Can GERD be real severe and last a long time? Its been more than a month already. Can someone tell me what is the worse thing I can possibly have? I cant take this anymore and Im not gonna lie, I am scared. I think I am getting depressed over this, seriously. I ate half a chicken sandwich (I'm already having trouble eating as it is) and now I feel horribly nauseous, my throat feels like gagging and I had non stop throat clearing for about an hour. I have been on Protonix for 3 1/2 weeks and seen little improvement. If anyone can respond it would mean a lot to me. Thanks.

I have been dealing with LPR for 6 months. I've been on 3 different meds with no improvement from any of them. This seems to be a really tough illness to treat. I get discouraged, also, but I still have hope that something will eventually work for me.

Hang in there!

If it helps at all, I too was in the same situation.......taking losec, ( didnt help) I started drinking a couple of gulps of cider vinegar every morning..I feel so much better, and very rarely get any type of pain or indegestion.
Been battling heartburn, throat and ears burn for many years beforehand.
Try an apple cider vinegar drink every morning.
s

Question for anyone who has GERD/Acid Reflux:

Is it normal to have throat gagging, especially after you eat and constant throat clearing? (like phlegm coming up)

HI Gar!

That is very common to have the throat clearing and feeling like something is stuck. Depending on what I eat I get the same reaction. It is often the bodies way of saying you shouldn't eat that. I've learned through process of elimination what not to eat. For you right now it may be chicken sandwiches. I can only eat baked chicken without the skin.

My GI told me that it will take 6 months for the body to heal on the inside. Each time you do something that sets it off that also sets back the healing time.

Try to pay more attention to what you are eating and perhaps look up LPR and GERD friendly diets on the internet.

Your endoscopy next week might show gastritis which would explain the nausea.

I hope you were able to eat a yogurt, jello or pudding to get something in your stomach tonight.

I hope you're feeling better!!

Hey Stimi3ak,

I am having such a hard time with this. I think I have something more serious than GERD, everyone else says otherwise and I am making it worse. I am going to call my GI on Monday and see if they can scope me anytime before Friday because the anxiety is killing me. Then after that I am going to change my GI since I am frustrated with their receptionists, they are just plain rude.

I am actually eating something but not much. I so miss drinking Coke and eating junk food, but I know its bad for me right now. Crackers, soup, chicken sandwiches, jello and toast w/syrup is my diet right now. For some odd reason I only get hungry at night.

Are you feeling better?

Hi Gar,

I have good and bad days. It depends if I try a new food outside of my safe diet.

The anxiety will make GERD worse. It is why most GERD patients get put on anti-anxiety medication. One will make the other worse and vice versa. You can read about the anxiety and GERD relationship on the internet and in plenty of books.

If you are not happy with your doctor you should change. My GI and his staff have made all the difference. I have had all the tests done that I needed and they have validated every concern along the way. None of what I have is uncommon.

Good luck!!

As you pretty well know, its hard living with these symptoms. I hope once they tell me what wrong after the endoscopy I will calm down. I just hope they dont find anything seriously wrong, which is my biggest fear right now. Thanks for your time!

Although these boards are wonderful and full of information, there is a downside.

I think it can cause ALOT of anxiety in people. Just hearing how bad some people have it and symptom after symptom.....you start to question if you have that symptom and if you are far worse over than you thought.

It helps to take a break away I think. I know its hard to do...but you will feel better.

That is a real good point. I was told to stay away from the internet and checking my symptoms. Its very hard to do though.

Gar,

There are other sources of information, if you are worried about the accuracy of what you read. Medical journals, government publications, and, most importantly, books written by experts in any given medical field. Your local library has a lot of resources (including videos) that can be put to a good use at no cost to you. I have many medical, pharmaceutical and other reference books that I find invaluable and refer to on daily basis. I research every new medication thoroughly before I ever try it. Any information obtained from the internet can be cross-referenced, thus ensuring its accuracy.
Knowledge is power. The more you know about what to expect, the better. Being informed about your condition enables you to make better choices regarding your medical care. It could save your life one day. Just my opinion. Things will get better for you. Have faith. And stay informed. :)

Ive had gerd for 30 yrs.Its under control with meds,took quite a bit of switching meds around till they finally hit on the right one.Take care.:)