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Reflux unresponsive to common meds

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Posted 6/18/2020 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Group,

I am new to this site and know very little about this topic. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and know much about it, but little about this topic. I am a 66 year old male with a history of prostate cancer, mild hypertension and peripheral neuropathy. 8 weeks ago I had a sudden onset of heart burn that has not improved after 2 weeks of H2 antagonists, 7 weeks of PPI's and 7 weeks of Carafate administered as a slurry. My physician is concerned about the lack of response so has ordered an EGD. What would be the most likely findings on the EGD? I am low risk for most issues,
(normal weight, non-smoker, non-drinker, only taking lisinopril, vitamin D and melatonin other than the reflux drugs. Surprisingly, I have no pain when I sleep on my side and wonder if the melatonin may be benefiting the reflux.

Thanks for your thoughts
Paul
Posted 6/20/2020 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Paul, the only thing I can contribute to your post is I have a long history of reflux & gerd. I cannot remember the various medications that I have taken in the past either. I also have a history of peptic ulcers in the past.

By all means have the test done & it will hopefully yield the answers needed for your situation. One thing I have learned, it's not a one size fits all treatment wise.

What helped me the most was cutting out all caffeine & I slept in a recliner for nearly 1 year & a half for other reasons. It dawned on me one day that all of symptoms were gone. No more heartburn, no more waking up in the middle of the night with an acid type mucus coming out of my nose & up the back of my throat.

Since you will be having the testing done, I urge you not to add anything to your regime that may possibly cloud up your testing. Please let us know your results & good luck.
Posted 7/16/2020 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
Sadly from time to time that can happen, it is very difficult to go trough, I also had such problems and I also want to say that sleeping on a recliner helped me as well, I think it's something about the position. During that period I had not a recliner, but found so many good info here, that's the site that helped me choosing, I will put it here in case it can help other people, spent some time finding the one that i was using.
Fortunately now I am good, and I hope it will all go for the best for you as well, stay strong!

Post Edited (Morg) : 7/17/2020 4:02:59 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/16/2020 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for posting. My reflux makes no sense to me. My EGD was normal. I get reflux pain (not severe)when I recline at any angle but have no pain when I stand or sit up straight. Also, I have no pain when I sleep on my sides even without incline. I am now just taking Protonix 1/2 tablet every other day (I am weaning off of it) and Pepcid 20mg in the AM and 40 mg before bed. I am no worse or no better when I started having reflux 12 weeks ago.

I would guess that I have non-erosive esophagitis associated with a poorly functioning lower esophageal sphincter. I am a retired clinical pharmacist with a new found knowledge of this illness.

Based on the testing required and the difficulties with the treatments discussed on this site, I am hesitant moving on toward advanced treatment. The information on this site is awesome but unfortunately does not seem to have heavy traffic at this point.

PDL
Posted 7/24/2020 4:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi PDL,

Hang in there you will be better. Weaning off PPI might tough in the process but a good thing in the end. (I am not a doctor) but weaning from PPI for me was tough but few months later I got better naturally w/o PPI. My experience was tough as I did not investigate the root cause. I kept taking PPI even those times that I got weaker and weaker. Not realizing that some meds might be too sensitive for your healing stomach.

All the best.
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