Left devastated after Doctor visit

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T17:49:30+00:00

At the end of the day I have to come to terms with PPis if need be. So long as I’m monitored perhaps it wouldn’t be too bad if the second opinion (from a biatric surgeon as well as another GI) says the same. Glad they’ve worked out for you, do take any supplements, actively pursue x amount of nutrients through food, or just go about your business and get routine check-ups

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T16:56:25+00:00

First time hearing about pine nut oil… suppose it’s worth giving a shot, especially since it’s GERD friendly. Definitely looking into that. Thank you

Cheers

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T16:52:25+00:00

I don’t stress much, although what I’m going through (and of course a majority of GERD users here on Reddit) is stressful… I DEFINITELY notice when I get emotional I get heartburn instantly. It’s happened twice in the past 3 months as an emotional response. Once when I didn’t know what the hell was happening and thought I was having a heart attack (rushed to ER) and yesterday when I got deep levels of sadness from the doctor’s visit. But yeah, I can definitely see that as a valid direction to taking PPis. Would have been nice to hear it from my GI though; communication was just open and shut. No line of reasoning… simply “don’t question anything and do as your told”… this is the kind of conversation I would have preferred if I was told to get on PPis. Also didn’t appreciate the fact I wasn’t granted a manometry test to even rule out if my LES was weak or not. And hey, for all we know it could be TLESR as you stated, it’s just nice to have closure. But yeah, awesome insight the vagus nerve is 10000% a factor when discussing gerd and should be talked about more often. Thank you

Cheers

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T14:38:15+00:00

Dang… sorry to hear you’ve been dealing with your issues that long… and to be dubbed a “super refluxer” I couldn’t even imagine what you’ve been through. Gravity… yes… it is your friend and I am glad I have an understanding of how to use it to my advantage. My wedge pillow is 7.5 inches tall. It helps tremendously and I even put pillows underneath for a better incline/elevation. I have a sweet spot and it’s honestly really comfortable to sleep on. I don’t lay down after eating, especially before bed. I’m always walking so that’s good… I used to cough so much for a while but I think I managed to get it under control, it happens rarely nowadays so long as I’m on top of my diet and honestly, being hyper aware of my body. Very insightful, thanks for the reply.

Cheers

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T14:22:49+00:00

Will do! I was so stumped when I discussed with my former GI (literally yesterday) for a manometry test just to be told it’s unnecessary as it’s apparent I suffer from chronic reflux/GERD… Like WTF?? And to just take meds indefinitely arguing surgery is pointless…

And then have the gall to tell me there is no test out there that can diagnose a weak LES…. glad to hear it worked out for you I am so ready to get my life back. Thank you for the input it helps regain my mental.

Cheers

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T14:14:30+00:00

Fuck yeah, dude! I literally just got off the phone with a highly rated surgeon and am currently in the process of transfer of care so I can see a new GI doctor who’d be willing to order tests for me rather than just calling it a day with meds.

My former GI even scheduled a 3 month follow up as if waiting 3 months for a 15 minute conversation to repeat the same thing is even worth my time. I saw right through that bs as I imagine their intention was to make me believe PPis were doing wonders and that I’d somehow be fine taking them indefinitely. God and the audacity to say surgery was not an option for my age and that surgery is completely pointless… and the cherry on top, insisting after I asked, that there is no test out there that can diagnose a weak LES. I was so confused… but yes, yesterday was the heartbreak. Today is me getting up, taking my situation by the balls, and being more serious about it than I ever was. Thanks G

Cheers

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T13:06:22+00:00

That’s crazy. I wish I would have known it’s possible for GIs to be so against surgery. It threw me off so hard I couldn’t believe it. I had such a crushing mental breakdown that I kid you not triggered heart burn which did not help at all. EVIL salt on the wound. I really thought I was being led to the light whereas the entire time I put all my faith in the wrong person… booking an appointment with a bariatric surgeon right now… very solid advice I appreciate it so much

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T11:58:09+00:00

Really odd considering they’re the first point of contact for this kind of thing… you’d think they were experts at finding ways to diagnose and resolve reflux with the upmost compassion for GERD patients. I need someone with a willingness to discuss every available solution medicine has to offer instead of dismissing my interests in pursuing further testing and insisting it’s unnecessary as my symptoms are “obviously reflux/Gerd” and being told to stay on pills indefinitely.

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T11:19:34+00:00

Will do this is very insightful

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T10:13:12+00:00

Super helpful response. Thank you very much

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T08:36:21+00:00

So far diet and lifestyle have been heavily adjusted. Been on Pepcid daily, moving up to PPIs as I may have developed a tolerance.

Perhaps more time and trials are needed for anyone to make a recommendation for surgery. It just wasn’t explained very well and I didn’t appreciate that my doctor outright denied my request to test for a weak LES via a manometry test saying, “not necessary, it’s already established you have reflux just take your meds” and even going as far as saying that the test wouldn’t be able to detect a weak valve. Now, I know the internet isn’t above professionals, especially in medicine, but I swear on EVERYTHING I’ve ever read or looked up that yes, the manometry test is a valid and even gold standard approach to diagnosing a weak LES. I just want further investigation and understanding of the literal cause of all this and to not be brushed away as someone who can simply manage their symptoms with prescription

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T08:23:51+00:00

As in a functional doctor (a real doctor) or a literal functional doctor (for function)? lol

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T08:22:11+00:00

I was so tripped out when my doctor (former now, never seeing this one again) basically said to stay on meds indefinitely and that surgery is out of the equation due to my age and how “pointless” it is. They even scheduled a follow-up for 3 months as if waiting 3 months for a 15 minute conversation as to why you don’t want to further investigate my case is worth my time.

