It's Payback Time!

After months of pushing myself into the limits, I got my sentence yesterday! Yipee! *wink* Hmmm.. Dont you think I sound too happy here..^^ I've been experiencing chest pains and difficulty of breathing for quite a month now and I didn't take it seriously until I had my asthma attack last Saturday. All through out this week the pain continued and occurred several times in a day. Finally, I realized that I wanted to live after all... so I went to the doctor yesterday (thanks for the prodding of my officemates). And guess what - I acquired Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (layman's term - Acid Reflux), a serious form of heartburn. Well, I had the same reaction, how on earth could that be related to my asthma attack. So my doctor explained it in detail but since I've got a short term memory, Ive completely forgotten it,Gastro what??!! hehehe. But thanks to the internet, I got a quite easier explanation here:

GERD is the chronic backward flow of stomach acids into the esophagus. Usually, stomach acid is kept in the stomach by a valve at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter. Sometimes, this valve becomes faulty. When this acid enters the lower part of the esophagus, it can produce a burning sensation, commonly referred to as heartburn. If left untreated, GERD can eventually lead to lung damage, ulcers in the esophagus (the swallowing tube), and in some instances "Barrett's esophagus," a condition that may lead to esophageal cancer.

And the relationship between asthma and reflux:

1. The acid flow causes injury to the lining of the throat, airways and lungs, making inhalation difficult and often causing a persistent cough.

2. When acid enters the esophagus, a nerve reflex is triggered, causing the airways to narrow in order to prevent the acid from entering. This will cause a shortness of breath.

So there it is! Amazing! Heheheh. Now, I remember what the doctor said ehehe.. *wink*

Anyways, the worst part of any consultation with a doctor is when he tells you the dos and don'ts. Mine includes:
1. Give up (sabe give up hindi cut down or limit huhuhuh) smoking, alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolates, AND fatty, fried & spicy food. Number 1 palang di ko na kaya! Chocolates igi-give up ko???!!! Huhuhu!
2. Eat smaller portions of food. Nasanay kasi ako not eating breakfast and then I take my lunch around 1-2 pm. Minsan den I love food trip.. ung kainan na wala nang bukas! T_T
3. Eat meals at least three to four hours before lying down, and avoid bedtime snacks. So wala nang midnight snack.
4. Elevate the head of the bed or mattress 6 to 8 inches. This helps to keep acid in the stomach by gravity when sleeping.

The medicines I have to take is another part of the story. Now I have to spend for the Ventolin Inhaler and Nexium Proton Pump Inhibitor. If only I quitted smoking and drinking a little earlier... If only na lang masasabi ko ngayon.. Hahhaha...

So tama pala ung cliche na "nasa huli ang pagsisisi". Now its really payback time. =) Tama na ang pagiging pasaway! ^__^