One Bad Habit Leading to a Chronic Disease

 

I have to put my act together.  With all of the lockdowns imposed, and all of those new and exciting series and shows on Netflix, I have turned myself into a couch potato.  Worse is that while watching the shows I have been taking my meals in bed. Do you know what comes after that?  A bit of nap, of course.  Then boom!  ACID REFLUX.  I don't want this!

TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM.

August 1, 2021 was a bit memorable.  Right after dinner I felt queasy because there was a weird chest pain.  I felt it at the right side of the chest.  Weird because it felt like more of a piercing pain like someone's pinching you.  It was not similar to the kind of pain I felt several years back when I was diagnosed with hypertension.  The hypertension chest pain felt heavy and right at the middle of the chest.  I can only describe it as like a stack of heavy books weighing my chest down.  This time around it's just weird.  But the mild pinching chest pain slowly became stronger.  Naturally I got scared.  So, there's nothing to do but hurry to the emergency room (ER).

I booked Grab and went to the ER of St. Luke's Hospital in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig.  The ER however, was dedicated for COVID-19 patients.  The nurses and doctors in the triage were nice and explained to me that there is a separate ER for non-COVID patients.  Since I have been having chest pains, they asked if I would be okay to be serviced at that ER.  The nurse wanted for me to get an electrocardiogram (ECG) as soon as possible because of the chest pains.  I said yes, since they assured me that I will be placed in a separate cubicle inside the ER.  I thought that I'll be completely safe.

ALL IS OKAY!

It was GERD.  The results of the tests and x-ray that the doctor ordered for me came out all good.  My numbers and vitals are all within normal range.  I have no signs of infections.  The electrolytes and enzymes in the blood tests together with the x-ray proved that there were no problems or anomalies with the heart, lungs or the cardiovascular system that would cause the chest pains I felt.  The attending doctor ruled that what I have experienced is the result of GERD - Gastroesphageal Reflux Disease or Chronic Acid Reflux.  And oh, when I was at the ER, a few minutes after the ECG was taken, the chest pains subsided and completely stopped.  It was just an episode I suppose.

DEFINITE NO-NO AFTER EATING.

So, the culprit all along was Netflix.  Kidding.  It is lying down after eating.  I have been doing it for quite some time now and it has brought with it a chronic disease.  The doctor advised to wait for at least 3 hours before lying down if I needed to.

I have learned my lesson.  This somewhat sedentary lifestyle is no joke.  The body should be active and moving.  I need to exercise.  I should exercise!

A month after that incident, I am doing fine.  I am now avoiding Netflix.  Joke.  I am just trying my best to stay at my feet and eat my meals on the table.  Small steps that would lead to a healthier life!

CARE FOR SOME TEA?

I added drinking tea in my daily habit.  No, not the usual tea that has caffeine in it like black tea or green tea.  Caffeine is not good for people with GERD.  I drink the "tea infusion" ones that do not have caffeine.  Examples are infusion of flowers like chamomile and hibiscus, infusion of fruits such as raspberries and mangoes, and infusion of herbs such as cinnamon.  I believe in this healthier choice.

I drink my tea infusions now while watching on Netflix.  I sometimes couple it with small pastries such as tarts and pies.  Just a teeny weeny bit of carbs.  And no more napping or lying down after eating something!  Definitely no lying down after eating a meal no matter how sleepy I get.

IMPORTANT NOTES / DISCLAIMER:

Consult your doctor or go to the ER immediately if you are not feeling well.  My symptoms and experiences are mine alone.  They are unique to me and my body.  You should not take those to diagnose what you are feeling or experiencing.  You should always consult your doctor.

Also, drinking tea is my preference.  You should not take tea just because I am drinking it, or that because I believe in its health benefits.  Research and ask experts.