Anybody have GERD?

[Tazicket]

Let me start by saying I have an appointment with my Doctor first thing tomorrow morning.

I've had a lot of issues with chronic coughing and heart burn over the last several months and some odd cramping in my left side over the last month or so. Based on that and some other symptoms I'd rather not discuss, I have a strong suspicion that I may have GERD. (Which is why I have an appointment tomorrow morning)

I just wanted to see if there was anyone out there who has it (I'm sure there is) and to ask what kinds of tests they did to determine if that's what you had. Also, is there anything in particular I need to make sure to ask my doctor about the whole thing? I want to make sure I'm as prepared as possible when I go in to see the doc.

Thanks!

 

[Kirby]

I've had different symptoms but when I went in, my doctor sent me to a specialist for an endoscopy. Found I had a hiatal hernia. So now I'm on Zegerid. It's expensive but fortunately the specialist has a coupon that cuts the cost in half. Zegerid works but I do have to watch what I eat.

 

[V for Vendetta]

I was diagnosed with GERD about 2 years ago... it was diagnosed through an upper endoscopy that my gastroenterologist performed. Not a big deal of a test, though I don't respond well to much anesthesia, so it's more difficult for me than it is for your average person. Anyway, ironically enough, she was doing an upper endoscopy to check for crystals in my gallbladder because I'd been REALLY nauseated. I'd had heartburn occasionally, but not regularly like my father does.

I'm sorry that I'm not much help this morning, but I do wish you all the best!

 

[Christine]

I was having all sorts of issues and my GP was getting nowhere.

I ended up self-referring to a gastroenterologist. I got my other issues cleared up and during the testing which included an upper endoscopy, I was found to have mild GERD. I was then put on proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Nexium).

Many GPs will just start you off on these meds without testing. I don't agree with it because some forms of GERD can lead to a precancerous condition and I think that needs to be checked because if you have that (Barrett's esophagitis) you need to be treated more aggressively.

 

[Tazicket]

Thanks, ya'll! Was your endoscopy difficult? I'm a major chicken with medical tests (I only recently quit fainting when they check my blood for my thyroid disease! ).

V, from what you said, it sounds like they do anesthesia for the endoscopies? Is it more of a you sleep through the test anesthesia or a you can't feel the scope anesthesia?

 

[V for Vendetta]

Mine was a mild anesthesia... not something strong like they'd use for major surgery [now THAT is a doozy to me]... but they also spray your throat with some numbing spray. My Dr gave me the option (the second endoscopy I had when I knew enough to beg her for it) to get me all set up with the exception of spraying my mouth. That stuff tasted terrible. I don't know if other Gastro docs have flavors or whatever, but I don't do well with tastes at all. I can't even take nyquil without gagging.

The sedative they used was in an IV, but after they stopped it I was awake within an hour or so. They won't let you drive afterwards, but most people (both my parents, and my aunt & great aunt have had them as well, so I know that I'm just "special" as far as anesthesia is concerned) are awake the rest of the day. I, on the other hand, will sleep all day and all night following it. It just takes my system longer to recover, I suppose.

 

[Christine]

They use "twilight" sedation for endoscopies and colonoscopies. Usually a combo of Versed and Propafol. I was never awake for my two endoscopies but I did wake up during the colonoscopy. Not too bad though. It is done through the IV and, really, is very easy.

I am a big chicken too but one they give you the IV, you have no more worries!!!

 

[Tazicket]

Mine was a mild anesthesia... not something strong like they'd use for major surgery [now THAT is a doozy to me]... but they also spray your throat with some numbing spray. My Dr gave me the option (the second endoscopy I had when I knew enough to beg her for it) to get me all set up with the exception of spraying my mouth. That stuff tasted terrible. I don't know if other Gastro docs have flavors or whatever, but I don't do well with tastes at all. I can't even take nyquil without gagging.

The sedative they used was in an IV, but after they stopped it I was awake within an hour or so. They won't let you drive afterwards, but most people (both my parents, and my aunt & great aunt have had them as well, so I know that I'm just "special" as far as anesthesia is concerned) are awake the rest of the day. I, on the other hand, will sleep all day and all night following it. It just takes my system longer to recover, I suppose.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

I've had major surgery with anesthesia with an iv and gas a couple of years ago and did ok with it - no nausea or anything.

I also had them attempt to give me anesthesia that didn't take for a wisdom tooth extraction - I was awake and panicking through the whole thing. (The wisdom tooth one was more of a gas anesthesia, I guess - they never did an iv or anything - and I had trouble breathing).

I'll have to see what he says, I guess. It does help me to know what to potentially expect, though. I know I've tried the generic version of Prilosec OTC before and it didn't seem to do much of anything.

 

[Tazicket]

They use "twilight" sedation for endoscopies and colonoscopies. Usually a combo of Versed and Propafol. I was never awake for my two endoscopies but I did wake up during the colonoscopy. Not too bad though. It is done through the IV and, really, is very easy.

I am a big chicken too but one they give you the IV, you have no more worries!!!

