Persistent Acid Reflux--Nothing Seems to Help

I've been experiencing acid reflux that has only seemed to escalate as my doctors and I have attempted to treat it. I'm exhausted and frustrated and wondering if anyone could point out anything I'm wrong or have any further suggestions for me.

I'm 20something, female, and have some family history of acid reflux. I started having breathing and swallowing difficulties doctors either ascribed to asthma or anxiety about a year ago, but they became very bad at the end of October. I was repeatedly given inhalers or Xanax and nothing helped. My symptoms finally progressed to very serious throat pain, so bad I couldn't swallow food for almost a day and went to A&E. I was tested for asthma, pneumonia, a blood clot, mumps, etc. and it all came back negative. Finally my GP realized it might be acid reflux, put me on omeprazole, and told me to start modifying my diet, eliminating chocolate, tomatoes, etc.

That was about three weeks ago and my symptoms have been progressively deteriorating. about 2 weeks ago I realized I couldn't just eliminate trigger foods: I had to completely modify my diet. So I started eating plain whole wheat pasta, bananas, toast, and my symptom only seemed to get worse. While before I had only the symptoms of silent reflux, I'm now also constantly battling a heartburn that never seems to go away no matter what I eat. I eat toast and I get heartburn so disproportionate you'd think I'd eaten a greasy hamburger, a meat-loaded pizza, and a curry all in one sitting.

My weight isn't an issue. In fact, I'm somewhat underweight due to IBS and other food intolerances and the very bland diet I've been eating has been causing me to lose even more weight. I don't and have never smoked; I don't drink alcohol and only rarely did before because I've struggled with chronic migraines in the past. I used to drink a single nonfat milk latte every day but I've stopped that now. My medications are pretty mild: the "mini-pill" for b.c., a triptan I take only if I have a migraine (infrequently now), and Lubiprostone/Amitiza for IBS. Last week my GP put me on an antibiotic because my glands were swollen and I think that's probably contributing something to my increase in acid reflux but that only started last week. I finish up the course on Thursday.

I'm just at the point where everything I eat gives me heartburn and nothing seems to help. I'm struggling to even meet my nutritional needs, particularly because I don't eat meat and haven't since 2006. I'm allergic to soy and my IBS is aggravated by lots of gluten (I am not coeliac, however) so I'm already dealing with a restricted diet. I'm considering starting on a little plain chicken breast just to get some more protein (I'm weak and tired after so many days of toast and bananas) but after so many years meatless I'm not sure how that's going to go.

I've been attempting to sleep propped up but I always wake up on my side. I'm going to try elevating my bed tonight and see if that works.

I'm trying to get my GP to refer me a specialist or send me for further tests but that's all unlikely to happen until after the holidays are over. Does anyone have any suggestions about what else I can try eating that normally doesn't cause acid reflux (bonus points if it's rich in protein) or any other ideas about what I can do. I'm at the end of my rope.

You can find quite a bit of protien in vegetables. I tend to stick with a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits. They contain a lot of nutrients. Fruits contain more carbs so it helps with the weight/energy part and vegetables help with the protien as well. You could also eat rice/potatoes and beans for carbs and protien if you wanted to stay away from meat. What has helped me most is the paleo diet. I also juice in the mornings for the extra boost of nutrients. Juicing for me seems to be the only thing that doesn't cause acid reflux and seems to satisify me the most. Hope you find something that works.

Hi Imvss

When my acid reflux started i couldn't eat anything, everything gave me severe heartburn.

You need to get referred to a gastro consultant asap to find out what's causing your problems.

Maria

imvss, Well it sounds as if your GP has tried quite a few things. Since you may have acid reflux, the PPIs should help. Try the adult dosage of two twenty mg. OTC Prilosec 30 minutes before breakfast each morning. Do this for 14 days and see if things change. According to my Doc. you may also take a 75mg Zantac before each meal. This is what my Doc. had me do to reduce my GERD symptoms.

Also try some Adkins Advantage protein drink to boost you protein, vitamin and mineral intake.

Gunner

Everyone has different trigger foods. I actually have no problems with tomatoes, onions,etc. I have problems with sugar, dairy and grains, and fatty foods, and especially chocolate. When I want to get rid of my reflux, medications do not help much. I go on a diet of lean protein, and fruits and veggies. I do not eat past 6pm. If I do all this, I usuallly start to feel better after a couple of days. If I continue for several weeks. I usually can get rid of it for a while. It sucks, but it works! I am also going to try cabbage juice. I read a study about it. It took place in the 50s, and they tried cabbage juice on prisoners with ulcers. 97% were cured.