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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 3/18/2012 10:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hello. I am new here and this is my first post.

I have had severe and constant GERD for a couple of weeks. now. I tried over the counter Zantac, but that did not work. I called my gastro doctor, who suggested I try over the counter Prilosec. I am on Day 5 of it but it has not helped at all. I will be calling my gastro doctor about it tomorrow morning.

Does anyone on this forum have any suggestions as to what medications have helped them?
Posted 3/18/2012 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
Well Zantac can help but sometimes you need a prescription dose not the over the counter level. Proton pump inhibitors give satisfactory relief for the majority of people (those of us who aren't helped enough by them are hanging around on this forum!). However, five days is still early and it can take a couple of weeks to get maximum benefit. Talk to the prescribing physician about it - if need be you could have a higher dose to bring things under control.

You may also be helped by reading through the standard GERD advice on the forum - raise the head of the bed, avoid the common trigger foods, don't eat within 3 hours of bed, try to reduce stress, no caffeine, alcohol or nicotine. Sometimes it takes a combination of measures to get to the point where things are comfortable again.

Have you had a gastroscopy, been tested for Helicobacter? If not ask your physician about these things too. Usually a poor response to medication leads to an invitation for further tests, which can temporarily add to the stress, but are usually useful in helping determine the best way forward.

Hang in there.

MMM
Posted 3/19/2012 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
I had endoscopy in December and my doctor said I had a hernia. However, it wasn't bothering me then and I didn't have GERD symptoms at that time. I did have some bad dental work done in January and February and that seemed to stir it up. I am going to talk to my gastro doctor because I do think I need a prescription because none of the over the counter stuff works.

I hope something works soon because I don't want this to damage my teeth and my esophagus.
Posted 3/19/2012 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
kh216

Good Morning and welcome to HealingWell.  May I kindly suggest that you make an appointment with your GI physician and see him in person to discuss your symptoms.  MMM gave you great advice and I agree with her. 

It's important to be very careful with what you eat - nothing acidic or  spicy.  Remember to avoid traditional triggers like caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, fried foods and find which comfort foods you can manage. Eat small meals, and maintain this careful eating plan.

Let us hear from you and good luck talking with your Dr. today.

 

Posted 3/19/2012 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Stkitt. I called my doctor's office and he wants me to take Prilosec twice a day. I will give it a try and see if it works.
Posted 3/20/2012 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
kh216, I hope that your Rx regime works out well for you, and that you find it helpful.   Keep us updated as to your progress and post anytime with questions or just sharing...we are all dealing with similar issues.   Kindly, Kitt
Posted 3/21/2012 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
Take the prilosec on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after eating) and wait 45 minutes before eating. Also, make sure you're not taking any pain relievers, avoid caffeine, alcohol and all the other tummy upsetters. Lastly, get checked for H. pylori, which can cause pain that might not feel better with a medication like prilosec. Those are the things you can do at home. Of course you need to get this followed up and the doctor needs to rule out other more serious potential causes. Hope you feel better soon!
Posted 3/21/2012 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all, I have just stumbled across this site and immediately joined. I am in the process of a 1 week old attack of gerd and am so depressed. it just consumes me, I have not had an attack for 3 years .it always seems to come from no where when you least expect it.each time in the past it has taken about 3 months to get it under control. I always find that the ppi totally upset my digestion and I even have pain aching in my belly when I take them.... I'm taking a combination of gaviscon and Zantac at the moment... Tearing my hair out ... Tomorrow will be better I hope!
Posted 3/22/2012 5:01 AM (GMT 0)
You might have an ulcer, you should get tested. PPIs do not normally cause any kind of pain to take, so you should get it checked out.
Posted 3/22/2012 12:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks . No have been tested no ulcer... Marginal inflammation. But today so much better... No meat.... about 3 liters of water and only diet of fruit, salad and tuna and mashed potatoe... Feeling really comfortable ... Just a Zantac in the morning and 1 tonight so hopefully starting to get back under control... PPis give me a cramping aching sensation and I feel almost as bad as burning. I can only tolerate if I have 1 every three days. Hopefully a good night sleep tonight. I get so frightened when I'm in this mode...
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