Question:
I have severe GERD, please help

I have severe GERD, no prescribed meds have ever helped. I have eaten so many antacids that at times my blood calcium levels get to dangerous levels, and at times I get kidney stones. I have GERD so severe that I inhale stomach acids into my airways when I am sleeping and I wake up in a panic and cannot breathe feels like I am drowning. most of the time when I eat, I get pain behind my breast bone that is so severe I cannot catch my breath and for several seconds or even a min or two it feels like I am having a heart attack. Has anyone else suffered it this severely. I am in insurance hell and they keep insisting that my GERD is under control. I say they are full of crap, can anyone help me    — Grace H. (posted on October 21, 2002)

October 21, 2002
I'm afraid I don't have an answer for you, but a question that may help lead you to some answers. Have they ever done a scope on you to see what the little flap (for lack of a better term) at the bottom of your esophagus is doing? A friend's child had GERD so bad, they did a scope and found that this "flap" was not closing properly and he was having such awful reflux and vomitting that he lost about half of his body weight (he was about a year old - not good!). They did surgery to repair it and he was fine (I think they kept him on meds, but has not had a problem like this again to date). I wish you luck, its an awful feeling to be in that much pain and not have anyone at your insurance company listening! Take care, Lisa
   — sssuzie1

October 21, 2002
I have had GERD as bad as you describe. Now that I have had surgery, I have not had it once! It is amazing! I know that doesn't make you feel better because you are still struggling with insurance, but know that once you do have surgery, things will get better. I used to take 1-2 Zantac every day and some Tums, too. Now I take 2 Tums just because of the calcium! I have not even had a whisper of heartburn since surgery. I wish you luck and will be praying for you!
   — sammygirlwpc

October 21, 2002
I had GERD so bad that it developed into Barretts Esophagus which is pre cancerous. THis is nothing to fool around with. I would find a new Gastro. if the current one isn't pushing your cause. The medications did absolutely nothing for me. WLS can help with GERD but dsn't always. In Aug. 2000 I had a Nisson Fundlopication which is surgery for GERD. I have had great success with it and don't experience anymore reflux. Due to this surgery I wasnt' able to have the RNY but had the DS and I'm thrilled I did.The RNY for me was potentially life threatening as they would have had to undo the Nisson for the RNY and it was too risky. Anyway, if it is so bad I would research and consider the Nisson. No regrets here! Good luck and feel better!
   — Linda M.

October 21, 2002
I have GERD real bad also. I will be having my RYN on Nov 11. I was also having the trouble with the acid coming into my airway. I had been horse for over 4 months. My PCP had me raise the head of my bed 4 to 6 inches. He put me on Nexium 40 mg two times a day till I have my surgery. If you haven tried this medicine get the PCP to let you try it. It is expense but it is worth it. Also try to stay away from sweets. This for me was a main tigger for the BURN. These steps have made it where I can get by. I am not having the horseness the way I did. I know that the surgery will really help. If I can be of help email me.
   — VickieG

October 25, 2002
I couldn't access your profile so I don't know if your pre or post op. If your pre op, the GERD will be eliminated right after RNY surgery. Do not get the VBG, this doesn't help it. I had it soooo bad, I totally sympathize with you.
   — ZZ S.

October 25, 2002
RNY will fix this very well.
   — bob-haller