Acid Reflux and its Symptoms: Are they chronic?

The vinegar thing sent me to the ER with the worst GERD of my life. All my doctor said was: "What were you thinking? Vinegar is pure acetic acid. Do I have to remind you how your esophagus looked when you had your endoscopy?" It was awful.

I am truly so sorry to hear about this, @suzanne321.

Unfortunately, some of our members don't realize what a profound impact their suggestions may have on the community on Mayo Clinic Connect. However, I do want you to know that the offending member, who suggested this course of action, has been removed from the community, due to the inaccuracy of her post and some rather aggressive and disrespectful behavior in another discussion. We are currently reviewing, editing and/or removing her past posts.

While none of us can control another individual's behavior or actions, we can provide a general recommendation, and Mayo Clinic advises that people consult with their current care provider before making any changes to their existing medication or treatment plan. See the Connect disclaimer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/disclaimer/

Our Connect community members should feel safe, which is why we monitor the conversations, and rely on members like yourself to report consequences, and sometimes inappropriate behavior. After all, a community is only as strong as its members and their communication and engagement; for that we are profoundly grateful. See more here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/about-our-moderators-and-mentors/

Please let us know how you are doing, and thank you for the update. The value of a community, such as Mayo Clinic Connect, is dependent on open conversations and personal, real-life insights.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss this matter further.

Sincerely,
Kanaaz
Community Moderator
Mayo Clinic Connect

Kanaaz,  thanks for doing what you did re the vinager suggestion.  I am shocked every time I see people take something that someone with no apparent medical training suggests without checking with their primary care physician.  Please people, let your Dr know what you are considering.  I too suffer from GERD along with Barrett's esophagus with high grade dysplasia at one time.  Listening to my Mayo Clinic Dr and getting an RFA every 3 mo has Improved my Barrett's to the point that I no longer have dysplasia and my last visit went so well that I didn't need a RFA and​ now I have to go back in 6 mo instead of 3 mo.  Listen to your Gastroenterologist please and run every thing past him.  Alternative medicine might have a place in your treatment, but let your Dr tell you it is ok

Just curious, are you taking any acid reducers such as Prevacid or Nexium for your Barret's? My husband had surgery for Barret's 3 years ago and must take Prevacid (dr.s choice) every day for the rest of his life. Now reading reports of how these meds may cause dementia. But have checked with our geriatric doc and she says those advisories are false.

I take 40 milligrams of Nexium twice a day. I also have a hiatal hernia which prevents me from getting my esophagus wrapped. I too will also be on Nexium for the rest of my life. But considering the alternative, it's a small expense. Because of the high dose of Nexium taken, I also have to take vitamin D3 which helps with the absorption of calcium.

@dandl48 Interesting... I had a 3-4 cm hiatal hernia, and they fixed it when doing my wrap / nissen fundoplication. My brother had his hiatal hernia fixed when doing his wrap, too. They did say that because of the size of my hernia, I couldn't have the alternative LINX done though.

Did they explicitly say that they couldn't do the wrap because of the hiatal hernia?

I had a hernia and had the LINX procedure, they fixed the hernia at the same time.

@kdubois Not because of the hernia but because my Barretts was so bad in the area they would do the wrap it would hide the Barretts and wouldn't allow them to monitor the area. My Barrett's had high grade dysplasia which is just short of cancer. Now no dysplasia but does need monitoring.

Have you tried chewing gum? I have dry mouth and gum chewing seems to make it disappear. There's some kind of catalyst that occurs when you start chewing either food or in this case gum. If you're allowed to chew gum then try it, otherwise ask your doctor about this and maybe it could help.

I also am suffering from severe acid reflux. I bave had both POEM and fudoplication surgery at Mayo clinic. The latter 3 weeks ago. I live in Northern California and itis financially difficult for me to go to Mayo. On advice of my surgeon i had a berrium swallow Monday and was told I need to wait and see. The procedure is still in place and structurally ok. However I have considerable chest and back pain as well as constant pressure that requores continuous burping. I cannot sleep and am depressed. I know this is not helping you. But, I will say the pain before POEM Surgery was almost unbearable.i also have constipation and frequent abdominal pain. I find reflux diets on line to be contradictory.