New, looking for answers and support

Hi guys,

I have been lurking on this site for a few weeks reading as much as I can.  I have learned so much already.  I have been suffering from acid reflux for as long as I can remember.  When I was in my 20’s (and a lot skinnier) I took Nexium for about 3 years until my hubby insisted I stop due to the side effects.  My symptoms continued and got even worse when I was pregnant both times.  They continued after that but over the past year, they have gotten worse.  I feel like I am on fire and today, for example, my stomach feels like it is burning.  I have heartburn constantly whether I eat or not.  Sitting up, lying down.  It doesn’t matter.  I woke up twice last night and I felt like I was on fire.  I also burp a lot especially after eating and drinking.  Not sure if that is related but it can be embarrassing.

My GP finally sent me to a GI dr who did an endoscopy on me.  Luckily all my biopsies were normal but he found a lot of irritation.  I was taking Protonix but my insurance will only cover 3 month’s worth and I cannot afford to pay for it out of pocket.  My doctor gave me a month’s worth of Nexium but they really don’t help all that much and what am I to do after they run out?

 

My GI says I need surgery since the meds are not helping so he has referred me to a surgeon although that was a week ago and I still have not received a call from the surgeon’s office.  I am not sure what to expect though.  From my reading of posts, I understand that the surgeon will probably put me through a battery of testing prior to discussing surgery.  Is this correct?  What can I expect?

Btw, I am 33 years old.  I am a little overweight for my height (5’9) which probably doesn’t make things better but again, I have lived with this for years even when I was skinnier.

 

Any comments would be welcome.  Thanks!

 

amba35

If you want to continue on a PPI there are ones that you can get OTC since your insurance won't pay (priolsec, previcid or zegrid). If you don't want to continue a PPI then I'd suggest asking for a script of Carafate ( liquid if possible but pills work too). You take it an hour before you eat and it will coat your stomach and esophagus. I think carafate is a miracle drug. ;-) You take them before every meal and at bedtime. You could also take a H2 blocker (pepsid or zantac) and antacids as needed. Have you tried going on a really strict reflux diet? Maybe try for a month plus meds and see if you could get it under control. I don't know much about the surgery but I'm sure there will be someone who can help with those questions. Best of luck to you!

Oh and I've had a little relief from DGL supplements (taken before meals) and drinking alkaline water.