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GERD - PART IV

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 5/26/2013 6:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gail, so it sounds like your diagnosis is gastritis with IBS.  Those two things combined will create havoc.  The gastritis messes up your stomach and the IBS your intestines.  That would explain the weight loss too.  Both are conditions that you can deal with however.  That's the good news.  I have not been dx'ed with IBS myself but I fit all the classic symptoms of IBS (although changing my diet has improved it a little bit).

How did that piece of Xanax help you?  I had a pretty decent day today.  Just busy with the kids.

Sorry to hear about your kitty.  I hope she will get well soon.

 

Posted 5/26/2013 10:49 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome Ed, Sorry to hear of your struggles. I note that you have taken some basic measures with your diet. Since meds don't seem to help yet, hopefully they will, you may need to take your diet to another level of prevention. Some folks are getting relief from a low carb diet. There is a thread around on the Fast Track diet. I know I can't eat whole wheat bread without trouble and my acid reflux is pretty much under control. I just still can't eat most whole grains. Oats is the exception. Also, I was one that had to try a lot of the ppi's before they found one that worked. At one time I was on 30 mg Prevacid and 300 mg Zantac twice a day. Yes, both together twice a day.

Gail (Tummywoes), what do you have to do for the IBS? Has your research turned up any good solutions? I know I'm not posting much anymore. The weather has me outside, daughter is home from school, and then some little trips we will be taking. I never understood the lazy days of summer concept. I think they are anything but lazy! Sorry, to hear about your cat. I totally understand the, "she is like a child to me". I feel the same about my dogs.

Chris, Glad to hear you had a good day. Now that all the cake and ice cream are out of the house, I should be able to get back on track with reducing the Zantac.
Posted 5/26/2013 10:53 AM (GMT 0)
It will be hard now to figure this all out.  

I really hate to go back to using Xanax for this?  So many side effects to deal with.

I didn't have too bad of day yesterday, but did make themistake of having very tiny bites of steak and a baked potatoe......2 hours later I thought I was going to die.

Terrible cramps and feeling awful!......took 2 gaviscon, 2 Tylenol, finally got to sleep.  I am researching something to try for the cramping besides Xanax.

Kitty has not eaten now for 2 days, she had a little water, that's it.

I am afraid we will have to take her to the emergency vet which is 20 miles away!

Glad I am not here alone, I love this kitty, her name is Lexi.  She has been through so much with me over the years, when she was the only thing I had at home.

Thanks for asking. 

Posted 5/26/2013 10:57 AM (GMT 0)
I've decided to stop Prevacid and of course I'll tapered off instead of going cold turkey. Two nights with Zantac and feeling good both nights. Currently taking 150mg but might reduce to 75mg in the future if all works out.

I don't think my body can handle the stronger PPI (Proton-pump inhibitors) meds. Too much side affects.
Posted 5/27/2013 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on the net now for 2 days and came across Siberian Tiger Pine Nut oil's website.  The testimonials are pretty impressive for both Gastritis and IBS and other problems with the gastro track.   I thought for 30 bucks I would try it.  I ordered it today and should have it by Wednesday.  Only 3 spoonfuls per day....so we will see.

If it stops the pain in my stomach and I can eat again, it will be well worth it!

These people have been on everything, just like us with no real help.

Kitty is still hanging on, bless her heart, we will have her to the vet at 7 am in the morning.  

Hope all is well with all of you.  Where are you guys anyway????

Posted 5/27/2013 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi gail. I wish you the best with kitty. I have tried so many things myself. Dgl licorice. Manuka honey. Mastic gum, ppis, carafate, probiotics, now cabbage juice. No magic cure yet. Let me know how the pine nut works out.
Posted 5/28/2013 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Chris,

I know, I can't believe the things I have tried too.  Been using DHL again this weekend.  I am praying that this stuff will help!

When you get time, check it out.

How are you doing with the kids, house, dinners, etc.?

Bet you are busy.  Will your wife be back so you can go to work this week?

Beautiful weather this weekend, only wish I felt better to enjoy it ;(

I will let you know how the vet goes tomorrow, I am trying to prepare myself, but if it all goes south, Iwill be devastated for sure. 

Posted 5/28/2013 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all! hope everyone had a good holiday. I went to a few parties but tried control myself with the foods. Gail, I think I may have developed IBS as well. Not really sure since I haven't seen my GI. I read that IBS is caused in part by small bowel bacterial overgrowth and that the acid suppressing drugs were taking contribute to bacterial overgrowth. Is there medication for IBS??
Chris, now that you're completely off PPIs & any other OTCs, how are the natural remedies working for you? what do you take when you have tummy pains/burn? Sometimes my stomach gurgles and churns first thing in the morning even when I haven't eaten anything. does that happen to anyone? How do you take the manuka honey? I'd like to completely get off these drugs since I think they're causing some strange side effects. I've also started drinking coconut water. My co-worker, who had an ulcer when she was younger told me to drink it as it helped heal her stomach.
Posted 5/28/2013 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
nat,  I am really at a loss right now.  I have done so much research on IBS/gastritis, that I am confusing myself!

