Brisa’s Personal Story: Living with GERD
I’m 19 and a current college student that’s recently developed these symptoms. Honestly, it was bound to happen at sometime with my habits. My sleeping schedule wasn’t the best, I over-relied on junkfood as a substitute to my already uneasy eating schedule. Besides that spicy food and caffeine were my norm. None of that now!
I recall feeling a sudden weight onto my chest and arm pain at the middle of the night. I had the bright idea of taking more pesto bismol after taking another dose previously out of desperation. Wrong idea! Long story short I ended taking a shower before waking up my parents into taking me to the ER since I thought I was having a heart attack. Luckily, it was just a slight overdose and I ended up getting an IV fluid. It was my first time being treated so I was a sobbing mess, the nurse was very kind though as she explained the process to me. I’m still a little embarassed from remembering my hair being wet similar to a sopping cat as I sniffled from nervousness. It didn’t help that one of the assistants scolded me for my Spanish (I’m a native speaker) but I was so overwhelmed that I couldn’t explain my symptoms properly.
I had my first day of summer classes so I still had to show up regardless. During that time I made an acquaintance who had the same condition as me so that made me feel a little better.
My symptoms included feeling full quickly, chest pain, nausea, returgation especially that sour liquid type. My stomach is constantly on edge and it’s even worse when my family chides me saying it’s nothing. I’ve changed my diet and avoid most foods that trigger these symptoms. I’ve tried the pepcid my doctor gave me after testing negative for H.Pylori, although it made my symptoms worse. I stopped after the second day because I got the same symptoms that mimicked a heart attack and frightened me last time. I’m still feeling my arm sore and some chest pain, at the very least I can tell it’s heartburn. I think my soreness has to do with my bloodwork and some vitamin deficiency.
Luckily, I’m going back for another appointment and considering in asking for GI treatment instead of just a general doctor. It’s very difficult to advocate myself since I get brushed off. I have had some symptoms of anxiety in the past but haven’t had any since then. For the most part I really took my body for granted. Half of the time I’m reluctantly accepting my symptoms since I expect the worse. Hopefully I can heal and stay on path in becoming a future attorney. It’s been about 4 weeks since I’ve been feeling these symptoms, although I’m intent on making the most of myself despite of my condition. I wish the best of luck to all of you, reading these stories makes me feel a little less lonely!
