From the article: Living With Acid Reflux Disease
People who have not had been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease may not understand what it is like living with GERD. You can share here what you think others should know about GERD and how you go about explaining it to your family and friends. Share your story
Living with pain
- GERD is painful! If you don't sit upright or lay in bed elevated, you can experience an attack that can last for hours and leave you exhausted. You need to sit up for at least 2 hours after eating and even though you have done everthing right, you can wake up with the worst pain you ever felt in your life. It is not a condition for the weak, it takes a lot of time and attention to details to live with it.
- —Guest Barbeque Bob
It is a "real" disease
- It's not too bad now because I maintain with diet, medication, sleeping position, etc. All the normal stuff. It can still get bad at times, though, during times of high stress, the Holidays, & the major seasonal changes. The biggest problem I had before it was pretty well controlled is people thinking that I was just a "woos," it was all in my head, I was just trying to get out of something, etc. You all know the drill. Thankfully, Hubby never fell in that category, but he had to deal with it, & me, on a daily basis so he saw it up close. Those at a distance who are not familiar with the disease have no idea how debilitating a major attack can be and that it can take a few days for your body to recuperate afterwards & get back to normal.
- —blakelylaw
Food Allergies & Intolerances
- Feeling left out at times like a second class citizen. The reaction I get from eating something that does not agree can be either, a fast trip to the hospital, or a junt to the bathroom. Last but not least, projectile vomiting. Truly, disgusting but cannot be helped. We do not eat out or dine at friends homes, too risky. It can be lonely, but my health is very important to me. One thing for certain my close friends & family are very understanding. Yet, sometimes I feel alone and missing out on so much. It does put a damper on having a fun time without the need to worry about food. But at least I know what I can & can not eat. Best To All, Stella
- —Guest stella Oja (Ojay)