I know I was terrified before my knee surgery until they gave me the magic whatever in my iv. Then, I was floating on a cloud and telling the nurses they had nice hats.

 

[LindaR]

Well, if you DO have GERD then you really need to make lifestyle changes. Lots of people just take the medication (which does make you feel better) but do not change their eating habits.

I have a hiatal hernia and acid reflux. It took me about two weeks to get used to all the changes but once I did, I lost about 25 pounds and it was so easy!

Good luck to you!

 

[V for Vendetta]

You're quite welcome. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know!

One thing I'd check with your Dr about, or a specialist for that matter, is whether you should medicate w/ antacids, etc. before the test. I have NO clue whether it would make any difference or not... just a thought.

 

[MushyMushy]

I have Barrett's Esophagus (the pre-cancerous condition Christine mentions) and I keep it under control with Prilosec. I used to be on Nexium, but I was eventually able to switch to Prilosec OTC after a few years, taking a lower dose and only a few times a week.

The endoscopy was a breeze! Before my first one I was a nervous wreck, but honestly the worst thing about it is getting the IV and having them spray the nasty numbing stuff on your throat. Blech. After that first one, I was totally fine going into the others. My only problem is, the anesthesia makes me drowsy for 2 days, so I usually can't work or drive the second day.

 

[Tazicket]

You guys have no idea how much it helps me to know that, if I wind up having to get an endoscopy, I won't be in a state where I can freak out over having a tube crammed down my throat.

I've read about some of the different tests they can do and a lot of them sound kind of scary.

I have a really great relationship with my doctor (I've been seeing him since high school). I'll probably tell him tomorrow that I went looking around on WebMD and he'll probably roll his eyes at me (in a super good natured way ). He knows how I get when there's something wrong with me and we don't know what it is, yet.

 

[JARNJ3]

I was completely out for my endoscopy - I do not recall nasty tasting throat spray.

I do recall waking up towards the end of it - choking.

They took the instrument out and I went back to sleep!

I was on nexium until my insurance wouldn't pay for it any more - then I switched to prillosec OTC.

And yes, it does go away if you lose weight. I lost 20 lbs once, and didn't need the medicine - sad to say, the weight came back along with the GERD.

You're also supposed to stay away from caffeine, peppermint, chocolate and tomatoes. I was able to eliminate the first two......

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Well, if you DO have GERD then you really need to make lifestyle changes. Lots of people just take the medication (which does make you feel better) but do not change their eating habits.

I have a hiatal hernia and acid reflux. It took me about two weeks to get used to all the changes but once I did, I lost about 25 pounds and it was so easy!

Good luck to you!

BOOM BOOM BOOM!!!!!

My uncle was one to "eat whatever he wanted" because the "meds" do the trick.

Guess what? Now it is 20yrs later.

Come to find out he had the hernia and the sluggish digestive system (serious problem).

He just had surgery to tighten the deal on the reflux, because he wanted the "quick fix".

Well now the chickens are home to roost. He is severely depressed, cannot eat barely anything (he has to blender everything now) and is losing weight at an alarming rate.

He may have to do tube feedings.

Meds are a stop gap. You must change your diet.

His situation was a awful eye opener for me. I am not taking the meds and I am trying to change my diet now.

 

[Christine]

I need the meds.

I have never been overweight nor do I eat poorly.

Sometimes, just drinking a glass of water will set me off. Naturally, junk food is no good, but even when I am an angel with my diet, I still get the reflux and often very bad at times.

 

[crz4mm2]

Yep. I do.
I take Protonix. It works pretty well.

 

[TaraPA]

Slightly of topic here - does anyone have night vomiting from GERD? My son was diagnosed with reflux years ago & there is talk of possibly doing the endo & some testing for GERD. One of his symptoms (which they claim is normal) is that he often vomits in his sleep, about 30-90 min. after going to bed. They told us to raise the part of hid bed where his lead lies (not just to elevate his pillow) and stop him from eating 3 hours before bed. We do have his bed raised - but it's so hard to have an 11-yr old stop eating by 5pm! He is not supposed to have caffeine, chocolate, anything acidic (like tomato sauce, orange juice, etc). He does take Prilosec. Does this seem normal to anyone? It's not every night - or even often - maybe once a month - and he's never ill, it's just a once & done thing (that's REALLY getting old around here!) He sleeps with a bowl by his bed & I'm starting to think he will get a complex from it!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I have it, regardless of my weight. Course part of mine goes with my IBD. It doesn't matter what food I eat, just part of who I am.

Can't recall offhand what med I'm on - my GI gives me samples so I don't have to pay for yet another drug. It works, that's all that matters!

The upper endoscopy is no big deal, don't stress about it too much if they opt to do it.

 

[minnie56]

I have it..was diagnosed with an upper I series of xrays. I take Pariot? I think it is called...one a day...which was working well until these past few days and I have had heartburn pretty much on and off since! Seeing the Dr Wed...she did mention there was something else to go with this med to help should it not work sometimes...