I've had GERD for many years and I have recently had a bad flare up after having gastroenteritis end of October 2017. The doctor told me the process of vomiting, upset the esophagus, sending it into painful spasms. That's why I'm scared of getting tummy bugs. I suppose I made my esophagus worse at times by eating wrong foods but at the same time, it's also been eating foods which I wasn't aware upset me eg cream mushroom soup which when reading the ingredients contains double cream which I hadn't realized. I'm now really trying with my diet to eat bland foods because I can't put up with this pain much longer. I take esomeprazole 20 mg but have had to double the dose. All I want is for the pain to go.- So pleased I found this forum as I feel very much alone with this.

The juicing was recommended by a co-worker, specifically celery. I have to say it worked, at least it helped me get through the tough spell I was in.

Update: decided to switch to Dexilant a few weeks ago. My reflux symptoms are soooo much better. I cannot contribute it solely to Dexilant, however, perhaps if I had stayed with Protonix it would have been the same, who knows.

My heartburn is mostly gone - except for one bad night a week ago I've had no more sharp pains and almost no heartburn. I still have some fullness in the throat at times, but it is manageable.

For the past few weeks I have only been taking: Dexilant once a day; digestive enzymes with meals; and DGL when I feel like heartburn is coming on. That's it. I haven't juiced or drank aloe juice or ACV.

My diet has gotten more diverse, in fact I just had skyline chili today for the first time in probably a year, feel great (so far). I still don't drink coffee, don't eat chocolate, and have decreased my alcohol intake significantly.

I still get occasional palpitations while resting (had it checked out a while ago) and I'm not sure if it's related to the GI issues or what,.

Anyone else have heartburn and palpitations?

I am so sorry. When I get to this point, I'm often angry at anyone close to me who wants to digest one more thing, as if I'm not doing them all. Than a friend of a friend had me try something when I was having an attack at her house one day. Pleasantly surprised it helped, but don't know protocol for sharing that on here. Not a long term fix but st those times when pain, reflux could go either way these do often help. Still, after first of year, I know I'm headed for LES surgery. The acid can bubble up, like boiling pot of water, for hours, leaving me with something like scalding burns on my throat, and fighting a cough for days. Blessings for you.

Hello papelle, I am so happy I ran across your post even though I know it is old. I too deal with Gerd and esophageal dysmotility. I got really sick in 2011 and after that got better however I am now 6 yrs later dealing with the sickness again. I have developed anxiety issues as well. I have never heard of many people dealing with what we deal with. How are you doing now, have you gotten any better and if so what did you do to get better.