I was just recently diagnosed with Acid Reflux. I spent the last week going crazy thinking I was having anything from a heart attack from the sever chest pains to an asthma attack from the lack of being able to breath. Ive been put on a few medications to help alleviate my pain and symptoms. The problem is that in four days I havent been able to eat more than a handful of food. Im starving but frightened of causing another episode. Yesterday I tried two bites at breakfast and spent the whole day regretting it. Any suggestions??
2015-02-02 04:16:11
Yes the proton pump inhibitors(PPI's) start working right away by reducing acid but your esophagus has to heal. It can take at least two weeks for the healing to start to have an effect. Acid that comes up into the esophagus causes pain and inflammation that can feel like a lump along with heartburn and several other symptoms that make you feel awful when you eat. If GERD or acid reflux is the diagnosis you have to give the meds some time. You might not feel somewhat normal for a month or more. Try eating only low fat small meals nothing spicy or acidic avoid chocolate tea and alcohol; and don't eat late at night. Apples help some people even just a few slices throughout the day. A wedge type pillow that elevates your torso can also help. Take your PPI at bedtime and give it a few weeks. You should get better little by little. Sometimes these PPI's have to be taken on an on-going basis to keep the esophagus healthy. Your doc can advise. If you are not a lot better in a few weeks you'll need more tests to make sure you've been correctly diagnosed.
2015-02-02 04:16:37
