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Years ago, Bill Rothenbach considered himself a healthy, active, United States
Marine. But during his mid 20’s he started to experience frequent heartburn. “I
started taking TUMS or some kind of antacid for the heartburn.” But eventually
Bill realized his condition seemed to be more serious.
“When it got to the point where I was literally choking at the table around my
fellow marines and one of them had to do the Heimlich maneuver on me, I said I
really need to get this checked out.” His gastroenterologist diagnosed Bill with
a condition called G.E.R.D.
“Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease or heartburn is one of the most common
diseases. It’s also a disease that causes a lot of misery or discomfort,” says
Dr. Bradley Trope, a gastroenterologist with Lee Memorial Health System. He says
if the condition goes untreated stomach acid can make its way into a patient’s
esophagus or food pipe. “That injury can run a range of things from ulcers to
strictures to potentially cancer.”
Bill decided the best treatment for him was going to be surgery. He says, “They
did a procedure to stretch the esophagus out so the food wouldn’t get stuck
anymore.” Now, more than 11 years after his surgery, Bill is able to eat
normally and enjoy food.
If you have recurring heartburn symptoms it’s important to talk with your
physician to see what type of treatment could be best for you. Studies show
G.E.R.D is more common in people 40 years old and up but it can affect people of
all ages including infants and children. |
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