HI...Ive had heartburn pretty bad on and off for a few years. I used prilosec OTC for a few years, and at first it worked great. However, the last few months I found myself taking it much more often with less effect. about
6 weeks ago, I had a bad flare up of this. This time, had a terrible sensation of pressure in my throat, constant burping, and back ache and pressure between my shoulder blades. At first I thought it was a bad flue or something, but it didnt get any better. Im now on protoxin. I have been taking it for about
3.5 weeks. I thought once I started taking some meds, the symptoms would disappear fast. But, that is not the case. Its a slow process. I am feeling better. I can now lay flat most nights without acid regurgitating into my throat, or the gas bubbles working their way up my esophagus all night long. The pain and pressure in my back (which i think may be gas, but Im not sure), has subsided. Sometimes I can still feel it, but not as bad, and not as long. Sometimes when I eat, I can feel the food going down...I hate that. All these symptoms are scarey, but they are getting better. I wish I could be like I used to be again and not think about
this all the time. I used to enjoy eatting so much. Now, before I eat, i have to think....How easy or difficult will this be to digest? How will this go down? How will this come up??....
I am trying to change how I eat. I used to skip meals. I try not to do that anymore. I think having an empty stomach makes the acid worse. I eat more often, but less. I do not eat dinner after 530 or 6. I avoid spicey food (which is very difficult for me, I love them!!), I avoid carbonated beverages, and caffeine.
I try to take it day by day. Some days I feel pretty good! Other days, Im more gassy than other days.
Its really good to have these boards, so that I know Im not alone, and when i read that someone has similiar symptoms as I do, it makes it a bit less scarey.