I'm 16 years old, and I've been having problems with G.E.R.D since I was 12. I've been on Rinitidine and currently on Prevacid, my doctor wants me to finish my prescription before I switch to Nexium, although I've heard some concerning things about Nexium and side effects. My biggest problem is trouble swallowing. Whenever I cry or yell, it moves and bothers me. It cannot be coughed up, or swallowed down. I don't know anyone else who has this problem, and it really sucks. It awful to be sick and alone and not knowing whats going on. My biggest concern is not being able to live the life that I want to live. Any advice would be well appreciated. I constantly feel strong "pushes" of acid up into my throat. I have heartburn, and for about 3 weeks on the Prevacid I felt fantastic, and then it just kind of stopped working. Now I just feel plain bad. Everytime I swallow I have to belch afterwards. Eating is a constant chore. I don't want to be a prisoner of this. Please help. :confused:

don't panic. there are a lot ot treatment options out there, just have to find what works for you. And sometimes, you are gonna hurt no matter what. Just realize what it is and try to be calm about it. I know its frustrating especially if you don't understand what is happening to you. Also, reading the boards is great, but realize everybody is different and what works or doesn't work for someone else may work for you. Set an appt with your Dr. and take a list of questions with you and make sure they answer what you need to know. That should help with any anxiety.

Thank you for your response fishertimm! It's too bad so many people have this problem.

If it makes you feel any better, things do get better with time, and after treatments. If it gets really bad, depending on if you have a hiatal (sp) hernia or not, they can even do an operation.

But I am 24, and I had GERD all my life. Right now I am pregnant, and I can't really take my meds....it's aweful, but I live with it. I drink lots of maalox and take a ton of tums.....but that doesn't get rid of the acid reflux sensations, and sometimes I wake in the middle of the night choking on it...it's aweful, so I try to sleep sitting up...which helps. It's worse because baby is pushing up on my tummy...

But I can tell you it's something you learn to live with, and after a while it becomes almost second nature dealing with it. YOu take new meds, you try new stuff, but it's something you can deal with and handle :) Take it from someone who's dealt with it a loooooong time (and with no option for remedy until baby comes out!)

Hang in there and be strong and soon it won't even phase you anymore, like me :) It's annoying...and I envy people without it...but what can ya do.

I understand. I've had mine all my life I think but it became a problem 4 years ago. Have you guys heard of a motility test in terms of gerd?