Hello, my name is Devin, I am 22 years old,and I have been living with acid reflux and a hiatal hernia for over 3 years now. I have tried almost every medication you can think of, including prilosec, zantac, zegrid, aciphex, prevacid and protonics ; I have not tried nexium because it is not covered by my health insurance. I had a nissan fundo a little over 3 weeks ago and my reflux has already returned worse then ever. Before that, I had the newer, less invasive version if the nissan fundo which was also unsuccesful. I've tried to remain positive about the situation over the years, but as a full time college student dealing with bi-polar disorder and college life in general, this is really starting to get me down. I often find myself frustrated and crying over my gerd and I don't know what to do at this point. I feel that all joy has been taken from my life now; I can no longer go out to the bars or parties with my friends on the weekends and often just stay at home instead in order to avoid situations with greasy food and alcohol. It seems that no matter what I do this problem is not getting better. Please help :0(
I've been having difficulty swallowing for 4 months. I've had my esophagus stretched and now they want to try botox injections. I have GERD/LRPD their not sure which , a hiatal hernia and a thyroid nodule. I can't eat normal food, most baby food or very soft food. I can't go out to eat and mostly stay home cause I have to prepare my meals and it all revolves around my meds (Zegerid on an empty stomach and Reglan 1/2 hour before I eat). I don't like parties or social settings anymore because I can't eat or drink or have fun like everyone else. It's been horrible. Just wanted you to know you are not alone. Are you getting therapy - it helps me. I go to Cognative Behavioral therapy and hypno therapy along with the gastrologist and ENT.
Hi,
I failed with medications and had problems with a throat surgery and the Nissen Fundoplication BUT I have a very good motility specialist (GI doc) and a very skilled surgeon who has done the wrap many times. I'm wondering if you are with an HMO. That limits your choices a great deal. If you are free to choose your own doctors, keep going to specialists until find someone who offers tests, treatment and hope for your case. I was not considered a good candidate for the Nissen surgery (stomach wrap) and was I thoroughly informed of that fact. I had no other options to relieve the pain. Attitude is everything when you have an illness. Depression and bi-polar disorder runs in my family through I don't have those myself, I do understand how difficult it is to manage your stress and disappointment in your life right now. Please make sure you are getting help to manage your bi-polar disorder and depression. Fun and happiness is a state of mind. I have a number of post and you will find my life is anything but cheery on the surface but I have great hope for my future despite the problems with not only GERD and other serious medical problems but I never give up looking for doctors willing to help when others say nothing more can be done. I go to as neuropsychologist every week to help deal with my disability. It helps plus I learned biofeedback techniques to reduce stress and pain. It's been a god send for me. Medications didn't help me at all with the GERD and I'm allergic to many things including many ingredients in "soft foods". You may need to find friends who do something other than going out drinking. Find something you like to do like hiking, bird watching, astronomy, whatever but get out there in your free time and have fun. Discover what else you might enjoy. Tell youself every week you'll try something new. You might find a new hobby or passion in life. Infuse your life with things that are good for you on every level. I too don't go to potlucks or dinners much. I can't even use any formulas to drink due to allergies so weight loss is a problem for me. On the positive side, there are many CANs rather than CAN'T do-s. Seriously, after more than 20 surgeries and having another one in July, if I didn't stay hopeful and positive, I couldn't handle this. If your therapist isn't helping you much with your problem then change to someone else you click with. I found a wonderful neuropsychologist who deals with people with disabilities of all sorts. Believe me, he is the FIRST person who has understood the medical and psychological impact of serious medical problems I've ever met. Never give up on finding help. It's out there. I'm not a Pollyanna who just says things are fine. Your life can be rich and full. Choose which way you want to do and don't stop until you find help medically and psychologically. You can find my posts under Cricopharngeal Myotomy and Nissen Fundoplication or by my name Gloria Howey or Hummerlady. I'm not telling you life is easy---it's not.
Hi,
I failed with medications and had problems with a throat surgery and the Nissen Fundoplication BUT I have a very good motility specialist (GI doc) and a very skilled surgeon who has done the wrap many times. I'm wondering if you are with an HMO. That limits your choices a great deal. If you are free to choose your own doctors, keep going to specialists until find someone who offers tests, treatment and hope for your case. I was not considered a good candidate for the Nissen surgery (stomach wrap) and was I thoroughly informed of that fact. I had no other options to relieve the pain. Attitude is everything when you have an illness. Depression and bi-polar disorder runs in my family through I don't have those myself, I do understand how difficult it is to manage your stress and disappointment in your life right now. Please make sure you are getting help to manage your bi-polar disorder and depression. Fun and happiness is a state of mind. I have a number of post and you will find my life is anything but cheery on the surface but I have great hope for my future despite the problems with not only GERD and other serious medical problems but I never give up looking for doctors willing to help when others say nothing more can be done. I go to as neuropsychologist every week to help deal with my disability. It helps plus I learned biofeedback techniques to reduce stress and pain. It's been a god send for me. Medications didn't help me at all with the GERD and I'm allergic to many things including many ingredients in "soft foods". You may need to find friends who do something other than going out drinking. Find something you like to do like hiking, bird watching, astronomy, whatever but get out there in your free time and have fun. Discover what else you might enjoy. Tell youself every week you'll try something new. You might find a new hobby or passion in life. Infuse your life with things that are good for you on every level. I too don't go to potlucks or dinners much. I can't even use any formulas to drink due to allergies so weight loss is a problem for me. On the positive side, there are many CANs rather than CAN'T do-s. Seriously, after more than 20 surgeries and having another one in July, if I didn't stay hopeful and positive, I couldn't handle this. If your therapist isn't helping you much with your problem then change to someone else you click with. I found a wonderful neuropsychologist who deals with people with disabilities of all sorts. Believe me, he is the FIRST person who has understood the medical and psychological impact of serious medical problems I've ever met. Never give up on finding help. It's out there. I'm not a Pollyanna who just says things are fine. Your life can be rich and full. Choose which way you want to do and don't stop until you find help medically and psychologically. You can find my posts under Cricopharngeal Myotomy and Nissen Fundoplication or by my name Gloria Howey or Hummerlady. I'm not telling you life is easy---it's not.