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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 2/18/2005 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I am new to this forum and started on the Fibro site. I noticed some people on that site mentioned Gerd and that it had something to do with heartburn. It got my curisosity since I've been dealing with a severe case of this since I quit smoking 1 month and a half ago. I've always had heartburn from time to time - burning sensation from throat to sternum - heavy feeling, lump in throat, vomit( bile)  that just goes up to throat and goes back down. Sorry to be so detailed I just really wish I could make it stop. I've been taking Zantac since I was a kid and it usually works. However, I use to take it once per week or so before I quit the cigarettes and now I find myself taking it 3 and four times per day. My symptoms have never been so intense (not since my pregnancy three years ago anyhow). Anyhow, I have Fibro and IBS, and lots of other funky stuff going on....is there a link????Is Gerd the same as Reflux?????I am only taking one sleep aid and just started that. Other than that (and Im not sure if I will keep taking those pills) I only take the Zantac when needed (and often I wait until I can't handle the burn before I take it) and a nasal spray for dried up sinuses and I dont take that often either. I stopped taking a herbal remedy for IBS and all my vitamins which are vitamin D, St John's wort, cod liver oil and one a day, for over two weeks to see if there was a difference.....nada. Please, I know you arent doctors but would love to have opinions and advice....Thanks in advance! 

Posted 2/18/2005 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi DShaffer!

Welcome to the GERD board!  I'm sorry you're having heartburn problems!

I also have GERD and quit smoking a year ago .. my symptoms are worse than when I did smoke.  I suspect stress has a lot to do with this; as non-smokers, we have to decide how to manage our stress without lighting up.  And stress is a major heartburn trigger, as well as IBS, as I'm sure you know :)

The symptoms you're describing: bile, heartburn, lump in throat - they're all symptoms of GERD.  Maybe the Zantac doesn't work as well anymore because you've grown a resistance to it?  Do you have a gastroenterologist that you see regularly for your IBS?  I'd suggest making an appointment to get on a different medication for your heartburn.  Right now, I am taking Zegerid, a powder PPI, which is working very well (although I know everyone reacts differently).

I was diagnosed years ago as having IBS, as I'm prone to bouts of abdominal cramping and diarrhea, but my doctor says both ailments can be caused by GERD.  I'm not sure if that's the same in your case.

Also, certain medications negate my acid medicine.  I tried taking Wellbutrin to quit smoking a few years ago and had to stop, because I had non-stop heartburn and bile.  So you have to take note of whether your symptoms get worse after starting a new medicine/vitamin.

Do you notice your heartburn gets worse after eating certain foods?  I can offer a few helpful hints to help reduce the burn: Minimal chocolate & caffeine, drink lots of water, don't eat after 7, and try sleeping with 2 pillows.

I hope you feel better soon!  Please keep us posted! :)

Toni

Posted 2/19/2005 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
thanks toni, I guess I just have to make an appointment then and see what's up. I know my diet and coffee aren't helping matters and I am trying to curb the intake, however, it is a little difficult since I quit smoking. I'm sorry to hear someone else is suffering,but ina weird way,glad I am not alone. You didn't mention what Gerd stands for, so I take it that's the full name? I really don't like trying new meds cause I react to an awful lot of meds and I can end up in much worse situation sometimes just because of them. But, I guess I'm turning over a new leaf and at least keeping seeking information for solutions and keeping an open mind about them all. Keep in touch.
Posted 2/19/2005 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
No problem!  I know exactly what you mean, it really helps knowing other people are going through what you're going through!  Just the peace of mind. 

With my GERD, I've done the diet/lifestyle changes to no avail, so I guess I do tend to have RX-Tunnel-Vision.  :) Sorry :(

Here's some helpful hints, that don't require a prescription:

A list of food no-no's:

  • Coffee, Tea (decaffeinated and regular)
  • Spices
  • Onions
  • Caffeinated and/or carbonated beverages
  • Tomatoes and tomato juice/sauce
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Pepper
  • Citrus fruits (oranges and grapefruits)
  • Fried/fatty foods
  • Chocolate
  • Peppermint

Also be sure to wear loose-fitted clothing.  Any pressure on your belly can irritate things.  You may also find it helpful to eat several small meals during the day, rather than 3 'large' meals. 

