Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 11:01 am
Hi Rose,
I am so happy you posted about GERD. I have had GERD for many years and has been under control with medication over that period of time.
However, last fall I was under a lot of stress for many different things and my GERD really flared up. My doctor had me double up on my meds and it went away. However, silly me felt so good that I cut it back to the original dose. It came back even worse. When I questioned my pharmacist about this he said that you just can't cut down on the dosage immediately, it has to be done over time. I actually had a rebound effect. So, I'm back to the double dose and I am beginning to feel better.
My GERD seems to flare up with stress and anxiety, so my doctor recommended relaxation tapes and also exercise. I did see a psychologist friend of mine about this and he reviewed relaxation techniques with me and said that stress certainly can cause excess stomach acid buildup.
You mentioned you were on Zantac. I don't know if this works the same way as the med I am on, but just in case, perhaps if you decide to go off of it, do it gradually.
And, as others have posted I have heard all kinds of good things about apple cider vinegar and I am going to try that. By the way, last fall, when I had a big flareup my doctor put me on the BRAT diet, but I was only on it for a few days and then he said to gradually begin to eat regularly.
Just a couple of things: he said to try and eat at regular times, try and eat more but smaller meals, get regular sleep times, sleep in a slightly elevated position, and above all make use of relaxation every day.
I wish you much good luck. I've been battling this along with anxiety for years and they do not go well together for sure!
I am so happy you posted about GERD. I have had GERD for many years and has been under control with medication over that period of time.
However, last fall I was under a lot of stress for many different things and my GERD really flared up. My doctor had me double up on my meds and it went away. However, silly me felt so good that I cut it back to the original dose. It came back even worse. When I questioned my pharmacist about this he said that you just can't cut down on the dosage immediately, it has to be done over time. I actually had a rebound effect. So, I'm back to the double dose and I am beginning to feel better.
My GERD seems to flare up with stress and anxiety, so my doctor recommended relaxation tapes and also exercise. I did see a psychologist friend of mine about this and he reviewed relaxation techniques with me and said that stress certainly can cause excess stomach acid buildup.
You mentioned you were on Zantac. I don't know if this works the same way as the med I am on, but just in case, perhaps if you decide to go off of it, do it gradually.
And, as others have posted I have heard all kinds of good things about apple cider vinegar and I am going to try that. By the way, last fall, when I had a big flareup my doctor put me on the BRAT diet, but I was only on it for a few days and then he said to gradually begin to eat regularly.
Just a couple of things: he said to try and eat at regular times, try and eat more but smaller meals, get regular sleep times, sleep in a slightly elevated position, and above all make use of relaxation every day.
I wish you much good luck. I've been battling this along with anxiety for years and they do not go well together for sure!