Hello all,
I (FTM21) have been experiencing stomach troubles for the past fifteen years of my life. As a child, I was a frequent user of OTC acid reducers, several times a day just to eat comfortably. At 18 I was diagnosed with a large hiatal hernia and GERD via endoscope and was put on a PPI medication. This medication worked for me until december of 2025 where I began experiencing severe nausea, chest/abdominal pain, and heartburn. I was taken to the hospital three times for severe pain and vomiting, and was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis via endoscope and biopsies.
Since this new diagnosis, my ability to eat without heartburn, pain, and vomiting has grown significantly worse. I am currently trying a third new PPI and an anti nausea medication but my condition has taken a noticeable turn in the past month or so. I have dropped thirty pounds in two months, despite efforts to keep my weight up. I am facing daily abdominal pain, intense nausea, and heartburn to the point where I can no longer sleep from the discomfort. They will not operate on my hernia unless I have precancer.
I suppose I’m asking for any kind of help, really. From anyone experiencing this. I’m so desperate for a moment of relief that it is destroying my will to live. I want to try going on disability (I work part time) but I’m concerned I’ll be rejected, or that it will take months. I’m starting to feel like I am not being taken seriously by my PCP, hospital staff, or my gastro. I feel like my only option here is to suck it up and continue to work, but I’m also at risk of losing my job due to frequent breaks to vomit.