The GERD, the bad, and the ugly

This is what I have-GERD-in a real bad way. I was diagnosed with this earlier this year after some bad reflux and upper abdomen pain/nausea. It was so bad the other day that I thought I was dying. I didn't know that it was my GERD because it felt unlike anything I'd ever felt before. I mean, it was so awful I had to have my friend call an ambulance to take me to the ER. So the doctors did a ton of tests and labs: EKG--normal, CT scan--no visible problems or blood clots, treadmill stress test--perfect heart rhythm, stamina, and recovery time, blood tests--no heart attack, not pregnant, normal glucose levels, no blood clots, normal, normal, NORMAL! Well, at least I am in good shape for the most part. Anyway, it was a little disconcerting that they could tell me what WASN'T wrong, but they couldn't pinpoint why I was having chest pressure, fatigue, weakness, and dizziness...especially given my recent history of GERD.

Today my regular doctor said that my stomach was just over-producing stomach acid and that it was really doing a number on my insides and causing one or more ulcers. Chest pressure is from my inflamed esophagus. Dizziness and weakness are from the stress my body is going through and the short breaths I am taking since my chest hurts. Bottom line is that I haven't been taking my prescribed acid reducer because it did nothing for me. NOTHING. I may as well have been swallowing skittles. So now, I have been prescribed a drug that will eliminate all acid in my stomach. How will this affect my digestion you may ask? Well, I asked that too. Apparently, I will still be able to absorb nutrients from food, but it may be digested and then passed in a not so friendly way. Hurray! Can't wait to feel the effects from this super med that is supposed to get rid of my reflux, ulcers, chest discomfort, weakness, and basically put a big band-aid on my belly boo-boo. And lucky me, I guess I may have to take this the rest of my life!

Wow. So now I have a pill box and a timer to help me remember to take those pills. At 28, I have somehow become sick and old in the midst of my youth and general good health.