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First experience with GERD

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 12/29/2011 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

First timer here. Just wanted to post about my experience in the hope that maybe it would alleviate some of my worries about this. I'm 29.

I started having a chest pain about 3 weeks ago on the left side of my sternum. Went to the doc thinking it was my heart, and he said ekg was fine and to go home. I had to go back a few days later because I was having severe belching and regurgitation, at that point I figured it was indigestion . The doc told me to take prilosec for 2 weeks and follow up in a month. Well I'm off my prilosec today and the chest pain returned. Its not constant though it comes and goes, and sometimes if feels like somebody is trying to dig out a splinter or something. My stomach is gurgling and and rolling around a lot. TUMS don't seem to help one bit.

I'm trying not to freak out, it seems from what I've ready pretty much everybody here has this chest pain.

I haven't had coffee, soda, or alcohol and trying to eat as plain as i possibly can since this thing began which is driving me nuts!

I have an appointment in exactly 2 weeks to see follow up w/ the doc. I'm guessing if this hasn't clear up by then he'll send me to a GI doc.

I'm also going to schedule an appt with a psychologist because I'm prone to mild anxiety / depression to begin with and I know stress and anxiety can trigger GERD or IBS.

Has anybody here had 'temporary' gerd or is this a day in and day out thing for most people?
Posted 12/29/2011 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the board, and sorry to hear about your difficulties!

Firstly, a matter of definition, but it might help alleviate some of your anxiety. Technically speaking, there is no such thing as temporary GERD. There is "normal" reflux that anyone can experience because of overeating, illness, spicy foods or other trigger foods, etc. GERD is a dysfunctional condition where reflux happens multiple times per day, as a result of a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter. The only way to get diagnosed with GERD is through tests that a GI doctor can perform.

The purpose of the Prilosec is actually twofold. First, is to hopefully alleviate your symptoms. But secondly, if your symptoms DID improve, this is a simple method your doctor can use to help him begin to diagnose what's happening to you.

It sounds like you're on the right track with the appointments you've set up. There is a wealth of information you can gather here from this messageboard, and you can start with the "stickies" at the top of the main page.

Best wishes!

-Bruce
Posted 12/29/2011 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Bruce! I've compiled a lot of info from this forum already. Very helpful
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