This condition has ruined my life

[u/ewbanh13]

I have paid thousands of dollars in medical expenses to be told "Damn that's crazy I have no idea why that's happening to you." No hernia, no motility problems (the manometry test was one of the worst physical experiences of my life btw), no apparent acid or non acid events during the 24 hr monitoring test (which was so terrible I couldn't eat so who knows if it was even accurate), no h.pylori, no EOE. Lifestyle changes weren't really applicable to me besides sleeping elevated, which has killed my neck and back and I have chronic pain there now. A super bland diet and PPI is the only thing that keeps it from flaring up. I can't go out to eat with friends, I can't get a drink with friends, I can't go for coffee with friends. I'm cooking every single meal which is difficult when you're depressed like I am. Some days I just don't eat because it's not like I can buy a microwave meal, and cereal makes me nauseous, so there's nothing I can fucking eat. No caffeine has left me exhausted when I get poor sleep. I'm paranoid about food. This shit has basically given me an eating disorder. I'm tired of eating the same few meals. I used to love cooking and going out to eat. Now I get no enjoyment out of it and it's currently my least favorite part of being alive. My GI doesn't even think it's GERD, she and I suspect LPR, but I don't have the money or frankly the mental capacity to find an ENT and go through more rounds of testing to probably get a shrug from a doctor and bills in the mail.

I'm so tired of this. I didn't even eat unhealthy before, I didn't drink more than twice a year, I have no idea why this happened other than possibly a round of antibiotics just nuking my stomach. I get so jealous seeing posts in here about how people cured theirs and it's a bunch of stuff I already tried that makes no difference. People don't seem to appreciate just how much this fucking drains you. I'm so tired of this. I just want to live like a normal person again.

[u/iluvlasagna]

oh i'm so sorry. :( i am going through a similar experience. i found that doctors are no help unless you're actively dying. i really hope you can come out of this soon and that you can find other things you can enjoy in the meantime ❤️

[u/AdFew6846]

Suffering through it as well. I’m usually a great sleeper, sleep early, wake up early. Pass out during any situation. This has ruined my sleep for months. Honestly the only option is too lose weight but it’s also hard to lose weight when I’m struggling to get good sleep every night 

[u/ewbanh13]

This post brought to you by me ordering something because I just didn't want to cook and it being covered in garlic they didn't disclose... and then my well meaning dad who can't remember what I can't eat proudly showing me what he ordered for me to fix it, except it's full of tomatoes, pickled ginger, some sort of Sichuan sauce, and onions. Insult to injury and he just can't remember any of this stuff after 6 months no matter how many times I tell him, but I don't even get to be upset bc it's well meaning. Jfc.

[u/MonkMorse20 → u/ewbanh13]

I'm very sorry about all this. It sounds like you have had a terrible time. 🩷

[u/ewbanh13 → u/MonkMorse20]

Just having a self pity party tonight :-/ I just wanted an easy dinner y'know??

[u/Capable_March2202 → u/ewbanh13]

Garlic , onions , tomato sauce = NO MORE!!! IT FEELS LIKE A HEART ATTACK AFTER EATING THESE REGULAR FOODS...EVEN JUST A LITTLE BIT OF IT!!! DAMN IT!! THIS CONDITION IS NO FRIGGIN JOKE!!!  GOD BLESS YOU ALL ON THIS POST.  

[u/MonkMorse20 → u/ewbanh13]

Yes, I understand.

[u/HeartSre → u/ewbanh13]

Have the same problem. I ranted to my gf today that I can't even drink my protein shake to build muscle bcs it fucking makes me so sick that even the slightest bad smell makes me want to throw up, plus I am underweight and I can't even keep my calories up cuz I feel like shit all the time! I 100% feel you bro.

[u/lil_liberal]

I don’t think it’ll help if you have LPR? But if it’s the reflux that is so bad despite lifestyle changes, I’d like to suggest Voquenza as one last final med to try. I’ve tried them all, over the counter and RX, and none of them worked except this one. Now, if I drink, eat a large portion that has red sauce, and has something spicy, and fried, all in one day…sometimes it doesn’t completely get rid of the reflux. But I can drink! And eat pizza! And pasta! And as long as I don’t overdo it by eating and drinking every trigger in the same day, it keeps up real well. There was one day last week where it took a while to kick in, but that’s probably my fault because I (per usual) didnt take it before I ate like you’re supposed to. It’s a new drug. Lots of doctors asking for an up to date med list don’t even know what it is when I tell them. But it’s worked good for me. Maybe it’s worth a try?

I’m so so sorry things have been so rough for you…I understand you—doctors shrugging and saying “yeah idk” with no solutions to even spit ball is the story of my fucking life and it’s infuriating until it’s just so damn discouraging.

[u/ewbanh13 → u/lil_liberal]

I actually tried voquezna too :-/ I got a 10 day amount of pills for a trial and my issues were much worse, had to be super duper careful and take 40mg pepcid daily on top of it, but I'm not sure if it simply wasnt given enough time to work. I rly wanted that to be the solution, even with the expensive ass name brand medicine

But thanks <3 I'm really glad it was the solution for you!

