Struggling with GERD: No Relief in Sight

I am struggling very badly with possible GERD. I have completely changed my diet, lost 30 lbs (some of it because I can't eat), I take 40mg Esomeprazole twice a day and 20 mg famotidine twice a day. I am still having fairly bad symptoms to the point it keeps me up and night and just makes my life miserable. I am so discouraged and feel like I will never get my life back. Just when I think I have a handle on it, it comes back just as bad as before. Even eating plain oatmeal has caused symptoms. My temporary PCP referred me to a GI doctor, which I absolutely 100% agree I need to go and find out the root cause. However, I have to wait until I can get on insurance from my husband's work and it kicks in next year. My PCP has basically said they are not going to do anything else. I am trying to stay positive and take things a little at a time, but I am in agony for the most part and just want some relief for a little while.

Your answer

Healforhealth

1y ago

Hello! I have had a pretty rough time with GERD myself. What I found so helpful for me was adding digestive Enzymes and Betain 30 minutes before every meal. I use the brand called Standard Process and the two products I use are called Zypan and Enzycore. I also have worked to bring my vitamin D up! It helps the valve close so acid does not travel back up your esophagus. Another issue I learned about is that if your stomach acid is low, you may suffer with more GERD symptoms. The Zypan helps to make your stomach more acidic. Another helpful tip is to check and see if you have low bile. If you are, it would be beneficial to take bile salts. Acid reducing drugs are helpful if you are trying to heal ulcers or inflammation from gastritis, but if the issue is heartburn and reflux symptoms, following the tips I mentioned is beneficial. I hope this was helpful and you get some relief 🙏❤️

Chosen1618

1y ago

I use mustard and two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar before a meal and sit up for 45 mins after a meal.

TrippyCusp93

1y ago

Hi! I deal with moderate GERD, but my husband has severe symptoms almost exactly as you described. He started sleeping upright every night and that has been the one major game-changer that has made his symptoms more bearable. So I definitely recommend giving it a try! Maybe setting up some pillows or something to elevate yourself while you sleep will help, if you haven't tried that already! We're waiting on a call back to the GI doc as we speak so he can be seen again, so I understand the agony. Hang in there! Wishing you all the best~

Candyandy

1y ago

I got a pillow to help me sleep upright, and I have just started resting after I eat to give myself time to digest. Today was one of the better days. I hope your husband hears from the GI doctor soon, and y'all get it all figured out.

MichealB

1y ago

Honestly the best thing fir me when I'm having bad symptoms I'm just some regular tums. I eat 2 and go up from there if it's not enough. Pepto has helped but the tums seem to be the best fir me

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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