Not diagnosed yet... but suspect GERD

[Dester]

OK... kind of new here but I would if someone could give me some kind of feedback on this.

Last June/July I was diagnosed with IBS-C by a gastroenterologist. I've had a broad range of symptoms that are primarily stool shape (pencil thin, to flat on a side, to totally normal), gut aches, as well as some bloating on occasion... but none of the dry/hard bowel movements that plagues a lot of IBS-C people. These symptoms come and go, with my last episode being extremely lengthy and severe, but just finished tapering off a day or two ago. My prior episode (I call "episodes" when I have serious pain, discomfort, etc.) was probably a good 60 days prior to this last one. I also find that stress is a big trigger for me (as is for lots of people with IBS).

I've been reading up a bit online and found that many people who have IBS end up having upper GI issues as well. I've been put on a list to see a new, highly reputable doctor (as I've moved to a new area) and hopefully will see him in the next two weeks. The reason I wanted to see the new doctor was two-fold... 1) my last bout of IBS was off-the-chart painful, and 2) starting around the first of February I began having on-again-off-again early satiety symptoms. In most cases it wasn't so much early satiety, I would eat a normal meal, but afterwards I would have a really full sensation in my stomach... not my abdomen, but definitely my stomach. In addition I started having tightness in my chest which varied in severity... something I've found is common with IBS sufferers.... but again, first time for me. On top of this I noticed I had began to belch a bit... not a lot, but definitely a few times a day for sure. I also have had a few episodes of short, very mild nausea. Over the past 6 weeks the sense of fullness occurs more frequently. Until this past week where it began to be after every meal. In fact, the other day I ate a normal size meal and felt full for nearly 15 hours. My belching has also increased. Yesterday I had my first episode in my life of actual reflux. I sure pity those who suffer from this chronically! I had the full burning sensation, coupled with belches, and nasty taste in my mouth. The burning was bad enough I propped myself up in bed for the night with pillows. I also looked up quick remedies online and tried the apple cider vinegar trick (which worked fantastic). This morning I had mild burning and throughout the day. I once again took the ACV and it alleviated the symptoms. Reflux is definitely better this evening, but my belching and fullness persist. But I digress... the question I'm asking is... has anyone else had this type of experience? Sensation of fullness, belching, mild nausea over a period of weeks... until it finally erupts into full-blown reflux?

[Dester]

Chuck... how did your GERD start 10 years ago?... was it all of a sudden?... or was it gradual?

[Chuck8866]

This doesn't sound like GERD to me.  I have had it for 10 years.  The reflux is everyday, and have real problems when you lay down. It is usually not belching, but food coming up.