HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

i need advice

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/2/2010 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
I stopped taking medicine over a month ago, however I'm trying to decide if I should get back on them. I don't have heartburn anymore, however sometimes throughout the day I'll have difficulty swallowing, which I know is a symptom of GERD. I just fear that I'm damaging my esophagus and I can't decide what to do. I had this pain/problem when I was on the medicine, so I don't really know if the medicine is the right choice for me. I'm really worried and am not sure what to do. Can someone share some encouragement and some advice? Thanks for anything... idea
Posted 8/2/2010 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
What kinds of medicines did you try?
You might have silent Gerd. You don't burn with silent gerd. Instead you have issues like coughing, swallowing problems, choking, sore throat, sinus and ear issues.

Have you had any testing done?
Posted 8/2/2010 12:21 PM (GMT 0)
I was taking Nexium 40mg at the time that I stopped taking them. The only test that I had was the endoscopy, which was done 5 months ago and it didn't show any damage. Back then, I didn't have any of the symptoms that I have now. I'm wanting to get another scope, but the doctor doesn't think it's necessary. My biggest concern is whether there's damage being done on my throat, which is causing the difficulty swallowing. If not, I can live with this issue, it's not that painful. I don't have heartburn, which is what I thought is the most damaging.
Posted 8/2/2010 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
Have you had a 24 hour pH monitoring test? That would show if you're having reflux during the night.
Posted 8/2/2010 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
I'll have to check into that test. At least it can put my mind at ease.
Posted 8/2/2010 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
Barium swallow can also tell if things are flowing wrong.
Posted 8/3/2010 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
New Zealand Manuka Honey and Aloe Vera juice are great natural healers. The Aloe Vera juice tases quite challenging at first but after a few days taking it it doesn't seem so bad.
Posted 8/3/2010 7:18 AM (GMT 0)
It is hard, because if, like me, your symptoms worsened DESPITE the meds, you won't know if it is silent reflux or the meds aggravating the symptoms. I am on high dose PPI, and have been since Feb, but still I get a very sore throat and a lump in the throat, and difficulty swallowing. I am unsure whether all these meds are doing anything for my throat at all.

I am trying Aloe Vera at the minute Moo'sMum. Also I got some DGL licorice and slippery elm capsules. How long before you noticed a difference with Aloe?
Posted 8/3/2010 1:09 PM (GMT 0)
It could be silent GERD as Joy mentioned. It can be tested by taking PPI. It may not be as accurate as endoscopy or 24 hour pH monitoring test, but if you suffer from GERD it will reduce the symptoms. In the meanwhile you can try some natural remedies like Aloe Vera, DGL licorice or a nice cup of peppermint tea.
Posted 8/3/2010 1:17 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the reply Zelda (awesome name btw). It kind of answers my question. I started having trouble swallowing when I was taking 40mg of Nexium. The dr was wanting me to double up on the medicine (just started taking it 4 months ago). I just couldn't do it. Not only would it be very expensive, I just couldn't believe I'd have to double up soo soon.

On a side note, I've been taking ACV with my meals and eat DGL before as well. I'm thinking of adding digestive enzymes into the fold, but not sure yet.

Moo'sMum, Do you feel any symptoms anymore? Staying off medicine is something I'm really wanting to do, but I feel a little discouraged because I keep seeing information that untreated GERD is extremely dangerous (leading to barrett's, yada yada).
Posted 8/3/2010 9:38 PM (GMT 0)
Philip, yeah they doubled me up too, I was on 20mg til Feb, with no relief from throat stuff, so ENT in his wisdom told me to take 2 per day instead. Of course, because I am no better, they think I'm either exaggerating, stressed, it's my job causing my throat problems, or the GERD isn't responding to treatment. No one is really listening, and I am still not convinced anyone has the answer. They're trying to encourage me to have a lap fundo, but I don't feel they have tried everything else yet. For a start they have only tried one type of PPI, and no one has actually said out loud that GERD is causing the throat things. They talk a lot to each other, not very much to me.

Thanks re: my name, my son used to watch me play Link to the Past and called all the baddies "Zelda Goblins" Let's play zeldagoblins mum! I thought it was cute, so I kept it hehehe
Posted 8/3/2010 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
Have you guys tried to go to the Nexium website and join purple pills club? I was paying only $25 a month for them with the card.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply