This could suck!

[Giz]

I might have to stop drinking coffee, and alcohol!

Ok, to sum it up. For awhile now I've had bad acid reflux which might mean I have something called GERD. I haven't seen a doctor in over 2 years, and I doubt I'll see him about this. (internet ftw!) I'm pretty sure this is caused due to my lifestyle, which I'll need to adjust it seems.

I work nights so when I come home I normally eat, and then go to sleep. This has proven to be a nightmare for me. Not only does it cause horrible acid reflex, I've also put on some weight due to it. Also, my setup right now is a relaxed futon, so when I eat I normally lye down and play on the Xbox or watch TV. Most of the time I'm working on the comp, so that helps (as in sitting up). So anyway, I used to wake up and have a coffee. It seems now that this will make it worse (which it does). I noticed after a few beers too, it happens so I'll have to pause that for awhile too. Damn.

Lifestyle Changes
* If you smoke, stop. (not needed for me, as I quite like 4 years ago)
* Do not drink alcohol. (Dammit! )
* Lose weight if needed. (Needed - Jenny Craig?? :lol: )
* Eat small meals. ( Ghei! I'm a Barbarian-like man, I do no such thing as small meals. )
* Wear loose-fitting clothes.
* Avoid lying down for 3 hours after a meal.
* Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches by putting blocks of wood under the bedposts—just using extra pillows will not help.

I highlighted the things I'll need to do in red. Feel my pain?
Anyway I wanted to know if anyone here has went through this and if they have any ideas. This isn't a major, major thing as it only happens now and then. But when it does it sucks ass and seems to last for like 3-4 days! I need it to end.
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/

[DnC]

What happens you don't do what it says in the red writing?

EDIT: Oh just found out. Yeah, I think you need to do what it says. Good luck

[Cap'n Rommel]

He will get very ill I assume or he will just not live as long as if he followed them


I feel with you Gizmo

[Inyri Forge]

I'd still go to a doctor. NIH is a great place for information, but a lot of times a doctor can find alternatives for you that don't involve "never drink or lay down again".

[Sh0wdowN]

The key thing about lifestyle changes are that it's something that should be done gradually. If you _instantly_ change your lifestyle, you will lose motivation after a short period of time and things will slip. It's the little things that matters.
However, I'm sure you're already aware of this. As for losing weight (yeah, it's general knowledge), get a healthy diet and do some aerobic activity (cardio, or even boxing, for instance). You need to find something to that gets you in activity, as it'll probably enhance your overall shape and reduce your discomfort.

Besides that, I really don't know what to do -- I know I pretty much stated the obvious, but in such a situation that's about all I-- with no knowledge of GERD --can do. You really should see a doctor about it, as they can give you pretty accurate medical advice on how to approach this.

[Giz]

Yeah, seeing a doctor is probably the best approach. Heres the kicker though for that situation.

About two years ago, I was down and out. Not much cash, no vechicle and a hard time getting around. I was also working often and most of the money was going to bills (which I finally paid off and life got much easier). Anyway I missed a few doctors appointments back then and when you miss one, they charge you a fee of 25$. My doctors bill went up to about 100$ Me being as stuborn as I am refused to pay 100$ for nothing (imo). My doctor makes good money, so what that he had 5 minutes to sit and do nothing because I didn't show?! I don't see me having to pay him because of it. He didn't loose money! Also right now I have better things to spend 100$ on, so I'm going to work on that list from that website and see how I feel in about a month to two months time from following it. It's really going to suck though.

get a healthy diet and do some aerobic activity (cardio, or even boxing, for instance). You need to find something to that gets you in activity, as it'll probably enhance your overall shape and reduce your discomfort.

To be honest, I'm having a hardtime trying to find a decent plan. I'd like to find a plan that I can stick too, but each time I search I fail to find anything.

Water - I'm going to start replacing soda, coffee and beer with a nice bottle or glass of water. I think this is a good, healthy, step.

[General Rommel]

Thankfully, I'm healthy as are my siblings.

[DnC]

Originally Posted by gizmo

Water - I'm going to start replacing soda, coffee and beer with a nice bottle or glass of water. I think this is a good, healthy, step.

Fruit juice and milk might also be beneficial.

[Giz]

Some juice drinks. This all started this week when I drank like 3 full glasses of orange juice and then went to bed.

Also, certain foods can be associated with reflux events, including

* citrus fruits
* chocolate
* drinks with caffeine
* fatty and fried foods
* garlic and onions
* mint flavorings
* spicy foods
* tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, chili, and pizza

... and then last night I had some ravioli with pasta sauce for dinner.

[Hfx-Rebel]

Tsk Tsk

Ya know, I have that to; You don't even want to know how much coffee I drink from morning til nite...and I still drink, granted, not as much as I used to since the birth of my daughter. I've made no drastic changes to my lifestyle, however, during a doctor's visit, he prescribed some miracle pills, for the reflux...they work like charm! I haven't had a bad case of reflux in a long time, but I think I still have da drugs! If I still have any left, I'll grab the name for ya.