GERD & Heartburn Support Group
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. If you are afflicted with GERD or heartburn, join the group and find support.
On the 13th of May, I awoke from choking on acid.
I went to the Er and they did nothing for me but say take Nexium.
I later found a gastroenterologist. After an endoscopy, I was told I have strictures (which were dilated) and inflammation of esophagitis and gastritis. I also have a small hiatal hernia.
I was put on 80mg Nexium and 150mg Zantac.
I have lost 38 lbs due to not having any appetite.
I bought a wedge to put under my mattress so that I could sleep upright.
I don't eat 3-4 hours before bed.
I have only eaten a few slices of peeled apple at a time, saltines, one scrambled egg and half a piece of dry toast, boiled broccoli, attempted salmon/chicken, and a dry baked potato.
I've been drinking Smart Water for the electrolytes and also Pedialyte.
I'm constantly nauseous, bloated, and miserable.
I get this sweet taste in the back of my throat, and I can tell my throat is a it sore.
I don't think the Nexium is helping me. In fact, I feel worse since I started taking it. Before the acid reflux asphyxiation...I felt fine, aside from the occasional heartburn from highly acidic foods (tomatoes mostly).
I want to get off the ppi's but I am not sure how to heal the inflammation in my esophagus and stomach without them.
Even with them...I still feel reflux.
I've been weaning myself down to two 20mg Nexium a day and one 150mg Zantac before bed.
I would like to do something more holistic/natural, such as DGL, Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics, Apple Cider Vinegar (though I read not to use if you have esophagitis).
How do you know if you have too much stomach acid or too little?
I feel like doctors are too quick to just shove pills at me.
Please, if you have any recommendations...or if you've gone through something similar...and come off the ppi's successfully...I could truly use your advice and suggestions.
Feeling entirely defeated
I went to the Er and they did nothing for me but say take Nexium.
I later found a gastroenterologist. After an endoscopy, I was told I have strictures (which were dilated) and inflammation of esophagitis and gastritis. I also have a small hiatal hernia.
I was put on 80mg Nexium and 150mg Zantac.
I have lost 38 lbs due to not having any appetite.
I bought a wedge to put under my mattress so that I could sleep upright.
I don't eat 3-4 hours before bed.
I have only eaten a few slices of peeled apple at a time, saltines, one scrambled egg and half a piece of dry toast, boiled broccoli, attempted salmon/chicken, and a dry baked potato.
I've been drinking Smart Water for the electrolytes and also Pedialyte.
I'm constantly nauseous, bloated, and miserable.
I get this sweet taste in the back of my throat, and I can tell my throat is a it sore.
I don't think the Nexium is helping me. In fact, I feel worse since I started taking it. Before the acid reflux asphyxiation...I felt fine, aside from the occasional heartburn from highly acidic foods (tomatoes mostly).
I want to get off the ppi's but I am not sure how to heal the inflammation in my esophagus and stomach without them.
Even with them...I still feel reflux.
I've been weaning myself down to two 20mg Nexium a day and one 150mg Zantac before bed.
I would like to do something more holistic/natural, such as DGL, Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics, Apple Cider Vinegar (though I read not to use if you have esophagitis).
How do you know if you have too much stomach acid or too little?
I feel like doctors are too quick to just shove pills at me.
Please, if you have any recommendations...or if you've gone through something similar...and come off the ppi's successfully...I could truly use your advice and suggestions.
Feeling entirely defeated
I had a similar problem two or so years ago...no food would stay down..I just ate the BRAT diet and took PPI...I got relief but it flared again and again. So I feel your pain...I works call the gastro again to letthem know it's not working. Also maybe a functional medicine doctor. I'm looking into that noe.
Hugs!
I take Creon, a digestive enzyme from my GI doctor with each meal. Avoid the apple cider vinegar because of the acid. Avoid the broccoli, too much gas. Look at the diets on the gastritis board. That has really helped me a lot.
The gastritis group has several people who have a lot of knowledge about what to do or try not to do. Also they know how and when to get off the PPI's. It is really different for each of us. Good luck. I hope your feeling better soon.
You have to stick to all the GERD rules and be very disciplined with the diet. It has to be bland and boring for a very long time and stop eating more like 6 hours before bed etc.
Plain bread or oatmeal may be good for you as well as bananas. A food journal helps you to figure it all out. It takes a long time to get better and it takes a lot of discipline but it can be done. '
Check out shihonage on the gastritis site. He has a lot of good ideas for that issue. Work on the gastritis first because the longer you have it the harder it is to eliminate.