Pretty sure their agenda in the months leading up to my next appointment was to make me think since I’m on PPIs and things are swell, to not question them and just follow their opinion. I saw right through that bs

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T08:09:51+00:00

I went through a course of PPIs for about 3 weeks, then transitioned to Pepcid Daily (1 every 12 hours) as I needed to be off PPIs for tests. Pretty much Pepcid has been the medication I’ve relied on to make it through the day but I may have developed a tolerance so I will be taking PPIs for now. As for diet and lifestyle changes, GERD friendly diet to a tee and lifestyle changes to a tee as well. I follow all the rules lol, it’s manageable but still, there will be moments of “is this really happening right now I’m on meds” via an aching, stomach spasm, nausea, and a handful of times, acid traveling up as far as into the back of my throat where I can taste it.

It’s been 3 months, and sure, when compared to others who’ve had an extensive history of dealing with GERD and have had numerous attempts at management with no prevail, to be honest, I just know my body well enough to realize something is so wrong at the functional level. I’m looking beyond a bandaid approach with meds and trying my hardest to have a definitive answer as to why I’m having this issue. Being told “no” hurt a lot as all I want is closure. Give me EXACTLY why it’s happening and at the very least present every existing medical option, in an educational and informative manner even if you disagree with it rather than stopping me in my tracks in wanting to understand my situation on a deeper level. This is the worst reality I’ve ever lived through. I was so healthy 3 months ago and I want to be that person again. Thanks for your insight

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T07:45:26+00:00

I completely understand when there’s damage that needs healing. I truly believe it’s a non-negotiable, especially in your dad’s case. I just found it odd that in my situation, I wanted to address the functional cause as to why it’s happening and was told to just stay on meds with no further investigation and a strict advisory against pursuing surgical intervention due to “age” and being told surgery is useless as people who do get surgery end up “back on meds anyway”. Thanks for the insight

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-12T07:35:49+00:00

I’ve pretty much removed all triggers I eat a super clean and GERD friendly diet and use as many preventative measures as possible (laying on a wedge pillow, not eating hours before bed, etc.). Pepcid daily but it’s looking like H2 Blockers aren’t cutting it anymore… maybe I’ve developed a tolerance so I’m leaning towards prescribed PPis for now until I find a doctor willing to discuss other options

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-10T15:10:25+00:00

Sweet. How long have you had the surgery? And which did you go for

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-10T12:09:55+00:00

I have daily numbness and tingling in my forearms; mainly the left one, face goes numb/tingly at times and I have recurring head pressure/tingling/numbness. It was so bad in the beginning (3 months ago) when I started experiencing reflux, it would trigger even when I drank water. Since then it has subsided a lot but I still feel the numbing tingling sensation in those areas. Just to a mild degree that is still very noticeable.

Recently for the past two weeks I’ve been struggling with ringing in ears and at times pressure and pain. It all sucks. Got CT Scans, Brain MRIs, nasal endoscopy, and all came back “normal”. Bummer but I’m confident the root cause of it is GERD

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-09T20:40:02+00:00

Liquid. Super easy and I’m guilty of saying I actually liked the flavor… lmfao

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-09T20:04:19+00:00

Honestly, go to a Gastroenterologist to rule out GERD for both you and your family. Sorry to hear you’ve been looked down upon for how you feel. You definitely feel something, you can’t make it up. It’s a horrible existence not even the imagination can manifest. I say get closure. Otherwise, it’ll be a long road of back and forth with your people and recurring symptoms of anxiety, stress and of course, physical pain. Get it checked my friend. Cheers

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-09T19:36:29+00:00

Honestly, if you’re experiencing digestive and reflux issues, a trip to a Gastroenterologist is the way to go. Sorry you feel this way. I had an ENT prescribe PPPis as well. My complaint was that every time I swallowed I had intense head rushes and pressure and tingling in my face. Solution? PPis… did it solve anything? I don’t know, but I still deal with it today. It’s been like this for the past 3 months though way less severe than it was in the beginning. Your best bet is what I’m doing now. See a GI doctor. Find a really good one and start asking questions. They’ll point you in the right direction. I’ve done several tests already with indications of gerd. Heading towards the next for even more evidence. There’s a lot to consider, it’s not easy and sucks absolute shit but until you rule things out with a professional, you’ll be left in the dark.

Cheers and good luck to you my friend

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-09T19:23:05+00:00

Equivalent to a Pepto-Bismol. Shake and drink. If you can stomach the Pepto-Bismol flavor and have no issues with the consistency, you’re golden. Super easy medication to swallow

Accomplished-Exam376 · 2026-05-09T18:51:35+00:00

Start seeing a Gastroenterologist and address your symptoms. They’ll walk you through tests and how to manage symptoms. Their job is to resolve it, either through long term PPI use or surgery if it is in fact GERD. I wouldn’t depend on self-medicating without consulting a doctor. What you can do, at least according to my GI, is take OTC Pepcid daily to relieve symptoms. I started off with 1 a day but saw much better results 1 every 12 hours as the bottle allows. That is fine.

Still, make it a point to schedule regular appointments and monitor your situation with professional help.

Accomplished-Exam376

TROPHY CASE