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If I tried everything, would I heal? / am I holding myself back?

Posted , 6 users are following.

Guest
Guest

Hello everyone.

More than this is an actual question, I just wondered if anyone could relate: I've been dealing with severe GERD for 2.5 years now, but for the last 6 months I've been going through an insane flare up of symptoms to the point that I am now only drinking formula because all other food causes me pain, and I regurgitate it. I often wonder though (and wonder if anyone can relate) if I could fix all of this? I've realized I have hit a "comfortable" point in all of this where, although I am in pain and only drinking formula, I am too scared to move forward because of fear of moving backwards if that makes sense. But I think a lot about, what if I pushed myself harder? What if I tried every solution I know there to be to heal my body? What if I forced myself to be in a routine every day and forced myself to temporarily be in more pain for the hope of a better outcome? What if I started stretching every day, started natural supplements, started adding acid back into my stomach naturally, started taking walks every day, started going to sleep earlier, started eating again even through the pain? MORE than anything, I just hope this post is relatable to others out there because sometimes I feel like the only thing really holding me back from healing is myself.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • charcey97
    charcey97 Guest

    Posted

    I can relate to this. I am 44 and have been dealing with GERD for several years. I am no where near the severity of what your describing, but I feel like my body is definitely speaking to me and telling me what I am doing is not working and I'd better change something. I have since been trying to learn about more homeopathic or lifestyle changes I can make to aid my body in healing (other issues in addition to GERD). This isn't an easy task, and honestly, a huge pain in the rear to implement. Although, I know my body is giving me big warning signs right now...so...its necessary.

    I completely understand the fear of moving forward, but I would definitely yearn for a better quality of life.

  • Jaybird13
    Jaybird13 Guest

    Posted

    i can definitely relate. Long time GERD sufferer and take Prilosec every day and have been for years. About a year ago, I wondereed the exact same thing as you, so I took action. After getting nowhere with MD's, I met with a Naturopathic Doctor at a respected practice. Long story made short, I tried everything. And I stuck with it for about 5 months. Clean eating, no breads or carbs besides fruits and vegetables. No sugar. No alcohol. Exercise regimen. Lost 20 pounds (and wasn't vastly overweight in the first place.) I managed to taper off the Prilosec, and was heartburn free for only a few days. Despite everything I did, the heartburn came back within a few days. I started to take Ranitidine and that onky worked for a few weeks. Acid reflux started coming back as well. Then started waking up choking on acid, so I went back on the Prilosec and said screw it. Went back to eating and drinking the things I love and will happily enjoy my life managing my GERD medically. Point is, not even doing everything I did allowed my body to heal itself. Frustrating,but at least I know that I tried.

  • Jonathan57679
    Jonathan57679 Guest

    Posted

    Hi saraharbianna: Most of us have tried almost everything. That is what this forum is all about. I am not a very good patient, however I used my doctors to try different medications and to do tests so I would have knowledge as to what I was dealing with. My wake up call happened one night when I woke up, not breathing and did not know what was happening. It took me a long 20 seconds to get my airway cleared and start breathing. So, I realized that this reflux issue is very serious. I asked for tests for H Pylori and it came back negative. I did research and changed my diet but that did not help. I had an unknown abdominal hernia that the doctors did not detect. It caused bowel obstructions. Evidently it was what started the whole situation. I was getting random issues where my stomach would shut down, I would get bloated and then after about 6 hours I would throw up. I did not realize that during those 6 hours my stomach was being damaged by acid. My later symptoms were heartburn and then the reflux I mentioned above. Since I has so many symptoms I decided to work on the reflux since it was life threatening. I studied the medical terms and anatomy of the esophagus. I then came up with my carbonated water treatment.It helps to strengthen a weak esophageal sphincter. It is important to strengthen it.

    You can try my carbonated water treatment. Using fresh plain or flavored carbonated water.

    Start slowly:

    4 times a day drink 4oz of CW. Hold down the burp for 5 minutes. Then slowly release it.

    Each week add 5 minutes to each session and add 2oz of CW until finally at 10 oz at week 3. After 4 weeks you will be up to 20 minute sessions. This will strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter. You may feel some pain or nausea at first, but it will get better each day.

    You likely also have gastritis which an inflammation of the stomach lining. For that I take a few drops of NATURAL, not synthetic, vitamin E every hour and then a whole liquid capsule, broken open right before bed. You can also find low acid organic olive oil. Keep a bottle by your bed. Before bed take a sip, swish it in the mouth and then swallow. The residue in the mouth will help keep the stomach coated.

    Most people can tolerate organic plain yogurt. Start out slowly and keep adding more each day. You can almost live on yogurt.

    John

  • GreyS
    GreyS Guest

    Posted

    Question: can co-codamol relax the lower esophageal sphincter causing extreme acid reflux. I am addicted and have been for many (8 years). Perhaps this is the cause of my problem?

    • Jonathan57679
      Jonathan57679 GreyS

      Posted

      I looked up side effects for co-codamol, I did find some digestive issues like nausea and constipation but not acid reflux. But, it could still be the culprit. I was taking one medication with no issues for a number of months and then it started causing bad stomach burning and gastritis which made me nauseated. I waited a few months and tried it again and it was even worse. Apparently I became sensitized to it. And now I can't take any medications that are similar. You may want to ask your doctor for a prescription for a different medication to see if it helps. You can use my suggestions above to help with gastritis. You can also raise the head of you bed by 8 inches, using old books. I believe many cases of acid reflux begin at night when the acid goes upward and burns the esophagus. I hope these suggestions help you out. John

    • GreyS
      GreyS Jonathan57679

      Posted

      Hi John. I have a sliding hiatus hernia initially caused by 2 over-sized kidneys that have since been removed. (about 10 kg each). Anyway I know from a recent gastroscope that after 18 months so far there is no damage to my stomach wall or esophagus. I am concerned that the codine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) so much that the acid can escape, especially when bending crunching my midriff. I have decided to stop the co-codamol and see what happens. Not looking forward to the withdrawal symptoms and insomnia I suffer without codine. Will keep updating.

    • Jonathan57679
      Jonathan57679 GreyS

      Posted

      Sorry to hear that you've had these health issues. From my research, it looks like the sliding hiatus hernia can cause the reflux issues. There is a surgical procedure that can re-attach it, but it looks like the repair is rather fragile and can become a problem again.

      I do know by experience that codeine can dull the pain of acid reflux so that the person is less aware that damage is occurring, especially while sleeping. That could allow cumulative damage to occur.

      You could try raising the head of your bed and the Vitamin E treatment. Also, if you add a morning smoothie with organic carrots, beet powder and protein powder, and then slowly stir in organic probiotic yogurt. This will provide nutrients to heal the damage. I would avoid doing exercises that aggravate the condition. I do a standing push up using my kitchen counter. Hang in there, I do believe your discomfort can be improved. Regards, John

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