in the mouth, throat). Much more day time upright reflux than the night time.
Tests [Endoscopy => normal / Manometry => normal / pH => normal]

So, given that there is not as much acid being detected in the tests, should I assume that I have functional GERD - so may be more like NERD?

Not sure what to do in this case though - since my GI has already told me that the surgeons are not going to touch me without positive pH results .. and all these neuro-drugs to treat sensitivity of nerves also give me side effects that I can not handle. My GI wants to give me another pH study later next month - which I'll take to see if I can get more information out of that.

I'll try another round of anti-depressants to see if my sensitive esophagus can be calmed down. However, given my history with the meds, I am pretty sure I won't be able to stay on these drugs for too long.

Does anyone know if NERD (Non erosive reflux disease ... so hypersensitive esophagus) can get better with time? I'll just have to give all this more time to settle down I guess, but the symptoms are very annoying and bothersome .. and sometimes get painful too.