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.
Hello. I’m 22 years old and I was diagnosed with GERD over two years ago and it has been a struggle. Not to mention that I don't have the support I need for this disease at home(as in, no one knows what I am going through). I have dealt with a lot with GERD, including leading me to have gallbladder removal surgery last November. Sometimes antacids help me out, but other times I just have to deal with the pain and it sucks. A certain family member thinks I just have heartburn even though we have been through this journey together and it makes me feel like I'm going insane sometimes. I have been back and forth with my gastro doctor and all that happened was I had tests to check if I had ulcers etc, and she gave me some meds that didn't help. I don't know what to do and if going back to the gastro will help or not because recently my back pain has been going out of control.
This past Wednesday at around 1AM, I had severe back pain along with heartburn and no medication was working. I was up till up 5AM and it would not stop. After that it finally started to calm down, but my back pain is still there and it’s annoying. I know gerd can cause back pain, and I do get backpain with gerd, but it’s manageable. Now, it has come full force and though it has calmed down since Wednesday, it’s not going away. It’s hard for me to fall asleep and I already have a tough time falling asleep to begin with, but this pain makes it worse. I am just unsure how to handle this I feel like I’m going crazy, especially this certain family member (which I live with) making me feel like I’m being a burden with my pain or ignoring it. I know it may not be on purpose, but it feels like it.
Should I go to the primary care doctor? I mean, they can order some tests, but what if they don’t find anything? I’m unsure how to figure out if the pain is linked to my gerd or something else. I can go back to the gastro, but again what if tests are done and there is no answer. I’m going to get some more meds and take a risk? I’m not sure. I know I am in a place where I do need to find a gastro that will listen and give me meds that will help me in my daily life, but I’m unsure who to go for answers.
I’ve been dealing a lot when it comes to pain, and I hate putting stress on people when it comes to figuring out what it is. I have also been dealing with tension headaches every day, and I told my doctor and they gave me meds and surprise, didn’t help. I know I am an adult, but it feels like I’m going back and forth with doctors its hard to put effort in seeing them, especially when it puts stress on my family, and money is an issue. I know there’s a few doctors I can see, but it’s a struggle for me again with money and location. I’m just not sure if I should start with my back pain with my primary doc and go from there or remind him, I’m struggling a lot? I don’t know...
I’m sorry for this long dump, and if there is more info then needed, but I’ve been struggling with gerd for so long I thought I try a support group... and I need to first take care of this back pain and then find other ways to handle this. It’s hard especially because I have crazy bad anxiety. Any advice or stories to share to help me or guide me would be appreciated... Thank you.
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I need some plot development ideas for a book I'm writing. Here's the lead in:------@1630 she texted me, asking for gas money. "Are u at work? I have to work in a couple hours I don't have any gas barely I was wondering if u had 20$ by chance haven't been able to get any massages in I'm sorry to ask was just seeing"She agreed to meet me at the townhouse @1730. I asked her to call me before...
It's sad to hear how much you are suffering from pain. I no longer have chronic GERD, although watching my diet and stress levels is still necessary to avoid an acute episode, but fortunately, I am able to control them with inexpensive, OTC meds.
I would recommend that you select a Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) as your primary care physician. Most D.O.'s of my acquaintance are more empathetic than the M.D.'s, and they are not as fast to recommend surgery when there are alternative treatments to be investigated.
Be aware, that Osteopathy is not the same as "alternative medicine," but also that there a quacks in every field, and the "Gregory House" types are rare. If a treatment is not working for you, and the doctor is unable to suggest any other treatment option, get a referral or find another doctor.
I hope you are able to find some relief soon. Please keep us informed about your symptoms, treatments and progress, or lack thereof.
In any case, I'll keep this updated, especially when I go see my gastro, but I was wondering if people with GERD do anything to help prevent lots of nauesa with so many meds. I'm not sure if regular anti-acids help? idk. I feel like I'm taking too many meds. Anyways, again.. I'll keep updating, though it may be a bit till I get to talk about my GERD with my gastro doctor.
*has rambled on too much again*
Different things work for different people and I was lucky enough to find something that worked for me. It's been a month for me without GERD. I really don't want to bore you guys with personal details - it's truly been a long journey for me, but if anyone actually cares to hear what I've been doing then I'd be happy to help in any way. Just shoot me an email at chesterbanfield@gmail.com and I'll tell you about how things are going for me with the stuff I've tried. I wish someone would have helped me out when I was struggling to find a solution so if I can help you then it would make my day.