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 also have a small HH and have managed this mainly without any meds. You have to prop up at night all the time as well.
It takes a really strict diet to get to a good place and then you can do really well off meds if you stick to that diet but over time you can expand your diet again.
There are some good old posts I wrote about how to get there. it took me a year and a half.