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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 11/18/2013 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone:

I have been having acid issues for around 4 months or so. Doc gave me nexium..no results. Then, went to gastro doctor, gave me protonix. After 3 weeks or so, started to feel better, then, ate some trigger food, felt like I went back to the beginning. I was also having sinus drainage, therefore, thought I had a sinus infection that may be making my throat hurt and burn. Went to ENT who prescribed some nasal spray, which I will start to take soon.

Right now, feel like I have a small fever due to a cold. So, my throat is now scratchy due to cold and acid. I am going to try the protonix again. But, I am wondering if I have hiatal hernia OR could I perhaps have an ulcer? My throat AND chest are now not feeling well. The last endoscopy I had was in 2011. Basically, I feel lousy everyday. Do not know what to eat, so, have lost weight, about 3 pounds, which is bad, since I am underweight.

Add these problems onto severe arthritis, and, not much daily fun. Should I try the protonix for another 2 or 3 weeks? Or, just call back the gastro before and see if I should get another scope done? I am thinking, another scope is in my future before 2014.

Appreciate your comments.

Thank you...
Posted 11/18/2013 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
Have you had a PH test or Bravo done?
Do they know if you have a hiatial hernia?
Posted 11/18/2013 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
If you can afford to just go get a scope done or have insurance - do it. It can't hurt and is the best way to know if anything is going on.

I've had 3 in the past 5 months and I'm pretty sure I know the inside of my esophagus better than the back of my hand now!
Posted 11/18/2013 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
I take protonix too. I really have been trying to ween myself from them but i can tell the difference when I don't take them. I also have a hiatal hernia. But personally I would go get rechecked if I could afford it.
Posted 11/18/2013 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
What was your diagnosis from the scope in 2011? Were you having reflux related problems that required that, then? I think it would be worthwhile to give the protonix some time and see if you feel better. The nasal spray may help, too. Unless this has all been going on for years, and the medications did nothing, I'd work with those for awhile.

I hope you get to feeling better soon! I have that darn nasty arthritis, too - combined with the other problems, it's been depressing.
Posted 11/19/2013 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your comments. When I got the endoscopy the first time, I was real nervous. I hope I can be calmer this time. My neck issues resulted in a real bad entubation during a surgery I had over a year ago, but, I guess the endoscopy tube is much easier to deal with. The first endoscopy did not reveal anything significant, per what my doctor said.
Posted 11/19/2013 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
you may want to make some diet changes and see if that helps
Posted 11/20/2013 9:56 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks again for your comments.

I called gastro docs office they said, try protonix for a week or so, if no relief, call in and make an appointment. The only thing is, based on what I have read, even if protonix works, it is not really curing the problem. I want to know what is causing this. I mean, I am not eating spicy foods before I go to bed. I am not overweight, do not smoke or drink. I have had this for about 4 or 5 months or so, I want to nip it in the bud before it develops into something even worse.

I suppose I could have a hiatal hernia? Could that be the cause? Or what about H-pylori? I do not want to get to the point where surgery is the only the solution. I am scared now and just feeling lousy. I am stressed much of the time, I am sure that is a contributing factor.

Also, what about licorice? Aka DGL? I have heard that can help, naturally.

Thank you.
Posted 11/20/2013 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
Protonix can sometimes take over a week to really kick in and reach full effect. I know when I took it before my surgery I had to take it for over 7 days before I could really tell I was taking anything. I was refluxing so much that even the protonix did not help me.

An upper GI or barium swallow can help diagnose a Hiatial Hernia.
An Endoscopy or Upper GI will normally test for H Pylori, at least mine did.
Stress also really can mess with your stomach a lot, so it ends up being a vicious cycle.

I have heard really good things about DGL, but I never had any luck with it personally.

The places who do the upper GIs around here knock you out with Propofol so you sleep through the whole thing and it makes it much easier to get through. Do they do that where you are, or can you find a place that does the sedation upper GIs?
Posted 11/21/2013 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
The last time I had one, was in the local hospital. Because I have bad arthritis in the neck, I had to have it in a hospital. On the one hand, I would like to take the protonix to make me feel better. On the other, taking it only treats the symptoms right? I already had inguinal and umbilical hernia surgery. I do not want to even contemplate the possibility of surgery of a hiatal hernia. So, in other words, is there any really benefit to start up taking the Protonix again, or, just simply go back to stomach doctor and politely request that he agree to performing the endo? I just don't get it. So much acid. I have never had this problem before. I have stress, no exercise, irregular eating habits.
Posted 11/21/2013 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
You can probably ask for a Bravo or PH probe so they can see the extent of your reflux. It would show better how much you are actually refluxing and if it is acidic/non acidic (if you get a dual probe)
That might also better tell you if it is acid or just all sorts of reflux.
Your best bet would be to call the GI doctor and tell them how bad things are and you really want to do more than just take medication.
Dont immediately think that surgery is your only option. A lot of people come to the forum because they had nissens and wanted to talk about it, but many find relief in other ways.
Posted 11/21/2013 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
And, I have been having discomfort in my abdomen area. I am wondering if I have some sort of hernia there. I had an umbilical/inguinal hernia repair 2 years ago. I hope the umbilical repair is not somehow failing or a new hernia is popping up. I am not in agony, but, just feel lousy. Acid, stomach discomfort, abdomen discomfort (hernia?), fatigue (not getting good sleep, sleeping couch to remain elevated and not flat). The surgery I had was very rough. Intubation was bad due to arthritic neck. Recovery time was about a month. Lost a lot of weight. Still underweight. I am stressed out. I have to keep this middle aged body together so I can watch my daughter grow up. It would be nice to have some "normal " days..or some time where the pain is small, I am gaining weight, and no acid.
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