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Alternatives to PPI's Part 2

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Posted 5/3/2014 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
This link will take you to the Alternatives to PPI's Part 1 thread, which has been locked. This means it can be read, but no additional posts will be allowed:

Alternatives to PPIs Part 3
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=3096659&g=3096659#m3096659

Page 1 of thread:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=3008094

Last Page (12) of thread:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=3008094&g=3069033#m3069033

Happy posting! turn
Posted 5/3/2014 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
Lily,

Have you discussed your colonoscopy prep concerns with your GI doctor? If you'd like to make modifications to what you're using with the medication, be sure to run it by him/her first. I remember my GI doc was adamant that I must use NOTHING but (non red) Gatorade. It is possible I could have negotiated some changes, but I didn't bother. I decided to take my chances, and fortunately it didn't bother me. I'll never drink Gatorade again (until my next colonoscopy, which unfortunately will be in just 3 years, since they found a benign polyp, which means it has to be checked more often).

Good luck with your procedure. This was my second one. It's really not that bad. My GI doc let me eat a big breakfast the day of the prep (low fiber), which made it a lot easier to handle the prep day with no additional food. Also, I just drank water all day. Sweet drinks/juices really get sickening, and the water made things easier as well.

Good luck with your prep and procedure! Hope all goes well!
Again, let me know if this new thread/locked old thread creates any problems for you, and I'll try to alleviate them.
Best wishes!
Denise
Posted 5/3/2014 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Lily, I was thinking the same thing about your prep, you may want to ask your GI if you haven't already about changing the Gatorade when doing you prep. I can't remember but it seems like I had to use only Gatorade, that was 10 years ago so I can't be sure.

Post Edited (Mouche) : 5/4/2014 2:49:55 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/3/2014 11:16 AM (GMT 0)
Good morning everyone! I hope you all had a restful night. I woke up at 4 AM and couldn't get back to sleep but I had a decent sleep without heartburn...yay! I didn't take any acid blocking meds yesterday at all. Just my probiotics, DGL, aloe vera and digestive enzymes.

Lily, I seem to remember there is another option of just pills with water for the colonoscopy prep these days but I am not clear on the details since I haven't had one myself yet. But I definitely remember another option so I agree with Denise and Mouche about asking your Gastroenterologist. If anything he/she should understand your concerns since he/she deals with patients with GI issues all the time and can offer a more palatable alternative.
Posted 5/3/2014 11:22 AM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to ask this question again since it might have gotten lost on Part one of this thread.

I am scheduled for the manometry and ph impedance testing May 8th but I am leaning towards canceling because it is just so invasive and I do not think I can deal with a tube up my nose down my throat for a full 24 hours. I could do it for a few hours but very doubtful for a full day. I have been going back and forth over this decision and I have to decide by Monday because I want the doctor to have plenty of notice. I just am not sure it will aid in the quality of treatment so what is the point and mainly I don't think I could tolerate the test. Has anybody here done either of these tests? Is it as bad as I think it is?

I guess I really want to know why I am still having chest pain and heartburn despite never having had a heartburn incident before this all started in February. I went from being totally fine to having intense burning all over my chest/back/arms/neck. It was so strange and then the chest pain and esophagitis. But in any case does anybody have thoughts re the manometry and 24 hour impedance testing? I really don't think I could physically tolerate a tube up my nose and down my throat/esophagus for 24 hours but I could probably withstand a 20 minute manometry motility testing at the doctor's office if it would be useful. Would that give info re LES and if it was weak? Would it provide better treatment (and safe) alternatives? What are everyones thoughts regarding this. I have been struggling with this back and forth and still not sure what to do. Thanks for your advice and input. I appreciate it :)
Posted 5/3/2014 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone, thank you all for your kind suggestions regarding the Gatorade thing. I will take your advise and phone the doctors office. I did mention the idea of drinking any sort of drinks when I was on the way out of the office and the girl on the desk said I could use water so I thought I could maybe use half and half. She said Gatorade was the best because it puts electrolytes back into the system. However, any kind of juices just don't sit well with me at all and haven't drunk any for years only occasionally in the summer and I would water it down.
Hayleybw, I can't advise you regarding your tests that you have scheduled. Only you know if it is the right thing to do as you know your body and you know which tests you have already done and why you MIGHT need to dig further. For me I shy away from everything but that is me. I have held off doing this endoscopy and colonoscopy. I know they save lives but they are so invasive and barbaric to me. So I am the wrong person to ask. Go with your gut feeling. I don't know any one that has had the test so don't really know what it is about. Whatever you do I know you will do what is right for you so good luck with your decision.
Posted 5/3/2014 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dencha, I am back because I have a message from hayleybw. After she posted her message on the new thread this morning she says she is locked out and can't get on the message board again. Can you help, she is really upset to lose any support she can get on this board. Thank you. Lily
Posted 5/4/2014 4:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Lily and Hayleybw,

