does anyone get heartburn really bad

Yes, I have had terrible heartburn with my Crohn's. I took a ppi (Nexium, and then Prevacid) for a few years, and I suggest you do, too. You might need to try a few to find the one that works for you.

Thanks I will try them...do you have to take them everyday for them to work, or do you just take them when you have the heart burn...thanks again..

I have GERD, gastritis and duodenitis. So, I agree with Kazbern and Gumby that you should take a PPI. But I think you should see your GI first. He has to diagnose your problem and give you the right med. The reason I'm saying this is that 14 years ago or even more, I used to have these problems and was not treated properly and ended up having chronic above mentioned stomach problems. I don't want you to suffer from this. It's really annoying when it flares up.
Hope you feel better soon:)

Hi,

I have acid reflux and I started on Zantac, then Losec and am now on Nexium.  These medications span approx 15 years.  I have had crohns for 32 years.  My GI has scoped me from the mouth down, or I will have an upper GI small bowel follow thru.  I found that the Zantac worked great for about 3 or 4 years, then I needed the next in line Losec and finally Nexium.  You need to take the med everyday, but you will want to when you are finally relieved of the painful burning feeling.

Julia

 

Angela,
take a look at what you're eating / drinking, this problem is almost ALWAYS the result of nutrition. Personally I don't like to put a lot of different medications in my system, so I change my diet habits and by that I get much better.

Sugar, fatty diets, coffee, tea, beer, whine and spices are increasing acids. Vegetables, some fruits and a reduction of all the stuff mentioned is reducing the acids and therefore you'll rid most of the painful burning sensations. Also, if you can't sleep because tummy is leading to nauseau and pain, up your bed at your head site.
The latter may help together with no eating before you go to sleep.

There are good ways to rid all this kind of pains and discomforts, for me personally medication is an alternative if nothing else works. Medications will almost always lead to side effects. Acid blockers may have some.