No coffee ever.
Goodbye chocolate and O. J.
A glass of red wine with dinner? Forget about it.
Welcome to Jerry Covey’s world. Those are just some of a lifestyle changes he was forced to make because of GERD, Gastro-Esophegeal Reflux Disease - acid reflux and heartburn that hits some more than twice a week.
Stomach acid flows back into the food pipe causing irritation and torment for millions.
“We don’t know why because it’s so prevalent, though we do know obesity plays a role, hormones play a role, and the foods we eat play a vital role,” says gastroenterologist Dr. Bob Etemad.
Some medications can be effective at controlling acid, but some called “Proton Pump Inhibitors” have been linked to critical side effects such as wrist fractures, infections, osteoporosis and low magnesium.
“We are concerned about this and continue to guard information as it comes in,” says Dr. Etemad.
Some sufferers are getting relief from a new procedure called “TIF.”
"About 80 percent of patients are finding complete symptom relief using this technique, and roughly the same amount are getting off their protein pump inhibitors," says Dr. Etemad.
Under general anesthesia, a tube-like device is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus. It tightens the lower esophageal sphincter, creating a more effective barrier against acid.
There are no incisions. All the work is done through the mouth. It requires an overnight stay and, according to doctors, about 2 to 3 weeks of recovery.
“The results for me was outstanding. No restriction on anything I can eat. I’m happy. I feel good. I have not had any episodes of any kind. I don’t have to sleep on a bed that’s inclined anymore,” said Covey.
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