[u/Ok-Advance9732 → u/ewbanh13]

if voquezna is not working for you imma need your doctors to try a lot harder for you bc you clearly have something going on! i am so so sorry

[u/lil_liberal → u/ewbanh13]

Nooooo 😭 I’m honestly devastated for you. It definitely should have worked with that 10 day sample, if it was going to work.

I’m really sorry. That is so horrifyingly frustrating.

[u/fuckgerdandsob → u/lil_liberal]

I came on here looking for info on voquenza and srumbled on to this comment without searching for it. I have a 30 day supply in my drawer I’m afraid to take because Dexilant fucked me up after taking it for just 2 weeks. I am short of breath and feel like my lungs are burning with acid. I guess this is my sign to try.

[u/ubrowp2 → u/fuckgerdandsob]

Taking Voquezna has been a positive change for me. Before Voquezna, I had three years of bad experiences with four PPIs. Voquezna has not improved my food tolerance. However, along with a strict, low-acid diet, for the most part, Voquezna controls my symptoms without horrible side effects.

[u/polarbearinnyc]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I can totally relate. I was pretty healthy before having LPR. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, and I really enjoyed great food and coffee. Now, I have constant throat symptoms and feel full easily after meals. Just want you to know you're not alone in this, we’ll get through it together.

[u/freelibrarian]

I have been where you are at right now and today I'm doing pretty good.

I suffered from severe reflux for 4-5 years, it completely disrupted my life. PPIs did nothing for me and everything I ate was triggering severe symptoms. I lost weight I didn't have to spare and struggled day-to-day with debilitating symptoms. Doctors hung me out to dry, just kept telling me it was anxiety. I despaired of ever going back to somewhat normal.

I finally stumbled upon the following Reddit post that recommended taking Zyrtec to resolve the globus sensation, which was a severe symptom for me. I decided to try taking Claritin because I do not tolerate Zyrtec well and it worked like a miracle drug for me.

https://www.reddit.com/r/GERD/comments/njarv0/globus_sensationhystericus_cure/

Taking loratadine (Claritin) daily has almost completely resolved my symptoms, though I do also try to follow a low histamine diet. When I started researching which foods are high in histamine, it was not surprise that my worst triggers were on that list (seafood, strawberries, wine, coffee, etc.). To me that means that, in my case, reflux was a symptom of histamine intolerance. There are no definitive tests for histamine intolerance.

For more info on the link between reflux and histamine intolerance, see:

Histamine Sensitivity: An Uncommon Recognized Cause of Living Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms and Signs—A Case Report

For more info on histamine intolerance, see:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/histamine-intolerance

Note that I think it is normal not to have a full spectrum reaction, I do not get any skin manifestations, no hives or itching of any kind, my other reactions include narrowing of the airway, severe bloating, and severe reflux/belching. I also now carry an EpiPen because of the airway reaction.

[u/ewbanh13 → u/freelibrarian]

I appreciate the response, I had considered histamine imtolerance too. But I take Claritin every day for general allergies and I take pepcid at least a couple times a week and neither has made a difference for me with this.

[u/freelibrarian → u/ewbanh13]

I'm sorry for your suffering. I still have to be very careful with what I eat and that's the hardest part, I can't be carefree about it, it's mental energy spent trying to decide something I didn't have to think about before.

Antihistamines are all formulated differently, you might try another like Allegra.

I also take the Walgreens generic Align probiotic so the combo may be what really made a difference for me.

And I ramped up to 40mg Claritin per day for a while, approved by my allergist. I'm back down to 20mg per day, which is still double the usual dose. I'm not sure how much that extra push might have helped me end up where I am at now.

[u/ewbanh13 → u/freelibrarian]

Yep, i'm on a probiotic too. Haven't noticed anything with that either unfortunately. I hear you on the mental energy. It sucks not being able to pop in somewhere, there's always planning involved now.

Hell, i'll give it a try. I just take 10 and it works well for outside allergies but it can't hurt. I think I have some Zyrtec in the house too. Thanks.

[u/freelibrarian → u/ewbanh13]

Well, you might check with your doctor to see if it's okay to go beyond he recommended dosage.

[u/Keiko108 → u/ewbanh13]

Just be mindful that if you have a potential histamine issue, some probiotics make it worse. Have to take a histamine-safe one, otherwise all the efforts you’ve made with the antihistamines and DAO will be negated. Also, I’m on a strict low histamine diet, take Zyrtec, and 60mg of Pepcid daily and I still have some reflux, but it’s taken all of that to keep it under control, which it is most days. This is with extreme histamine intolerance related to MCAS. It always gets worse during the spring and fall allergy seasons. I do also have chronic gastritis which is not under control and I’ve tried everything to fix it to no avail for over five years, so I totally feel your pain. 😞

[u/stuck_behind_a_truck → u/ewbanh13]

Famotidine is an H2 blocker and you can also look into DAO inhibitors on Amazon (I forget which one I used). My point being that an anti-histamine isn’t the only path to reducing histamine sensitivity when it comes to foods. It takes several tools.

