GERD is ruining my life? Experiences and suggestions?

[Anonymous]

At the beginning of this month I was diagnosed with GERD. For anyone who doesn’t know, GERD is basically a acid reflux disease that people typically deal with long term. Meaning my stomach isn’t properly holding down the acid that is in my stomach, which caused horrible chest pain and is now effecting my throat with bumps and mucus that I’m constantly trying to clear out my throat. I was told to take 40mg of Omeprazole everyday. I’m kind of worried of being committed to taking this medication daily with reading the side effects that it could have on me over a long period of time. Including kidney diseases, spinal problems, joint pain, and wrist pain. I’m 19 years old and this is effecting my daily life. I’ve lost 10lbs so far just this month because I’d rather not eat than eat and have horrible chest pain that burns and feels like someone is sitting on my chest. Every now and then I will break down and cry because of the thought that GERD can cause stomach ulcers and even cancer if not properly being taking care of. I’m worried the medication is doing nothing for me and I’m just sitting here letting it get worse that can potentially lead to a much more serious problem. If anyone has experience this or has any suggestions please help me.

[Anonymous]

I have not personally had experience with it, but I know people that have. Many cases are incorrectly diagnozed and the medication provided innefective. You mentioned the risk of ulcers and stomach cancer... but the medication they give you is what causes that, not so much the condition.

The problem is that the medication can make you feel better while not helping the underlying problem, or the root cause. 40mg of Omerprazole is very likely to make things worse, eventually result in a hiatus hernia or worse. The other issue is that coming off the medication too quickly causes sensations similar to the originally misdiagnozed illness.

In most cases the problem is caused by a lack of stomach acid, not too little. When there is not enough stomach acid, the The lower esophageal sphincter (or LES) does not close properly and this means undigested food and the little stomach acid there can find its way up the esophogus causing pain. It also means that the H. Pylori bacteria can grow out of control. Undigested food that ferments can also cause a similar burning sensation.

Also the H. Pylori bacteria is linked to reflux / hernia and it is the stomach acid that keeps it under control... so the medication they give you that reduces stomach acid will likely allow that bacteria to grow even more making hiatus hernia / ulcer more likely.

I am not a Doctor, and I do not know your history so take my comments at your own risk.

Everything becomes more complicated once you begin the medication and if you look around, you will see that almost every person on it also ends up with hiatus hernia.

What you need to ask yourself is this. Stomach acid declines consistently as we age, it's scientific fact. Yet they give you medication that stops the production of almost all stomach acid (PPI). If the problem is caused by too much acid why is the main bacteria associated with hiatus hernia and reflux one that thrives in low stomach?

The answer is patents and money... Anyone that thinks the solution lies in Omeraprozale is in for a very rude awakening. The main reason why people need to make diatery changes is because their stomach acid continues to decline and thier ability to digest different foods diminishes.

[turnpost]

Wth do you know you dont have the condition nor are you a doctor.

That acv "cure is complete bs"

[Opinion Owner]

@turnpost Two things I've very clearly stated above although you missed out the part where I said 'I know people that have it.'

For anyone else who wishes to look at another opinion. I recommend the book 'Why Stomach Acid Is Good for You: Natural Relief from Heartburn, Indigestion, Reflux and GERD by Jonathan V. Wright and Lenard.'

[turnpost]

No i didn't miss it. Hence why I said your not dr. nor do you have the condition.

F your book. You rambling quack.

[Opinion Owner]

@turnpost May God bless your soul with health, prosperity and much peace. And may you be healed fully in the name of Jesus.

[turnpost]

Well Thank you. And to you as well.

[turnpost]

I tried the ACV thing, it really messed up my throat.

Most foods are acidic, you can just eat chocalate can get your acidity there.
most vegetables are basic but just barely. There is a lot of wishful and delusional thinking on the internet and companies just purposly not research these comorbities just for profit.

Changing the diet made huge differences for me. Its a struggle though.

[Opinion Owner]

@turnpost You're welcome. Thanks for the returned blessings, much appreciated.

There are other forms of ACV, for example tablet form and also the stomach acid supplement itself in HCI tablet form. But that would all depend on whether there were ulcers present or not, H-Pylori growth etc.

Most of the book I mentioned talked about the digestion process, discussed the drugs, with references and studies and then talked about all kinds of potential treatment including the one you mentioned about diet. It's not so much about acidic food, it's more about the normal production of acid in the stomach. They mentioned enzymes too.