I'll contact the administrator of Healing Well and let him know you've been locked out, Hayleybw. It has happened to me as well. I guess it's just a quirk of the website. Keep trying in the meantime. I'm a moderator and sometimes when I've been posting it'll tell me I'm not allowed to post. Hopefully it will get cleared up quickly.
Sorry about that.

Hayleybw,

It's your call about the testing, but those tests are the only way your GI doctor can really either rule in or rule out certain causes of your problems. They're not ordered lightly. I had a GI doc who never ordered any tests, even though I'd been hospitalized for GERD induced asthma. Go figure.

The tests are not fun, but sometimes you need to do things you'd rather not. I've had the manometry done twice and have done the 24hr PH impedence three times. It's never an enjoyable experience, but you can manage it with the right attitude.

The manometry is harder than the 24hr pH test...it will tell if your swallowing reflex is behaving correctly, and can measure the strength of your LES. It also measure the placement of the pH test probe. The 24 hr test is not all that difficult. Yes, you can feel the wire when you swallow, but it's not painful...just annoying. You'll be happy when they remove it.

You are the only one who can make that decision, but I'd encourage you to do the testing. It can help you and your doctor understand what's going on. They are two very basic tests that are used to diagnose GERD and differentiate it from other issues that can cause similar symptoms.

Again, sorry that you got locked out of posting. I have no idea how that happened. I just sent an email to the administrator, and hopefully he'll get it and respond very soon. Take care!
Best wishes,
Denise
Posted 5/4/2014 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi - I wish the old thread had capacity to continue as it would be easier to reference back.

I had last posted on there on 4/23/14, I had left the PPI cold turkey on 4/17, well I haven't felt severe symptoms just mild to regular, like sometimes slight heartburn or sometimes slight pain in the stomach below the chest, most annoying recently has been belching. I would belch several times throughout the day.

Again the most pain i had was when i left PPI cold turkey in like day 3 or 4 when it would take over the whole day and my mind, then i could not concentrate on anything.

But then I took ACV and that had helped me tremendously, since then the symptoms have been pretty mild but they are still there.


I did the Apple Cider Vinegar liquid for like 2 days, that seemed to help, I bought tablets as well since i was concerned with the liquid, those also seem to help, but I only take the tablets before large meals, not at snacks. I am avoiding mixing items to see what works best. Regarding the ACV tablets, sometimes one seems to cause a weird feeling in my stomach initially so i may try to open the capsule to reduce it, but again I minimally take that tablet. I haven't taken any continuous item on a regular basis.

On most days I'm not taking anything other than sometimes DGL and if I do get those symptoms the are mild and I just go through them, but I may start a pepcid regiment.

I haven't taken a pepcid (generic 20mg) regularly, maybe 2-3 times overall since then. Though I as I mentioned I may start and buy the OTC pepcid tablets and start on that regiment as I've noticed water is bothering me past 4-5 days, I seem to get a scratchy throat and it is getting very annoying

I tried drinking water at different times throughout the day at regular intervals to find a pattern but could not.

I am drinking Nestle water and some Aqumatrix filtered water at work, but may switch to the water from the fridge just to give it a try as i think tap water may help. I need to figure out a way to avoid that symptom, I have experimented with the alkazone drops, also am trying to figure out if they work.

