In 2019, after enduring three years of headaches and frequent bouts of heartburn, Murali Bharadwaj of London learnt what sparked his discomfort: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic condition caused by stomach acid repeatedly rising into his esophagus. Whenever Bharadwaj drank beer or ate late in the evening, he experienced symptoms.
"The acid reflux meant I couldn't focus on the present moment, in meetings, playing sports or having social drinks with my friends," says the now 41-year-old. "My thoughts always went to the burning sensation in my throat."
He began taking medication called proton pump inhibitors (PPIS) to lower the acidity in his stomach. It helped, but only a little. In 2021, his doctor suggested a procedure to strengthen his lower oesophageal sphincter, the valve between the stomach and esophagus. Bharadwaj was skeptical, but when he learnt that transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) didn't involve invasive surgery-it's performed endoscopically through the mouth and oesophagus-he decided to try it.
In TIF, a small portion of the upper stomach is folded over the bottom of the oesophagus and stapled in place. After the procedure, Bharadwaj says his quality of life improved, and he no longer needed to take PPIs as often.
"I used to take them once per day, minimum, sometimes twice," he says. "Since the procedure, it's been just three times per week. I get acid reflux sometimes, but it's way more manageable-less frequent and less intense."
Esta historia es de la edición March 2024 de Reader's Digest India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 2024 de Reader's Digest India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Why Water Workouts Work
Swimming and other aquatic exercises have special benefits
Surf's Up... Again
A Hawaiian helps victims of a devastating fire in the most Hawaiian way possible
HUMOUR in UNIFORM
I got sloppy with my shaving one morning and nicked my skin.
NEXT STOP: WHO KNOWS?
We wanted to do a once-in-a-lifetime trek in northern Laos. Just getting there became the adventure
Leave the WILD Things Be
Wild animals have been made to serve a variety of human needs, including recreational ones. It’s up to everyday folk to decry the use of animals for entertainment
GOTCHA!
We asked for it: What’s the best prank you ever pulled?
Doing Dad's Bucket List
Laura Carney's father died suddenly, with unfinished business. So she started checking off the items for him
Buried beneath a Mountain
The amazing 17-day-long, multi-agency effort to rescue 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel
IS EVERYONE ON OZEMPIC?
Everything you need to know about the new diabetes drugs shaping the weight-loss revolution
DO MORE WITH YOUR TECH
You're undoubtedly missing out on cool features that can help make life easier, safer and even more fun