I think iodine deficiency may have links to stomach issues as well. I haven't researched this yet but claims are made from the following website that are interesting:

tennantproducts.com/.../the-importance-of-iodine-and-stomach-acid-for-proper-digestion-p-insights-from-dr-jerry-tennant

Iodine and Stomach Acid Production

'Dr. Tennant teaches about the role of iodine in the production of stomach acid, explaining that iodine deficiency can lead to insufficient HCl production, which may contribute to various digestive issues.

Iodine is required for the formation of the compound "chloride", which is a key component of HCl. When the body lacks sufficient iodine, it may not produce enough chloride, thereby decreasing stomach acid production. This can result in indigestion, bloating, heartburn, malabsorption of nutrients, and an increased risk of infections.'

[turnpost]

There is so much mal information out there. ACV through through made it worse. I maybe that few that has zollingers but ACV totally screwed me over.

[turnpost]

Mixed vegetables and eating healthy. Both of which are more alkaline.

Any time anything acidic it went bad. You can read some bs articles out there sleeping on decline helps. I can tell you first hand no it doesn't, not in the slightest.

[Opinion Owner]

@turnpost Yes it will depend on a lot of factors as to what will work. This is why everything should be investigated to find out whether it's low acid, high acid or some other issue.

[turnpost]

You can't try everything, in this life you got only one body one shot, you f that up your done, the damage that happens here doesn't grow back.

So no everything can't be investigated you just try your best with what you got.

[GetzRekt]

It can be managed and, if necessary, you can have surgery to stop it happening. You have options, it's not a death sentence. You will need to make dietary changes and maybe some lifestyle changes, as I'm sure you're aware. If you are overweight then you will benefit from getting your weight down.

[Asker]

Thank you it is much appreciated!

[Melodie_Flowers]

I have the same issues. I've had to change my diet and do a complete clean up of what I consume.
I now avoid acidic fruits and food, even juices. I make sure to drink lots of water, herbal teas, and stick with cooling snacks I call them (like cuecumbers, apple slices, granola bars, cold oatmeal, etc) things that aren't heavy on my stomach, but things I can still consume.

I don't eat 3 meals a day, I've turned to more of snacking often (about 5-7 times) and eating smaller portions, so I make sure to keep the same nutrients, calories, and healthy fats too.
Try to avoid coffee, alcohol, fatty foods, or fried foods. It takes time but you have to distinguish what diet works for you, and what you can and cannot handle.

I kept a journal for 5 months, until I finally figured out what I can / cannot eat and what I am able to handle.
I have various other chronic medical conditions that get in the way of my appetite as well, so itd hard for me to eat often, but i do my best.

Start journaling, detailing what foods make you feel what way, and hopefully you can find a better handle on this condition.
Also, the meidication can cause some pretty bad side effects too, especially if you don't eat!
This medication takes some time and consistency of use in order to notice differences, so take it each day at the same time with plenty of water.
Your healthcare provider would not have given you this medication if they felt you were at high risk of developping one or multiple of those effects from long term use.
I have been on Tecta, and Omerpazole has helped me the most. Again, it takes a while to work, but it's worth it.

I've used it for just about 2 years now. I do have other meds I need to take daily, but the omeprazole has been a blessing for my life.
If you're really concerned and not comfortable, speak with your doctor about it. There may be something else you could try!

[Asker]

Thank u so much this was very helpful! I am now on my 6th day taking the medication in a row but I do notice that today I’ve have some pretty bad chest pain. My chest feels almost as if it’s dry and burns, should I be concerned?

[Melodie_Flowers]

I woldn't be concerned about it yet, it's only day 6 and I believe my dr told me that medication can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks in order to be able to regulate the stomach acid and prevent the heartburn and acid reflux.
I went through a few rough days when I was starting it, only because I wouldn't eat enough or drink enough, and the medication made me feel worse.
So be sure to drink a glass of water (like a decent sized glass) with your meds. See if it helps!

If you're still concerned or your issues get worse, return to your doctor and get a professionals advice. I hope the medication works! GERD sucks, but you can get through it! Stay positive and try to make those changes bit by bit. Good luck :)

[MORPHEUS_12]

So what else are you prepared to do to resolve this without an acid reducer or PPI? I personally tried everything from losing weight, raising the head of my bed, changed my diet, exercised and I still had issues. Taking a PPI has helped me greatly. I personally think that your are overdramaticly looking at the side effects. I know someone who died of esophageal cancer because the stomach acid erroded the lining. It's not pretty either way. There are babies who have to be on PPI so surely the positives outweigh the risks.

[turnpost]

There are babies who are on ppi, because they did not consent to it.
doesn't mean they won't get the side effects.

However we do what we can with we have. Eating clean made the biggest different. Sleeping at an angle help but now my lower back is hurting.
.
I get risers reflux which is supper annnoying as wel

[Anonymous]

How are you now? Did GERD cured for you?