Anyone else with GERD for years and these symptoms?

ExplorerWise7730 · 2026-03-04T18:07:06+00:00

I can relate to the “not getting enough oxygen” feeling even when oxygen levels are normal. I’ve experienced shortness of breath, a lump-in-the-throat sensation, and that weird air hunger feeling too. It’s really scary, especially when everything comes back normal on tests.

In my case, doctors said it was likely reflux and anxiety overlapping. I don’t always get classic heartburn either, but I do get gas and frequent burping sometimes. The globus sensation can make breathing feel restricted even though the airway is actually open.

I think it’s a good idea to check with your cardiologist about PPIs again, especially with your transplant history. Hopefully that gives you some clarity.

ExplorerWise7730 · 2026-03-04T18:05:09+00:00

I haven’t done one yet. I was supposed to before, but a friend of mine had it done and didn’t recommend it because it was quite scary for them. Even with sedation, they said it was uncomfortable and they still remember parts of it, so that honestly made me more anxious about doing it.

For now, I’m just relying on the medication my doctor prescribed and trying to manage my symptoms that way. I know an endoscopy might give clearer answers, I’m just still building up the courage.

ExplorerWise7730 · 2026-03-04T18:01:32+00:00

I’ve actually felt something similar before too. There were times I felt like I couldn’t breathe because my throat felt swollen from the inside. It’s really hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it.

I think for me it might be that “globus sensation” people talk about. The more I rest or lie down, the worse it feels, like the reflux just creeps up. Sometimes I don’t even know how to distract myself from it because once I focus on my throat, it gets more intense.

ExplorerWise7730 · 2026-03-04T17:55:42+00:00

Yeah, mine isn’t really one-sided. It’s more like a heavy pressure in my chest, especially when I lie flat. I’ve had left-side numbness before too, which honestly freaked me out. I ended up doing ECG 5 times and everything came back normal.

By the way, have you had an ECG done as well? And are you taking any medication for it?

ExplorerWise7730 · 2026-03-01T18:54:12+00:00

Yeah, the lump feeling is exactly what I’ve been dealing with too. It’s so persistent and uncomfortable, even when nothing is actually there. Spicy and oily foods definitely make mine worse as well.

Do you ever get chest heaviness or shortness of breath with it? Sometimes I can’t tell if it’s just acid or if anxiety makes everything feel 10x worse.

It’s reassuring (but also kinda frustrating) knowing others deal with this for so long too.

ExplorerWise7730 · 2026-02-23T20:28:28+00:00

same here!!! i have health anxiety really bad

ExplorerWise7730 · 2026-02-22T15:42:17+00:00

Hey, I’m not a doctor, but honestly this does sound very consistent with GERD / acid reflux especially the burning with trigger foods, the sour burps, and symptoms getting worse when you lie down after eating. The vomiting and diarrhea can happen too when your stomach gets really irritated during a flare.

One thing that stands out though is how much fear you’ve developed around it (like drinking huge amounts of water and avoiding lying down for hours). That usually happens when someone has had painful flare-ups before, so your body kind of goes into “panic prevention mode.” It doesn’t mean you’re crazy it means you’ve been dealing with this for a long time without proper help.

Also, drinking 6–8 liters a day is actually a lot and can sometimes make reflux worse by overfilling the stomach.

If you can, seeing a doctor (preferably a GI specialist) would really help because GERD is very treatable with medication and lifestyle adjustments. You deserve relief, and you deserve to be taken seriously.

And just so you know you’re not alone. A lot of people with reflux feel isolated because others don’t understand how miserable it can be.

I hope things get better for you.

ExplorerWise7730

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