Something that has helped is dropping weight, I dropped from 180 lbs to 170lbs, my target being 150 lbs, I'm male and 5ft 7inches, hence I've set that as the goal. I'm eating smaller meals, and basically have cut out carbs. I do eat more vegetables with protein and a lot of fruit (watermelon/banana/apples/etc.) There is a list here on the forums of the foods which I use as a good guide to eat more Alkaline, that has helped.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1942384


Just need to figure out the water situation though, it started like 4-5 days ago, any suggestions would help. Also, if anyone recommends a particular pepcid brand, let me know, as I have the generic 20mg tablets which I may continue, plus the equate brand seems the cheapest.

Also, some folks mentioned probiotics, is there a brand you can recommend that I can find on Amazon or such.

Thanks

Post Edited (joogle) : 5/4/2014 8:26:05 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/4/2014 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Dencha, I relayed what you had said to Hayleybw. She misses posting but is being patient.
Hi Joogle glad to see you back again and doing well. I am trying as a probiotic Kefir. You can find it in the grocery store or even wal mart. I find it pleasant to drink and it seems to help me.
When you say scratchy throat does it really feel scratchy or do you feel like something is stuck in the throat a bit. I seem to get that quite a lot. Not all the time but a lot of the time it is usualy at the end of the day so I suspect it might be carbs or some such thing that is causing it.
I am dealing with nausea again today and feeling off balance and tired. I am now going into my 8th week of switching from 40mgs Nexium to 20mgs Prilosec. I am starting to second guess and wonder if it really was the Nexium that was causing me to be sick. So I am gettting nervous thinking there might be really something wrong with me as I should feel better by now or at least I think I should after 8 weeks. After all I am still not off the PPI only half way there. I have improved somewhat in the 8 weeks regarding the burning and pain but I am still getting this nauseous and shaky feeling which I don't think I should still be having. Joogle I think you are maybe one of the lucky ones that will be able to get off the PPi easily. What were you diagnosed with at the onset and how long were you on the PPI? It is too hard to go back and look on the other thread so you might as well repeat yourself.
Posted 5/4/2014 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lily,

Thanks for communicating what is going on with haleybw. I have written another email to Peter, the owner/administrator of the forum, this morning, and told him the problem. This happens occasionally, and even happened to me once.

Please give haleybw my apologies, and let her know I'm doing what I can to get her back posting ASAP. Perhaps until then, she can send you her posts via email, and you can copy and paste them into the forum Just a thought.

Thanks again!
Denise
Posted 5/4/2014 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lily and Haleybw,

After discussing this situation with another forum moderator, and noticing that Haleybw hasn't been posting too many days and therefore has not developed a really long history of posts, it might make sense just to start another profile under a slightly changed name (for example, haleybw2). Then you won't have to wait for Peter to solve the problem. You could even copy and paste your old posts into the updated thread if you feel like it.

By the way, the other moderator says we are supposed to lock and start a new thread after three or four pages, so I was very late in doing it!

Let me know what you decide to do!
Again, sorry for the inconvenience!
Denise
Posted 5/4/2014 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Good afternoon everyone, I pray all is well,

Today is my third day without the burning throat, I pray I am finally adjusting to the 1/2 dose of 40mg of Nexium. We had a big get together with family yesterday and I grilled so much food and there was such a variety I am proud to say that I made very good choices and I felt okay with out symptoms after the meal. Thank you Lord!!!

Haleybw, I have no idea what to say about your testing, you have to along with your doctor must decide what's best. I know that I would not want to do it, but I would do it if it helped me in my healing. If you do decide to do it, just know that I am praying that all goes well and that you will have the strength to endure it.

Hi Joogle, hang in there, I know for me, loosing weight has help me as well, I think this may help a lot of people who are overweight and carry a lot of it in their middle like me.

