Need help please?

Welcome to Healing Well!  You're definitely in the right place.  It totally makes sense to give consistent use of PPIs a chance.  Many people do very well on them, and can live a reflux-free life.

My only question is the "take in in the morning" suggestion.  Many have worse reflux at night, as gravity can't help keep the acid down.  It tends to migrate more easily into the esophagus, throat, and even mouth when lying down. 

I expect you were advised to take it before breakfast...about a half an hour before is good.  PPIs need to be taken before eating, so the acid pumps are shut down before they get started.

One thing that can help tremendously, is to elevate the head of your bed by putting bed raisers, blocks, or wood under the legs.  That way, gravity can do its part.

You may end up needing more than one dose of PPI to do the trick, but it is wise to start with one and see if that's sufficient. Also they can increase you to 40mg if the 20 doesn't do it.  Some also supplement with Zantac, especially at bedtime.  I'm sure your PCP will be able to monitor and adjust your medication if necessary. 

While you're being treated, but sure to watch your eating.  You can search the net for GERD triggers and be sure to avoid them. 

I would defer to your PCP regarding further testing.  I had reflux and took PPIs for many years before having the tests.  I think they'll not be recommended unless the meds aren't doing the trick for you.  PPIs can heal the damage acid does to your esophagus, and they have a great track record.

Again, glad you've joined us.  Good luck!

Denise

Post Edited (dencha) : 12/7/2011 8:21:17 AM (GMT-7)

GERD has a tendency to get worse over time.  It happens to the best of us.

I'm not talking about elevating with pillows. That's a bad thing to do.  It puts pressure on your stomach.  No, instead I mean putting blocks or something under the legs of your bed.  Then the bed stays flat...just at an angle.

VIEW IMAGE

You can also buy bed-raisers to do the job:

VIEW IMAGE

It's really worth doing if you're suffering symtoms.  Sometimes people with GERD have a lot of reflux at night and don't even realize it. 

Good Luck!

Denise

It is a very common problem with GERD.  Once the Prilosec has time to work, it should resolve itself.  Keep in mind that the acid didn't occur overnight, but was irritating your esophagus for a long time.  It will take time for that damage to heal.

It is smart to stick to smooth foods for a while. That includes foods that can be chewed to a liquid.  Take smaller bites and chew completely.  Rough things can scratch and irritate an already inflamed esophagus.  Give it a rest from those kinds of foods.  Also stay away from spicy and very hot foods.

It's hard to be patient when healing a GI issue, I know.  Hang in there. 

Denise

If you don't think your GP is any good, then don't see him!  If your reflux needs medical treatment, you need to get in touch with a knowledgable GI anyway.

If you're in enough discomfort to see a doctor, you're not wasting anyone's time.  That's what they're there for.  The omeprazole is going to take 3-4 days of daily doses to get up to speed.  If you want to wait and see after that, then you might have a better idea of what you're dealing with.

-Bruce

When you feel symptoms when lying down, it reinforces your need to elevate the head of your bed and do what you can to keep the acid in your stomach via gravity.

Also, report that symptom to your doctor, and I would expect he/she might want to provide some medical intervention (Zantac, perhaps) at bedtime.

Are you being careful to not eat 3-4 hours before going to bed?

The feeling that the Doritos are still in your throat is likely due to scratching and irritation.  It's like when you get something in your eye, and even after it's removed you still feel it.

Hang in there.

Denise