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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 1/26/2013 6:22 AM (GMT 0)
I have tried just about everything to try to help my reflux. Medications, home remedies, lifestyle changes, you name it. I feel reflux pains 24/7 and none of the doctors I have seen will admit that I have a real problem. All the reports I get back from them acknowledge "moderate reflux." Doctors mention that surgery is a possibility but do not want to recommend it to pediatric patients. I am 18 but will be considered pediatric until I am 21 (for some reason).

The biggest symptom I get is exercise induced reflux, which is not acknowledged by any doctor or website. Every time I do any exercise of any sort, I get an extreme amount of acid up my throat that chokes and burns me. Pain is one thing, choking is very different though. Pain is the brain's way of saying something is wrong and needs to change, but its really just a suggestion. Choking is the brain's way of saying something is seriously wrong and instead of suggesting for something to change, it jumps in and makes a change on its own. In any sport I've ever tried, it has been very hard to push as hard as other people because of this problem.

One sport I really enjoy doing is speed skating because it is a lot easier than running and the cold rink usually helps sooth the burn. Unfortunately, lately my reflux has gotten worse and even speed skating really kills me. It's been so bad lately that even climbing a staircase will get acid in my mouth. I skated last week and I lost my voice and scarred my throat for 3 whole days. The decision I need to make is whether I should continue to do the sport that I love for the cost of having reflux, or avoid it.
Posted 1/26/2013 6:43 AM (GMT 0)
Have you tried not eating for four hours to have an empty stomach when racing?
I know in speed racing you have to bend over real low to get faster. That's bound to cause stomach content to come up if your LES is weak.

Maybe you can find a doctor who will change his mind about calling you a pediactric?
Posted 1/26/2013 7:09 AM (GMT 0)
No that seems to be a universal rule. I might be able to find a doctor that sees what I see, but so far I've seen 40 and none of them have. I have tried not eating for the entire day, I've tried a 48 hour fast and exercise had the exact same results on reflux. The fact is that all the little trucks that bounce around the internet can't possible help a broken valve. They only have to do with the total amount of acid either currently there or currently being produced, and the same goes for PPIs.

My throat is so bad that every time I climb a staircase I get acid in my mouth. Specifically, running is the worst, two steps and I can already feel it. I've tried swimming but I get the same results. Biking is usually better than most sports, but on a bad day I can't get very far without losing my breath. Skating has been better up until recently, but now it's just as bad. Any other ideas for sports that aren't running intensive?
Posted 1/26/2013 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
I feel your pain. I use to run in college, unfortunately I can't ran like I use to because of the same reason. My recommendation is to slow down and just enjoy being able to be active. I can still run, but I keep it to an 8:15 mile pace or else I suffer to much. I've taken up mountain biking/road biking, which seems to be ok with reflux. Just can't do anything strenuous that makes acid shoot up to your mouth.

Can't say medication helped me run quicker either, even with 40 mg protonix I would burp/gasp when I'd be dipping below 6 min pace. I usually can get about a mile and a half in before I really feel it.
Posted 1/26/2013 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there, sorry to read of you issues and I can understand your frustrations.

You said you saw 40 Drs or did I read that wrong?  Were they all pediatric physicians ?  Perhaps it is time for you to make an appointment with a GI specialist and not mention that you have been seeing pediatricians.  At 18 years old you are considered and adult in my part of the world.

Keep advocating for yourself and know we are all here for you.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 1/27/2013 6:12 AM (GMT 0)
Yes I have seen some 40+ doctors, because every doctor Ive seen has basically said, "I dont know exactly what your problem is, so how about you see another specialist," but without actually saying that. I am diagnosed with GERD and Eosinophilic Esophagitis, so I have had to see separate doctors for the two. I also have breathing problems as explained above, but no doctor will acknowledge "exercise induced reflux," even though that is exactly what is going on. Because of that, every doctor recommends me to see a different type of doctor. GIs, ENTs, EE specialists, and a pulmonologist. So yes, that is why I have seen so many doctors.

Most of them have been pediatric. Not all, but most. I can try to find another new GI that isn't pediatric. I just saw a new GI this past week. As usual, new doctors have nothing to say other than, "Yes you have reflux, and I'm sorry there is nothing I can do." I wish appointments wouldn't always end with that sentence.
Posted 1/27/2013 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
Took me about 15 doctors and what I learnt is you need to be tough with these doctors you need to demand something me done I had an argument with one doctor who kept saying I'm young and fit and shouldn't need an op I said to him do you think I'm making this up do you think I want to feel this way I need the operation and that's all there is too it the pills don't work diet doesnt work you need to refer me to a surgeon right now I've had enough of being palmed off and told this and that I know what I need and guess what got sent to a surgeon who did some tests and got the op done these docs will defi lately give you the run around if your young you need to be firm and not let them dictate to you
Posted 1/27/2013 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
As a matter of fact there is a section of the Torax website that mentions you have to be 21 to have the LINX surgery, assuming that all GERD patients are much older. The only way I have any chance to get it before waiting 3 years is if I can find a clinical trial testing how how well LINX works in patients under 21, which I have not found yet.
Posted 1/28/2013 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
Did you have barrium swallow test? If you are having reflux you may have hiatal hernia and also food getting stuck in your esophagus. If you have Eosinophilic Esophagitis then surgery will not really be an option for you....
Posted 1/28/2013 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
Did you have barrium swallow test? If you are having reflux you may have hiatal hernia and also food getting stuck in your esophagus. If you have Eosinophilic Esophagitis then surgery will not really be an option for you....
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