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New member, GERD sufferer in the US

Posted , 7 users are following.

leolipert
leolipert

Having been recently diagnosed with GERD, I am learning that I need to make some lifestyle changes if I want to feel good.

My most difficult symptom is shortness of breath, and wheezing. This leads to not being able to sleep laying down. I've spent too many nights sitting up on the couch gasping for air, coughing and only getting bits and pieces of sleep.

I had childhood asthma, and thought that I was having a recurrence in my late 50's. When the specialist I saw told me that it wasn't asthma, but a digestive problem, I was stunned. I'm following his advice though, which includes raising the front of my bed slightly, eating dinner early, and eating half the amount I usually eat.

I'm curious if anyone else has had the difficult breathing symptom that I have.

Thanks, Leo

1 like, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • 9999
    9999 leolipert

    Posted

    I have Sleep Apnea I gasp for air at night my mom told me. I also have Acid Reflux. I get out of breath too amd cough alot. Welcome to the forum Leo👍

  • george95516
    george95516 leolipert

    Posted

    hi leolipert, i've been suffering with the same symptoms as yourself.went to doctors a couple of weeks ago, and he said sounded like acid reflux, put me on anastrozole,but doesn't seem to be helping at the moment.feel as though someone is sitting on my chest, also have a constant dry cough, but nothing coming up. don't really understand, because i go jogging twice a week, and i consider myself fit, and it doesn't affect me while exercising, but a few hours later, back to shortness of breath again. also feels like a constant sore throat.will try meds for a little while longer, before going back to  dr.hope your condition improves, but does get you down when nothing seems to help

    • leolipert
      leolipert george95516

      Posted

      George,

          Your description of feeling like "someone is sitting on my chest" is spot on with my symptoms. At times I'm unable to take a complete breath.

          I've been treating this symptom with an albuterol inhaler, and this gives me some relief. It especially helps right before I go to bed.

      Leo

  • carmwoman
    carmwoman leolipert

    Posted

    Yes I have severe breathlessness I was unable to walk up atairs or hills and not walk very far without sitting down was unable to do.much at all. I complained to 3 Doctors and because I couldnt blow muc air into the Spiromeyer and being a former smoker the doctors diagnosed me with Emphysema however I have been researching night and day abd due to my chronically sore throat I have silent reflux and continue taking Alovera and have had much improvent now.
  • katerina51789
    katerina51789 leolipert

    Posted

    Hi leoliopert.

    Sorry ure going through that. Acid reflux isnt pleasant.

    Ive been suffering for over yr now. Only just started getting better and doctors havent diagnosed me with anything and I had a good number of specialist tests. They suspecting it and treating me for it but i feel i have more than one issue and each upset the other.

    What id recommend is pls be very patient and do ask doctors lots questions. Dont be fobbed off. This issue can take very long time to heal or in cases to just get it undercontrol.

    Dont give up on yr meds as silent refluxers do not respond to meds as quickly. It can take 6months to feel better. Bed position and body posture is very important. Do not wear tight clothes. Type of food amount and times are important.

    Be strict with yrself ull be surprised how quickly u adjust and dont feel that ure denying yrself anything.

    Keep an eye on yr asthma as with acid reflux if ignored could contribute toward development of other chronic lung issues.

    Keep fighting and stay strong.

  • Jojoann
    Jojoann leolipert

    Posted

    Yes!!! The reflux and allergies gang up and give me asthma. I see a pulmonologist and he keeps saying my lungs are clear. I clear my throat alot, i always thought it was allergies but its the reflux. When the reflux feels better, the asthma gets better too. Im lucky it doesn't wake me, I feel it more during the day and when I exercise. I hope that you can manage the gerd and feel better, it c an take time but you are on the right track.

  • tata40402
    tata40402 leolipert

    Posted

    Yes, I am experiencing that now. It's after I eat, I notice the coughing and wheezing. Difficult to talk to anyone, can't catch my breath. I have a strange feeling in my chest that makes me cough. I'very had Gerd for years, Im thinking about surgery

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