OKnow

I was a normal person who could eat however they liked, until November 2012. I caught a cold, it turned into a sinus infection and I was prescribed antibiotics and steroids - Prednisone. After one course, they prescribed another, and well that must have been too much, because I ended up with Acid Reflux.
I didn't even know it was happening. Next thing ...I couldn't swallow, everything I ate burned my throat, my stomach hurt at night, I kept burping, I lost my appetite.
I have lost 30 pounds within 3 months.
I will probably have an endoscopy soon, after putting it off to see if medication would work.
I am writting this in order to share with you all the things that have helped me get through this:

My Computer- Great for info. and reading others similar experiences .
Thank you all for sharing your stories...it really helped me.

A Low Acid Diet - I went on a low acid diet right away. Just google it.

A visit an E.N.T - The first to diagnose GERD.

Relaxation - Deep breathing helped me when my throat was bad.

Bannanas - One of the few things that I could eat at first.

Organic Brown Rice - I like Lundberg Organic Brown Rice Cakes after my
throat healed some. Also I ate Organic brown rice,
cooked, the whole time.

Apples - At first peeled, now even with skin on.

Potatoes - These were my main lifesaver. White and Sweet - plain
No butter or oil, just salt. Baked, mashed, or boiled. Good
for when your throat is sore.

Chicken and Turkey - Fresh, baked, NO FAT. You must remove the skin.

Water - At first I drank filtered water from the fridge that I would warm to
room temperature in the microwave. Now I can drink cooler water
or herbal tea, but not too hot or cold.

Sleeping correctly - Yes, the head of my bed is elevated 6 inches. It is
important not to bend at the stomach, so just more
pillows won't do the trick. Try a wedge pillow.

I was prescribed Omeprazole for a month, but it did not work. In fact, it made my stomach much worse and did not help my throat.
I am now on Pantoprazole and I feel much better. My doctor said that the medications are an individual thing, so if one doesn't work, make sure you try another.

As far as I know the best thing for me to do now it, relax, take my meds, stay on a strict low acid diet with no cheating, try not to over use my voice, avoid any irritation of the throat, and wait.

I read from a reliable medical source that it can take 6 weeks to 6 months to heal completly.

I hope this helps everyone who is new to Gerd, and thanks for sharing.