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GERD - PART IV

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 6/3/2013 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
Ed, I could be wrong but if you get that acid attack during sleep, it means that your LES isn't closing properly.  From what I have read, it doesn't matter if your stomach acid is high or low. 

Sew, I was on Aciphex for about 3 months.  The heartburn is kind of gone but the GERD like symptoms (throat and upper chest sensation) is still there.  But even when I was on aciphex, it was never gone so it's not like I am losing anything there.  My biggest issues are, when my gatro symptoms started, so much happened to me (drastic diet change, anxiety, depression, change in sleep patterns, etc.) that I truly believe that my body has changed the way it functions and still hasn't adapted.  It's a battle every day. 

Posted 6/3/2013 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
ED. it is usually high, sounds like gerd. Try raising your head so it is higher than your stomach, several pillows.
Posted 6/3/2013 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
tummywoes, i have and even double up the pillow. still get the attacks from time to time. but so far, with Zantac at nights (wk and half), it's been good.
Posted 6/3/2013 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
Also, if you stay up for at least 3 hours after eating it will help.
Posted 6/3/2013 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
^ i do from 2.5/3hrs.
Posted 6/3/2013 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,
The last couple of days my throat is acting up. It is a bit sore and the sour taste doesn't want to go away either. I am just so tired of trying everything!!! It is a daily struggle. There is a part of me wanting to start the PPIs again to see if I can be symptom free. I have a very stupid question: if my throat is like this forever would I eventually get cancer? I know if I go back to my doctor she will tell me to take the PPIs again.

Hope everyone else is doing better.
Posted 6/3/2013 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
I personally would never take PPI meds again. They're too harsh for me.

Post Edited (ed@mtl) : 6/3/2013 5:04:00 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/3/2013 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
Viv,

Hard to say that would happen.  Have you ever thought of seeing a  Eye, ears and throat specialist or are you already seeing one.??

Is this from reflux?   I wish I had some ideas for you.  I know it really gets old fighting the same old problems everyday.  I think that is when our thoughts go to the negative, like will I EVER get well ?????  I have thought the same thing, a lot.

Like should I go get a stupid CT scan just to make sure I don't have a huge tumor somewhere??.......Dr. didn't think it was even  necessary, but I still think the worst sometimes.

The one thing I have not had is throat issues, maybe one of the others will have better imput.    Hang in there!  ;)

Posted 6/3/2013 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
Viv, how long were you on PPIs and how long have you been off of it?

Does your throat burn or do you get the lump in throat feeling?
I tend to get the lump in the throat feeling that actually goes away when I am eating.

I know you're frustrated when you are bringing up the C word. Like Gail suggested, a visit to an ENT who can scope you quickly to see the throat area and the level of irritation could help you determine the next course of action.
Posted 6/4/2013 12:10 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning all,
Chris: the last time I took PPIs was in Oct. 2011. I was on them for 5 months. I stopped the pills because I was loosing so much hair. Since then I was/am trying everything else and some days I feel good, some days not. I need a referral from my GP to go see an ENT. I did have an endoscopy in June 2011 and it showed I had gastritis. I don't feel the burning just the globus sensation, a bit sore throat in the morning. I know if I go to my doctor now she will ask me to start the PPIs which I do have extra pills at home. In my mind I keep having this debate: to start the pills again to see if I can be symptoms free and take extra supplements of calcium/magnesium, fish oil, etc.. It is so frustrating and I can't decide what to do. I still take one Zantac 150mg before bed every night.

Gail, Ed: Thanks for your thoughts.

Post Edited (VivianL) : 6/4/2013 8:30:29 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/4/2013 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Viv, do you have a definite correlation between taking PPIs and hair loss? PPIs or anti-acids can cause malabsorption and hair-loss is a possibility due to loss of biotin, B6/B12, folate, zinc or iron. But having gastritis itself could have caused malabsorption.

If you are dealing only with the globus sensation, I personally would find a different solution than PPIs. Throat soothing tea, change in diet (some people have had success reducing carbs.) Chewing gum, cough drops, whatever.

By the way, do you suffer from post nasal drip or lots of phlegm? My ENT told me that often globus sensation gets misdiagnosed as being caused by GERD when there is a completely different cause.
Posted 6/5/2013 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Chris, from the beginning my GP told me all what I was going through: vertigo, dizziness, indigestion because I was so anxious. I did test for B6/B12 and iron level and they weren't bad.

After I stopped the PPIs, my hair did improve. Also my hair thinning could be from peri-menopause as well. My GP wasn't convinced when I told her about the PPIs and the hair loss.

