S
snikkle
Guest
I've been reading several posts this week as I am feeling terrible. However, I read some posts that are misleading or that have questions from people who are new to acid reflux symptoms. I thought I'd share my story...
Age 29
Female
Diagnosed with GERD severe Acid Reflux when I was 21. Took many doctors to believe that it was as bad as I was telling them. Had a choking sensation even when the A/R was under control. Finally prescribed Lexapro and never felt the sensation again! I drank coffee every day, spicy fooRAB, full-fat meals, and I love cocktails and wine/beer too!
Tests:
3 Upper Endoscopies
1 barium swallow test
1 radioisotope gastric-emptying scan
1 colonoscopy
1 fecal fat test
1 48-hour Bravo Esophageal PH test
1 Helicobacter pylori test
1 Gall bladder ultrasound
RX MeRAB I've taken:
Nexium- Works great once a day or twice if I'm really ill
Prilosec- doesn't work for me
Prevacid- doesn't work for me
Protonix- doesn't work for me
Lexapro- Took away the choking sensation
OTC MeRAB:
Tums- rarely
RolaiRAB- rarely
Mylanta- for my current flare-up
Natural Remedies:
Aloe Vera Juice- didn't work
Acidophilus- help with bloating? Not reflux
Fiber- works wonders for digestive system!
Lemon juice/vinegar- Makes it worse
My own remedies:
Gum- creates saliva- good enzymes
Sugar free candies- again, good enzymes
Pillow wedge + 5-6 pillows. I sleep on my back at a slight reclining position. Even without symptoms lying down flat will make me feel the burn.
* Disallowed website removed by rabroad-mod, moderator *
Deep breathing- again to relax
Humor- I know, it's hard to laugh when you aren't feeling well...
Until May of this year, I have been on Nexium once a day and lexapro (30mgs) and was able to eat whatever I wanted- no choking, no major reflux symptoms. I went off Lexapro because I wanted to see how my body would handle it...no problems until this month...OMG. I am dying all over again! I was taking Protonix for 3 weeks because I ran out of Nexium...I think that is what triggered my relapse. Choking sensation never goes away. Horrible burning and pain in my esophagus...not eating very much because water causes pain. Nexium twice a day, Mylanta, rolaiRAB. I started taking 2.5 mgs of Lexapro again and hoping that relieves the choking feeling once again. Eating carb meals with little or no meat, no dairy, no fat...the quicker my stomach is emptied after eating the better. I also am eating low acid fooRAB and chewing gum or using hard candies to get the saliva moving. Nothing but water to drink...or clear soups. Slowly starting to feel better again...but patience is so hard when you aren't feeling well.
My advice to you? If an RX med isn't working, ask for another, and another, and another. Exhaust all options before losing hope. If your Gastro doc isn't helpful or listening get another one. Beware of online sellers of A/R "Cures" etc. If it's so great, why haven't people heard about it? Listen to your body...learn your trigger fooRAB/drinks and limit or eliminate until you get your A/R under control..then slowly add them back in one at a time in moderation. Reduce stressors, exercise, laugh, and learn to relax.
Age 29
Female
Diagnosed with GERD severe Acid Reflux when I was 21. Took many doctors to believe that it was as bad as I was telling them. Had a choking sensation even when the A/R was under control. Finally prescribed Lexapro and never felt the sensation again! I drank coffee every day, spicy fooRAB, full-fat meals, and I love cocktails and wine/beer too!
Tests:
3 Upper Endoscopies
1 barium swallow test
1 radioisotope gastric-emptying scan
1 colonoscopy
1 fecal fat test
1 48-hour Bravo Esophageal PH test
1 Helicobacter pylori test
1 Gall bladder ultrasound
RX MeRAB I've taken:
Nexium- Works great once a day or twice if I'm really ill
Prilosec- doesn't work for me
Prevacid- doesn't work for me
Protonix- doesn't work for me
Lexapro- Took away the choking sensation
OTC MeRAB:
Tums- rarely
RolaiRAB- rarely
Mylanta- for my current flare-up
Natural Remedies:
Aloe Vera Juice- didn't work
Acidophilus- help with bloating? Not reflux
Fiber- works wonders for digestive system!
Lemon juice/vinegar- Makes it worse
My own remedies:
Gum- creates saliva- good enzymes
Sugar free candies- again, good enzymes
Pillow wedge + 5-6 pillows. I sleep on my back at a slight reclining position. Even without symptoms lying down flat will make me feel the burn.
* Disallowed website removed by rabroad-mod, moderator *
Deep breathing- again to relax
Humor- I know, it's hard to laugh when you aren't feeling well...
Until May of this year, I have been on Nexium once a day and lexapro (30mgs) and was able to eat whatever I wanted- no choking, no major reflux symptoms. I went off Lexapro because I wanted to see how my body would handle it...no problems until this month...OMG. I am dying all over again! I was taking Protonix for 3 weeks because I ran out of Nexium...I think that is what triggered my relapse. Choking sensation never goes away. Horrible burning and pain in my esophagus...not eating very much because water causes pain. Nexium twice a day, Mylanta, rolaiRAB. I started taking 2.5 mgs of Lexapro again and hoping that relieves the choking feeling once again. Eating carb meals with little or no meat, no dairy, no fat...the quicker my stomach is emptied after eating the better. I also am eating low acid fooRAB and chewing gum or using hard candies to get the saliva moving. Nothing but water to drink...or clear soups. Slowly starting to feel better again...but patience is so hard when you aren't feeling well.
My advice to you? If an RX med isn't working, ask for another, and another, and another. Exhaust all options before losing hope. If your Gastro doc isn't helpful or listening get another one. Beware of online sellers of A/R "Cures" etc. If it's so great, why haven't people heard about it? Listen to your body...learn your trigger fooRAB/drinks and limit or eliminate until you get your A/R under control..then slowly add them back in one at a time in moderation. Reduce stressors, exercise, laugh, and learn to relax.