Acid reflux can come out of your eyes.

[u/regardkick]

Kind of. Short story long.

I have Silent Reflux, it's like regular acid reflux but it fucks you up especially bad because it's basically the aerosol spray version of stomach acid and doesn't always show the same physiological damage like esophageal erosion or ulcers. So it can be missed on endoscopies and other tests (especially if you're fat because then that's obviously the problem.)

Depending on the force behind the reflux, the vapor could reach as high as the nasopharyngeal area (throat and nose area behind the dangly ball in your mouth), into the Eustachian tubes (ears), or through processes that are too complicated for me to understand, through and around the sinus cavity where it can come out of the nostrils or, pressure builds and forces it up through the nasolacrimal gland (cry hole). Where it mixes with the eye-air causing what feels like acid tears. Side Note: If that's not fucked up enough, the vapors can even be inhaled. Like, into the lungs. There's nowhere it can't go (that's only a minor exaggeration).

I'm lucky because I also have gastroparesis (t1/2=174), a moderately tight (53mmHg) lower esophagael sphincter (I know, lol), spontaneous reflux to the aortic arch, a hiatal hernia at the GE junction, dysphagia and globus sensation. I also had a partial liver resection and 9lb, 20cm choeldectoral cyst removed in 2020 and brain surgery to place a stent to remove a block in my right transverse venous sinus, which was causing Intercrainial Hypertension (10mmHg pressure difference) earlier this year.

Needless to say my GI tract (um, body?) is fucked. Back to the acid-eyes, though: with my specific situation, there's a problem with the muscles that let food enter my stomach, and the muscles of my stomach don't fire correctly so it just...doesn't do stomach things. This is dumb for two reasons. First, it's very hard for food to enter my stomach, which means I involuntarily regurgitate nearly every meal. But! For the food that does enter my stomach, it sits there for 2-3 times longer than the normal stomach. This basically makes a pressure cooker bomb in my belly. Eventually something has to give, the sphincter blows (again, lol), deploying the acid vapor like a weapon into my upper GI and head.

One week ago yesterday I ate a can of Chef Boyardee Raviolis, and I can only describe the last seven days as truly bizarre. After one visit to the urgent care who sent me to the ER who referred me back to my primary care who sent me to an allergist who confirmed that acid tears were a possibility. I am now on a regimen of "monitor to see what happens" and medication to handle the skin autoimmune/skin/hives freakout.

But on a positive note, my PCP and allergist are wonderful. And my eyeball/vision isn't in any immediate danger.

[u/regardkick]

Thank you for bringing this up! The other day a friend asked if I would be interested in looking into non-traditional western medicine and I am, but I didn't know where to start.

I've been too overwhelmed to just start duckduckgo'ing it but I can start here!

[u/LLCmoonwater → u/regardkick]

Also recommend finding asian recipes you enjoy and like! I grew up with a japanese mom and white dad. I find i get acid reflux if i eat multiple western meals in a row. I try to eat 3 asian meals to every 1 western meal so my gut doesnt feel like shit! White rice, miso soup w/ veggies, and a piece of grilled salmon for example :)

[u/regardkick → u/LLCmoonwater]

Learning some simple Asian flavor profiles has been so helpful! I make lots of porridge, but when I'm feeling fancy, I try to mimic ramen bowl recipes.

Also, egg drop soup quickly became a staple!

[u/AirCheap4056 → u/regardkick]

Just my two cents as an Asian guy, I find dairy and animal fats in general agitate stomach acids, guten too. I find a diet of rice, vegetable oil, fish, lean meats, and a larger amount of veggies is best for a stable stomach/digestion system.

My wife has chronic inflammation in her kidneys, due to a lifetime of GI inflammation. She's been on a strict diet of the above description for 9 months now, and the all numbers on her kidney checkups for the past two months have gone back down to normal levels and holding. She almost don't get acid reflux or and other upsets in her stomach any more, when these were basically part of her daily living experience for the past thirty years.

[u/regardkick → u/AirCheap4056]

I used to try to eat just when there were good day, but didn't change what I was eating, I just ate less of it. But then as the good days got fewer in-between I started eating more seafood and can definitely tell a difference! I have a really hard time trusting vegetables, after some bad experiences. So I definitely should explore adding them to porridge and things!

I'm an awful cook but have actually enjoyed trying to "cook my way through this." And there's a newish Asian market in town and the owner has been super helpful explaining how to cook some things! Is there one cookbook or chef/foodie you would recommend?

[u/AirCheap4056 → u/regardkick]

I'm afraid I don't have cookbooks or chefs to recommend, because what I do for my wife is that I modify regular recipes to her needs. I basically take out all the spices and ingredients that will agitate her GI track, and also substitute meats and fats to the ones that she can take.

And honestly, her meals are quite boring and much more bland than anything you'd find in any restaurant, especially since she has to limit her sodium intake as well. But that's kind of the sacrifice she has to make for her health. She wasn't much of a foodie to begin with, so it was not too difficult for her.

