Faith's LPR Treatment Protocol Straight From The Office of The Top LPR Expert, Dr. Koufman

Hi everyone,

Everything I am going to write here is the truth and nothing but. I am deciding to address how I went about curing my LPR because I so want all LPR sufferers to get well, as I personally know how devastating this condition is (just read through my old posts).

Let me begin by telling you that I have been to a wide gamut of ENT's that know absolutely nothing about properly treating and diagnosing this condition, except prescribing the purple pill to patients and asking them to avoid fried foods. All of these poor trained professionals confused me more than helped me. In fact--I began to believe that all my suffering was in my mind--IT WAS ANYTHING BUT. Just like many of you, I was googling 24/7 in search of the relief I so desperately sought. Throughout my research, I obviously came across many articles and post about Dr. Koufman. The biggest mistake I have made in my journey to wellness is not going to see her from the start, as I was petrified to see her. Not being able to withstand the BS all the ENT's were telling me (including that I am fine and that I should stop taking meds), I finally mustered up the courage to pay Dr. Koufman a visit.

From the very first visit, Dr. K made me feel sane and human, and validated all of my concerns. She ran a battery of tests, and diagnosed me with LPR. At this point, Dr. K. looked me in the eyes, shook me hand, and stated: "I believe you and I know you have LPR. I also know that you will "graduate" if you follow my exact regimen." So here it is:

1. 40 mg of protonix a half hour before breakfast and a half hour before lunch (please note that you must eat within 30-40 minutes in order to activate these medications, if you do not, they will not work.)
2. 300 mg of zantac at bedtime, literally before you go to sleep. No food after zantac (kitchen closes at 8, no eating at least 3 hours before bedtime).
3. Dropping Acid Induction Diet (I stayed on this for two months, although the book allows this phase to be two-weeks).
Breakfast: I had oatmeal with low-fat milk and a banana for breakfast and/or egg whites cooked with pam, turkey, and root vegetables.
Lunch: Organic turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread
Dinner: Chicken, turkey, or fish (baked, broiled, steamed, or grilled- NEVER FRIED).
Snack: Graham crackers
Generally, these foods are allowed during this phase:
Whole-grain pasta, leafy greens, rice, baked potatoes, all root vegetables, bananas, melons, chicken, chicken stock, turkey, and fish and a total of two tablespoons of olive oil per day. For beverages, high-ph waters are best (such as evamor and fiji). Also, chamomile tea by twinings is allowed, as is a small cup of coffee with low-fat milk. *Dr. K strongly advises against Starbucks* Avoid any carbonated beverages and sodas, iced teas, cirtus drinks, or vitamin C- enhanced drinks AT ALL COSTS.
AVOID: Peppers, onions, tomatoes, garlic, all acidic fruits (the only fruits allowed during this period are bananas and melons), spices, chocolate, butter, mayo, sauces, etc.) Later, you will be able to add some of these in small amounts. Obviously, avoid fatty cakes, cookies, etc.

If you vigilantly adhere to the above and follow this diet to a T, and you have LPR and no other health related issues, I assure you, just like in my case, you will be on the road to full recovery. In the mean time, please go out and buy Dr. K's dropping acid book, as it will provide you with a more comprehensive overview of safe and unsafe foods, in addition to recipes.

I sincerely wish all of you a speedy recovery and offer you hope for this disabling condition, because it is out there, and starts right here.

Best,

Andy,

Traveling from California would definitely be tough. It took me 6 months- 1 year to fully heal. During that time, I was faithfully on the aforementioned dosages of medication. Once Dr. K saw that my throat healed, she switched me to Zantac 4x a day, and then, slowly but surely, I tapered off all meds entirely.

Hope this helps

Faith how long have u been off all meds

Dexter,

When you say that you've tried this diet, how long have you been on it and how strictly did you adhere to it? If it's not working, is it possible that LPR is not your only diagnosis? Perhaps there is some nerve involvement? Again, I wish I could definitively tell you, but I can't. Have you gone to Dr. K? If not, are you able to?

The medicine you mentioned is not strong enough to treat an LPR-induced flare-up. Are you also taking PPI's 2x a day? I'm so sorry you have not had much luck with the diet, but I can certainly attest to the fact that it is not a hoax. I was very strict on the diet, and remained on it for a full year (usually more towards the induction than the moderation side).

Dexter,

I am truly so sorry for the difficult time you are experiencing now. I can absolutely relate. I was unable to swallow anything, as everything was getting caught in my throat. What is your physician saying?

Dexter,

I don't know what your diagnosis is because I am not a doctor, but what I do know is that it is not in your head! People always used to tell me my LPR was imaginary!

Hi faith,
Thank you for your post!
My symptoms started with a sudden onset of a very bad heartburn (upper abdominal pain) after my normal dinner(i always eat healthy). After that things progressively getting worse, and now i've been having sore/cold feeling in my throat, sour mouth, belching, burning upper chest pain.

My doc prescribed me with 20mg nexium 2x/day before breakfast and dinner, plus amitriptyline before bed time starting from 2.5 mg.

I'm now following Dr.k's diet similar to yours (except banana is one of my trigger food :( )
Just wondering with your symptoms, did you get any regurgitation e.g. Sour mouth at all?
How long did you stay with the ppis? Did the ppis make you feel better?
And did Dr.k prescribe you with any elavil at all?

Hope you wouldn't mind to share more of your stories :)
Thank you!

Vicky

Hi all,
Wondering whether LPR has symptoms of heartburn (upper abdominal pain) as well?
I'm still on ppi Nexium 20mg 2x/day and just had my lunch. During lunch I somehow experienced heartburn.
The lunch was steamed rice, carrots, mushroom, bokchoi, lean chicken stir-fried with little olive oil & oyster sauce.

I'm following Dr. K's diet but I'm really confused. Is it possible to have flare-up now & then while on ppis & diet? It's frustrating because I believe as long as I cannot control my symptoms, then no healing process can start :(

Faith,

You mentioned a lot burping with your LPR. I have that too! Did Dr. Koufman elaborate on the vagus nerve being the culprit of
all the burping? I burp so much after meals and clear my throat many times a day. This condition is so hard as I can only take H2's for the
condition due to extreme nausea and appetite loss from PPI's. Have you found complete relief from Dr. Koufman's recommendations? I have considered flying up to see her.