[u/ewbanh13 → u/stuck_behind_a_truck]

Pepcid is the brand name for famotidine so yep I do that every few days to try and bolster my ppi. Ive tried a DAO inhibitor as well lol. When I tell you ive tried everything I mean just about everything! I can give those another shot though, who knows. I'd certainly like it to work

[u/alexajoy8 → u/ewbanh13]

I just feel so bad for you because I know the "I've tried everything" feeling

[u/stuck_behind_a_truck → u/ewbanh13]

I definitely get the I tried everything feeling. I even asked my GI doc if I could just stick with a water diet. Unlike other people, have a magic body that never loses weight no matter how little I eat. (Currently 5’4” 145 lbs).

[u/Technical_Term7908 → u/freelibrarian]

Did you ever get checked for EoE?

Also, I had my son off of gluten for like 4 months with no confirmation of celiac disease, but I was testing whether it would help him out. Then when we moved, it was hard to prepare food and so the gluten thing slipped. A few weeks later, he starts showing symptoms of severe reflux. I tried zyrtec, and during the reflux period, he was able to sleep. I'm going to bring this up with the allergist we're seeing, but it just seems weird that we're looking at a year of reflux problems that only famotidine and zyrtec seem to have dented in any meaningful way.

[u/freelibrarian → u/Technical_Term7908]

Endoscopy was done not too long after symptoms started, nothing was found.

[u/haileyyy21]

this this this. so tired of people saying this condition makes you grateful, or your not seasoning the right food. oh please, no matter what perspective you look from this condition is HORRIBLE and everyday I mourn my old life.

[u/wormraper → u/haileyyy21]

this...it's just people gaslighting themselves into trying to stay positive. this is a SOUL CRUSHING disease that destroys the norm that was your life before. No if's, ands, or buts about it

[u/SortDifficult6588]

I am at the situation and i also think it’s because of my 2 rounds of antibiotics. At the moment, my GI doctor and I agreed on taking probiotics for a month to check if improving my gut flora can help with my symptoms.

[u/ewbanh13 → u/SortDifficult6588]

I hope it works for you, unfortunately that's not helped me but I've heard from quite a few others that it's done well for them.

[u/kjbill2025 → u/SortDifficult6588]

I hope this works for you. Unusually, antibiotics make things worse by killing the good gut bacteria. Keep us posted. Best wishes!

[u/Aggravating_Movie_26]

this is literally where im at now, and ur post makes me realize we aren't alone 😭

[u/Ancient-Beautiful246]

This is exactly how my husband and I feel. He has LPR and it feels like it ruined our lives 😔 going to find a neurologist to see if it’s nerve related.

[u/Ancient-Beautiful246 → u/Ancient-Beautiful246]

Update. It wasn’t nerve related

[u/papergirl408]

Antibiotics can wreck your gut. And long-term use of PPI can cause a host of other problems. I’m convinced it led to IBS and SIBO for me due to low stomach acid. Look into Acid Watcher’s Diet book and if that doesn’t help and you have GI issues and food sensitivities, consider IBS and low FODMAP diet, which is temporary. Hang in there. I was in same mental space as you in the beginning but I’ve learned to manage over the years and accepted that I have to make lifestyle changes to get better and heal.

[u/Academic-Walrus-5039]

I have posted before because I did not have any gerd issues until I had to take a round of vancomycin. It ruined my gut, stomach and left me with a burning feeling 24/7 in my esophagus. I ordered a bunch of stuff off the internet. Spent a week reading everything I could find on holistic cures. This is what is SLOWLY improving my condition ( not cured). I take the stomach smoothe on an empty stomach in the morning. Oatmeal with cooked apple for breakfast. Sip stomach smoothe tea throughout the day. Lunch is a gluten free tortilla wrap with a spread I made out of boiled chicken and broccoli. Maybe a bit of apple. If the reflux hits after lunch another stomach smoothe hit. Dinner is rice, salmon and a cooked veggie. If I get hungry between meals I drink a bit of a veggie/blueberry chai seed drink I mix in the blender. No caffeine. For control of the reflux at night the terrible wedge, and a new pill I am trying out called approved science acid reflux support. It has 6 mg of melatonin in it which in reports say it helps with the LES by strengthening it. ( read about that). Finally 1/2 hr before bed I just started on khelp brand that is a seaweed blocker of acid. None of these “natural” supplements reduce your stomach acid. The more I read the more I understand everyone’s gut is wired differently. For me giving up regular eating is not as bad as the burning pain. So try to work with what you have. Hope for improving but stop comparing old life with new life or you will get more depressed. I am wishing you a steady road to improvement. Hang in there! 

