I have read all the posts on GERD here, but am wondering if my experience rings any bells. I experienced weakness and acute pain in my hands and feet one night last July. The next day I also had acute pain in my chest and right side. I was hospitalized for 2 weeks with a diagnosis of acute viral syndrome, leading to ileus and pancreatitis. After the NG tube was removed, I began coughing violently, bringing up a lot of mucous. My primary care dr. said it was allergic post nasal drip. The antihistamine he gave me did not help, so I went to an ENT, who said my throat was being irritated by stomach acid. I have lost 25 lbs. and am still coughing and bringing up mucous. I lost my voice completely for six weeks, now get hoarse and sometimes lose it from talking. I cough so hard I lose control of my bladder. My MD's say it is acid reflux caused by nerve damage to my esophagus from the virus. I am on 80 mg a day of Aciphex, which makes me feel like I have swallowed a bagful of rocks. I have no stamina, am usually in bed by 8 or 9 and sleep until my cough wakes my up around 3 a.m. What I am wondering is if anyone else has had this and whether it finally just gets better or do I have to get used to feeling like this forever?