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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 2/24/2014 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
So pleased I have found this forum - it is comforting to hear experiences of others with chronic acid reflux as I feel I have hit a brick wall with my gp.

It started 5 months ago when I had a bout of gastritis and aver since then I have had severe acid reflux every day. I wake up in the morning with an acid taste and then the pain in my chest comes on during the day and gets worse as the day goes on. I am on omeprazole 40mg which has only helped slightly but still get daily reflux. Gp also prescribed gaviscon, but this only seems to dull the pain for a short period of time and then is back with a vengeance! The medication I did find helped was metoclopramide but I had to stop taking it due to bad side effects. I have been on a bland diet, no caffeine, alcohol or acidicfoods for the past 5 months. What i dont understand is the reflux seems to be much worse when my stomach is empty? But I can't eat much because the reflux makes me feel sick. I've lost 2 at once in the past 5 months as a result.

I have been to my gp on numerous occasions and they have said there is not a lot more they can do for me. I have paid privately to see a gastroenterologist and am seeing him on monday.

I have had a barium swallow which was clear apart from the reflux.

I would be very grateful for any advice on anything else I can try and also anything I should mention or ask the gastroenterologist?
Posted 2/24/2014 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Your gp can also treat you with ranitidine (h2 blockers) or you can try other ppi , lansoprazole or others ending in zole.

I would wait to see what your consultant says as to what he diagnoses you with we are not medically trained. Gerd unfortunately mimics or is caused by a few factors , h pylori, hiatal hernias etc.. He can only specifically diagnose when he does an endoscopy on you as that is the most accurate way to see what is going on inside. He may order a few tests.
Posted 2/24/2014 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you jamosca. I will ask the consultant about other medications I could try. I have had a test for h pylori which was clear, also the barium swallow showed no hiatel hernia. Hopefully the consultant will refer me for an endoscopy to see what is going on.
Posted 2/24/2014 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
I have had some success with mastic gum which you could try from Holland& barrett . According to Greek history they have been chewing the gum of mastika for centuries to help with the digestive system and some people have had success with aloe Vera. Stress is an aggravating factor of gerd so meditation can also help. If modern meds aren't helping then try some health supplements. Gastritis can take 6 months of more to cure depending on extremity. Actually your gp can refer you for the endoscopy I would have thought ? Health supplements won't be an overnight cure and you should set yourself a target of a month to see if there is any improvement if you plan to go the natural way ..
Posted 2/24/2014 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
I'd look at trying a low acid diet. Google Koufman Low Acid Diet.
There is a list of foods that are more alkaline than others that will help to buffer your stomach acid.

Make sure you are taking your Omeprazole correctly. There are lots of threads on HW about it. If your current dose is made up of two separate capsules, take them separately, half hour before first eating, then half hour before your final meal of the day.

I think jamosca is right, you should ask for gastroscopy/endoscopy if your symptoms are not improved by alternative ppi's or H2's.

Phil
Posted 2/24/2014 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you jamosca and Phil.

I'll give the mastic gum a go and aloe vera. I've also tried to cut out acidic foods but will do some research into an alkaline diet, will have a look at the koufman low acid diet.

I take 2 omeprazole tablets on waking 30 mins before breakfast.

My gp did refer me for an endoscopy but the hospital wrote back to say that they did not feel it was appropriate at this stage and put me on a 6 month waiting list to see a gastroenterologist instead - I was really disappointed because I want to get to the bottom of what's going on. My gp explained that because i'm 32 i.e. under the age of 50 that the hospital is reluctant to do endoscopies because they are so busy. Hence i've paid privately for an appointment and hoping that the consultant will want to do an endoscopy.

Louise
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