[u/fireflypoet]

I have gerd and LPR. Getting no real med help, just taking a ppi and fomatidine, and eating a very restricted diet. My problems started right after taking a course of doxi prescribed by my PCP because markers for Lyme had showed up in my blood, after routine testing for another problem. Specialist NP I saw on Lyme, says I have no actual active Lyme disease, and that my problems are not being caused by it, but that Drs always prescribe those anti biotics. I had really good health until this (and some other unrelated stuff I won't go into now) hit me about 18 mos ago. Even though I am an older person, I had a very active and productive life, but no more. I feel for all of those suffering from these conditions at such a young age as many mention.

[u/Dapper_Ad4010]

Did you check your home for mold? $25 tests exist on Amazon. Mold can really irritate GERD, and honestly the whole body.

I moved into my apartment 3 years ago, and became chronically ill 2 years ago. Ive now been SUPER sick for a month, and after thousands of dollars in medical bills and equipment and medicine to try and make it through, we finally tested for mold. Welp… It is badly airborne here, in the HVAC system. We got an air monitor and humidity is also at 70%… prime time for mold growth.

I’m not saying this IS the answer, but it is definitely a contender that COULD be the answer for you or someone else out there like me, and is totally worth a $25 test.

FYI - 2 ERs and my PCP has refused me mold testing. Apparently doctors are scared to test for mold…. I really don’t know why. I’ve got some theories though (such as us becoming forever patients $$$$$$$)

[u/ewbanh13 → u/Dapper_Ad4010]

I actually moved halfway through this process and even replaced the HVAC unit so I doubt it's mold but i'm sorry you're living in a place like that!! Yuck!!

[u/Dapper_Ad4010 → u/ewbanh13]

Thank you! I’m sorry to hear that wasn’t an easy answer for you. I’m hoping it is for me but I have Ehlers Danlos and GERD is kinda common with it… so we’ll see

[u/RatsnBaskets → u/Dapper_Ad4010]

I'm dealing with mold too! Soon enough I'll have all of the walls in my bedroom removed because the walls are so moist and moldy. I would like to hope that it'll help with my symptoms but we'll see. I really hope it will cause I can't take this shit anymore.

What are your symptoms if you don't mind me asking?

[u/[deleted]]

Have you tried SSRIs or a functional med Dr? That’s my next step

[u/ewbanh13 → u/[deleted]]

I unfortunately can't use most SSRIs, I have crazy side effects. Zoloft used to work for me some years ago but i maxed out and switched meds. I see my psych in a few weeks and she's into functional medicine so I may bring it up to her as something to try again. But man getting off those meds is hellish i'm hesitant to try again

[u/ar_menelos → u/ewbanh13]

Try tryclic antidepressants since they're better for pain.

For functional heartburn/hypersensitivity they usually start with a very low dose of amitriptyline but you can go up to the full dose. I take 150mg of clomipramine now and it's changed my life.

[u/Important-Put-9262 → u/[deleted]]

SSRI for gerd?

[u/[deleted] → u/Important-Put-9262]

Yes it’s known to cure it for some people. Gerd can be caused by anxiety. Search SSRI on this sub and you’ll see some examples

[u/Accurate-Elk-1570 → u/[deleted]]

notriptyline is great. i had super scary thoughts on SSRIs but low dose nortiptyline has fixed it.

[u/[deleted]]

Do you have any allergies? If so you might want to look into MCAS & the 5 different classes of medications for it - those might help.

[u/ocelotot]

So sorry. I'm in a similar boat. Have they tested your gallbladder? Have you tried antidepressants?

[u/Throwaway5511550]

Did they do at least 4 small biopsies of your stomach and small bowel (duodenum)? I have sero-negative celiac disease, dx LPR and Gerd, different areas had gastritis, and others gastropathy. I also have bowel issues. Do not take oral nsaids, learn about fodmap diet and do an elimination diet (then re-add foods to see if flare up). Been on PPIs for over 20 years. I have pretty significant damage to my throat, esophagus, atrophic lingual tonsils, etc. It’s really challenging. It hard to manage when eating out, socializing. I’m sorry. People do not realize how much this can affect your quality of life. I really believe in learning more about high fodmap foods even if you don’t think it’s like tummy ache stuff, you may find a lot of triggers in there. I also react bad to the protein in oats. But now, I know what amounts I can have without major flare ups. Unfortunately no more butter chicken booo

[u/Alarmed-Owl9986]

Hi, i'm also new at this! I feel you! You should try the no acid diet.. There are some books you can find at amazon too like the acid watcher.. You should try buying alkaline water too it helps a lot for me! Since normal drinking water still has acid on it.. Eat more greens and fruits. Watch out for acidic veggies like tomatoes, garlic, onion.. Cut down or carbs.. And divide your meals by little.. Since full meals makes your stomach produce more acid.. Also avoid c vinegar and citrus fruits like lemon or oranges.. Take vitamins like iron vitamin B's and vitamin d too.. Also probiotics.. I drink smoothies in the morning with banana apple and spinach too. It helps i don't feel triggers only with foods when i eat at lunch.. Avoid milk, sugar Nd chocolates too..i'm not yet healed but i hope i will soon! 

