GERD Issues for the last 3 weeks
Posted , 4 users are following.
I am a 30yo male without any health history and who maintains a healthy lifestyle full of exercise.
So a little background. about 3 weeks ago I came back from a stressful business trip and developed some strong GERD like symptoms within a two days of my return. I have had issues with belching for years but developed a strong pressure in my stomach that made me constantly want to belch as well as I lost my appetite. The pressure in my stomach was most uncomfortable and would often make me feel somewhat nauseous as I was constantly burping to relieve it. I also have gradually developed a dry cough that can sometimes be uncontrollable which I only now realize can be related to GERD. Throughout all of this I never had any other issues and going to the gym was a constant source of solace.
I saw a GI last week who had me start Prilosec which in the last 10 days has dramatically reduced my symptoms in my stomach but left me with the cough still. The pressure has gone away and I burp way way less though I still can hear my stomach churn sometimes after eating. The GI also said to monitor my symptoms but I was not displaying anything scary such as weight loss, trouble swallowing, blood, or vomiting so she told me no further testing was necessary.
I also need to mention that I suffer from anxiety and I have learned not to Google symptoms as this has not helped with anything and is the primary reason I am here now.
As of now I will occasionally still get some random abdominal pains that always go away which I think is related to the cough from constantly clenching. I also occasionally will feel nauseous which I know is a side effect of Prilosec. What is weird, is I can now eat 3 normal size meals but I still don't feel that hungry at all. I am looking for help to suppress my health anxiety at this point or if there was any advice for me to move forward as I am doing a lot better but still not quite 100%.
Is there anything else I should be doing right now? Should I continue to take Prilosec? Is there any tricks other then time to fully regain my appetite? I want to see if what I experienced resonated with everyone as I know anxiety can play viscous tricks on the mind.
0 likes, 3 replies
lester19220 sal06g
Posted
Try a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprezole.
mary19068 sal06g
Posted
Hi sal06g
Prilosec is Omerprazole and it does affect your appetite, it's one of its side effects. Perhaps stop taking it for a while and see if your appetite returns, but don't stop cold turkey gradually taper off it.
pippa58442 sal06g
Posted
I have chronic GERD and get the cough as well.I take antacids and milk and do not worry at all about it. I had a negative endoscopy and was told that my lower oesophageal sphincter was opening up too much and letting the acid out. I accepted this explanation because it was from my Gi specialist.
Simply, keep taking, your medication and try some milk which helps to neutralize acid. Keep telling your self that all your tests are negative, you have no red flag symptoms, you don't need further tests and your medication is working. This all you have to do to beat health anxiety. You have been told positive news by your GI expert is is well qualified to help you. There are no reasons to think negatively. Worry can trigger GERD; so always concentrate on the positives and do things that make you happy to take your mind off it.