Have a great day everyone!!!
Posted 5/5/2014 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Dencha I sent Haleybw a message so I hope she gets it and can get back on this forum again. I know she misses everyone.
Hi Mouche. So glad you are feeling much better and enjoyed your get together and the food etc. Food is a real worry for me as I just don't want to eat it. I think I do then when I get there I don't want it. I always had a good appetite (when I was on the nexium). I am being so careful as to what to eat. I think you are doing well on your half dose. For me it has been 7 weeks and today has been an awful day with nausea on and off all day. I wish it would go away completely. I don't know what I will do if on the day of the 'cleanse' I feel like this because sometimes I feel a little better after I eat. however, lets hope tomorrow is a better day. Keep on posting.
Posted 5/5/2014 7:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hayley,

I did the manometry and 24 hr pH last year. I was terrified and it took 3 goes to get the tube in. However, that was partly the technician's fault because he didn't tell me I only needed a few more seconds for it to be in place. Having got through the manometry I left the building with other tube in place for the 24 hours. I swore blind I was taking it out any minute cos I couldn't stand the sensation and I already had a very sore throat. I ate lunch with some difficulty and only kept it in because of my husband's encouragement. However, after a couple of hours it did get easier and I found I could manage a bit longer and a bit longer.... and I did the full time.


I think if you can get through the first hour or so then you probably can get through the full time - it's worth a try!

MMM

Post Edited (mudmagnetmum) : 5/5/2014 9:51:35 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/5/2014 11:22 AM (GMT 0)

dencha said...
Hi Lily and Hayleybw,

I'll contact the administrator of Healing Well and let him know you've been locked out, Hayleybw. It has happened to me as well. I guess it's just a quirk of the website. Keep trying in the meantime. I'm a moderator and sometimes when I've been posting it'll tell me I'm not allowed to post. Hopefully it will get cleared up quickly.
Sorry about that.

Hayleybw,

It's your call about the testing, but those tests are the only way your GI doctor can really either rule in or rule out certain causes of your problems. They're not ordered lightly. I had a GI doc who never ordered any tests, even though I'd been hospitalized for GERD induced asthma. Go figure.

The tests are not fun, but sometimes you need to do things you'd rather not. I've had the manometry done twice and have done the 24hr PH impedence three times. It's never an enjoyable experience, but you can manage it with the right attitude.

The manometry is harder than the 24hr pH test...it will tell if your swallowing reflex is behaving correctly, and can measure the strength of your LES. It also measure the placement of the pH test probe. The 24 hr test is not all that difficult. Yes, you can feel the wire when you swallow, but it's not painful...just annoying. You'll be happy when they remove it.

You are the only one who can make that decision, but I'd encourage you to do the testing. It can help you and your doctor understand what's going on. They are two very basic tests that are used to diagnose GERD and differentiate it from other issues that can cause similar symptoms.

Again, sorry that you got locked out of posting. I have no idea how that happened. I just sent an email to the administrator, and hopefully he'll get it and respond very soon. Take care!
Best wishes,
Denise

Hi guys, it's good to be back :)
Denise, thank you so much for your suggestions. I really appreciate you sharing your experiences and I am taking everything you said under advisement. Right now I am leaning towards doing the tests but I am anxious about them as I do have a sensitive gag reflex and I also have tiny nostrils and for all I know a narrow throat as after my first endoscopy my throat was sore for days. Though the second endoscopy (different gastroenterologist and different equipment so tube narrower I think) caused no problems afterwards.
I am so glad you are doing well now!

Lily, my friend, thank you for being my liaison here. Big hugs for your support and friendship. As you can see I took your and Denise's suggestion and re-registered because for some reason I still cannot log in under my original user name. Hope I don't keep getting locked out of this forum though...I missed you guys!
Posted 5/5/2014 11:24 AM (GMT 0)

Mouche said...
Good afternoon everyone, I pray all is well,

Today is my third day without the burning throat, I pray I am finally adjusting to the 1/2 dose of 40mg of Nexium. We had a big get together with family yesterday and I grilled so much food and there was such a variety I am proud to say that I made very good choices and I felt okay with out symptoms after the meal. Thank you Lord!!!

Haleybw, I have no idea what to say about your testing, you have to along with your doctor must decide what's best. I know that I would not want to do it, but I would do it if it helped me in my healing. If you do decide to do it, just know that I am praying that all goes well and that you will have the strength to endure it.

Hi Joogle, hang in there, I know for me, loosing weight has help me as well, I think this may help a lot of people who are overweight and carry a lot of it in their middle like me.

