drinking and GERD - Acid Reflux / GERD Message Board

Wendy88 · 08-24-2005, 09:00 PM

hi all -
im new to this particular board... I have had GERD for years now...
Im 30 and need endoscopies every 4 years....#3 is on the 8th of Sept.
when i was in my 20's I partied a lot, which i think helped bring on GERD...sometimes I even blame myself for getting GERD, not really logical since my mom, grandmother and sister all have it (my sisters symptoms started at the same age as mine did.) Anyhow when this first happened I had to be on a very strict diet for 9 months to heal my espophagus (this was @ 4 years ago)....which I took very seriously.
anyhow- my symptoms are usually under control w/ meds. In fact, all Ive ever really suffered from is the lump feeling in the throat...rarely actual burning reflux. The feeling was gone for a long time, but it's back. Now, Im nervous for my endoscopy. Im terrified of getting barretts esophagus etc. I try to take care of myself (i just quit coffee 3 weeks ago)... but I do drink @ once a week (my doctor does not like this)...but I still want to live my life. Of course, I dont want something to be wrong and then I'll once again feel like I did it to myself. anyone else grapple with these feelings?
any kind word are appreciated so I dont worry too much! Im a HUGE worry wart. as some of you know, anxiety exaserbates the fullness in the throat!
Thanks so much!

vintagegirl · 08-25-2005, 07:13 AM

I know exactly how you feel about giving up coffee.

It has always been one of those "comforts" that makes every day just a little easier to get through. I am down from 3-4 cups a day to one every other day. I usually have a reflux episode afterward (or assume I did...I don't feel heartburn, but I have the coughing). I have just sent away for a sample of 100% acid free coffee to see how if it will bother me. Just google it. Have your considered surgery? There's something called the EndoCinch out there, Enteryx, and the Stretta. They're different than the fundo nissen (sp?)---which everyone I have read of---was not happy with. You are so young, it might be an idea to check out these options. Good luck~

Wendy88 · 08-25-2005, 11:30 AM

hi!
I will look into the acid free coffee. wow!! Maybe I'll ask my doctor about it. I really miss it, but now it's like a personal challenge! I dont want to give in! I had a migraine for 3 days for my withdrawl, but now im ok. My doctor and I did talk about the surgery, but honestly, it was long ago and I cant remember why we werent going ot do it. I guess cause for now I was under control witht he meds. we will have to see what happnes with the next endoscopy.
As far as carbs, I eat a normal amouth. I try to have whole grain stuff. I did South Beach for a while I dont really know if it helped. Like i said, its really the lump in the throat that gets me. I did have gastritus and esophagitus at the time I was diagnosed, but I think that may have resolved itself. i know the tissue damage was resolved. but , well... I guess its back now.
I will be talking to him about diet modifications when I have my next appt. If cutting carbs will help, I'll do it. We are also trying to figure out if I have IBS and what my triggers are for that... could be another bread issue.