HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Just diagnosed with Bile Reflux-advice?

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/10/2010 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone!

I just had a hida scan that shows bile reflux (due to having my gall bladder removed 5 years ago). :(

The dr. put me on carafate that makes me feel very nauseous, dizzy and flu-like.  So I am trying slippery elm (which coats the digestive track and protects it from more damage).  Are there any "safe" medications to take for bile reflux?  without feeling nauseous?  I have 3 children and cannot go around feeling like that.

Also, I was on prilosec for 9 months and got one cold after another (which I never get), I think that it was because it blocks your vitamins and nutrients! 

Also, has anyone had the fundo. wrap or the diversion surgery done for bile reflux?  Let me know your thoughts on this.

It is hard not to feel like your stuck between a rock and a hard place regarding the side effects from the medications and the surgeries!

Thanks so much,

Nolique

Posted 9/10/2010 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nolique,
I use Carafate Suspension regularly, and have absolutely no side effects from it. I would suspect the side effects that you're experiencing are from something not related to Carafate. It's pretty benign, and many people find it helpful.
I believe it's the best relief around for bile reflux, as it coats the esophagus.
Good luck with your problems. Hope you find answers soon.
Denise
Posted 9/13/2010 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Denise,

Are there any other medications to use for bile reflux?  Have you heard of slippery elm?

How long have you been on the carafate and will you be on it for life?

Thanks so much,

Nolique

Posted 9/14/2010 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Nolique
I use Slippery elm for reflux to and find it great. There is another natural herb called Triphala that is supposed to help with bile reflux. Also eating raw fresh strawberries is of huge benefit. You can also add Strawberry leaves to boiling water for and then simmer them for 10 mins. Allow to cool then strain and drink the liquid. This helps your liver and aids in digestion.
Posted 9/14/2010 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Nolique,
I have a very reactive stomach, and started using carafate tablets a long, long time ago to coat it and calm it down. After I had my Nissen surgery, I put the tablet in a medicine cup and added a little water to take it as a slurry, and it seemed to help the irritation in my esophagus and wrap.

Fast forward a year...after a bad cold and endless coughing (I have asthma) I started having irritation in my esophagus, and was diagnosed by my GI as likely having bile reflux. I had already discovered the wonder of Carafate Suspension when my family doc prescribed it at my request, and after having a very irritable and uncomfortable wrap area, one dose of Carafate calmed things down and made me comfortable.

Since I have a very sensitive stomach/and wrap, since it's created out of stomach, the carafate helps to coat it and keep it from getting all riled up and irritated.

So I'd say I've used Carafate for years, and expect with my stomach, I'll probably be on it to some degree forever. My only problem with it is that you can't take meds within two hours of taking it, so it's difficult timing things. It can be very frustrating.

Hope that helps.
Feel better!
Denise
Posted 9/14/2010 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Moo'sMum,

Thanks so much for the advice. I will get some strawberries tomorrow. I do have the triphala too. What does it do for the bile reflux? I have read about other people using it to! It is nice to find these natural remedies!

Nolique
Posted 9/14/2010 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Denise,

Maybe I will try the carafate again and see if I feel any better.  The timing is very hard, especially with the vitamins and I take levothyroxin (for thyroid) so I felt a little stressed about taking all of these things at certain times!  I know that there is alluminum in the carafate and wasn't sure if it would be safe long term?

It may be one of the few medications that work for bile reflux.  Do you still have a scope done periodically to see if there is any more damage or are you done with those now?

Thanks for the advice!

Nolique

Posted 9/14/2010 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Nolique,
The thing that makes Carafate so safe is that it is not really absorbed to any extent, but rather acts to coat the stomach/esophagus. My family doctor says it's great that it helps me so much, because it is an extremely safe drug, as it's not really absorbed.

I do totally get the frustration with timing and medication. I often have to skip Carafate doses because I need my meds.

I discussed it with a pharmacist, who said it I take the meds first, I don't have to wait the full two hours to take the Carafate--that the meds will clear the stomach in about an hour. If I take Carafate first, though, I have to wait the two hours.

I don't know if anyone will want to scope me. So far I haven't had a doctor who thought it was necessary. Since I've had the Nissen Fundoplication surgery, my GI doc doesn't want to go poking around and possibly mess things up, so for now, no endoscopies for me.

My GI doc wasn't the least bit worried about his diagnosis of bile reflux. He said it was more of an inconvenience than anything, and that "most people, once they find out what the problem is, just forget about it". That seems a little far-fetched thoug, doesn't it? I was already taking Carafate when I saw him, and he said that it is exactly what he'd prescribe.

Good luck, Nolique!
Denise
Posted 9/15/2010 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
It it a detoxifyer and cleanser of intestines. It also helps support your liver and improves liver function.
Posted 9/15/2010 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Moo's Mum,

That is great!  Does it create more bile in the system or does it sort of manage and move it along?

Nolique

Posted 2/24/2015 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

My daughter has bile reflux also with esophagitis and erosive gastritis in the past. She is scheduled for a Nissen fundo in March but is pretty scared about it, bloating, etc.

She tried carafate in the past but said it did not help.

Have you made any decisions on what you will do. It is really hard to find other people with bile reflux to talk to.

Thanks.

Georgia.
Posted 3/30/2016 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
I am currently taking carafate and immediately after taking it I vomit. I was prescribed this medicine after surgery and unable to keep it down.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply