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History with GERD/LPR...at least I think it is??

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 7/21/2014 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Some background..

Heartburn started in mid teens and lasted for 10 years off and on. Found different foods and situations to trigger symptoms which I eliminated/limited in addition to numerous visits to doctor. Did a lot of vomiting during/after meal times and found going to restaurants difficult. After many tests and years of medications (Losec and eventually another drug to help provide me with an appetite) all symptoms disappeared and I felt normal again.

Early 30's began a new battle with anxiety. Once I read about attacks and realized that's what was happening to me it explained a lot of above. My anxiety levels can be elevated like anyone...attacks are no longer an issue.

Went about eating foods I like and even ventured into spicy foods which I've never done without any heartburn issues. Eventually, food began sticking near sphincter muscle in esophagus...almost as if it closed before it was supposed too. Either have to force vomiting...which was hard (opposite of problem I had earlier!) or wait for it to pass. This became more frequent and I attributed it to stress but decided to get it checked regardless. Barium swallow showed a blockage but upper GI endoscopy showed all clear with minor spasms observed in sphincter muscle.

Still...the occurrence of food getting stuck in throat has become more frequent. Recently changed up diet and dropped 15 lbs of excess weight which I had for years. I'm an active 35 year old, have never smoked or drank coffee. Soda and chocolate are a weakness of mine. Social drinker maybe once a month. Also told that food allergies may be a culprit.

Still watching my diet and symptoms may subside but only time will tell. Anyone else have same history? From reading posts about LPR I'm thinking this may be the cause. Advice??

First time posting....Thanks!
Posted 7/21/2014 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know if you're taking any anti-acid meds (PPIs) or not, but if you do, and those end up helping with your heartburn, then that might be the cause of your food sticking. You might want to try to adjust your diet to eat more soft foods or chew your food thoroughly. You can get the same amount of calories in that way as with 100% solid foods. It's a learning process though. I had gone from 185lbs down to 145 and now back to 190lbs by just managing the reflux properly. When my LPR is not acting up, my swallowing improves as well. Still, I get ups and downs (like the last few weeks), and it's unnerving at times because once you start doing good you end up forgetting what it was like when you weren't doing as good. Lifestyle changes can help quite a bit with these things. What helps me the most is working out and lifting weights, since that helps move the food along a lot faster than if I was just sitting around. I'm an active 32 year old myself. Good luck.
Posted 7/22/2014 12:44 PM (GMT 0)
No, haven't needed to take PPI's in the past 10 years at least....pepto-bismol twice a year maybe?? Lifestyle change has helped yes....but still ups and downs as you noted. Learning to chew thoroughly and exercising as well which speeds digestion. Can't complain to much....my body is forcing me to eat healthier and exercise!
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