Tuesday, August 01, 2006

it sucks to be me...

So I have gerd. (gastro esophogeal reflux disorder) and it SUCKS. I take aciphex daily, and sometimes I feel that it's under control. So I forget sometimes, and then MAN do I pay for it later. I let my eating disorder take control, and I let food call the shots, not my gerd.

Below is a sample of all that I have to do. Sigh. Basically, I just need to eat hard boiled eggs, and toast. Yuck.

Tips For Managing GERD
(GastroEsophageal Reflux Disorder)
1. Decrease Reflux!
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Avoid evening snacks and late night meals.
• Don’t lie down for 2-3 hours after eating.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
• Elevate head of bed 4-8 inches when sleeping.

2. Minimize Foods That Allow the Lower Esophageal Sphincter
Muscle To Open:
• Fat (Aim for < 45 grams of fat per day.)
• Alcohol
• Carminatives (peppermint and spearmint)

3. Don’t Smoke!
•Nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter muscle and allows it
to open. (OK - THIS ONE'S EASY! I QUIT SMOKING 4 YEARS AGO)
•Smoking decreases the secretion of bicarbonate (an acid buffer).

4. Avoid Foods That Stimulate Gastric Acid Secretion:
• Coffee
• Fermented alcoholic beverages (beer and wine)
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Large meals, especially those high in protein.

5. During Inflamed States, Avoid Acidic and Spicy Foods Which
Irritate the Esophagus:
• Citrus fruit and juices
• Tomatoes
• Soft drinks
• Spices (red/black pepper and large amounts of chili powder)
• Alcohol -- all kinds cause superficial mucosal damage.

So um, basically, all of the Thai and Mexican that I enjoy? NO MORE. ugh.

But if avoiding those foods will allow me to NOT feel the way I have this evening, then I'm all for it.

Sorry it's been so long since a post. I'll write more about vacation and Malka's serious displeasure of planes and my first day at my new awesome job later, I've just been swamped.

8 comments:

ilyse said...

Awww Shelli, sorry to hear this. Hope you feel better soon.

Calliope said...

man, what a bummer!
I am so so sorry that you have to deal with this.
xo

Briar said...

Suck. O. Rama. So sorry you have to have this. Really. Wes has IBS but he was already basically a vegan when we found out so the adjustment was maybe a bit easier. Watch out for stealth sleep eating - I find him sleepwalking into the kitchen and eating cookies. Creepy.

S said...

Glad you're back!!

GERD blows big hairy monkey balls. My mom has it, so I remember well the days when all she could eat were cheerios. I hope it gets better soon.

Can't wait to hear of Malka's antics and the low-down on your new job!

Jessica said...

:( so sorry shelli! What poopy news.

Estelle said...

Enjoy your brown rice.

Care said...

Awww, heck, that just stinks. My parents both have GERD, as does my 3 year old. We have been through several med changes to find one that works and all I can say is Prevacid is awesoem for C. Wish the GERD didn't mean your favorite foods are off limits. That part really stinks.

Anonymous said...

I had severe GERD in grad school (and again 2nd/3rd trimester), so I feel your pain.

Personally, I think the elevating the head of the bed made the most difference (besides the drugs). I hope that over time your GERD will be reduced enough that you can have a little more dietary freedom.