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I Have Gerd

I haven't had any tests done, but my genetic father had GERD. I've been getting heartburn and other symptoms for at least a year and it happens very often. Changing my diet didn't work, water fasting didn't work (I didn't think about food at all.), Not laying down until at least three hours after eating didn't work, eating much smaller meals spread out over the day didn't work, and I'm not even sure if medication is working. If I don't have GERD, then there has to be something wrong. (Mostly talking about heartburn (when I say happening often, it happens randomly to, at all times of the day, I don't see any patterns. It doesn't ever occur more than a few times in one day though.) and acidic flavor going up my mouth, not vomit though, but a cold sensation and it feels like acidic stomach fluids.)

Edit (08/08/15): The Ranitidine (Zantac) seems to have been helping some and I've figured out a strategy to avoid getting reflux while I sleep (that stays with me until about an hour after having a Ranitidine capsule in the morning), which is to have a banana after my stomach empties then going to bed about an hour after, if I end up staying up a few hours later then I'll just have another banana. The reason I don't want to sleep on an empty stomach is because of the negative effects it has on one's body but also because it seems like I'm more likely to get reflux after not eating for so long anyway. And I choose a banana particularly for it's antacid properties. Something I've noticed recently is that peanut butter seems to be a trigger for me, well, for reflux in me, so, heartburn. I'm not at the level where it really feels like a burning sensation yet though. So I don't really think of it as heartburn, hopefully it never gets that far as long as I keep taking Ranitidine and having a banana about an hour before bed (as well as avoiding peanut butter.).
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geminigirl54
Have you tried medication? I would get them so bad that I would get chest pains and have to go to the hospital. It was not until they gave me milk for breakfast and I burped that it was learned what my problem was. By the way milk helps too. Stay away from coffee and oj and other things with acid like tomato sauce and spicy foods. I know it is a lot to deal with and I am a ketchup chilli fan.
LunarVanilla · 26-30
I haven't found any connection with the food I eat to my reflux, hot sauce in my burrito bowls never really triggers it, coffee hasn't that I know of but I've only had it thrice. Orange juice I don't really drink, not much of a juice fan. I don't want to lower my pH, I'd just rather not have reflux. Stomach acids are important for digestion and I have tried Zantac, ranitidine sadly. I'd say when I'm most likely to have reflux, or a mild inflamed feeling is when on an empty stomach (whether on or not on Ranitidine). Ranitidine doesn't stop reflux from happening, just stops it from being so acidic decreasing the chance of your esophagus becoming inflamed. That's my experience anyway and what I would guess based on what it is supposed to do.
geminigirl54
I just had a problem between 8:30 and 9 and the nurse gave me some Malox and some other ant acid I have also found milk helps. My brother likes the hot stuff like you and never has a problem. I also get an ant acid in the morning at 5 am and then another one at 8. I think what could have triggered the pain I am feeling right now was the onions that was in my cucumber salad at dinner and the two balogna sandwiches I had for a snack.
LunarVanilla · 26-30
@geminigirl54 Yes, triggers usually vary from person to person. When I'm having reflux as long as I'm hungry I'm usually craving something warm/hot. Like heated up soup or cooked beans for instance.

Of course water can give temporary alleviation and overall water intake can help in the long run. Having a ton after/during eating isn't a great idea though because ti will dilute the acids in your stomach and you won't digest as well.
geminigirl54
What is your favorite soup? Mine is tomato with grilled cheese. I have also found the Coke helps too but that is not good for everyone. Milk is a big help for me.
LunarVanilla · 26-30
@geminigirl54 Lentil (lentil based vegetable) soup, haven't had much else concerning soup in a while though. I'm not a soda/pop drinker, water seems to be the best or around the same level for me out of the liquids I do drink (for easing the reflux feeling).