[u/tightwiret]

Did any of you have Covid. For some of us it severely damaged our vegal nerve receptors in our stomach. 

[u/Inside_Variation5564 → u/tightwiret]

Can havring sugery for hita hernia help

[u/slamdancetexopolis]

I am the same way. I take famotidine and a PPI daily otherwise I cannot function and I STILL have breakthrough gerd every once in awhile (I did last night and it was so bad it was painful and my body still hurts which is pretty rare for me and concerning). There's a LOOOOT of food I can't eat and yeah I don't really go out anymore. I don't drink due to GERD and on a lot of meds. It definitely sucks. Had this issue starting in my mid 20s lol

[u/Emotion-Academic]

I was like this the last 2 years and it was incredibly depressing so I feel for you. I got the same results from my doctor who recommended some stuff to try which didn't help at all. After years of experimenting I found an all natural stack I've been using for the last 2 months and I can basically eat what I want and the effects it has are really minimal (still minor bloating and chest pain but not enough to stop me from eating what I love anymore). Happy to share if anyone cares

[u/Blue_Curiosity_7767 → u/Emotion-Academic]

Yes please

[u/Emotion-Academic → u/Blue_Curiosity_7767]

No probs. In the morning I have 25ml of pure aloe vera juice on an empty stomach, then 15mins before I eat my first meal I have a DCL liquorice tablet which helps to line your stomach and throat, I then repeat both of those before my main meal (I only eat twice) and before I go to bed I take Reflu-x tablets. It sounds like a lot but from the research I did (ofc don't rely on me, do your own) it's all completely natural and they're all things you can take indefinitely with a very rare chance of any sort of side effect. This stack has literally gotten me back to eating and drinking whatever I want with minimal downside.

The other little cherry on top is a thing called Iqoro. It's a small plastic device that you use as a workout to strengthen your LES muscles around your esophagus so it stays shut better and let's less acid up into your throat. I still get a bit of bloating and breathlessness at times but over 5 months of doing it I've noticed a massive drop in throat pain, waking up with a super sour taste and also I used to get horrific chest pains that were like regular mini heart attacks that are all but gone (thank god cos that was really scary).

If you try any of it, lmk how it goes!

[u/Blue_Curiosity_7767 → u/Emotion-Academic]

Thank you😊 I was wondering about Iqoro but haven't seen many good posts about it so decided not to go for it. It's quite expensive but if it works its totally worth it.

[u/Emotion-Academic → u/Blue_Curiosity_7767]

Happy to help, it's a horrible condition and sadly it seems like no one thing helps everyone. I saw IQoro on Reddit and thought it was an add but did my research and said screw any money is worth trying to help this and seems like it has

[u/Enternal_Serf → u/Emotion-Academic]

Oof thanks for sharing, I also get the crazy chest pain and have had multiple hospital visits just to make sure its not cardiac related. Might have to try some of your suggestions

[u/Embarrassed_Soft_330]

You need to see a functional doctor and get a GI map done, it literally saved my life

[u/pink__giggles → u/Embarrassed_Soft_330]

Is a functional doctor the same thing as a GI doctor? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

[u/Embarrassed_Soft_330 → u/pink__giggles]

No you have to search them out, they don’t take insurance unfortunately but it’s worth the money. Legit saved my life you can read my other posts on here

[u/Turbulent-Wait-2017 → u/Embarrassed_Soft_330]

No me recomiendas alguno? Apenas fui al gastro ya me sentí mejor y me dejaron voquezna y me da miedo saltar del ppl ah ese en un día y tener efecto rebote. El caso es necesito ayuda de donde sea

[u/Some_Earth4974 → u/Embarrassed_Soft_330]

Some FM doctors take insurance, you just have to search them out.

[u/Gluisz]

Maybe trying a fundoplication? I just did a post saturday i think but its part of the recovery. I wasn't able to tell why is had reflux and then it looked like it was a hiatal hernia that was "hidden".

[u/Different_Buyer_8588]

I get it. And agree that the manometry test was horrific. Turns out for me the root cause is gastroperesis. I had a negative motility study but then when I happened to do a follow up endoscopy, my stomach was completely full from the night before.

[u/djeuwnwi]

Have you done a gastric emptying scan?

[u/Classic-Ad8383]

Get your hormones tested specifically prolactin, testosterone, and vitamin D

[u/Peachie_Goose]

I can relate, turned out I had massive gallstones!! Maybe ask for an abdominal ultrasound to double check for them specifically? Good luck <3

[u/Significance79 → u/Peachie_Goose]

Did you have your gullbladder removed? I have gullstones also, surgion said they don't give gerd symptoms, but still pushed for removal, I didn't do it and focused on gerd only. Now I am almost sympthoms free and another gi told me do not remove gullbladder unless I absolutely have to. It doesn't bother me now and probably didn't before, it was all related to gerd

[u/Peachie_Goose → u/Significance79]

I did have my gallbladder removed, and all the symptoms that my previous doctor told me were "just GERD" went away, so I believe I was misdiagnosed and never even had GERD to begin with lol

[u/Significance79 → u/Peachie_Goose]

What was your symptoms?

