Acid Reflux

[alta116]

This a question for all gastroentorogists.

I have been suffering from GERD for the past 7 months. I went to four different gastroenterologists. I have religiously followed their instructions: taking PPI and lifestyle modifications such as  
1. Head elevation while sleeping
2. Small frequent meals
3. Going to bed 2- 3 hours after food
4. Avoiding bed time snacks
5. Avoiding smoking and alcohol
6. Avoiding tight fitting clothes
7. Avoiding cola, citrus drinks, carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, spicy food
8. Weight reduction

But my condition is getting worse. Now I suffer terrible pain in my chest every single day.
Question: Is this all you can recommend? Is there cure for this illnes?

[GhostOf1901]

If you are following all the advice and the condition is getting worse, you may be ignoring an underlying condition which may be getting worse over time. For example, you may be either adult-onset Celiac or non-celiac gluten intolerant. In either case, taking in gluten could be worsening your symptoms. Something that may also be occurring (as either a result of or separate from any food intolerance) is some sort of muscle response weakening in your upper GI (stomach/gallbladder), such as found in gastroparesis (GERD is one of the symptoms of gastroparesis). If that's the case, then slowed digestion could be at the root of your heartburn issues.

I recommend you take a look at possible sources of your problems, and start seeing GERD as a symptom of something. Request an upper endoscopy, as well as a HIDA/CCK and a gastric emptying exam. These could reveal where your issue may be coming from. (Another possibility is an H. Pylori infection.) The upper endoscopy could reveal any damage to the lining of your esophagus and stomach; the HIDA/CCK could reveal any gallbladder problems, and the gastric emptying exam could shed light on the severity of your dyspepsia.

Also, in addition to the endoscopy, check out one of the EnteroLab kits for testing about gluten intolerance. Their tests are considerably more in-depth than standard, end stage gluten intolerance testing. Also see about eliminating any exposure to fluoride which may be causing dyspepsia. (Drink only distilled water, avoid teas and the skins of fruits and vegetables, and try as much as possible to eat organic foods, since some pesticides contain fluoride.)

Additionally, I recommend you see a good acupuncturist, one who knows and uses as course of treatment herbs. Acupuncture has been shown to be very effective against GERD, and a good acupuncturist may be able to spot any systemic issues which may be at the root of this. (Western doctors could then begin focusing on the particulars.)

Finally, see about de-stressing. Try to make it a point to exercise (without heavy weight lifting), work on breathing meditation, and escape somewhere relaxing on the weekends. That, I've found from personal experience, can sometimes make all the difference.

Good luck.

[kicay]

pls disregard the last paragraph. I wasnt able to erase it. Goodluck again.

[kicay]

Hi !!! I was also diagnosed by my gastroenterologist for having GERD though my Barium Swallow result is Esophageal dysmotility and was told by the radiographer to take some Calcium Channel Blockers. I told that to my GP and that prompted  him to refer me to a specialist.

The problem was,my gastroenterologist did not believe that I was suffering from Esophageal dysmotility instead she diagnosed me as having GERD. I took Prilosec which she prescribed, though my symptoms lessen, but there are still symptoms that I cannot explained.I still have my left upper back pain and the worst is like an unexplained feeling that something tickles me at my upper left quadrant (which I assume it is the lower esophageal sphincter) that radiates at my back. I always massage my left side and press my back at the pillow. It did lessen but if I do it too much I could feel my throat gets dry, headaches  and cant get air as well.
I'm 30 , fit and healthy person. I do my usual exercise and i seldom have heartburn.
The worst part is , my current gastroenterologist is not a patient advocate and she's like talking to me like she wanted to finish our session. I complained to her about my back pain and what she had answered was the back pain is not a symptom of GERD  and she had nohing to do with it. Like she will just cure my GERD symptoms and if I have other problems I have to go to other doctor.
My health insurance is not that good. With just my visits to her and my GP cost me a lot. And the worst is not getting the right treatment.
Now, my symptoms are still hanging out in the dark. I'm still doing the GERD preventions but I don't take antacids anymore. On my last visit to her, she told me to go back for my upper endoscopy. I would love to have it but not with her. Right now, I'm looking for the right specialist.
With your question, if you always feel heartburn and that bothers you a lot, you must consider of having surgery.The heartburn causes acid to go up to your esophagus and that would not be good in time.
Goodluck!!!

On your question, you're symptoms is showing that it is GERD. If you are fit and healthy, the best thing to do is having a surgery. But you have to get a best surgeon so as not to have a complication.