I know the symptoms I have are mild compare to other people on this forum and yet I do worry about them. Today my throat is better and yes I do have some post nasal drip and no phlegm. I do have some success with low carbs diet. I do chew gum. I take digestive enzyme, probiotic, multi-vitamin. I also drink chamomile tea. I have another two supplements: calcium/magnesium and fish oil that I can't take yet cause they give me more gas and I don't know why. At night now I even put heat pad on my tummy before going to bed and it feels soothing. I am just so tired of trying so many things and still I have symptoms!

Today I went to Whole Food and bought some gluten free muffins, they are so expensive $10 for 4 little ones! How are you doing Chris?
Posted 6/5/2013 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
Viv,   believe me I know where you are coming from!.....I have got to the point where I don't want to take a shower because I might have to look at my skinny body!.....Wow,how much weight can a person lose before they get some other huge problem?   I have been taking the pine nut oil, since last Friday, so not a fair judgment, however I noticed when I am home alone I do a little better, so I think stress is a big part of it.  The Dr told me the last time I was there

 that he also thinks it is a anxious/stress thing.    well, ok, then what do I take?  I have a rx for Xanax which he gave me, but have not taken any yet.   He didn't want me to take them daily for fear of getting addicted to them.  

The amount I take is so small, I doubt if that would happen.  I took it years ago for stress and never got addicted to it.  I take a 0.5 mg and cut it into 4 pieces and take 1 piece usually in the am and another at night.  I really don't want to take a drug for the cramping, but may have to resort to one?? 

Stomach pain is my main symptom, combined with constipation.  Thus the IBS.

Yesterday was so bad, I ate the wrong things all day, and suffered the whole day and night.  Last night I took some Milk of Magnesia just so I would have a movement today which I did.  magic stuff.   So, I am also ready to put out a call to the doctor again and see what he suggest.  I hate all the side effects of prescriptions, but need to begin to get back my life!

It doesn't matter if you feel your complaints are minimal, when we have to suffer everyday with them, it gets old and stressful.   I wanted to throw my hands in the air yesterday, feeling so crappy!   so, more stress!   Did you have this stomach tightness, cramping with your gastritis?  or IBS, mine was gastritis at first, now he says IBS.  If so, what did you take for it.?????

Posted 6/5/2013 2:05 PM (GMT 0)
I finally ordered myself some pants from Penneys that are 2 sizes smaller than my usual just so my clothes don't hang on me! Hopefully they will fit and at least I won't look so bad.
Posted 6/5/2013 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Gail,
I don't have cramping, burning, tightness in my stomach just the gas rising up after I eat. I just hope that once I more firmly in menopause the indigestion will ease. I already spent a fortune in supplements and they do help but I haven't found a perfect combination yet.

I haven't bought clothes online. I like to try them on before I buy. I manage to put on a bit of weigh. I don't think I have IBS, just plain gas rising up. How is the weather there? Hope you have a better day today. I wonder where Roah is?
Posted 6/5/2013 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Viv,

I also have bought so many different things to try.  It does get frustrating!

I went to Pet Smart this morning and was talking to the clerk there, who told me she had lost 30 pounds due to stress!......so we all know there is a direct connection to the stomach from stress.

I think I will take my xanax for a few days and see if I feel a difference.

Posted 6/7/2013 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all, just wanted to check in. Back at work and it's been a busy week!

Viv, since last we communicated, I think I am getting better. Still getting this soreness with the stomach couple of hours after eating. Also, when I haven't had food in the stomach for a while. I think carafate helps. Have been eating a bit more so my energy level is a little bit better.

Hi Gail, still having issues with anxiety I see. I can relate. Have you thought about seeing a therapist? Hopefully, you are eating more and also eating the right stuff.

Have a good weekend.
Posted 6/8/2013 12:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Chris,

So glad you are feeling better and are back to work ;)  good for you!

I wish I could say I am doing better, but I don't feel I am.  I have not really been taking any meds except Tylenol for the stupid back pain I get.  Been watching what I eat, and have cut out most of the foods I love and still no real change.  Hell, I am almost ready to take a PPI just to see if I feel better??????   7 months is a long time to feel bad and I am so tired of it.

I even resorted to contacting my old family doctor last week, he also suggested I try small doses of the Xanax to see if that helps.  He knows me very well and knows how stressed I get.  He thinks the back pain could be tight muscles from the stomach pain and that Xanax may help relax the muscles.   So, I am at a point of not knowing what to do?  

Posted 6/8/2013 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
A small update:

Had the Holter monitor hook up yesterday for 24hrs. Will be removing it this afternoon. This is a precaution that the GI dr suggested to rule out it's not the heart that's causing my chest pressure/pain/sharpness discomfort. As mention, she did mention it could be stress related.

Been on Zantac 150mg (nights) for 2wks now. Had 1 small attack @ night in the beginning, couple of weird days feeling lightheaded/dizzy after eating and I guess that was the same time I stop Prevacid (acid rebound?). Other than that, been sleeping well. Lost 2-lbs since being on Zantac. Was @ 139, now 136/137. Thinking of reducing it to 75mg to see if it has the same effects.

