I think i have GERD

Really sorry to be blunt but English doctors are so stupid.

I was told i was getting tonsilitis early this year. I had it three times in a row January, March and May now i have it again and got a repeat penicillin prescription over the phone. I was told they wouldn't take them out unless i had 7/8 attacks in one year. This time after two days on penicilin i couldn't talk and i was in so much pain i walked into the doctors crying and they saw me. She then said I had Laryngitis and to come back when its cleared up to discuss it, as i couldn't talk.

I'm not on any prescription drugs and i have suffered with heartburn and excess acid my whole life. My Hangovers (very rarely drink but when i do its bad) i burp, throw up in my mouth and the excess acid is unbearable to the point of pure acid diareahea which is one of the most painful experiences ever, even gaviscon and rennie do nothing.

I have read up on all this to find a link and have just found out about GERD and its link to Laryngitis, which my mum (52) has been diagnosed with. My question is how do i convince a doctor that this is it as they treat you like **** when you suggest what it could be? I hate the idea of an endoscopy but totally want everything checked out as i think my esophagus is quite damaged. What drug classes are there and which is the best on the market (least side effects)?

I pay for my prescriptions and i don't mind paying for the drugs straight up, out of the NHS. I have to try this as it could be the answer to my prayers.

Kim

[John987]

Kim, not sure if you can buy omeprazole in England.  Brand name OTC is Prilosec and is one of the more effective treatments and must be taken every night for a while before the esophagus can heal.  The prescription is Aciphex.

Be sure to read up on all the preventive measures for GERD--really important.  Alcohol really aggravates the condition.

If you can find a good gastroenterologist, don't be so afraid of endoscopy.  I resisted too until last month, but there really was nothing to it and it's a very good diagnostic tool.