GERD!! Please help? How do I cope with this?

Well I have GERD for a year now and am taking medications and enforcing restrictions as advised. But is it true that even if I observe all the instructions properly, this must get worse over the years and lead me on to that fundoplication operation?? Also, is it possible to live with this decently and functionally, and live long. Maybe, say, upto 60?? I have no other ailments but this one, which is making me really miserable. I'll be grateful for all help. Thanks in advance for your time.