try Gaviscon advance or Rennie dual action alginate. They create a barrier between the stomach (acid) and your esophagus.

Hi @boneyjoany . Awful, just awful. I so hope this was something isolated. Good call to contact your doctor.

I have a difficult time figuring out when the horribleness happens if it’s something I’ve done to prompt it or if it’s my body having a mind of its own. It sounds like you conquered the worst of this episode for now and are able to start recovering. On to gingerly re-entering life a bit. My go-tos are to reset my diet and activity routines.

Are you able to stay active and maybe go back to basics with your diet for a bit? Would it make sense to not lie completely down when you sleep tonight?

The medications yiu mentioned while can be bought over the counter come with some very serious side effects
Long-term omeprazole use has been linked to several potential problems, including bone fractures, gut infections, and nutritional deficiencies. Specifically, prolonged use can increase the risk of fractures, particularly of the hip, wrist, and spine, due to impaired calcium absorption. Additionally, there's a higher risk of certain infections, such as Clostridioides difficile infection and pneumonia. Nutritional deficiencies, like vitamin B12 deficiency, can also occur.
Elaboration:
Bone Fractures:
Omeprazole can interfere with calcium absorption, potentially leading to lower bone density and an increased risk of fractures, especially in older adults.
Gut Infections:
Long-term PPI use can alter the gut microbiome, potentially increasing the risk of infections like Clostridioides difficile, which can cause severe diarrhea.
Nutritional Deficiencies:
Omeprazole can impair the absorption of essential nutrients, including vitamin B12, magnesium, and iron, leading to deficiencies and associated symptoms.
Other Potential Concerns:
Some studies have also suggested a possible link between long-term PPI use and an increased risk of dementia, though more research is needed.
Important Considerations:
It's crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits of long-term omeprazole use with a healthcare professional, especially if you're taking it for more than a few weeks or months. They can help determine if an alternative treatment plan is necessary.
Famotidine, like any medication, carries potential risks and side effects. It's crucial to be aware of these before taking the drug, either by prescription or over-the-counter.
Common Side Effects:
Digestive Issues: Constipation and diarrhea are among the most common side effects.
Headache and Dizziness: These are also frequently reported side effects.
Less Common: Nausea, abdominal discomfort, and dry mouth are less commonly reported.
Serious Side Effects (Rare):
Central Nervous System Effects: Confusion, delirium, hallucinations, agitation, and seizures are rare but serious side effects, particularly in older adults or those with kidney problems.
Heart Rhythm Problems: Irregular heartbeat, heart block, palpitations, and prolonged QT interval are rare cardiovascular side effects.
Liver Problems: Liver damage, hepatitis, jaundice, and abnormal liver enzyme levels are potential but uncommon risks.
Severe Allergic Reactions: Hives, rash, itching, swelling (face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs), hoarseness, and difficulty breathing or swallowing are signs of a severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention.
Low Blood Counts: Famotidine can rarely cause thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), leukopenia (low white blood cell count), and agranulocytosis (severe deficiency of white blood cells), increasing the risk of bleeding or infection.
Important Warnings and Precautions:
Kidney Disease: People with moderate to severe kidney disease may be at higher risk for central nervous system and heart rhythm problems, as famotidine is primarily eliminated through the kidneys. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Older Adults: Older adults may be more susceptible to central nervous system side effects like confusion and hallucinations.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It's unclear if famotidine is safe during pregnancy. It passes into breast milk, but the effects on a nursing infant are unknown. Consult your doctor before taking famotidine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Allergies: Do not take famotidine if you are allergic to it or similar medications.
Other Medications: Famotidine can interact with certain drugs, including HIV medications, antifungals, and cancer drugs, potentially making them less effective.
Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting famotidine, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications. They can assess your individual risks and benefits and determine if famotidine is the right choice for you.

GERD can also occur because of too little stomach acid, if your doctor advised you to take these, get a new doctor, Get a good GI workup to determine the cause, see if you have a weak Lower esophageal sphincter, ask about reactivation of viruses, then google specific diagnosis and ask if a specific food affect that to see if it has help you, .there are many food, teas, spices and herbs that relax the LES and can make GERD worse if in fact that is your problem. that kind of pain needs to be evaluated to determine the actual source, "sorry you are in pain

Gerd is the worst stuff !!! You can’t get rid of the after taste, it’s terrible ! The only thing I’ve found is my doctor prescribed me 40mg of Omeprazole in the morning. I have Barrett’s Esophagus. Don’t go to bed on a full stomach or after you eat. I’ve found it often hits after dinner when I straight to bed.