Feeling HOPELESS w/ GERD and Shortness of Breath

[IcantBreathe]

I have been dealing with this for almost 7 yrs. Almost constant shortness of breath b/c of GERD. 4 endoscopies show nothing but the polyps you get from PPI's. I had the upper GI series and it confirmed - bad reflux. I had the pH test and it confirmed - bad reflux. But no one is doing anything for me. Do I need to have the manometry? And how can i find more info on the vagal nerve. This all started when I had walking pneumonia. This is no way to live. I can't do anything anymore b/c of SOB. Any help is appreciated.

[MountainReader]

I had a manometry at the same time as my 24 hr PH. It just confirmed my esophageal sphincter isn't closing correctly. That is probably the case for you if the PH already confirmed you have reflux.

For me monitoring my diet and upping my dosage of PPI to two times per day helped get it under control.

I also found out I have asthma. I had to get both under control because for me one flares up the other.

[Vanessa74]

Like Mountain I found out that I have asthma (though the jury is still out on whether that is true or not) and GERD.

Unfortunately for me PPI's (I tried 4 different ones) gave me to many side effects (severe headaches, dizziness, nauseous, body aches, chest tightness) so I cannot not take them daily.

I also had to stop taking a certain type of HBP medication (beta blocker) because it was effecting both my breathing and making my reflux worse. I also take an extra strength Pepcid A/c AM & PM. I supplement with a B Vitamin complex and magnesium.

I have REALLY modified my diet removing almost ALL no no foods. I am careful about what I eat and when (no eating three hours before bed) - I sleep propped up, try to maintain good posturewhile walking and especially while sitting at my computer. I do not smoke or drink and I am not overweight.

All of this has helped some - enough to make it tolerable. If it gets really severe I will take PPI's for about a week to get it back to tolerable levels.

For me chest tightness (like a belt being wrapped around me) and HORRIBLE breathing problems are my main symptoms of reflux and GERD and I HATE THEM.... I am on asthma medications but they do not seem to help this (they do seem to help when I get bronchitis or a bad cold) - but not for this. I have a hiatal hernia that developed after I did not heal correctly from having my gallbladder removed my dr. says that makes my problems worse - but not bad enough for surgery -- yet.....

I have read on these very boards that you can get an infection of the vagus nerve after having a respiratory infection. If you search here you may be able to find it because it was not too long ago.

Best of luck to you - I hope that you find something that works for you soon.

[flowergirl2day]

Hi I can'tbreathe,

4 endoscopies show nothing but the polyps you get from PPI's.

Would you please explain what symptoms (if any) to watch for after the polyps develop, and what can be done about them? Also, how long had you been on the PPIs before the polyps started?

You are not alone in having breathing difficulties. Many of us on this board are on the same boat. My doctor mentioned that the vagus nerve can cause all sorts of difficulties and chest pain. I wonder if I'd had an infection in the past - when having severe breathing problems with pain in the lungs- that might have infected this nerve also. Does this infection, once it occurs, run its course and go away, or is the nerve permanently damaged as a result? I think my breathing, though much improved, is starting to change.

Hang in there!

flowergirl

[Vanessa74]

Oh Flower,

I hope that your breathing continues to be good - I will pray.

I have read that once the vagus nerve gets infected and/or damaged it can be VERY difficult to heal - and takes quite a LONG TIME. I am wondering if that is part of my problem and will brng it up with my Dr. next time.

I have also read that having surgeries in that area (for me my gallbladder) can cause Vagus Nerve Damage as well

Have a good day.

Vanessa