Day 1 Heartburn/ Acid reflux for a year--I'm determined that it's going to go away for good!!

Background: I've had TMS-like symptoms in the past and have had great success when I acknowledge that it's my mind protecting me and making up these symptoms. Examples I've overcome are full-body, month-long muscle twitching (fear of MS/ALS), back pain, headaches, migraines, and smaller aches and pains. Since about a year ago (April 2024) it's been heartburn (acid reflux)--every single day, about 5-30 times a day. It's been incredibly annoying but not necessarily distressing until recently when I realize that it could lead to worse problems if left unchecked.

I have a lengthy evidence list of why my reflux is TMS: it's not triggered by specific foods like google says it should be, I'm 24 and not overweight, I sleep fine without my head propped up. I get reflux on weekdays when I have to go to school/ work, and it goes away when I have a fun weekend and especially when I'm exercising/ traveling. My reflux is triggered by stress and situations for the most part.

I knew it was time to really dig in to the TMS recovery program--I've always bought into the ideas but have never put in the time and effort to journal and really find out the root cause for my symptoms. The symptom imperative is definitely at work in me--my heartburn started right after my muscle twitches ended (they stopped when I removed the fear around them.)

After day 1 I'm very hopeful for a recovery!! The hardest part right now is remembering the mindset I'm supposed to have, outcome independence. I had a really good journaling session where things just clicked and I angrily wrote about the lack of control I've had in life--over my schedule, my in-laws, my medical problems and fears. I'm excited to keep going and get to the root cause of these annoying symptoms! I'm about 90% convinced that it's TMS-related, but damn, that other 10% is real persistent!

 

Hello, fellow GERD sufferer. I have had this issue for many years to varying degrees, and yes, the worst part is knowing even as TMS, it can lead to true damage. I've had a couple of brushes with what looked like Barrett's esophagus but thankfully the biopsies were negative. Interestingly when I got deeper into journaling for my back/side pain, I started to have more acid flares that have been fairly well-maintained with meds. Foods also do not typically trigger me, sometimes if I use NSAIDs a little too much I get a flare.

Welcome!

 

Same. Just believe the best you can. That's what I'm doing. When a symptom does pop up that is newish or I'm in more intense pain, I just want to pick up the phone and call my dr! But I know that's going to do no good and I'm the only one that can save myself. I just listed to Nicole Sachs Chronic Pain Podcast about only saving ourselves. It was really good! Her podcast is "The Cure for Chronic Pain" and it was episode 12 done on March 21st.