My ENT diagnosed me as having GERD when I went to him for a snoring /apnea problem. I thought he was crazy. I had never had a symptom that I thought could have been GERD. He told me I was having it at night, so probably didn't realize it. He told me to eat several light meals and very little at the evening meal as well as to sleep an a wedge pillow. All the things I now see are ways of dealing with GERD.

About 30 days after that I had 2 stressful weeks at work in a row an BAM! Major symptoms night and day! I have a gnawing feeling right below my breast bone, coughing and one of the days at work I bent down to get a notebook off a chair and regurgitated into my throat. It was so fas and unexpected that I was lucky I didn't actually throw up. I was shocked! I also felt nauseated that whole day. I think my diet was out the window that week at a conference where they were serviing lots of fried stuff at the evening outings along with open bar. But, I"ve dealt with that fine before.

So, my question to you folks is, did your perceivable symptoms come on suddenly like this? Also, if I have this, am I doomed to always have it?

I'm 52 years old and have been healthy all my life. 10 years ago I gained some weight and could stand to lose 15 lbs max. I hate to think that my job is affecting my health. But, I guess I wouldn't be the first!

Cindy

HI Cindy! Mine came out of the blue too. I have always been healthy. But I had the flu a couple of weeks ago and have vomitted several times. I think the acid fried my throat. It came on like an asthma type thing. My throat got tight and lots of mucus formed there. It scared me. Then the burning came. I could hardly swallow a bite of food. I got on prilosec. Over the counter one pill a day. It's been 5 days and it amazing! I almost feel completely normal. Here are my factors though. I am 43 and going through perimenopause. I need to lose 20 or so pounds. I can't eat like I used too. Or late at night. I am hypothyroid now. I am stressed about losing our house, and I need to find a job. I am a massage therapist and business is almost at a stand still. All these factors leave me wide open for acid reflux.

My advice to every one is eat healthy! and DESTRESS your life!! Do what you have to , to not get this. It is a living nightmare. Hang in there! ok!:angel:

Thanks, TEdwards! I feel for you. All your stress and menopause on top of it. OMG!! You are the one that needs a massage.

I started Prilosec today. I've only had the first pill. But I have cut out spicy and fried food all day today (I"m really bad about that) and I swear I already feel better. Fingers crossed!

I am so happy for both of you - that adding the Prilosec and modifying your diets has offered you relief.

THAT IS FANTASTIC - I hope you both continue to feel better every day!

Vanessa

Thanks Vanessa! So far Prilosec has been my wonder drug and I am feeling just about normal. But I am still concerned about you. How are you feeling? I want you to be well. We have to help you find something that works for you. Tell us how things are going please. Thanks! Your friend, Tammy:)

Hi Tammy :)

Thanks so much for your concern. I had my ultrasound and bloodwork today. Once the GI gets those results we schedule the endoscopy.

My insurance company (HMO) is FIGHTING my switch from Prevacid to Aciphex (the Aciphex costs $192.00 without insurance cov) so there is no way I can get it unless they approve. The GI has to write a special request - he is VERY busy so has not had a chance yet :(

I have good days and bad - I must say though that now that I know I am being taken seriously and they are trying to find out WHAT is going on - it has helped my stress tremendously and given me some hope.

I'll let you know how my tests come out! I hope you continue to feel better EVERYDAY!

Nessa

...So, my question to you folks is, did your perceivable symptoms come on suddenly like this? Also, if I have this, am I doomed to always have it?

My perceivable symptoms existed when I was a child, occurred over the last 40 years, but disappeared almost overnight when I began cpap treatment for my sleep apnea. I eat my heaviest meals at night (sometimes before bedtime), and eat lots of spicy and acidy foods, which I love. I no longer take medication for acid, for apnea, or for anything else.

My reflux was severe prior to cpap (I would wake up and vomit or have coughing fits and vomit). I was on prescription anti acids/ppis for over 20 years...my sleep specialist told me that acid reflux is a red flag for sleep apnea and that if you treat the apnea, often the reflux diminishes or goes away. My reflux went away.

Based on what you've said, you may have only recently developed apnea and the cause might very likely have been the gain in weight (note: not all apnea is caused by a gain in weight). If weight gain was the cause, weight loss "may" cure your apnea and your reflux.

Bethsheba

Cindy, the wedge pillow may alleviate the sleep apnea.