GERD - Long time user

[jjenney]

A little background - I've had GERD for about 8 years now and recently I've seen another Gastroenterologist in the San Diego area because it's gotten worse. I've tried many remedies (pills) in order to cure it. I'm 6'1, male, 242 lbs. I know this runs in the family, but I think I have the worst condition.
I just had another endoscopy done and the bravo ph testing where you have to record in a diary for 48 hours and then return the device so the DR can see ph levels of acid. Well that device malfunctioned My questions are...
1. What's the best over the counter medicine that I can take and not become immune to? The stuff I've been taking so far - Aciphex - causes too many other symptoms like visiting the restroom multiple times a day.
2. The DR's nurses aid wants me to get the bravo test again free of charge because it malfunctioned - they already did the biopsies and I don't have barretts esophaeguous, just really bad heart burn/GERD. Should I have this bravo thing done again? It's the most uncomfortable procedure I've had to do so far.
3. I have difficulty swallowing - this is a newer symptom - I'm sure GERD is just going to get worse and worse and the pills I'm on don't help with swallowing, they just mask the symptoms - what's the best cure?
4. I've been taking the $2.00 Ranitidine they sell at Target as a daily pill - is this one I can take and not outgrow?
5. When I sleep at night, I have to sleep on my right side and my bed is at a 45 degree angle and this GERD is the worse in the morning. I don't eat anything past 6PM the prevoius day and I'm on FMLA. Should I move back to Iowa because this wasn't as bad as it is now living in San Diego CA. Maybe it's the different kinds of food out here?

Thanks for reading this. Any advice you have for me is greatly appreciated. I could supply a list of pills I've taken for this condition. Either insurance didn't cover it or the symptoms from the pills were worse than having the GERD. Is there a pill out there for sensitive people like me? They have sensodyne for sensitive teeth. how about a miracle pill for GERD that doesn't give any other symptoms (Diarrhea especially.)

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

From someone's point of view that have also had years and years of reflux and a lot of sometimes horrible tests done, I would like to give you the following advice:

Do not repeat the Bravo test.  That is a capsule that somehow gets attached to the esophagus and then dislodge and dissolve and from that they get a reading of how severe the GERD is.  To me it sounds like a procedure that can not be very accurate.

Not even the normal 24hr PH Study is very accurate as it ONLY measures PH/acidic levels and misses the rest.

If you can:  please get 24 hr IMPEDANCE STUDY done!  That is the latest technology and so much more effective and gives so much more info on GERD that is non-acid and acid related!

Another tests that is necessary is:  MANOMATRIC study.  This will messure the LES and UES and peristalsis and detect any abnormalities.  I am so sorry, but all of these tests are uncomfortable and actually horrible, but necessary to get a proper diagnoses and treatment.

It is good that you don't have Barrets.  You might still get away without having to have an operation.  With ENT and swallowing issues you definetely also need to go see an ENT for Laryngoscopies and further tests in that regard.

I have had a horrible time with GERD and the related issues and now I have damage like Barrets and some muscle/UES that now needs treatment.  I eventually had my Nissen Fundoplication done 8 Feb. 2012 and from now on I should just get better and better.

With your young age, I would advice you to get the tests and treatment so that you can live a long and happy, GERD free life, without complications and longterm damage.

All the best and let us know if we can help with further info and keep us updated :)

[selmaS]

  Hi...other then the move to a diff state and some new stress that brings, did nething else happen 8 yrs ago? Were u on antibiotics  or have a surgery for something?

Sometimes our system is just off balance, it could be the water, who knows....I have tried and had success with probiotics it restores ur GI track to it's natural balance....worth a try....

Avoid the usual triggers, fatty foods, acidic foods...alcohol, sodas...smoking,...and see if this helps.

  Good luck