Which are symptoms of GERD and which aren't?

[xsxtdm]

Hi all!

I am 23 years old and have been suffering from stomach issues probably since I was 18. I used to not drink alcohol and only ate plain foods to try to avoid pain. I went on medicine twice and it was better for a short time, but lately it has been bad! I have tried nexium, omeprazole, and am now on a 30mg of prevacid. I thought it was working but yesterday I had such  terrible burning sensation in my throat, as if I had just thrown up. I do sometimes throw up after meals or regurgitate. Today my voice is slightly hoarse and stabbing pains are also in my stomach. I had an endoscopy done and they said it is inflamed just because my stomach produces too much acid. I was looking for a more conclusive answer so I can find a solution! Any help?

Also, I have been having ear pain (but no ear infection) and random dizzy spells (not room spinning, just more like a feeling of being "off"). could these be associated with GERD as well... or something totally different?

Thanks for any input!

[xsxtdm]

Thanks! I have been trying to perfect my "water drinking schedule", hopefully this helps.

[xsxtdm]

I am sorry you are suffering even after trying all those remedies! I am in the same boat but won't be able to take time off to see my dr. until next month. Did you doc have any helpful insights? Also, have you had an endoscopy done yet? This could show important clues!

[pablo01]

Drinking a lot of water is a good thing , but if you keep some gap (10 min) in between two things  is much important .

as i got this tecniq from a military personnel ...and it works very accurately ...

[Flycaster305]

I had to have a surgery to correct my GERD problem.  I always hate to post this, but my acid reflux was so strong that suddenly it burned my vocal chords so that I'm forever talking like a toad, and also my teeth turned black in a very, very short period of time.  Acid reflux when severe can be very serious.  I'm vain enough that I must say I had my teeth re-coated so I'm socially acceptable in polite society.  I also developed Barrett's Esophagus, a pre-cancer condition and have to have invasive procedures yearly to determine if the pre-cancerous cells are becoming more dangerous.  In my case, I had a bowel obstruction that resulted in explosive vomiting that resulted in the destruction of of the LES valve that Selma alluded to, and acid had a clear path to travel into my Esophagus.  I'd had controllable GERD previously.  This condition often occurs with those people that throw up after eating as a weight loss method, I should add.  
I just want to make sure that there are no simple solutions, and suggest you listen to your health professionals, and if medications are prescribed, take them exactly as prescribed.  As Selma, the moderator stresses, we are a support group, not people that can prescribe.  Keep us informed.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the GERD forum.

If u have the runs, it could be a side effect of the meds u r on, call ur Dr right away....

Chewing gum is a help as it causes a natural salivation and the saliva helps break down the acids....

We all may have diff food triggers, but a UES or LES that has a motility issue will affect u regardless of stress but that will add to it, so being able to relax is something we all need to learn.

I pray ur Dr is able to see what is going on and change ur meds.

[Betska]

Sorry for long post
I too am having terrible acid reflux, my beds raised,I never smoked or drank and I am not over weight, I am on double does of Pariet and at 1st that fixed this then after about 2 weeks it dont matter if I take 2 its still acid ongoing,I have included fruit in my already fairly healthy diet and some fruits help others annoy.I read about 2 surgeries one is not in Australia and sounds like the best one at the moment, LINX the other which we have here looks like when you wake up it be real painful for a while but also it claims to fix this problem and patients never need to worry about foods or drinks or tablets ever again its called ESOPHYX.Anyone have some info on the surgeries? I tried all remedies, drink more water, dont drink water, apple cider vinegar and the latest I tried which made this 10times worse is cinamon on honey OMG the pain from that.On top now for 14 days I have diarreah so now I reluctantly have taken gastro stop.I see my dr on Monday most likely will be handed more pills, actually feel its time for a specialist take a look but last 2 times it was diagnosed as faulty valve thing that dont close and acid brought on from stress.The main foods I find annoy me are, dairy,peppers,tomatoes,any spices,bananas strawberries.The stuff that seems to help are rockmelons, grapes,pineapple loads of lettuce with a dash of the vinegar oh and chewing gum soon as I finish a meal.Other thing is to chew 2 gaviscon double action tablets 20mins before bed, they help alot.

[Flycaster305]

There are many, many causes of GERD.
I'd suggest taking your medication exactly as prescribed.  Also, don't eat before lying down to sleep at night, and elevate the head of your bed with a couple of 2 x 4's.  I would urge you to drink a lot of water with meals, especially if you eat high-fiber foods like whole wheat bread.   An old college dorm trick was to bet someone they could eat a slice of whole wheat bread without taking a drink of water, and it would be tossed up rather quickly, high-fiber diets require a lot of hydration.
Hope that helps, keep us informed.

[pooja1seth]

from how long are you taking the medication?

[xsxtdm]

I don't think acid is related to that. In my personal case it is just my body produces extra acid which inflames my stomach lining, but it can be caused by a bacteria or other cause. Hope this helps.

[xsxtdm]

Thanks, I will try avoiding the water after and in between eating. I wasn't aware that this exasperated the problem and it is a simple fix! Also I will try the warm water :) Thanks for the advice, will update in a few weeks!

[pablo01]

This is Acidic Reflux ....

but before going to take medicines it is better to go for non-medicinal cures!!

there is some Non-medicinal cures (lifestyle changes) for this are listed below :-

After eating or inbetween eating dont suddenly drink a water ...wait for  10mins and then drink water in small small amount .

before sleeping @night drink a glass of warm water ....and same in the morning ....
continue this for atleast some weeks , 100% result require some weeks .
try to exercise by which you will sweat .

try above changes and revert here with the results !!

[Laura29168]

Is acid in your stomach related to hyperparathyroidism ?, it swells out like a balloon?! Plz help x

[selmaS]

  Keep us posted on how u progress : )

[xsxtdm]

Thanks for the advice! I will try some of these lifestyle changes and hopefully get some better results :)

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the GERD forum.

U may want to try and keep a journal of what food u r eating and bevs u r drinking....to see if or which foods may be ur trigger....not everyone will have the same triggers.

Also look to stress, or other meds u may be on,.....they can add to the excess acid production.

Along with the diet modification u have done u do have to make so me lifestyle changes as well....not laying down for 3 to 4 hrs after eating, elevating the head of ur bed....eat more meals in a day but smaller ones....

If u smoke ...try and quit....no alcohol or carbonated bevs and no caffeine.

Hope this is helpful, for more info and tips see out Health Pages -http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/list?cid=236