Can GERD go away?!!!?

Question

I had acid reflux for about a year and a half, undiagnosed, because I had a bad doctor. Now I have a really bad case of GERD (it has given me asthma and some cavities). I heard that I don't have to worry about it becoming cancer because I will do what I can to take care of it now and, although it's so bad it hasn't been like this long enough for that (though it seems like it's so long). But this lump in my throat is always there and it is such a pain. Has anyone else had this and been cured? If so, what methods/medications worked? Protonix doesn't seem to be working and I do take it correctly (and twice a day). Perhaps I haven't been taking it long enough. Also, if it gets cured, do I have to eat bland foods forever?? Any anwers are appreciated!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Hi! The lump -- feels like a hairball, right? Yes, been there, done that. Got the asthma, too, but no cavities, lucky for me. The magic pill is Prevacid, which is VERY expensive when not on a prescription plan. I went off it once to try the OTC stuff (Prilosec -- I have a month's supply if you want it), but back came the insistent cough, the hairball, the wheezing, etc., so I am back on Prevacid and leading a very happy life.

I have no dietary restrictions, except to limit my Coca Cola intake, but I still drink cokes, eat whatever I like, and just pop my pill each day. It beats a hairball any day of the week. To think that for weeks I went around trying to pull that hair out of my throat ... and it wasn't even a hair!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

It should. Pregnancy is really hard on your body! I have four children, my youngest is 2 months old and I am so happy I am not pregnant anymore! I had severe acid reflux with my last pregnacy and I never had it with my other pregnancies as bad. I was on zantac, and I could tell when it was 11 hours since I last took it since my abdomen and throat would hurt so bad. I had to take the 150mg, 75 mg would not last long enough for me. I find it actually works better with food, without would be painful I was surprised. 2 days after I gave birth the pain was 100% gone!! I actually sleep much more now then when pregnant since I had to sleep sitting up for the past 4 months the pain in my throat was so bad before, don't worry it will get better. If you eat small amounts constantly that might help. I had to have a Carnation Intant Breakfast drink upon awakening since I was too tired to swallow much food but I needed something in my stomach right away.

Answer 4

First of all, GERD doesn't cause cancer. There are risks of ulcers and esophageal-related difficulties. If it is severe, it can affect your throat even, as well as your teeth. Secondly, it can be treated. For some people, treatment is short-term and for others treatment is necessary long-term. The best medication that has been both studied long-term and is most efficacious is called Nexium. It's fairly expensive, but it may be worth it. Sounds like GERD is really impacting your functioning. You don't have to suffer with this. Talk to your doctor about Nexium.

Answer 5

Stomach acid coming up into your esophagus could certainly cause cancer over time. The reason the acid is coming up is because of a weakness in a sphincter or a misfiring of a nerve, I think the vegas nerve specifically. Sphincters are comprised of smooth muscle as opposed to skeletal muscle which is voluntary and people try to build everyday. Smooth muscle is involuntary which means you can't knowingly contract it and therefore it would make sense that you couldn't make it stronger either. There doesn't seem like there could be a cure for it, for those reasons. So a change in diet by reducung triggering foods and sleeping somewhat upright would help your problem but not cure it.

Answer 6

I had acid reflux, it was bad. My doctor put me on prilosec 3 times a day for 3 weeks and then 2 times a day for 2 weeks and 1 time a day until they symptoms went away. Prilosec is over the counter, but check with your doctor. I also started eating healthier ( fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, less red meats) also drop ed 12 pounds and exercise more and drink lots of water.

I eat spicy foods whenever I want now and have not had any symptoms in acid reflux in a year. It did take me 6 months to get it under control.

Answer 7

First of all it could lead to cancer. Second, it can't be cured but it can be controlled. My best-friend has the worst case of it and I have known her for 10 years. I have been to the doctors with her and heard what they have said to her. If it gets bad enough they will have to stretch your throat. every time the acid goes up and then comes down again it eats away the soft tissue in the throat. When that happens, it causes your throat to grow scar tissue and it shrinks. She has had her throat stretched so many times that she has lost count. Now They are talking about putting a balloon in her throat in case her throat collapses. I have a vitamin that can help you with that. If you want more inf on it you can e-mail me back at [e-mail]

Answer 8

Some people have gotten good results from drinking monavie juice.
Also, see Digestive Wellness by Elizabeth Lipski for lots of useful suggestions on how to deal with this problem.

Answer 9

Gastro-reflux disease can be quite serious and if left untreated could lead to cancer. You should ask your doctor about Nexium. It's a once a day pill that can, over a period of time, reverse the damage done by gastro reflux. Once everyting is better it should be back to happy eating.

Good Luck

Answer 10

Well, to correct the first answerer, GERD can predispose one to the development of Barrett's esophagus or gastric metaplasia of the esophagus, and subsequent development of carcinoma. About one percent per year of people with Barrett's will develop esophageal Ca.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrett%27s_esophagus

Please also have your doctor look for Zenker's diverticulum, which also goes undiagnosed for long periods of time, and can cause many, but not all of the symptoms you describe. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zenker's_diverticulum).