Acid Reflux, Again

Most of my GERD symptoms have been minimal -- that "lump in throat" feeling being the main concern for a long while.  Every now and then I'd get "heartburn" but this is rare -- months between episodes.   Regurgitation, or acid reflux, is not a regular symptom, either, but more prevalent than classic "heartburn."  None of my symptoms are "painful" but, rather, they are uncomfortable and the thought that I'm causing damage is the most troubling part of what I am going through.

Still -- when it happens, waking up to acid reflux is one of the worst sensations.    This is not common for me, but it happened this weekend.   And why not -- what a stressful bunch of days!

BUSY DAYS, NO BREAK, COLLAPSE = NIGHTTIME REFLUX

After a very busy work week -- many competing deadlines, my own self-inflicted pressure to "do it all" -- I had to continue the pace.  I worked on Saturday as well, staffing an information booth at a street fair.   By the evening, I was exhausted to my core, collapsing in bed far too soon after eating dinner -- and paid the price!   There was also a heightened alert for New York City due to possible terror threats.  

I had horrible acid reflux Saturday night.   I woke up around 1:00 AM and took two Tums, which may or may not have helped -- I fell immediately asleep.   I forgot to wear my nightguard -- I can definitely sense my jaw is clenched these past days, too.

Whenever I feel reflux, I engage myself in some "self talk," telling myself it will be okay, to relax, imagine the acids receding and a normal GI tract. 

My diet on Saturday was spotty -- no real lunch:

Breakfast -- 6:00 AM

1 C. Oaty Bites

1/4 C. raisins

1 C. almond milk

Snacks - 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Since I couldn't leave the booth for long, I stepped aside and snacked on:

1 banana

1 Odwalla Strawberry C-Monster

1/2 breakfast protein bar from Long Island City bakery (vegan!)

4 Oreo cookies 

Dinner -- 7:30 PM

1 corn on the cob

2/3 C. beans (heirloom yellow eyes)

1/2 C. frozen spinach

Earth Balance

1 semolina roll with olive oil for dipping

Dessert -- 8:30 PM

3/4 C. chocolate chip ice cream (Breyer's)

My reflux settled down by breakfast the next morning, Sunday (9-11).  I spent Sunday in a constantly fatigued state, barely willing to do anything but J. dragged me out for a long walk.    I decided to avoid all caffeine -- no tea! -- on Sunday, to see if this would help calm my gut.   Not sure if it did, but sometimes tea negatively affects me, so I'm learning to avoid it some days.   By this morning (Monday), I am still having the FIT (food in throat) feeling, but I hardly am aware of this -- I am still too tired to register any other sensations!