Does acid run uphill? :-(

I never regurgitate food, and don't have any swallowing problems.  It's just the burning at the back of my mouth, my throat, and my esophagus that's the killer.

Right now I am taking 40 mg. of Protonix. Have been on it 4 weeks. It seems to be helping a little.  I never eat after supper, but I still can wake up with reflux, even on an empty stomach.  In fact, I always feel better after I eat, as long as it isn't too much.

I've had two endoscopies in the past 5 years.  Both times the doctor diagnosed me with having "gastritis".  He said my stomach is inflamed.

My body mass index is 27.6, which is considered overweight.  Anything over 25 is not good.  I need to do a better job of watching what I eat.  I carry fat in my lower abdomen and I think that losing 16 pounds may help. 

Did anyone else lose weight that resulted in less reflux?  Does anyone else have reflux even standing upright?  How many sufferers really stick to a special meal plan?  Has an elevated bed helped you?

Am always interested to hear how others are coping.  Thanks for any comments.

The PPIs haven't helped me much at all.  I think Pepto Bismal soothes my acid as much or more as Priloec or Protonix.  I know these two things work differently, but Pepto seems to bring more relief than being on the PPIs for awhile.

I am baffled that I cannot find what is the root cause of reflux.  I know that the LES muscle can get weak and allow acid to ooze up into the esophagus.   If this is true, then it seems that ANY acid at all could creep up to burn the throat.

Having said that, it seems the ONLY way to keep from getting acid in the throat is to have NO acid at all, which means that digestion would be hard, if not impossible.

It's a "heck if you do, and heck if you don't" situation.

I have yet to hear that a malfunctioning thyroid, parathyroid, hypothalamus, adrenal, pituitary, brain, or any kind of malfunctioning organ causes overproduction of acid.  It seems to me that SOMETHING is causing it. 

Very frustrating that doctors don't seem to know.

I wonder how much is due to subconscious stress?  It's anybody's guess, I suppose.

P.S. Vanessa, how did you lose your weight?

Hi Searchin,

   I was DX 5-6 yrs ago and never exp burning on the back of tongue, but have exp very infrequently burning in the throat/esophagus area which led me to the ER.  This is a bad flare for me, so I go to the ER and request a cocktail(bentyl & maalox).

  I am now taking 40mg of Prolisec which seems to be greatly helping, but as I said in the past, it seems that I have to switch meds from time to time. 

I have exp digestive type problems ater eating certain foods from early teenager, and now 40.  My problem was obviously more pronounced while carrying my child.  I was sick around the clock w/indigestion/morning sickness symp for four mo. tried everything, nothing worked but popcorn.  Well, my reflux appear to be mostly stomach, occasionally chest, but it's that same feeling of morning sickness, just sick all over;nauseated, etc....

  I personally believe that this problem is hereditary for me, several members of my family suffer reflux/indigestion problems.  I also believe that digestive type problems could possible cause other ailments in the body, whether directly or indirectly, also not sure of the meds.  I have tried to stop taking meds only to start again.

  I had an Endo 1/2005, biopsy revealed H-Pylori(bacteria inf)not sure if this caused Gerd or Gerd caused it.  Dr couldn't tell if I truly had Gerd because of taking meds for so long. He indicated when my treatment for HP was completed, cont taking meds if problems persist. Funny! Going back to see GI on the 8th.  I will demand a second opinion of outside dr or change dr altogether if i'm not satisfied on appt date.

  Exercise has helped me w/indigestion in the past along w/some very specific Yoga exercises for digestion.  I also have to really watch what I eat.  It's pretty ironic, because a lot of food I shouldn't eat due to GERD have never really been my favorites, and have steered clear of them for many yrs.  I usually sleep on two thick pillows which may help throughout the night.

Vanessa