Searching for PPI alternatives

Hi all,

I need some advice from the pros. My chief GERD symptom has always been chest pain. Nearly constant, day-in and day-out chest pain. More recently, I've developed the more classic dry cough, acidic taste, lump in back of my throat complements to this, but the chest pain is quite debilitating.

Back in January, my GI prescribed me Carafate and that helped some, but when the GERD came back much worse, I started using Zantac, going from 150mg twice a day up to 300mg twice a day over the course of a month, but it didn't help at all. I've also tried two PPIs (dexilant and Nexium) and had hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to both.

In general, I tend to be sensitive to meds, so my GI is hesitant regarding next treatment options. For now, she's advised me to start drinking aloe juice and call her in a week. I'm seeing some controversy over aloe in terms of benefits vs. potential harms, but I was wondering what people's experience with aloe was and if anyone had suggestions regarding other alternatives to PPIs and the acid reducers like Zantac that I might consider as I move forward trying to get my GERD under control.

Thanks!

I'm also on the fast track diet (cheat here and there), it has helped but I do still have daily issues (some days mild). I take aloe vera juice (daily) with no ill effects, it won't "cure" gerd but it does offer some relief at times and it may also aid in healing acid damage. I also recently stepped down from ppi's to zantac (still dealing with rebound I think), tums and carafate. Manuka honey (with warm water as tea) is very soothing and may also aid in healing acid damage. Others here use high ph water (8.8 ph) and get some relief from it. I chew alot of gum to help with the lump in the throat.