What I can recommend is to look up Asian stir fry recipes. Because if vegetable oil suits your body, just stir frying veggies and fish or chicken all in one pot with oil, and eat with a side of rice, or stir in and make it fried rice. That is about the easiest flavorful thing you can make at home. But most recipes you'd find will call for spices, garlic, pepper, etc, and you will need to use your own judgement and make adjustments.

But once you get the hang of it, you can do whatever combination you like.

My general formula is: three types of veggie (including mushrooms), a protein (usually chicken or fish), flavor with some combination of seasoning (garlic powder+salt+pepper, soy sauce+dark vinegar, ketchup+soy sauce, etc), and finish by topping just a bit of herb (cilantro, green onion, basil, etc)

Oh, be sure to use a non-stick for stir frying.

[u/Conscious_Wind_5132 → u/AirCheap4056]

Do you cook the chicken separately in a different pan/oven and then add it with the veggies or cook the chicken first then add veggies into the same pan?

[u/AirCheap4056 → u/Conscious_Wind_5132]

I'd say that depends on how much work you're willing to put in, and how much do you care about perfect textures of food. Doing any ingredient separately gives you more control over everything. But I don't, not for everyday meals. I do everything in one pot, I sometimes even put the raw rice in cook it like a risotto. I also make 3-4 meals worth at a time, and keep them in the fridge.

But that's just what I cook for myself. Because I don't any strict dietary needs, and when I want something different I'd just order for food delivery.

For my wife's meals, I do put the chicken in at the end, because they only take 1 minute, any longer they become dry. I put in the extra effort for her, because she's stuck eating home cooked meals for health reasons.

Cooking is very much a balance between work and reward, just make sure you do it in a way that's sustainable for your life.

[u/ImpressionFabulous46 → u/regardkick]

I suggest Jason Farmer for Asian stir-fry and soup recipes and Made with Lau for Chinese recipes. I’m not a good cook, but their directions are detailed enough for me to follow

[u/yseult- → u/regardkick]

congee! it’s Asian porridge

[u/Lovahplant → u/LLCmoonwater]

My gut has been messed up for a week now (too much drinking, not enough eating) and that meal sounds amazing right now. I’m going to try it for dinner and hope I wake up with a happier tummy! Thank you!

[u/regardkick → u/Lovahplant]

Did you try it?!

[u/Lovahplant → u/regardkick]

I did! I only got a tiny piece of salmon (still figuring out my favorite way to cook it and I didn’t want to waste any) but it helped so much. I’m doing rice, hot & sour soup, and some veggies for dinner tonight! Thank you friend!

[u/chronic_classman → u/regardkick]

Absolutely acupuncture and herbs are really great for helping with digestive issues. Sometimes it takes more than one visit, just to help set expectations lol.

[u/kvis_ → u/regardkick]

An acupuncturist/CM practitioner would love to work with you on this! I was reading and thinking of sharing with my colleagues as your whole involvement here is really coherent via Chinese medicine.
I would recommend looking for highly reviewed acupuncturists in your area, or searching specifically for ones that specialize in digestive health. Or, if you're lucky to have an acupuncture school where you live, that can also be a great option (and often more economical)

[u/regardkick → u/kvis_]

I live in a town of about 150k about 2 hours outside of a major city. So I will definitely see about gastro specialists! And my PCP office is very open, so I'm sure they will help me find someone too! Thanks again!

[u/Jbizzee243 → u/regardkick]

I've found acupuncture really helpful for my reflux! I know that gets an eye roll from a lot of people but all I know is it works for me so they can stfu.

[u/regardkick → u/Jbizzee243]

I'm going to add it to my Schedule Now list!

[u/KakumeiDiscoBall → u/Jbizzee243]

I have cyclic vomiting syndrome and accupuncture has actually been really helpful for fending off episodes. I looked into the peer reviewed research and it does have a more than placebo effect on stomach/nausea related issues. It is super common for cancer patients dealing with chemo nausea to benefit from accupuncture apparently.

I started going for a herniated disc causing pain and ended up so surprised when my acupuncturist was able to end a cyclic vomiting episode that usually is only fixed with an IV and a week of bland foods. I haven't had to go to the ER once this year when I was there 8 times last year because I couldn't keep down any food or liquids.

[u/finding_my_way5156 → u/regardkick]

Acupuncture could help

[u/whatismybest → u/regardkick]

An ayurvedic practitioner can help. Highly recommend. PPIs reduce stomach acid so the food just sits there, as you said. Nutrients aren't getting absorbed. I was on PPIs for 5 months but when I tapered off then eventually started taking digestive enzymes I saw great improvement. I also have silent reflux but for me these enzymes + probiotics ive been taking have actually helped. I can no longer "feel" my stomach. For a year or so I was constantly aware of my stomach, there was always some sort of fullness / sour stomach sensation, but now I am getting back to where I don't notice my stomach at all, even when I think about it. 

[u/ishvicious → u/regardkick]

There are some great formulas for acid reflux! I’m a licensed acupuncturist and do telehealth herbalism if you need a consult! Can ship herbs to you.