Being Diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Written by Churnika Gudla
"Only you can decide what breaks you." As a child these words meant nothing, but little did I know they would soon become my mantra during my toughest times. Hello everyone! My name is Churnika Gudla, and this is the story of how a simple fall and a few scratches on my elbows and knees in third grade turned my childhood into a physically and emotionally draining medical rollercoaster. But, in the end, even if I could have another chance, I wouldn't change anything because this experience made me who I am today.
The night I fell, I got a fever and couldn't eat. I felt like the food was stuck in my throat. After much panic, my parents rushed me to the emergency room where I was diagnosed with strep throat. And though the red swelling went away shortly, the persistent feeling of stuck food didn't. Upon my pediatrician's suggestion, we went to an ENT who performed a nasal endoscopy, one of the worst experiences of my life. Without anesthesia, I could feel the wire slide down my throat. But, sadly, that was just the start. After many more visits to the ENT, nasal endoscopies, and prescriptions over the next five years, I soon realized there was no clear solution in sight. Hope slowly slipped through my fingers as uncertainty for the future set in. It wasn't until seventh grade, after years of enduring, when a Gl performed an oral endoscopy, that we discovered the true problem: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when stomach acid and sometimes bile flow back up into theesophagus. Symptoms of GERD vary but include heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest), regurgitation of food, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a sensation of a lump in the throat. These symptoms may worsen with certain foods, lying down after eating, being overweight, pregnancy, smoking, or certain medications. In severe cases, GERD can cause complications such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus), Barrett's esophagus (changes in the esophageal lining that increase cancer risk), and respiratory issues due to stomach acid entering the lungs. Treatment typically begins with lifestyle changes including avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding lying down immediately after eating. Medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be prescribed to reduce stomach acid, however for severe cases, surgery may be considered.
Living with GERD isn't easy as this condition doesn't have a permanent cure, however, by changing my diet, lifestyle, and mindset, I was able to face every challenge head-on, defy limits imposed by my illness, and prove to myself and others that I could do this. Reflecting on my journey years later, I can truly see how far I've come. My battle with GERD become the foundation for my dream to be a healthcare professional and help others. As someone familiar with health struggles, I hope to offer patients empathetic care by sharing my experiences, and help them pursue their dreams, regardless of the health challenges they face. In the end, understanding GERD can help people be more considerate which makes life better for those affected. I hope my words inspire people facing health challenges like mine to keep fighting, and those supporting them to continue their important role! Thank you!
Written by Churnika Gudla from MEDILOQUY