Hope this helps a bit!  Have a good weekend and let me know how you're feeling! :)

Toni

Posted 2/20/2005 12:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Listmates: I have been on this forum only a couple of days and already I have learned so much. The foods to avoid were eye opening to me as I didn't realize some of them would hurt. Knowing there are other folks going through the same thing helps, for sure, but it is great when others share their tips to avoid the pain. Onions and pepper are things I always eat and I didn't realize it would hurt. I don't fry things but I always put a boiled onion in the pot with my veggies, and I put pepper on all my meals. Now I shall try to change that to see if it helps the heartburn. Hadn't had coffee for months until yesterday when they were featuring some samples at the grocers with a new creamer. I thought a small 4 oz serving wouldn't hurt! Oh Lord!! The heartburn all day was surely the pitts!! That'll teach me :(
Adjca
Posted 2/20/2005 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi toni, and adjca

Well, I (accidently) alleviated my hearthburn a little and in the weirdest way. I mentioned my problem with giving up coffee. Well, the hearthburn almost completly went away after I started using coffee mate instead of milk or cream. I'm not questioning it, just going with it (I'm wondering if it isnt coincidence about the hearthburn that adjca got after having tried a coffee with new "cream"). Aside from that, 'm only taking 1 zantac per day now and am quite pleased. I did curb my diet more but last night ended up having pizza, a big no no for me for several different reasons, but it had been such a loooong time since I had some I caved in. Paid a dear price last night and still today....but I knew that before I even ordered it so. So that is about it for now. Will keep you updated from time to time. I am also trying to battle fibromyalgia and IBS among other unpleasant health issues so I'm in the forum quite often. It seems as though the best aids are drinking lots of water and mild exercise like walking etc....it does work for me. Anyhoot, take care. Keep in touch.
Posted 2/20/2005 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
I am trying to read as much of this site as I can and I must say, it's been really interesting. There are so many folk with problems I can identify with. The creamer I tried yesterday was -I think- International coffee creamer, French vanilla. Sure was delicious Sigh. Today, I'm trying to be so careful. I only had a little prune juice with ground flax seed for breakfast along with a bowl of oatmeal using just a little milk and honey. Sure hope that's okay because I don't want a repeat of yesterday. I took Zantac for years for a very active ulcer and then went on to Losec but after taking the antibiotics and pepto Bismo treatment about 10 years ago, I haven't had any trouble until late last summer when I started to have heartburn for which I again tried Zantac but wasn't faithful in taking it and then in October I developed a lump in my throat. It was all downhill after that and since reading so many posts in the last few days, I can see where the Nexium could very well have been the cause of my diarrhea, insomnia, weakness and most distressing -dry and extremely painful sore throat. The Pariet then was another step downward for since giving that up, I am feeling stronger each day. Still have the heartburn but I feel the more I read here, the more I'll understand what triggers it. Take care
Posted 2/21/2005 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Adjca!

I'm glad we've been some help to you! And I'm sorry you've had a lot of discomfort ... it's so frustrating feeling well for awhile, just to have it come back full-force out of nowhere. Especially over things that you wouldn't think would bother you. Like coffee creamer for you. Thin Wheats for me.

But know that we're here for you!! Any time you need to vent!

Dshaffer: I sure am glad you've found a fix! I wish you the best of luck in keeping your heartburn at bay! Please let us know any other tricks you come across, every little bit helps! :)

Toni
Posted 2/21/2005 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Another killing heartburn day! Had a cookie after church last night. It wasn't GF so I know I shouldn't have but 'the devil made me do it' :-)) Anyway, is fresh pineapple a food I should avoid? I had a couple of pieces this morning and then later an orange which doesn't usually bother me. I think this is going to be trial and error. I am also using a herbal tea 'Honest tea-black forest berry'. I was drinking just plain water for months but this last few days I've had this tea a couple of times. Guess I'll go back to water to see what happens.
Posted 2/21/2005 10:26 PM (GMT 0)

Hi again toni.

