The Lighter Side of GERD

If you've got GERD/acid reflux/ gastritis, you've no doubt been dragged into a dark hole by it more than once. I'm hovering on the brink right now, having to stop my PPI due to some serious side effects. Perhaps it helps to remember the "good" things about GERD, like -

* Without GERD you'd never have known that you could survive without tea, coffee or alcohol

* Your GERD has probably brought you new friends, both here and in the outside world. With chronic illness you find out who your real friends are.

* You've probably experimented with some foods you never would have bothered with before, or may even have not heard of!

* Your diet is healthier than it was before, your arteries are whistle clean and you can walk past MacD's with your head held high.

* You've tried a whole range of naturopathic products - your GERD may be the same but the rest of your insides are probably glowing!

* You've taken your GERD places you never thought you would - on holiday (on honeymoon Erica!), to work, to a party, on a plane - I took mine on a school trip today! And you survived .....

God bless GERD ...... and bring it to an end soon!!



MMM

Something encouraging for all. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2laIPeiMtE&feature=share

@mudmagnetmum,

Thanks for the post.

I have lost 10 pounds on Acid free diet. I can survive without coffee or tea. Yes that was a aha moment. I have also realized that I eat to live. Food is a necessity not a luxury solely for pleasure. My relationship with food has changed and hopefully I can continue this for rest of my life.

GERD has definetly challanged me, which I guess is good for personal growth. MMM: Thanks for the shout out! Fireworks: stick to fruits and veggies and get used to asking for things like chicken and fish to be prepared plain. Stay clear of carbs if you can. Most of all you have to view your vacation differntly...I used to think vacation was a time to eat and drink like crazy....now it is about relaxing, learning about new places and appreciating the small things.

Great post,Mud.

I recently went to my bi-annual Las Vegas vacation and did a post on it on another thread. I was able to still have a fabulous time in Vegas with just some alterations. One of the best things about a Vegas vacation is all the restaurants there will do what you want, however you want something prepared. NO is not in their vocabulary out there.

Robyn

Just watched the YouTube link - amazing! Thank you.

I love not worrying any more about gaining weight. I was not overweight for my height, but I lost 12 pounds then stabilized. I really can't eat enough to gain weight, not without discomfort. I have a reason to say NO to those relatives who push food on me every time we visit them.

Can you make some new contacts in a setting where food and drink are not the main feature? Are you well enough to get down to a gym - no one would be anything but impressed if you were drinking only water and eating rice cakes there! Keep trying to find some new interests - I'm not trying to make light of your situation; you need to have supportive people around you and I'm sure they'll come your way if you try some new things. Here in the UK we have patient support groups to help people cope with ongoing chronic illness - doesn't suit everyone but you may have something similar where you are.

MMM

MMM