Here is some information about GERD that I have shared with others in this group which you might find useful:
IBS and GERD often go hand in hand. Have you taken a look at the FODMAP diet? FODMAPs are carbohydrates found in some fruits and vegetables - there may be specific ones that are causing you problems- they enter your colon undigested, bacteria feed off them and create gas as a by product. This gas can build up pressure in your system and weaken the valve that sits between your stomach and your throat allowing stomach contents and acid to flow back. This is normally under the guidance of a nutritionist via GP referral - this may not be possible at the moment so you can read about it online. If you download the Monash University FODMAP app it will tell you which foods contain FODMAPs and in what quantities.You eliminate all FODMAPs for 2 weeks which should help to alleviate symptoms and then introduce them in small amounts one by one for 3 days and then wait up to 4 days for symptoms. I go much slower than this - only introducing a small amount of the same food for 3 days and then increase if tolerable or no symptoms and cut back to the previous amount if symptoms for longer and then increase again. I've read your microbiome can adapt to handling a new food if introduced very slowly.
I have been on Alflorex probiotic (scientifically studied for IBS and available on a free 2 month trial on joining theibsnetwork.org) and my stomach is more settled and I am able to tolerate more foods - you could give this a go prior to doing an elimination diet. If you have a bit of overgrowth of bad bugs in your gut (we all have good and bad bacteria - the good should have the upper hand), these can feed off FODMAPs and give symptoms such as pain. Probiotics like Alflorex can bring things back in balance. I have heard Symprove works for some people too.
You can also raise the head of your bed by 20cm using sturdy plastic bed risers found on the internet or a bed wedge pillow to keep the contents of your stomach there overnight (though in time the pillow put pressure on my hips).
I have taken PPIs in short bursts (no more than 6 months at a time) to help heal my throat - this was before I found the FODMAP diet. Possibly you've had IBS all along - a bit of malabsorption of foods creating gases which has then resulted in GERD. However, it probably isn't a good idea to be on PPIs long term. Nexium was the PPI that worked best for me - it's the most expensive which is why they don't prescribe it straight away.
There are some theories that GERD is due to low stomach acid. My gastroenterlogist refuted this. I have tried Betaine HCL and apple cider vinegar separately to compensate but these just made my pain worse. It can be done as a test to see how you get on but maybe not pin your hopes on it.
Stress is a factor. I've read scientific papers that say that stress doesn't increase the amount of acid in the stomach, but makes the nerve endings in your throat more sensitive to a normal level of acid and cause pain. This type of pain also exists with IBS - where the brain erroneously picks up normal activity of the bowel as pain. This is where nerve pain agents come in.
Sorry to hear you have been suffering. Please take heart in that there is loads out there that can help you. Just a case of hitting on the right thing. You might also find information on this website useful:
I suffered stomach pain , gas ect and put it down to ibs then started vomiting and found out I'd had an inflamed gallbladder I'm awaiting surgery but untill then have the ibs type symptoms . Might be worth checking with your Dr ?
I have the same issues. I feel exactly the same as I tend to loose hope everytime symptoms come back...
I suspect I might have IBS and some kind of lactose intolerance...
xjrs has shared some amazing info & guidance and I am definitely going to give it a try. Had tests, endoscopy, different PPis as lanzoprazole, omeoprazole and finally esopremazol (Nexium) that also worked best for my symptoms but I I don't wanna be forever on those!!!
Do not be sorry. It is very difficult to deal with it and mostly alone alone all the time.
It is such a relief to have found this site where at least we can share our experiences and information, so we can suggest something to our doctors. Sometimes it is hard to translate in words the pain and get symptoms fully explained.
Yup seem you've been through the same bunch as I have.... Only think I found make any difference to my life was Salmon Sashimi and rice soup or congee. I guess the first has a massive amount of omega 3 oils that lower inflammation and the latter is very easy to digest.. neither are exactly a recipe for an exciting life... Well if you come up with something that works let us all know and I'll endeavour to do the same!
Sounds like you may have some food intolerance issues. I found bread/ wheat and corn/maize were triggers for my asthma. Caused mucas and cough. They call it the reflux cough. H2 blockers worked well when I had a flair up. Zantac and ranadine have been discontinued but there are others which I am now waiting for a prescription for. All the best.
Hi there. Sounds like you are going through an awful time. Have you had endoscopy done. If not ask for one. It would put your mind at rest. What meds are you taking? Gaviscon advance is good for calming things down. All the best
Thank you for ur messageI asked for endoscopy numerous times , but gp wouldn't refer me .( I had one about 8 years ago ) all was fine , just weak LES ( sphincter).
Now all they say HPYLARI caused gastritis ( treated about a year ago ) so that it , I m stuck .
I feel for you. I’ve been suffering with reflux issues and IBS for 4 years- constantly in pain, bloating, burping etc. No matter what I eat - same thing.
I had The infection last year. Apparently can take up to 1-2 years to get stomach back to normal? I’ve tried everything even Ppi. Apparently mine is all for anxiety!
Try taking probiotics may help ease pain. I’m taking some. I know for sure now can’t eat too much fibre. All I eat yesterday was healthy fibre - can’t eat meat or fish because my reflux hits the roof. Forced vegan!
Slippery elms is what I’m trying at the moment and I’ve tried solcol gel - that seems okay. I’m guessing my stomach lining is really sensitive.
I am near enough same age. They say anxiety because they want to give drugs and be end of it. None of ppi have worked for me nor has any of the antidepressants got rid of reflux symptoms. What i supposedly have is Functional Heartburn. Something that struck me rather than taking antidepressants- the question should be “what is making you so unhappy” I’ve got lots to be thankful for but I’m not in a happy situation. Need to sort my life out.
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