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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 2/11/2012 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
I've been to a couple of doctors so far, but but before I go any further I'd like to hear from those who
have walked a similar rode.


I had a worsening progression of coughing spells, burping and stomach reflux, for which I visited the doctor.
The Dr. thought it was acid reflux, and prescribed Prilosec. This did help with the burping, and stomach reflux, but
I was still coughing. When I returned to the Dr., he recommended a lung specialist. The lung doctor (after 3
separate nights in sleep studies) diagnosed me with sleep apnea. He said that back-pressure from snoring was
pulling up stomach acid through my esophagus, and into my lungs for which he prescribed a CPAP machine.
I hate sleeping with it, but it does help some, although the problem still isn't fixed.
If I drink anything (carbonated or not), and then lay down, it will come back up, and into my mouth within a minute or two.
Also, If I eat dinner and sit on the couch, the same thing happens.
My sister is a nurse, and suggested Nexium, which my Dr. approved. I tried it for 2 months, and found it didn't work as well
as Prilosec, so I'm back on Prilosec.

From all of you, I greatly appreciate shared thoughts, and input for consideration. THANK YOU
Posted 2/11/2012 11:28 AM (GMT 0)
live2hundred,

Although I didn't have the exact symptoms of you what I can recommend is you see a GI. He can run specialized test to verify you do have GERD and if there is any damage being done to your esophagus, stomach, etc. Coughing can be a sign of acid being aspirated into the lungs I believe.

I have / had LPR GERD for about a year....my symptoms were a burning feeling in my stomach, chest, and throat that was constant regardless of medicines or what I ate. I had no cough at this time.

I had a Lap Nissen this past monday and it reduced the LPR symptoms a lot. I developed a slight cough from time to time that has been getting better over the past couple of days.

I know no one just jumps into surgery to solve there problems but remember there's always hope and surgery may help if medicines don't. But if Prilosec seems to be helping.....that seems the route to go. But definitely stick to what your doctor ordered you with. If it's not helping within several weeks, I'd say inform him and see what he says next. He might prescribe a higher dose or another type of PPI. Many will land on a PPI that will help them. Some even change their diets and get results. However, there's people like me, who didn't benefit from PPIs, H2 Blockers, or even diet changes, which is why we went to surgical route.

Good luck on your health and remember there are many people here to help you ;)

Max
Posted 2/11/2012 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
live2hundred

Welcome to HealingWell and the GERD/Heartburn Forum.

You did not mention in your posts any life style changes you may have tried to help with your symptoms so I am going to list a few that members find helpful when dealing with the symptoms of GERD.

  • Weight loss – if overweight
  • Do not overeat
  • Do not eat within 3 hours of bedtime and or do not lay down three hours after eating
  • Raise the head of the bed on 6 inch blocks
  • Limit intake of high fat foods and other foods such as: citrus fruit, chocolate, peppermint, tomatoes based food, coffee, drinks with caffeine, fatty and fried foods, garlic, onions, mint flavorings, spicy foods, tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, chili, and pizza
  • Stop smoking
  • Do not drink alcohol
  • Eat small meals
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes

I hope you continue to keep posting here in the forum as you will find the members to be very helpful.


    Posted 2/11/2012 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
    Live2hundred,
    Sounds a lot like me , I have had gerd for 30 yrs, doctors told me I had a hernia after a barium study and to raise the head of Bed ,that didn't work ,basically back then I guess they didn't do much plus I didn't have insurance , I suffered for years. Fast forward to November of 2011 finally went another doc that would listen,had endosophy showed hernia ,esophagus ok, had CT scan which showed hernia and lung scaring which lung doc says it is due to aspiration ( i wake up coughing and gagging from inhaling stomach contents into my lungs cause a burning in them)stress test showed good heart, sleep study showed border line sleep apnea. Motility study showed LES was not working, I now have insurance and I am scheduled for surgery 02-17-12 this week.something else this will cause is it will eat the enamel of your teeth causing bad teeth.hard to believe all the problems GERDS will cause,the longer you let it go the worst other things get,
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