Have a great day everyone!!!

Mouche, very happy you had a good family gathering and barbecue :)
Thank you for your words of support and encouragement and for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. I am doing the same for you and sending you hugs and healing vibes.
Posted 5/5/2014 11:27 AM (GMT 0)

joogle said...
Hi - I wish the old thread had capacity to continue as it would be easier to reference back.

I had last posted on there on 4/23/14, I had left the PPI cold turkey on 4/17, well I haven't felt severe symptoms just mild to regular, like sometimes slight heartburn or sometimes slight pain in the stomach below the chest, most annoying recently has been belching. I would belch several times throughout the day.

Again the most pain i had was when i left PPI cold turkey in like day 3 or 4 when it would take over the whole day and my mind, then i could not concentrate on anything.

But then I took ACV and that had helped me tremendously, since then the symptoms have been pretty mild but they are still there.


I did the Apple Cider Vinegar liquid for like 2 days, that seemed to help, I bought tablets as well since i was concerned with the liquid, those also seem to help, but I only take the tablets before large meals, not at snacks. I am avoiding mixing items to see what works best. Regarding the ACV tablets, sometimes one seems to cause a weird feeling in my stomach initially so i may try to open the capsule to reduce it, but again I minimally take that tablet. I haven't taken any continuous item on a regular basis.

On most days I'm not taking anything other than sometimes DGL and if I do get those symptoms the are mild and I just go through them, but I may start a pepcid regiment.

I haven't taken a pepcid (generic 20mg) regularly, maybe 2-3 times overall since then. Though I as I mentioned I may start and buy the OTC pepcid tablets and start on that regiment as I've noticed water is bothering me past 4-5 days, I seem to get a scratchy throat and it is getting very annoying

I tried drinking water at different times throughout the day at regular intervals to find a pattern but could not.

I am drinking Nestle water and some Aqumatrix filtered water at work, but may switch to the water from the fridge just to give it a try as i think tap water may help. I need to figure out a way to avoid that symptom, I have experimented with the alkazone drops, also am trying to figure out if they work.

Something that has helped is dropping weight, I dropped from 180 lbs to 170lbs, my target being 150 lbs, I'm male and 5ft 7inches, hence I've set that as the goal. I'm eating smaller meals, and basically have cut out carbs. I do eat more vegetables with protein and a lot of fruit (watermelon/banana/apples/etc.) There is a list here on the forums of the foods which I use as a good guide to eat more Alkaline, that has helped.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1942384


Just need to figure out the water situation though, it started like 4-5 days ago, any suggestions would help. Also, if anyone recommends a particular pepcid brand, let me know, as I have the generic 20mg tablets which I may continue, plus the equate brand seems the cheapest.

Also, some folks mentioned probiotics, is there a brand you can recommend that I can find on Amazon or such.

Thanks



Hi joogle, I started taking the probiotic by Klaire labs last week called Ther-Complete. I got it after I read a very informative article. I am not sure if I can share the info here or not. Denise can you please let me know if I can share the link of the article I read because I found it so helpful and would love for others here to have that info as well.
Posted 5/5/2014 11:30 AM (GMT 0)

mudmagnetmum said...
Hayley,

I did the manometry and 24 hr pH last year. I was terrified and it took 3 goes to get the tube in. However, that was partly the technician's fault because he didn't I only needed a few more seconds for it to be in place. Having got through the manometry I left the building with other tube in place for the 24 hours. I swore blind I was taking it out any minute cos I couldn't stand the sensation and I already had a very sore throat. I ate lunch with some difficulty and only kept it in because of my husband's encouragement. However, after a couple of hours it did get easier and I found I could manage a bit longer and a bit longer.... and I did the full time.


I think if you can get through the first hour or so then you probably can get through the full time - it's worth a try!

