Question: Constipation and GERDS

Hi all, haven't been on the forum for some time. But today I have an issue that someone might be able to help me with. After my surgery I went on Keto. I needed to get my blood sugar down and my doctor said that getting rid of the extra weight would help. I have lost 35 lbs and everything was working well.

Here's my question. I have, from time to time, had relapses of GERDS. If I eat too late, or eat anything unusual the GERDS shows it's ugly head. In December I suffered from a bad GERDS attack. I started on generic Nexium, but had a reaction to the 40mg dose. My muscles and joints began to become extremely painful, could hardly walk. I stopped the meds when I did a back track, and told my doctor. I recovered, but still had issue with GERDS.

Now when I have an attack I wake up nauseous, I try to avoid take Zorfran, or over the counter meds, but lately I get so uncomfortable, and the issue doesn't subside, so I take the meds. In result of the GERDS, or the meds, I find that I have constipation, which also makes me nauseous.

Note, since I've been on Keto I never experienced a constipation problem, never. But since I had the GERDS attacks, in December, and again a few nights ago I have constipation. Its the sudden change that makes me take notice. I called my doctor, and because of the virus, a lot of clinics that do the endoscopy are closed. (Also after the attack in December and taking the generic meds, I may have suffered from tissue and joint pain, but I had no constipation and or nausia.)

Has anyone experienced this kind of problem. If so, is there anything you can advise to help the issue. Thank you for your time.

Hi Sharon, thanks for getting back to me.
This week I decided to talk to a doctor. My regular gastrologist had to close his office due to CV-19. I did some research and think I found a doctor I really like. I called the office and the doctor called me the next day, last Wednesday. She listened to my query and she understood what I was telling her about the muscle and joint problems. On my list of meds, I take one 5mg statin a day. The doctor said to stop taking the statin for 3 to 5 days. Then try to take the over the counter acid reducer and see if the joint issue returns. The doctor said that sometimes there is a problem with taking those two meds together.

This reaction to the meds never happen before the surgery, but she said sometime systems change. Monday will be the first day for the trial. Also I will start to take the Zorfan, last night was, excuse the pun, a nightmare!! I am also sleeping with my head 7" above my feet, which is so uncomfortable, since I'm a side sleeper.

The doctor's office will call and arrange an appointment to do an endoscopy. But that won't happen until at least June, so I hope the meds will help. I'll let you know. Thanks again, and hope you and your family stay safe and well and have a wonderful Easter

Hello Sharon Z.
Finally got the endoscopy. I will be seeing my doctor this week. I don't think there are any issues, or she would have told me soon after the procedure. I had it done the end of May.
I'm still dealing with the symptoms, but not as bad as they were in December. I have stopped eating late, and also if things get bad I take Tums. I did try the Nexium and I had no joint or muscle pain, but I only take it when I'm feeling especially desperate!!
I will have to ask the doc about the flatulence though. I'm fine in the morning hours, but after I eat I start to get gas and bloating. Don't understand why it happens. I stopped eating tomatoes, which I love. I do eat small cucumbers, and cauliflower rice and a salad at dinner. Also on KETO I eat nuts, and I love my coffee. But after the hiatal hernia surgery I have this terrible bloating and I can't control the gas. It reminds me of that Peter Sellers movie. The one with the very old lady is walking across the room farting, and the master of the house saying its the dog, (chuckle chuckle). You'll have to admit, it is funny.
At any rate I'll see what she suggests and I'll let you know. Stay safe and healthy, EVERYONE!!