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.

1,131 Members

1,903 Posts

0 Online

DDD88 09/19/2016

Hi , I really would appreciate anyone's help... So I assume I was diagnosed with Gerd back in the days when I was 18. So for 10 years I have had it and got heartburn once in a while. A few years I had to be on PPIs for a few months and I easily was off of it. TO be honest I didn't even pay attention to anythning and stopped when I got better.

So now I am on Lanzoprazole for the past year or so, I can't say that it gets any better but I really want to wean off. I have reflux every single day multiple times a day no matter what I eat. I think I got used to this. ALso I have noticed that oatmeal or anything but not smoothies (or cold food) actually just makes it worse as it just sits in my stomach.

I have gained weight being on Lznaoprazole. And when I say I am a health junkie I mean it . Strict healthy diet (cold brew coffe only guilty!) and excercise every day (sometimes twice- and we are talking Soul Cycle and Barry's Bootcamp). I also wake up in the middle of the night to eat or drink milk just to wash off that feeling in my esophageous.

1) Did anyone has a surgery so far? There is this new non-invasive option which has been on the market for a little over a year?

2) How did you wean off the medication? Did you experience reflux every day?

3) I was told that my problem is relaxed lower sphincter :(

Lesleygm 09/30/2016

Yes,, the PPI thing is a challenge. It may be that you can manage without them at some point. It is a good goal to have. You need to get your B12 checked and calcium levels. I think PPIs are one of the most common prescriptions. Reducing acid in the stomach can create more bacteria and an inability to digest some nutrients. So work toward getting off them if you can and move toward Zantac instead and the mastic gum. I think you can do it. The stress issue is the number one cause of these problems I think. Just keep working at it. If you have had a lot of stress in your life I also think it can weaken the esophagus over time and cause gastritis. If you cant get off PPIs try not to stress too much over it. Life is short anyway. Too short too always worry about what could happen. You may get some bone loss and low B12. But you have to weigh out that against possibly ending up with something more serious from chronic reflux and gastritis. If you have any erosion of the esophagus you need to stay on the PPI until the symptoms get way better and then wean down to Zantac. It is not an easy road and the choices are not easy and life can be this way. This issue is depressing. Just do the best you can and start to have some fun! Stay on the ppi until you feel a lot better then see how the esophagus looks and try the Zantac method at some point. The mental part is the area that really needs to be worked on to stop a lot of the symptoms.

Do more yoga and walking. Remind yourself.. you are young and should be having fun at this stage in your life and dont obsess about this all the time. Do your best to take control of your stress and anxiety. That will help you a lot. Go to a therapist if you need to.

Gastritis is tricky. Sometimes you can eat or drink things that others can not.

Yes this site was way more active before they changed it to this type of site about 4 months ago. This one is way less user friendly and you cant see all the old posts as easily at all.

I know this is all hard. You are on the right track.

DDD88 09/30/2016

Hi Lesley-
I almost got very upset that I didn't see your comment this am.
Yes, Bought mastic gum. It tastes yuck but I will manage it.
Maybe you are right about the PPIs I tried and guess didn't work for now. I read lots of articles saying that it actually doesn't decrease any risks. Also read lots of articles about how dangerous it is to have GERD at such an early age and that it increases potential risks. Meanwhile, my doctor supports me saying that I shouldn't worry, that I should live my life and that he doesn't see any need to worry at this point. He even mentioned that I don't need a scope for many-many years:)

But after I tried to wean off there is that terrible feeling in the throat and the worst and most scary thing is that I have liquids in my mouth in the am.
But you are totally right. I do stress out about it so badly. Every single day I think about it because there was no day I was symptom-free.
And I want to have a child and feel like my life is over.

Thank you for listening. Argh therapists... have been to a few , don't seem to care:)

Have a lovely weekend!

Join the Conversation