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Posted 9/8/2005 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
I just went to the doctor and had an ultrasound done on my gall bladder.  Apparently, these gerd symptoms are the same as gall bladder problems?  I will get the results tomorrow...anyone know anything about how the gall bladder is related.  I have already had a barium swallow test done with negative results and have been told the upper endoscopy is next.  What is that test like?  How does it feel....etc...?  Thanks.
Posted 9/8/2005 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
I thought mine was gall bladder too. Had ultrasound and hyda scan- both came back neg. Upper edg is the best, not a ton of fun but they give you good drugs so I never really mind it. I've had about 5 over the years. At least edg should confirm gerd. You won't remember much if any of the test.
Posted 9/9/2005 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor just called and the gall bladder test was negative. They said I could do the scope but all they would do would be to prescribe Nexium and since my insurance won't cover the $2500.00 test, they said just try the Nexium for a few days. I guess I will. It is all so complicated. Not something you can diagnose and fix, know what I mean? The chest pain is the only part I really have trouble with....oh, and the heartburn (haha). Not funny but I tried!!
Posted 9/9/2005 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
I don't plan to do the endoscopy. My doctor did not act like it was all that necessary and to just try the Nexium.....again. I really don't know what to do. I just wish I knew what caused this and how to make it go away.
Posted 9/9/2005 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
hey there,

it's very weird that your insurance would not cover an upper/lower endoscopy. however, i have run into the problem a few times myself. the rationale behind it -- being -- that if the endoscopy is going to show something (for instance, an LA grade erosion), the treatment would be the same as if the test was not done.

try the medication prescribed -- but make sure that you take it at least 30-60 minutes prior to eating.

best of luck ... let me know if you have any other questions.
ckgMD
Posted 9/9/2005 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks....I have taken Nexium before and it worked and then I was relieved totally of symptoms so I stopped taking it altogether and it gradually came back.....Does that mean if it works, I should plan on being on Nexium for the rest of my life? I hope not. Thanks for taking the time to answer....it helps to talk about this.
Posted 9/9/2005 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
Nexium is technically indicated for the short-term healing of erosive esophogitis, and symptomatic GERD (among many other things). Additionally, I believe that Nexium has a maintenance indication at the 20mg version for up to 6 months.

If a patient can tolerate the 20mg version without have any symptoms - I would feel safe in reducing the dosage at that point. In my experience, I have had patients on PPI therapies for years -- however -- some only need it for a year or so. Again, this is my own way of treating this disease state -- and many of my physician colleagues simply keep patients at the 40mg dose because it works and is probably a minute less time they have to take writing a new prescription (managed care is hell these days ...).

hope this helps!

stay healthy,
ckgMD
Posted 9/9/2005 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
I have the 40 mg dosage and my doctor said to take one in the a.m. and one in the p.m. for a couple of days and then take just one a day from there. He gave no indication for how long. So if I try this for say 6 months and stop for whatever reason, I have not done any harm to my body? It just reduces acid so if you stop taking it the acid just comes back? Or does it come back and then some, you know, more than originally? I guess if there is something in there that needs healing, then the Nexium makes sense, but how do you know? Ugh!!!! I am willing to take it if I am not setting myself up for being sicker in the long run. The chest pain is the pits!!!!!!!!!!Oh...and my kids think I am the grossest mom because of my AMAZING burps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 9/11/2005 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hearty, I really do hope that the Nexium helps you! I have been on PPI's for 3 years now nonstop. I still have problems every now and then (like lately), even while on the med.'s. As mentioned, most PPI's are meant to only be taken for short terms. I'm not sure if they've been around long enough to know what happens if you continue with them? Anyone?

Do you have right upper quadrant pain? Like from the front to the back?

Hugs, Teri :)
Posted 9/11/2005 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
no, I do not have the upper quadrant pain. What would that indicate? I am thinking,like you, these meds are meant for short term. Therefore, I am going to try for the next couple of months and then try to get off them. I feel like I am having to be the doctor!! Today I have only burped once or twice and that is so great....no heartburn and only the slightest chest pain once or twice. All from one Nexium yesterday. I would take the purple pill forever if I could be sure I would feel ok. I just know from experience it does work forever. Maybe I will do better on it this time. The most frustrating thing is the doctors act like they don't know much more than I do!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 9/11/2005 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hearty, I was thinking of your gall bladder when I asked that question. Sometimes ultra sounds do not always show up a bad gall bladder. So they take a small sample of the bile when they do the endoscopy if necessary. The Nexium wouldn't offer relief!

The fact that the Nexium seems to be helping you is a really good thing! I would suggest that you follow your Dr.'s advice on this and continue to take it, along with suggestions that have been given on this forum, like reducing your carbs, watching for the triggers like onions, spicey foods and those types of things. Make sure you never lay flat, so elevate the head of your bed at night. If after a trial run all is good, then discuss a trial of no Nexium and if after all these other changes perhaps you will find yourself - pill free!!

Good Luck and My Best Wishes to You!!
Hugs, Teri :)
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