Living with GERD

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     Hey all, recently I was diagnosed with GERD (known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease). This isn't something that is debilitating often, but it really flares up when I eat too much food, eating spicy, fatty, oily, or sugary foods, smoking, drinking alcohol, caffeine, or lying down too soon after eating. Some of the symptoms I experience is my food coming back up through my esophagus, with the stomach acid creating a burning sensation and nausea whenever it happens. Along with this indigestion and heartburn are major things I experience which severely impact the quality of my life. 

    Over the last two weeks, I have truly been struggling to accept this diagnosis and coming to terms with having to change my habits and my diet. I knew I was going to experience this at some point in my life due to my dad having something wrong with his Lower Esophageal Sphincter, which is genetic unfortunately. There are medications that help this but mainly it is to do with changing diet, habits, and prioritizing a healthy lifestyle to minimize the condition and its symptoms. There is a surgery to help this which would involve repairing the LES by grafting a flap so the stomach acid doesn't climb my esophagus, but I already have enough fear of hospitals and anything related to anything medical.

    To say the least, I am still alive and pushing through as best as I can, but it really can be debilitating if I slip up on my diet and habits. Any kind words would be appreciated as the adjustment in lifestyle is something I was not mentally prepared for. Thanks for listening and taking the time to understand how this effects me in my daily life, it means a lot.

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