MMM

Hi mudmagnetmum, thank you so much for sharing that with me. I am so sorry you had a tough time of it and am glad you were able to complete those tests. I am very anxious but hoping with my dh's support as well I can make it through. I am leaning towards going ahead with it because of all the encouragement I am getting from you guys about how it might be useful for my diagnosis and treatment. They have scheduled me for 2:30 pm May 8th so I really hope I don't have to fast because that will be a challenge in itself lol. Thanks again for chiming in and your support and hope you are doing well :)
Posted 5/5/2014 11:47 AM (GMT 0)
Forgot to update you guys re my situation.
So I didn't take anything medwise this weekend. That is I haven't taken Nexium since 8 days ago and the last Ranitidine I took so far was Friday night so 2 days ago. I am hoping I can continue not taking any of these acid blocking meds for 2 reasons. One of course I want off them if I can be off them and two because if I go through with manometry and ph impedance testing it's best for me not to be on any of these I would think. So fingers crossed I can do it.

I added an herbal tea I just found yesterday. I went back to Whole Foods Sunday and found a tea called heartburn remedy by traditional medicinals and it has marshmallow root and slippery elm and spearmint. Not sure if spearmint is bad for us as I read that mint could exacerbate things but I drank a cup after dinner last night and because I had a difficult pain day yesterday and it seemed to help.

I am also taking my probiotics before my biggest meal of the day and digestive enzymes with each meal. I am trying out different digestive enzymes before each meal and trying to figure out if I keep that up or stick with just one. One of the digestive enzymes contains bitters which I read is good for acid reflux and the other two have different ingredients so I feel like I am covering more bases so to speak. Not sure if that reasoning is right or wrong.

I am still drinking an ounce of aloe vera a few times a day and I feel it is helping and I picked up a few bottles of alkaline water yesterday at Whole Foods (while I am waiting for my alkaline drops to arrive from Amazon) and I have to say the water I bought is very good taste wise. I hope the drops that are coming make regular water that tasty. I have never been one for drinking plain water so that is an adjustment in itself. I know it is important not to drink the alkaline water near mealtimes as it can impede digestion so only way before or way after. Also I know it is important to limit fluid intake during meals. Which is also difficult for me as I get very thirsty when I am eating though I eat a very low sodium diet because I hate the taste of salt and am very sensitive to it and always have been so not sure why I get so thirsty during meals.

Anyway the main problem now besides the chest pain and burning which is considerably less though at times makes its presence very well known is a new pain. Namely my stomach which had never hurt before is now aching at times with a dull intensity if that makes any sense. I wonder if it could be caused by my getting off the PPI's and acid rebound? Just hoping I am not developing a gastritis or ulcer. These are new to me pains and not sure what either of those conditions would feel like. I just know the stomach issues are not pleasant and are new. :(

That's all for now. Sorry for the book lol and I hope everyone is doing well and hanging in there!
Posted 5/5/2014 12:48 PM (GMT 0)
joogle,

It is nice to hear an update from you. When I quite the PPI's I had a burning sensation at the top of my stomach for a couple of months after each time that I ate. It eventually went away. I also developed a dry scratchy throat and was having to clear it throughout the day. The alkaline water cleared that up within a few weeks. I believe that is an LPR symptom. The pepcid I take is Pepcid Complete. It is a dual action kind that is a chewable tablet that acts as an antacid and an acid reducer. It works the best for me with no side effects and I notice the food digesting still like it never did very well while I was on the PPI's. I hope that you continue to improve.


As for an update for me, I think I have a love hate relationship with the weekends. I try to eat good but am never on a good schedule. Time runs short and I get hungry so I tend to eat what I can get fast which is usually not good. Unfortunately I am back up to 2 pepcid's a day but I'm hoping to be back down to 1 again within a week or two. I really need to get back on track but have been busy with other things so it's been making it a little difficult. On a good note though I have started my new juice recipe and it doesn't taste too bad so I am hoping that I'll be able to keep up with that. I've stopped eating the eggs and since then my throat hasn't been feeling dry so I'm thinking that had something to do with the eggs possibly. Guess I can't eat those on a regular basis. I seen a link on another forum that has a list of supplements with dosages that has been proven to get rid of heartburn completely so I'm going to go through the list of supplements and research them to see what each one is supposed to do. I'll then price them out and think about giving that a try to see how it works. It would be nice if it does.

