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I cant stick feeling like this...nausea, chest pain, headaches, breathlessness..can somebody help

Posted , 5 users are following.

lyndsay45870
lyndsay45870

Hi All

To cut a long story short I have felt quite unwell for the last 2 years and after spending quite a bit of money going privately for numerous caridiological tests and a 2 week stint in hospital with aspirative pneumonia finally leading to a barium swallow test i have been diagnosed with Gastric Oesphageal Reflux Disease.  The problem is that the letter went to my GP 6 months ago but after repeatedly chasing up the outcome of the test I have only just been informed of the diagnosis and told that I need an upper endoscopy...which of course will take approx another 6 months ona waiting list.  I cannot go on feeling as ill and as tired as i do but I dont have a clue what I am and am not supposed to be doing to make this any better.  I constantly feel like i have a shortness of breath while feeling like i have something stuck in my throat, headaches and nasal pain, my chest feels like it is on fire.  I dont know what im supposed to be eating to make this any better as there seem to be things that make the symptoms worse but Im not always sure what so there are days like today that I am actually scared to eat so just dont bother which causes me to feel compleely drained.  Ive got an appt with my GP this afternoon but i dont know what to say anymore as they just dont seem to be getting this or how rubbish I feel...Ive just had enough of feeling constantly unwell.

Ive tried Nexium and I tend to vomit with it...I dont know why.  Gavison doe help but only intermitantly...my GP is likely to offer medication today but I dont know what I should be trying and dont want to be simply handed a script and told to try that for 6 weeks and if youre not any better come back and see me. FED UP :-(

 

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • robtheprint
    robtheprint lyndsay45870

    Posted

    Hi Lyndsay

    Sorry to hear about how you are feeling, your symptoms are pretty common to a lot of us so we know how you are feeling. Ask your Dr for an alternative to Nexium as there are quite a few available and one will be there that does not make you feel bad. As for what you can and cannot eat this is really trial and error as different food affects different people, just keep away from spicey food and alcahol as these are two of the main culprits. Eventually you should begin to feel better especially when you determine what to safetly eat and drink.

    all the best to you

    Robin

  • john42873
    john42873 lyndsay45870

    Posted

    Sorry to hear of your problems.

    You need to get your GP to prescribe you some PPI's prior to your endoscopy. These will reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces and will help with the reflux/heartburn allowing your oesaphagus time to heal. It isn't good to have acid entering the gullet, it can cause ulcers etc.

    Also elevate the head of your bed by 6 - 8", this will allow gravity to prevent acid rising whilst you're asleep.

    Finally, sometimes you have to get firm with your GP and insist you see a consultant, you shouldn't have to suffer as long as you have within help!

    • lyndsay45870
      lyndsay45870 john42873

      Posted

      Hi John

      thanks for the info :-) Waht are PPI's?

      I have been started on Omeprazole 20mg twice a day is this a PPI?

      Thanks

      Lyns

    • john42873
      john42873 lyndsay45870

      Posted

      Hi Lyns,

      Yes Omeprazole are PPI's, they are wonder drugs. Good luck

    • RHGB
      RHGB lyndsay45870

      Posted

      'I have been started on Omeprazole 20mg twice a day is this a PPI?'

      Yes, it is pretty much the de facto PPI. PPI means proton pump inhibitor, which reduces gastric acid production by the body.

  • emily-923
    emily-923 lyndsay45870

    Posted

    Have you tried reading the books by Jamie Koufman or Dr. Aziz on reflux diets? That should point you in the right direction. 

  • lyndsay45870
    lyndsay45870

    Posted

    Thanks for the replies...I saw my GP on Thursday and she has started me on Omeprazole 20mg twice a day and I have to say I have noticed a difference.  I just wondered is there a best tine to take these during the day and are they best taken before, with or after food?
    • katerina51789
      katerina51789 lyndsay45870

      Posted

      Best taken approx 30-60minutes before main meals. I take mine before breakfast and before evening meal. It keeps the acid production reduced all day.
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