Sorry to hear that heartburn is still hanging on. As for the foods, well they say to stay away from acidy foods, which I guess orange and pineapple fit in. But from what I gather it all depends on the person. I never had problems with tomatoes until a few months ago. I've had problems with just toasted bread. I've even had problems drinking water if you can believe that. Now after having said that, drinking your 7 or 8 glasses of water a day and staying on a bland diet should help a little, if your willing to try something different for a while. Oh yeah, I had noticed that for some reason tea was much much worse than coffee. Like you said -  I think it is a trial and error thing. So whatever you do, I just hope you get rid of that hearburn. So good luck my dear.

Dee

oh yeah, toni, do I ever wish I found a fix, I just found something that triggers less pain....unfortunately, Im still dealing with the heartburn. But I have increased my water intake and am playing around with my diet So hopefully I can someday soon write and say "hurraaaaaaay, it's gone"

see ya later

Posted 2/22/2005 1:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi dee, Toni. Yes, I have also increased my water intake mostly because of the sore throat and it helps a little, I think. I don't know how much I'd have to drink to help my constipation but I suppose that's going to be with me for my next 60 years, for I have never found a successful remedy there. I should start a thread dealing with that! Tomorrow, I'm just having poached egg with a little Olive Oil for breakfast with water. That seemed to help with the heartburn for a few days so I'll try that again. I believe Olive Oil is great for us and it sure can't hurt.
Posted 2/22/2005 4:31 AM (GMT 0)
adjca - I'm glad you mentioned 'constipation'. I never had a problem with it until I started taking the Pepto-Bismol, Prilosec, Pepcid, etc., for my acid reflux. Seems like while the medicine was trying to calm the stomach down, it calmed the colon down, too! Too much, in fact!

As has been said before, it is nice to commiserate with people having the same problems. Guess misery loves company!

Hang in there.
Posted 2/22/2005 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
Well, so far today- at almost 11 am- I am doing pretty good. Had a light breakfast and went for my walk, then had a little cabbage and apple juice. So far only a little discomfort - not really heartburn- so we'll see. I was even able to go to the bathroom- perhaps as a result of the couple of lots of prune juice and flax seed I took yesterday. WOW!! I must be on a high day.
Posted 2/23/2005 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
adjca- What do you take for your osteoporosis?

Posted 2/23/2005 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Searchin. I'm not taking anything at the moment for the Osteoporosis for I took Didrocal for years and it didn't help. I was still going downhill and the calcium that went with it only constipated me further. I had already had a hemorroidectomy so didn't need more problems with constipation. So then I went on Fosamax which was okay for about 6 months and then I started getting shooting pains in my bones. It was terrible like a jolt right through them and would take me so suddenly. It didn't hurt my stomach like it did for other folks but the bone pain was not good. So I gave them up and within a week, the pain went away and has not returned. Presently, I walk to keep my bones as good as I can and I take a calcuim/magnesium supplement but that's about it. I've heard that the drugs don't nessesarily give you stronger bones so I'm taking a chance. I've not broken anything yet since I was diagnosed 10 years ago but did break my arm falling just 2 feet a year or 2 before that. My bones were bad then but I didn't know it and had all the risk factors for it - I had been a smoker for years, am a thin person, my mother had Osteoporosis and although I have never been diagnosed as Celiac, we have family members that are and my daughter also has it so we live Gluten free.
Posted 3/13/2005 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
cool  I have taken everything for acid reflux disease which I had for about 10 years.  For about 4 1/2 years now, though, I have not had any symptoms at all.  I eat all of those things listed on the No-no list and nothing bothers me anymore.  If you would like to know the changes I did make, I will be happy to share them with you, but please just know that you do not have to suffer or forego any of the great foods like Mexican, Chinese, or anything else we all love to eat.  I am living proof of that.  My e-mail is [email protected] and I am medication free!

Sharon

 

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