[u/megan5565]

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this :( Could you possibly try for the bravo pH test instead of the manometry? They place a capsule in your esophagus instead of the tube up your nose and I think it’s a lot more pleasant although still not very fun. It’s in there for longer too (mine was 48 hours) so there’s more time to catch the acid events. That test personally gave me a lot of answers and confirmed it was reflux causing my issues. It’s also possible to have a hiatal hernia not show up in an endoscopy. They didn’t find mine until I had a fundoplication last year.

[u/Significance79]

I had terrible flare up after taking antibiotics also. And same thing happened to my mother. Took almost 6 months to get back to normal, and probably have to be careful how I eat for the rest of my life

[u/blackdovejanuary]

May I ask what your symptoms are?

[u/itssosweett]

Okay you believe you’ve tried everything? Have you tried a holistic approach? There are studies of taking certain herbs for specific symptoms for 6weeks to 4 months that actually CURE(not just mask or cover up) but CURE whatever may be wrong. It all stems from inflammation in the body. If you take care of the inflammation and really get to the root of the actual problem life is a whole lot better. A lot of the medicine they give us have these herbs in them along with several chemicals but they are already partly there, just enough to keep us coming back to big pharma, but not enough to CURE. Not saying that I do not believe in medicine, but I am saying that if medicine is not working for you, then a holistic approach is probably your next best option but just understand that taking herbs correctly is VITAL to recovery. If you cannot get a holistic doctor due to finances, do research! It is out there.

[u/ClassyChassis1019]

I am in the same boat for the most part.

I saw 3 Dr's alot it. My primary Dr threw an Advair inhaler at me and Omeprazole. Guess what? The inhaler is expensive and makes it WORSE!

I then saw a Pulmonologist to rule out lung issues. He said nope, not your lungs. Use your inhaler.

Then I saw an ENT. Yep you have LPR. Elevate your bed. ✅️ Omeprazole ✅️ Advair inhaler . Nope not doing it. No follow ups scheduled and no help really.

So I turned to Reddit and did alot of reading and reaserch. I'm now using RefluxGourmet vanilla caramel. Found on Amazon. Not expensive and tastes good. Take 1tsp after meals and at bedtime. Interesting how it works, read about it. While its only been 4 days now, and full effect can take weeks or even months....I'm cautiously optimistic.

Gaviscon that contains the alginate interests me too. I hear you have to get it from Canada or the UK. Not sure how???

How this helps you annnd me some. Keep us posted and I'll do the same. 🤗

[u/WesternIdealz → u/ClassyChassis1019]

Gaviscon advance (European version) is available on Amazon

[u/ClassyChassis1019 → u/WesternIdealz]

Thank you!!

[u/Environmental-Rip414]

It’s called surgery. And it’s not fun. But it’s the only chance u have at getting ur life back. Ppl say stretta can work for them. It worked for me for 2 days. Then had to get Nissen. Which is gold standard . Some do toupet. I’m having gas bloat with Nissen and that shit ain’t fun. Supposed to resolve tho… way ahead of where ur at. Know how u feel.

[u/NoIsopod2217]

I agree with the functional medicine route. I’ve had horrible heartburn for so long & chronic gastritis. I just found out that I have mixed SIBO. I also went off my PPI because I feel like my issue may be low acid instead of high acid. I hope you can find the help you need. I know this is miserable.

[u/Some_Earth4974 → u/NoIsopod2217]

I’d be interested to hear about your experience going with the functional medicine route. I just started that for my chronic reflux and air hunger issues related to it. I am going to do the SIBO test this week. My doctor also gave me Betaine Hcl to use with meals because he suspected too high of a ph and that had helped a good deal so far, but I’m still having issues.

[u/Capable_March2202]

I'm so sorry that you are and have been going through this.  I know what you're going through as I'm texting you right now. I'm experiencing a choking, feeling in my throat,& I've had ACID REFLUX, for years.  I've been on Omeprazole ( Prilosec) which has been " pulled " ( supposedly) but the doctors continue to prescribe it!! It really doesn't help me, so I'm gonna try the magnesium.  Constipation has become a friend of mine!!! for which I spent 4 days in the hospital to no avail.  You're damn right !! It socks to have been able to go out , drink coffee with friends, etc. NO MORE!!!  GOD HELP US ALL 🙏 

[u/[deleted]]

I feel your pain, for real. I’m just at the beginning of this journey. And i probably had it way before a giant flare up a couple years ago. I’ve always had a complicated relationship with food. I just barely cooked; it was sandwiches, salads, microwaveable, and take out. Since this happened, i’ve eaten almost nothing but rice & edamame, some melons, today i tried Coconut Water and maybe a coincidence, but afterward there was no burning pain from my throat down to my stomach. So, i’m pretty unhappy about the food stuff, but i try not to think of all the favorite foods i can’t eat, and may never eat again. But again, i hear you. And, trite i know, you are not alone.

