GERD and the Fear of Food

[StereotypicalPisces]

About a month ago I was diagnosed with Acid Reflux Disease after weeks of wondering why I was nauseated, bloated and belching constantly. I was put on Nexium which I didn’t respond to much and now my acid reflux had gotten so bad that I had to leave work in fear of getting sick, the acid had eroded my throat to the point of being sore and I could barely speak and my stomach wouldn’t stop hurting for days. I went to urgent care two days ago and they’ve switched my Meds to Prevacid and Carafate. And even though I’m responding much better I have become scared to eat anything and get nauseated at the thought of eating all the things I used to love. I know my digestive system has a lot of healing to do before I’m back to eating what I love but I feel like it’s brought back my anxiety in full force. At the most I used to need 2-3 Xanax a month and now my doctor wants me to take two daily to keep my nerves down while we’re figuring out what works for my stomach because anxiety can make GERD worse and vice versa.

If there’s anyone out there with both anxiety and acid reflux what do you do to feel better both physically and mentally? I hate not feeling my best at work because I’m so scared that my stomach is going to act up at any moment and scared to eat on my breaks or even at home. I’m tired of constant weight loss.

[Brannagh]

Hi Pisces

I have been through what you are going through now. When my GERD (G) first started I was unable to keep anything down except half a bagel late at night. I also found that I could eat apples. Ensure also worked. My doctor put me on Malox. Currently I’m on Tecta 40. I was working at the time and made numerous bathroom runs. I lost weight as well. I find that drinking water, especially when nauseous, definitely takes the sting out of it if you can’t keep it down. Helps to sooth the throat. Definitely stick with bland foods for the time. Even if it’s only one bite. Eat tiny meals through the day instead of attempting 3 large ones. I can understand how this increases your anxiety and vice versa. Have you been taught any focusing techniques? An idea would be to drink a glass of water and count the number of sips. Focus on the cool soothing water. You and your doctor will sort this out so you can get back to the foods you like 😊

[StereotypicalPisces in reply to Brannagh]

Thank you, I felt so alone. And I haven’t been taught the focusing tips so I appreciate it

[Brannagh in reply to StereotypicalPisces]

Are two I tend to use most. 1) Relaxation - Counting my breath. I do a four count in and a 5 count out. It helps you slow your breathing and help focus. 2) Focus - A mindfulness technique is count 5 of either colours or sounds. I use colours. Look around and find different colours while counting back from 5. Ie 5 White 4 Blue 3 Red 2 Black 1 Brown. Whatever colours are there. Can even be done while watching tv.

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I never had gerd, but I have a relative who suffered with it. Its good you are getting treatment for it and helping yourself. My family member suffered years before seeing a doctor. As for helpful advice. I saw on myth busters many years ago they tested natural remedies for sea sickness. They found ginger to be just as effective for nausea as prescription drugs. Maybe try some ginger ale or ask a doctor about ginger supplements?

[Anxiouspony12]

Yes my girlfriend gets that and gut problems too but she has virus love I would get blood tests just to rule anything out as if you feel that unwell need to check it's not medical.

[aaaggg1147]

i had severe acid reflux. i received a fundoplication surgery when i was only 14. it helped for a little bit but because my acid reflux is so bad it is still there just more light. i would definitely recommend asking your doctor about the surgery. it’s very safe and no real major side effects. i also found experimenting with foods to see what my body takes in better than other food helps a lot. i’m also planning on trying cbd oil/lotion and will let you know if it helps. hope things move in the right direction❤️

[lillyofthevalley37]

Bicarbonate of soda is alkaline I take it when I am too acidic

I have half a teaspoon with water once a day