New/ nervous/ need advice.....

Hi Andy,

Hang in there! Never knew how we with GERD could suffer until 4 years ago when I was diagnosed with it, ate nothing, lost 40 pounds and so I informed myself on it as well as tricks they offer on forums like these which I think probably saved my sanity. So many of us suffer from this, and it's a terrible thing to have but if one med doesn't work another might so don't loose hope. Today I'm in a relapse actually with a new GERD med, I'm still trudging along finding tips and tricks and I watch what I eat and I try to be kind to myself because my anxiety didn't help. Good cheers to you and please feel free to contact me for any questions, Always glad to help :))

Hi Andrea,

I had my procedure five years ago in February, and I've been great. Your question about PPI's is a good one. If you have gastritis, and sores that need healing in your stomach, it is extremely important that you get on PPI's. In addition, the Carafate that you were prescribed will be helpful in healing and making your stomach more comfortable.

I have a reactive stomach, and when I have gastritis, I increase my PPI intake to full strength. I have always used 40 mg of Protonix an hour before breakfast, and an hour before dinner. It is very important that you take your PPI's properly, to get the most out of them. They need to be taken an empty stomach, and the first meal you have after that hour of waiting, should be high in protein. Milk works well.

I always keep Carafate in the house, because my stomach is sensitive. I prefer Carafate suspension, which is a liquid version. It is tricky to take, as it has to be separated from meals and medications, so be sure and discuss this with the pharmacist.

As far as what precipitated this gastritis problem goes, it's generally not one thing. Most often it is a cumulative affect of many different things that you have done or eaten. It occurs over time. Things you mentioned certainly would cause the problem. I no longer take the aspirin therapy, because of my stomach.

The Nissen surgery does not stop gastritis. What it stops is the acid migrating into the esophagus and burning it. In my case, that was by far the most painful part. In addition that acid would create havoc with my asthmatic lungs.

Good luck getting your stomach cleared up. Prior to my surgery, I generally had one or two episodes of gastritis a year, that lasted up to three months each. As I said, the most painful part of the whole thing was the esophagus. It was burned badly by the increased reflux. I always lost about 20 pounds each time, because I could barely eat anything.

Be sure to chew your food very carefully, eat only a bland diet, and make sure nothing goes into your stomach that is rough. Part of the digestive process, involves the stomach muscles mashing your food. If there are things in your stomach that can scratch and irritate the stomach lining it can set you back. No cheating on your diet, because it makes things take that much longer.

Hang in there. It's a long process of healing, if you're careful with taking the medication, Carafate, and a very careful diet, you will heal, and get back to your old self.

Best wishes,
Denise