!.......There really isn't anything for it besides antispasm drugs for the stomach 

There are a lot of side effects so I am reluctant to take them.  For the pain, I use just Tylenol, regular strength, it seems to help, most of my pain is in my lower back.

Bad last night.   I even had a episode of dry heaves last night, see my earlier post about the Siberian Tiger Pine Nut oil.  Their website is really good.

I ordered some and it should be here by Thursday.  I really hope it helps me.

I am also having the constipation again, so started the stupid stool softeners again!

 

Posted 5/29/2013 5:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Nat, yes you are correct in that PPI's can also cause SIBO (small intestinal bacteria overgrowth) due to the exact same reason you mentioned.  There aren't really any good tests for it so it's a diagnosis based on symptoms.  It's been 3-4 weeks since I stopped taking PPI's.  The heartburn is there almost after every meal although the type of meal determines the degree of the heartburn.  Vegetables and bland food minimizes heartburn while sugar, fatty food and carbs maximize the heartburn.  Just yesterday, I had a burrito with salsa and I was feeling it.  I have been trying to gain my weight back and have really tried to eat as much as my stomach allows for the past two weeks.  But so far, I have been successful in only maintaining the weight and preventing further weight loss.  It's really hard to eat a lot with gastritis.  I feel better when I eat healthy but I lose weight because the healthy foods are low calorie foods. 

The natural remedies, it's really hard to say if they are working or not.  Currently I am drinking cabbage juice 2X a day, taking manuka honey in warm water in the morning and also adding it to my ginger tea at night.  Some people recommend putting the honey on a toast so it stays in the stomach longer.  When heartburn hits, I have resorted to taking Pepcid AC or Gaviscon and they do a decent job of putting out the fire.  When I wake up, the stomach feels normal for a few minutes and then it starts to feel kind of bloated and sore until I eat something. 

 

Posted 5/29/2013 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Had a moderate attack around 5pm yesterday. It's been awhile since I had one in the afternoon. Usually it's at night.

I'm still feeling the effects. For me, when I get a heavy to moderate attack, it lingers for couple of days. weird if you ask me.
Posted 5/29/2013 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Ed, my stomach hurts everyday. That is why I am hoping this Siberian oil will help, I have tried to avoid dairy which doesn't seem to matter?? My doctor doesn't seem to have too many ideas to help me with this except of course "drugs", which I really don't want to start.....my weight is my highest concern right now, so hopefully this new oil will stop the stomach pains and I can once again start to have a appetite. I have had a couple episodes of gerd at night which were miserable.
Posted 5/29/2013 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
Ed: what kind of attack are you having?? Is it heartburn?

Gail: how long have you had gastritis?
Posted 5/29/2013 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
Nat,

I first started having problems , with, belching, etc, stomach pain last December.  went to Dr. in January, changed Dr. in Feb, when they told me I had gastritis.  Tried zantac, watching what I ate, etc., no help.

I had a colonoscopy and Endo last month, all negative, blood work and stool samples all negative.  After the endo, my dr told me I have IBS.

So, it has been several months now and I have lost too much weight.

After trying so many different things, DGL, enzymes, antiacids, Pepcid, iswhy I ordered that Siberian Tiger Pine nut Oil.  I am hoping it will help get rid of the issues so I can eat again! 

Posted 5/29/2013 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
Gail-that's about the same time I started my gastritis. Let me know how the pine nut oil works out. I would really give carafate a try too. That's why got me eating again.
Posted 5/29/2013 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
tummywoes: from time to time i get stomach aches but mostly it feels like something is stuck there, especially in my chest area.

natitc: no, don't think it's heartburn. it's hard to describe. i get this chill feeling and semi-numbness all over my upper body and light headed. then i get this feeling something is coming up from my stomach to my chest area and it stays there. not really any pain.

had to take gaviscon during the attack and then zantac before bedtime. lasted 3hrs yesterday.

Then today during lunch time felt the same thing but very faint, had to take gaviscon and that help. (for breakfast, i had a whole wheat toast, half cup coffee and in between a donut.) this lasted about an hour or so.

I'm not too worry about my appetite, it's slowly coming back ever since I stop Nexium about a month or so ago.