I've got a few posts up on my blog now. I'll try to get some more up this week depending on how my schedule goes. I'll try posting up some ideas as what kinds of foods to eat to give some of you some ideas as what has been helping me. When I stay away from the bad stuff I tend to do very well. This weekend I ended up eating at McDonalds and Pizza Hut. The reasoning was because they were for lunch and by the time I would have made something it would have been mid-afternoon before I would have eaten and then would have thrown off dinner which I don't like to do because we like to get the kids to bed by a certain time. Anyways, both my wife and I were not happy about either meal so we decided that for now on we need to plan a little ahead like we do for our dinners during the week so we don't run into that situation again. Today I am feeling good so far though. No heartburn yet. I have found that I can eat biscuits and gravy with no problems. I'm still trying to find something that will work on a daily basis for breakfast though that will work for me. I'm thinking it might end up being some sort of fruit salad.
Posted 5/5/2014 12:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Hayley an all, Glad you managed to get back on here. I had a rotten day yesterday with a lot of nausea and stomach pain. I don't know if that is normal or not at this stage in the game. When I have good days I feel like life is good again then when I regress I get depressed and wonder what is going on. I am worried about this 'cleanse' I have to do in 2 weeks. If I have a bad nausea day then what? I hate to drink the Gatorade and right now trying out different flavors watered down to see if I can stand the taste. Trying to hang in there and eat food I don't want. I bought some ensure yesterday to try and supplement a bit as I am still losing weight rapidly because I don't want food and have to push it down. Hang in there folks that's all we can do.
Posted 5/5/2014 1:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Javery, glad you are starting your blog and that despite some fast meal choices this weekend you are still feeling OK. I find that fruit is good for my morning meal with almonds but I know not everyone is the same and what works for one might not for another. I also bought some fruit smoothies no sugar added to try as a breakfast/lunch or snack replacement so perhaps that is something for you to consider as well when you are looking for something quick and easy. I just bought those so haven't tried them out yet but will keep everyone here informed as to what I think of the fruit smoothies when I start drinking them.

Lily, I am so sorry you are not feeling great. Can you tolerate ginger? I find that helps with my nausea. When I feel nauseous I either have some ginger candies (they have sugar though so I know that is not good) or drink some ginger herbal tea which helps me as well. Just a thought for something that might help you. Don't worry about the colonoscopy cleanse right now. That's in 2 weeks so you have time to start feeling better. Are you going to check in with your doctor and ask about alternatives to the gatorade? I seem to remember there being an option for taking just pills and water all day. Please check that out as that might be something that you can do.

I hear you about when you are feeling sort of OK life seems so great again and you can remember how it used to be when this wasn't a concern and when you are not feeling well you get so down about it all. (((Hugs))) to you and everyone else who is having a rough time of it right now. I know in my heart we will all get better slowly with time and care.

Best,
Hayley
Posted 5/5/2014 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the suggestions.

I will buy the Kefir today at Walmart, I am guessing it will be near the milk/etc. isle.

lily - I've been on/off the PPI since August 2011, initially went in for upper stomach discomfort, they found this in the endoscopy but never explained much, just told me it's reflux and handed me the PPI to continue.

1) Irregular GE junction in the distal esophagus
2) Gastritis in the antrum
3) Normal duodenum


javery - the pepcid ac complete chewable you use, do you take it before meals? If so how long before meals?

I have been belching a lot past few days, though i have not taken anything for that symptom. I will give the ACV tablet a try this afternoon and see how that goes.

By the way great job on the Blog.

That reminded me of someone else who has a Blog which is pretty popular, she has a epilogue section as well that followed up like 2-3 years later I believe, here is the main link.

"http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/2010/04/how-i-got-off-nexium-for-good.html"

Post Edited (joogle) : 5/5/2014 8:45:07 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/5/2014 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
joogle,

Thanks for the link. Looks like it will be a good read when I have some time. I usually take the tablet at bedtime when I'm taking just 1 a day and if 2 a day then about a 1/2 hour before lunch. When I was taking 3 a day it was 1/2 hour before lunch and dinner then at bedtime. When eating properly I get no heartburn all day with just 1. If I eat bad for 1 or 2 days then it can take up to a week for my system to get back on track. I hope it works the same for you as well.
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