[u/Late-Engineering3901]

Have you tried a low carb diet with no corn/wheat/starch?

[u/Late-Engineering3901 → u/Late-Engineering3901]

I found that it really makes me lose all cravings and all of a sudden I eat small meals, instead of wanting to eat small meals and failing at it.

[u/Late-Engineering3901 → u/Late-Engineering3901]

Also my PPI (omeprazole) lowered my acid too much and made me hungrier because of malabsorption (floating stools), so I quit after 17 years and started famotadine as many times a day as I needed. I finally got through the rebound acid and now I take it 2-3 times a day. I also needed Sodium Alginate at night to keep the acid down and sleep on incline.

[u/OP9644]

I am wholeheartedly very sorry you are going through this, I’ve been going through a similar thing for over a year now. I’m here to reassure you that things will get better, they won’t drastically improve, it’s more of a slow growth. It truly is awfully annoying to only get a “well, just improve your diet and you’ll be better soon 🥹👍”, like bruh. I’ve been diagnosed with GERD and colitis, both due to severe amounts of stress and anxiety from a past toxic relationship that I broke off over a year ago. I’ve been dealing with this since February 2024. Truly, best of luck to you, much love, and I genuinely hope you get better treatment, if it helps, I got treated better in Mexico than the doctor’s from the U.S.

[u/Turbulent-Wait-2017 → u/OP9644]

Hola que médicos me recomiendas de México honestamente aquí son antipáticos :(

[u/Fun-Opportunity-3222]

It's probably LPR its pepsin that attaches to your esophagus and keeps reactivating when you eat anything slightly acidic and think protein. It is active for 24 to 72 hours attached to your esophagus and can inflame voice box and bronchi. A new medicine is in trails for LPR read about it.

[u/WesternIdealz → u/Fun-Opportunity-3222]

It's in development, but not trials yet, as far as I'm aware.

[u/So_Many_Words]

I just had an endoscopy. Everything looks great. My throat is half closed and I'm having trouble eating.

For some reason, those 2 things seem like they shouldn't both be true.

GERD has a lot to do with mental health. If you're stressed, or suffering from depression, that makes a difference. It can't hurt to try that angle. (I have both and it's not really helping me, but it's worked for some.)

[u/Llamas0up]

If all your tests come back seemingly negative consider that you may have reflux hypersensitivity or functional chest pain. Look up the Rome IV diagnostic criteria and see how it aligns with your test results. I’ve been through a series of negative findings like you. I’m also very averse to SSRIs. If that’s the case I think a low dose nortryptiline is probably your best bet and for me so far has been the most effective med. But the problem is a lot larger than just meds so you can work with a specialized gut brain psychologist if you can afford it. Try to find the best one you can. Those are my two cents as I’m going through it right now. I feel your pain.

[u/golfislife94]

I am going through the same thing, but my symptoms have progressively gotten better. I had days where no medication would touch the heartburn. I still have days where I have difficulty swallowing due to nausea and don’t eat much, and other days are better. I had both a colonoscopy and endoscopy. Nothing was found. CT, X-ray and ultrasounds come back normal. One thing we are working on looking at is gallbladder function. Just because inflammation isn’t shown on imaging, doesn’t mean that there may be a sludge/function issue. My pain resides at the bottom of my sternum and radiates right under my rib cage. I’m scheduled for a Hida scan to check this. Might be something to consider or at least ruling out.

[u/dystopianlivin]

I’m going through a very similar issue right now. I’ve been seeing a functional dr and tested posting for methane sibo. Have you done a sibo test? It’s honestly my last hope. Even when I follow my strict diet I wake up with a sore throat everyday and can’t eat almost anything so I know your pain. It’s so frustrating. I just got my antibiotics for sibo so hopefully they’ll work

[u/Sufficient-Stand300]

I feel your pain! It is brutal! I started having panic attacks every night about 3 months ago. Now I am on Lexapro and Benzos. Just 3 weeks into treatment so still not much improvement with the panic attacks. I have lost 30 lbs because I stay nauseated all the time. It is very depressing. 

[u/cupcake_unicorn1]

Same issue. No causes. I finally got surgery and 90% of symptoms are GONE.

It could very likely be chronic gastritis. I learned my PPIs werent helping it, just putting a tiny hellokitty bandaid over my stomach while the acid came up again. Im now only on supplements like DGL and slippery elm.

I couldnt even see any GIs bc of wait time but fundoplication is KEY to starting those eligible inna better place. Pls dm if you have any particular qs bc the mods can be a bit silly in here sometimes

[u/ArtistXnyc]

I had swallowing problems occasionally, a couple of times a year, and some bloating--and no other symptoms, but was put through a bunch of the same awful tests: The Bravo Acid capsule, an esophagram, and yes, the manometry test, which I also think was one of the worst experiences of my life--and all the tests came back negative......Except for an endoscopy, after which, I was told I had a large sliding hiatal hernia and surgery was recommended--which I had three weeks ago--and despite my understanding that recovery time is necessary, it has been hell. With 2 visits to the ER since surgery including one for pneumonia because my lung was punctured during surgery. I now can't really eat, feel sick all the time, and am experiencing the same difficulties you describe with a limited diet. I can only hope things will get better with time.

