richard

I was diagnosed with GERD 8 years ago after I complained to my doctor
about stomach pains and heart palpitations.. I could literally feel
food coming up my esophagus. It would make me choke. Back then, my
doctor told me to just change my eating habits and he didn't prescribe
any meds.

It all went away after a year or two, but came back stronger this
year. Just a few months ago I started to have panic attacks for no
reason, heart palpitations, bloating, difficulty breathing, etc.

Last week I had another barium upper GI and again, I have GERD but
they also found inflammation in my esophagus and in my duodenum. I was
prescribed 20mg of Aciphex.

Its difficult to bare the way the food comes up into my throat and I
can hardly swallow water.. the bloating, heart palpitations, anxiety
and breathing difficulties really bother me. Its ruining my life! I've
been to the ER twice complaining of a heart attack.

What is the root of this anxiety / GERD connection? Its hard to
understand how excess acid can cause food to come up into my
esophagus. Is there anything I can do to prevent this besides just
taking Aciphex?

Oh, I just read that peppermint oil is no good for GERD. I suppose I
shouldn't have eaten two cans of Altoids in the past month.. I thought
it was making me better but I guess not!