GERD, smoking & vaping

[Linda522]

I’ve been cursed with Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD) for the past couple of years and have had steadily worsening breathing issues probably due to the acid that backs up in my throat and lungs at night even though the head of my bed is raised 6 inches. I sometimes wake up trying to get a breath, and wonder if I’m dying.

I’ve tried to quit cigs, as they make me so sick and since I’ve found the e-cig, I have cut my smoking greatly, however, I find that vaping isn’t much better. I don’t feel as sick as when I puff analogs, but vaping also makes me feel ill; even just a few puffs; what a shame as I really enjoy them until I start feeling sick. Maybe the lungs are finally shot.

This is so frustrating.

Is there anyone else out there with this health issue?

 

[WillieB69]

Have you checked the Health & Safety forum?
Health, Safety and E-Smoking - E-Cigarette Forum

You might find some info there or find more resonses.

 

[subperceptual]

I’ve been cursed with Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD) ... Is there anyone else out there with this health issue?

I had a pretty serious run with GERD too - years ago, and long before I was vaping.. I have to ask... what are they doing to address your GERD? I was so bad that I would lose e v e r y t h i n g that hit my stomach, and they put me on a number of acid reducers and blockers, endoscopy showed some weakening of the esophagus, opted for steroids before considering surgery - anyhow, long story short - I got frustrated after about 18 months and started eating specific things... first out of "comfort" (since they didn't hurt or taste as bad as other things on the way back up) and then because some of them seemed to actually diminish the frequency and intensity - pb and margarine on bleached white bread, black beans and white rice, fr&#*@& ramen noodles of all things, and chocolate milk were most frequently effective for me - might take some experimenting.... I figured out that we kind of correct ourselves in this regard (depending on what is causing your gerd) if we can give ourselves enough time to heal a bit.

If its geriatric gerd (no, you don't have to be old to have it.... LOL) then I think they will suggest surgery at some point - a section of stomach muscle wrapped around the esophagus... or something along those lines.... anyhoot...

If you get ill from smoking and/or vaping - it sounds like you're pretty raw and roughed up - not to encourage you to take a chance at making yourself sick... but have you tried a little warm tea and honey yet? I used to drink it in the mornings and evenings while I smoked to keep from agitating my throat (I'm sure you know how quickly we learn to adapt.... hehehe).

OH OH OH! Maybe its the PG in your juice?!?! I could TOTALLY see that being an agitator... VG, no way... but PG... definitely. Maybe try a VG only juice and see what happens.

Good luck with the gerd - stay on your DRs to deal with it - it is managable at the least and some cases can be "fixed" through certain treatments and surgeries.

 

[Linda522]

WillieB69,

Wow, THANKS! I didn't know about this forum; just didn't scroll down far enough on the home page. I'll go there ...THANKS SO MUCH!

Subperceptual,
Thanks, too. I've had all the tests; gall bladder out, acid reducers prescribed that do nothing, and have given up so many of the things I love. I have my digestion under control most of the time, but you hit on something I need to try. That is the PG versus VG. All my e-juice is PG so I will get my hands on some VG and see if that makes a difference. I really want to give up the analogs as they DO really make me ill, but my Joye 510 is critical in the process.

THANKS FOR this suggestion. I'm also going to visit the health forums WillieB69 suggested.

 

[WillieB69]

WillieB69,
Wow, THANKS! <snip> ...THANKS SO MUCH!

If I could get my boss to say things like that once in awhile, I wouldn't hate my job so much.

 

[Garrell6888]

`I just read a post in the General Esmoking discussion that nicotine reacts with neurotransmitters in the brain to trick you into thinking there is food in your stomach, so your body produces acid's to break down the food. Check it out and ask your physician.

 

[5cardstud]

I also have gerd and control it with omeprazole and vape with no problems.

 

[SimpleSins]

`I just read a post in the General Esmoking discussion that nicotine reacts with neurotransmitters in the brain to trick you into thinking there is food in your stomach, so your body produces acid's to break down the food. Check it out and ask your physician.

I read that one, too, but of course it wasn't quite as easily found. But perseverance pays off.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...on/6216-appetite-suppression-2.html#post95773

 

[AaronB]

I have this pretty badly as well they diagnosed mine as barretts esoophogus, I've had it for at least 10 years and I'm only 38. I started vaping to improve overall health though I believe nicotine contributes to reflux. Overall my reflux in my "opinion" has improved since I quit cigs, though my next endoscopy won't be for another few months. I'm taking 40mg of Nexium 2x daily.

I've been researching non prescription alternatives to change the body's ph level's such as consuming organic apple cider vinegar and experimenting with Kombucha etc...