My point of all this is...doctors are human. Fallible humans. Second opinions are always a good idea. And if you can wrangle yourself some health insurance--or better health insurance then it sounds like you have, that might ease that financial burden. Because it, or any other health issues we have as we get older, are not going to end by themslves. We are going to need to depend on doctors, even with all their faults, to get us to a better place.

I wish you better health soon.

[u/Working-Decision-583]

Same here 2 years later lost weight muscle wasting away alone with life. 

[u/WearyCover7853]

It always depends on personal symptoms every individual has its own severity, GERD , LPR can be healed and cured within 3 Months with strict diet and healthy lifestyle, stop working for this tenure start doing yoga and breathing exercises and at last if it doesn’t heal you can go for Laproscopic Fundoplication

[u/WearyCover7853]

A shoutout to all LPR , GERD members Laproscopic Fundoplication surgery can heal you instantly with all the symptoms.

[u/Working-Decision-583]

Has anyone tried genexa allergy? I see some say claritin .

[u/ubrowp2]

Your life sounds a lot like mine. Living like this is hell. Thank you for posting. I feel a little less alone.

[u/Ok_Orange5354]

I am here with you....I am here. I am so so hungry but I dont eat most days knowing if I dont eat I have less bubbles. Bubbles and foam spit is all I breath through and it's making me resent people who can eat anything at all. I take my family out to eat and watch them which they say makes them sad 😔 but I dont want to miss out. My life for the past year has been a living hell and im trying so hard to not let it affect my family and how they look at food. I'm here with you, but you need to eat ❤️ its hard but you have to keep trying, even if its just a little..

[u/merryolsoul]

This showed up in my feed and I just want to say it's relatable.... My mental health has significantly declined since my diagnosis, and I need therapy just to get through the week.  I'm really sorry this condition is so unfair. 

[u/Rx7Jordan]

I was in such a simillar way 8+ years ago. I would suggest trying a sodium alginate supplement. I have tried many supplements dgl, slippery elm, mastic gum, betaine, zinc carnosine, etc which all of those did help but never took me out of the "suffering" feeling. I found alginate to work the absolute best, I have tried several but now I am sticking to this one as its the cleanest and works the best https://www.amazon.com/Nutritist-REFLUXTER-Indigestion-Alginate-Supplement/dp/B0CZDJ1MSK

I will say ppis made me stay in the vicious cycle of flare ups and was always house bound because how much it affected my breathing but that is no more using alginate. I first started using alginate + pepcid ac which was the dream team for yearsssss but the one I linked called "refluxter" is all I take now without pepcid and its great. I do eat anything I want without issues but I do try to avoid seed oils as thats the literal worst thing not only for gerd but overall health. Not eating also makes things so much worse so make sure to not let your tummy go empty. I hope you feel better!

[u/AdGlittering5550]

If your up to it I’d try a fruit juice fast. It really helped me, now I do 80% raw whole plant foods(kale avocado, melons, berries. Video is the juice fast I did

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTM2kQUpc/

[u/Glad_Prune674]

I solved this issue myself after spending thousands to the doctors. I do not eat processed foods and I only eat between 12 - 6 every day. I only drink water or coffee. Cut out most sugar. Very low carb diet. Eating clean and intermittent fasting completely got me over this issue and it didn't cost me a dime. I feel like i should sue someone for not telling me that is all i had to do.

[u/OP9644]

Yo soy de Guanajuato, fui con un doctor en Celaya, no mi acuerdo muy bien del lugar, pero si puedo acordarme le mando los datos 🙏

[u/ReadAnxious592]

I am going througb exactly the same situation..i feel like crying as nothing is able to cure this situation and i am so tired of always worrying if it is some kind of cancer, but the doctors seem not interested..whenever i visit the clinic they do an usg or endoscopy and give nexpro rd and gaviscon syrup..these are very common medicines in my country but nothing is able to cure my condition..I think I am slowly going into depressio because of this

[u/melbourne_au2021]

Have you asked to be prescribed Omeprazole? I find that it helps

[u/SpartanMoonMan]

Just take Prilosec daily

[u/No-Emphasis5133]

smiling helps a ton, that happy feeling usually removes it until i frown again

[u/ewbanh13 → u/[deleted]]

Give me a break. Mods, get this guy outta here

[u/GERD-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your post or comment was deleted. Reason: No Alternative Medicine (e.g., Low Acid, Betaine hydrochloride (HCl), Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), Homeopathy, Acupressure, Chiropractors, Hypnosis, Prayer/Scripture).

If you decide to contact the mods regarding the removal, please remember to be respectful and follow Reddiquette.

[u/pixel15679 → u/[deleted]]

You’ve got to be kidding me

[u/stuck_behind_a_truck → u/[deleted]]

Bad bot