GERD
I have been dealing with GERD for almost 2 years now and the onset seemed to have been in direct correlation with a third ventral hernia repair. I have been on protonix and Nexium on and off for this time. My last bout has lasted consistently for at least 4 months. I tried protonix for 3 weeks straight and it seems like my symptoms have worsened, now I am trying Nexium. My symptoms are: heartburn, pain (excruciating)in my sternum, below the breast bone, pain in my middle back, shoulders, and it radiates around my side under my ribs, shortness of breath, chest pain (not heart), difficulty swallowing, throat stricture, and the list goes on. I have tried to regulate my diet, eat smaller and more frequent meals, am losing weight, and elevating my head at bed time. Oh, don't let me forget the spasms in my neck and throat or the fact that my tongue goes numb. I do not know what my next thing is to try, my primary care physician has recommended I go to a specialist but I do not have insurance. We all know that the medications are very costly. Are there any alternatives out there, and am I really dealing with GERD and /or something else? I need help!