Also, I've notice the last two dinners that I had. Half way eating I get chest discomfort (pressure feeling) and I lose my appetite then goes way within 30mins. At the same time I can feel like something is stuck in my stomach.

Post Edited (ed@mtl) : 5/29/2013 3:25:24 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/30/2013 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
Chris:what brand manuka honey did you buy? I'm going to try it.
Posted 5/30/2013 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
Ed, I went through very similar symptoms. So far, the only official diagnosis for me is gastritis.

Nat, I am using the airborne brand from amazon. I tried the more expensive kind (forgot the name) also from amazon but I cant tell the difference.

Gail, hows the kitty doing?
Posted 5/31/2013 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

Chris, the kitty is doing much better, thank God.  todayIt cost me dearly, but what

else can you do?   Her blood work came back within normal limits.  She is eating and drinking well too  ;)  thanks for asking.

Did not get the Pine nut oil today, so it will be here tomorrow.  So disappointed, I wanted to start it today.  Had a bad night again last night, seems anything I eat anymore bothers me......today I had toast and a Activa smoothie.  Then I had some chicken noodles for lunch.  shortly after I had cramping (bad) and had a spell of the runs.   I think it was the Activa that did it to me.  I did purchase some Lactaid milk to use as I think I am sensitive to dairy?????

You know I never got notifications of any postings today ???? so just saw where you guys have posted.    whats with that???

Hope your wife is back home now.

Posted 6/1/2013 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
For the last 4 days been having this weird symptom. Every time I eat something, regardless the amount, I get lightheaded and a bit dizziness. Lasts for about 30-45mins. Usually happens during lunch and dinner.

Also, it's around the same time frame when I started taking Zantac, too be exact, 5 days later. Also, been 3 days since I stopped Prevacid.

Update: today's lunch been good, no weird symptom. we'll see during dinner time.

Update: no lightheaded nor dizziness during dinner. however, had a bit of a stomach/chest discomfort in between lunch and dinner. Took two Tums and within 2hrs felt better.

Post Edited (ed@mtl) : 6/1/2013 6:07:37 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/2/2013 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
It all seems to be trail and error doesn't it??

Glad the tums helped.   Maybe the dizzy spells are blood pressure?

I know it seems to go up when we eat??

Also anxiety and worry can make one dizzy too.  I get light headed sometimes from too much worry.

I learned one thing today.  I can't tolerate those drinks like Ensure, etc.

everytime I try one, I feel really ill for several hours after.   I am ,making my own protein shakes from now on.  This is 2nd day of taking the pine nut oil, it helped me have a movement this am.  It taste rather gross, but worth it if the pain subsides.

I have had less pain today than usual, thank God.

Where is everyone?????   EJ, Viv, Pink, Sew, not even Chris is a few days?????

Hope everything is ok???

 

Post Edited (tummywoes) : 6/1/2013 6:57:08 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/2/2013 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gail, my wife returned on Thursday and I have been busy, just emotionally supporting her and spending time with the kids.  

I think after a while, people just run out of things to post.  Chances are, the regulars on this thread have either gotten considerably better or they are just maintaining, not getting better but also not getting worse. 

I have been off my PPI for almost a month now.  Heartburn is getting better.  It's definitely less frequent.  My biggest issue is still trying to push my stomach in hopes of gaining weight and I am constantly reminded that the stomach is still not ready.

Oh and I bought a glucose monitor meter.  I have a suspicion that my energy crash may have to do with glucose levels. 

Have a good weekend Gail.  I am happy to hear that kitty is doing better.

Hi to everyone else.

Posted 6/2/2013 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
i read that dizzy spells are due to low blood pressure. but the last few times that i did check my bp, it was borderline high.
Posted 6/2/2013 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,

I don't have much news to report. Decreasing my Zantac and having more HB issues. I'm down to 75 mg am and pm, but if things don't improve I will have to up the dose again. I've got 2 short trips coming up and I don't want to be sick while I'm travelling.

Gail, I hope you continue to get relief from the pine nut oil. It does sound gross, like something I would put on furniture. I too am glad Kitty is doing better. I know that's a relief.

Ed, I'm glad you found relief with the Tums. Maybe those dizzy spells will pass quickly.


Chris, a month is a huge milestone for being off the ppi. If I remember correctly, you weren't on it very long to begin with so you should be on the downhill side of kicking the rebound. I'm about 6 weeks post ppi and I can tell you if I am not good, the HB kicks in big time. I am getting away with a cup of coffee though, so that's progress.
Posted 6/2/2013 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
Quick question. If we get attacks while sleeping does this mean we have low or high acids in our stomach or it doesn't matter?
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