Follow up with the GI dr will be end of summer.
Posted 6/9/2013 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,

I am new here and have been reading all your posts . They have been helping me so much so thank you for that.

I am a 22 year old female. Started taking Omeprazole last Dec to March. Took Dexilant in March and Zegerid from April to May May. I quit PPIs cold turkey on May 30 just because they caused me symptoms like GERD that I DID NOT even have in December when I went to the doctor for the very first time!!! I also had an endoscopy which came out fine with minor irritation.

Now, it is day 9 without ppi- I am in burning hell everyday. Every meal causes intense burning from stomach to throat.I have never felt anything like this before. I have been using Zantac, aloe juice and gum to help but it is so frustrating. I feel so miserable as I can't share this with any of my friends- they dont get it. I can't work or function but everyday I force myself out of bed to go about my life. I can't drink coffee, alcohol, anything- frget that! I dont even put any salt on my food. Doctors just wanna double my ppi dose!UGH!

I just want to be able eat normally again. And to think, I never had this before I started taking PPIs. :((

Do you guys have some advice for natural healing remedies? Please help. Thanks <3

T
Posted 6/9/2013 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi "T", welcome to our little family

Sorry to hear that you are going through this..if you have read our posts  you already know that most of us our suffering from either a form of gastritis or IBS.  I also started having my problem last December and went to the Dr. in January for it.   The Dr. wanted me to take PPI's but I would not because I had already gone to this forum and saw the complaints.  I took zantac for awhile, but it did not help.  I had no appetite and still don't feel hungry to often.

Last month I had the colonoscopy and the Erd test, both were negative, showing extreme stomach inflammation.  another rx for zantac was given to me, like what?   this stuff does not help me.  All of our symptoms are so different here.   We have all tried a zillon things.  First of all watch what you try to eat.   Bland stuff, soup, etc, try to stay away from sugar, sodas, etc.

I also had to give up coffee which I love.   DHL licorice can help some folks here. Take 1 chewable before you eat.  If you have a naturpath or Homopathic doctor in in area, they can really help.  I do not have any where I am.

Some people have also tried probotics and digestive enzymes with success.

Ginger is supposed to be good , I have not tried it yet.  mine seems to be pain in my stomach, I think due to the constipation.

Did your Doctor take blood tests and test you for HPylori??

Posted 6/9/2013 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi woes,

Thanks for responding. I think they tested me for H pylori and food allergies back in November (before I started ppis). It was negative. Had a biopsy, endoscopy and nothing!

And how are you doing without any medication? Are you taking zantac? I must say that you are very strong going through this without any medicine. I know how tough it is... Did you tell your doctor that you are not taking ppis- what was his reaction? As for me...I do occasionally indulge in a cup of tea when I am overconfident that I am getting better and then end up regretting it almost a few minutes later. And coffee, which I love, I can't even think about it when I'm dying at work. So I feel your pain. Oh, what has life become?

Can someone recommend a brand of probiotics please? There are so many and I just end up being confused. I just started researching some Homeopathic Doctors. Anyone know any in NY?

Also, it has only been day 9 since i got off ppis. I have heard this nightmare lasts for weeks!!

Please keep me posted about your health. :-)

T
Posted 6/9/2013 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
"T", everyone will tell you a different probiotic, best is to go to your closest natural food store, tell them you have gastric issues and see what they recommend. I know they take awhile to kick in.
I am not taking anything right now, except Tylenol for stomach pain and tums. Dr knows I am not on PPI. The after effects of PPI does seem to last awhile. You will hear more from the others about this.
Posted 6/9/2013 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi T,
Are you taking the 150mg Zantac? If you just quit the PPIs, you are probably going through the rebound right now. Have you tried cutting all the carbs out? If you look up Fast Tract Diet, some people here have success with this diet. Also for tea you should try herbal teas: chamomile, peppermint, etc.. I have been seeing a naturopath doctor and she does help. The one thing with natural remedies is it takes time for you to feel the relief. I have been trying from: DGL, gum, digestive enzymes, probiotics, soothing teas, etc..

Gail: I feel your pain. This is so frustrating, don't you sometimes just want to give all up and eat whatever and deal with it after. I still have the sour taste in my mouth eyes
Posted 6/9/2013 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Viv,
Yes it is frustrating!.....I can have this painful stomach whether I eat or not!
I was thinking of caving in to the Dr. and take Bentyl or something, but I hate the side effects of the rx stuff. Reading about Peppermint oil caps, Lemon Balm and Fennel. Also something called Iberogast which all are supposed to stop the spasms and cramping. Have you tried any of these things?
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