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had the endoscopy; I'm on Nexium

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Posted 10/1/2005 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
Ok, I had the endoscopy on Monday - today is Sat.  I had 'esophogeal erosion' the assumption is due to reflux.  I had no ulcers although I have tested positive for Pylori.  I was prescribed 40mg nexium twice a day - 80 mg a day total.  NOW I have extreme constipation, nausea, headaches and lower back pain with shooting pains down my legs.

I called the doc yesterday and expect a call back on Monday.  In the mean time I have taken myself OFF the nexium.  I had one capsule yesterday about 1pm.  That was the last time.  I feel like crap... like I've had flu or something.  The cure is FAR WORSE than the disease... my only symptom, remember, was an annoying feeling of something being stuck or caught in my throat.

Has anyone else had this experience?

Zeri

Posted 10/2/2005 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
Wow....all day I have been thinking..man, this feels like the flu....I am on nexium....first two weeks (took it about two years ago too) I felt pretty good and now I feel awful....I have had zero heartburn since day one which is WONDERFUL but I feel horrible....my gas, chest pain, etc....is worse than when I was on no meds and I feel like I have the flu.....I lie around on a heating pad due to my upper back/chest hurting so bad.


I have been scared to have the scope.....doc has been trying to get me to since January...what are your thoughts on it? It will cost me $2500 out of pocket and that is another reason I have not done it...
Posted 10/2/2005 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
My endoscopy was covered by IC w/a $50 copay.  It wasn't a difficult procedure... I was 'out' maybe 10 minutes.  No nausea, no pain.  But 2,500 bucks... ouch!  It's a good procedure for having a look-see... my doc showed me several pictures of my esophagus and stomach which revealed the erosion.

I have felt better - much better - since stopping the Nexium on Friday.  But I stopped the laxatives at the same time, so today (Sunday) I'm terribly constipated again... constipation never really stopped in the first place.  I'm going to talk to the doc's office tomorrow.

Zeri

Posted 10/2/2005 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah...even my general practitioner told me no hurry on the procedure when he found out how much it would cost me out of pocket. This whole thing is such a nightmare. I felt fine for two weeks and then last week it all decided to return. I have no idea why. The discomfort in my chest and back is overwhelming and it is no fun to burp and throw up food. But the nexium is amazing at keeping the heartburn away. Not one little burn in 3 weeks....gotta look for the silver lining and all that. I feel like I should go in debt and get the scope but then I think...they will offer the same pills they have been offering for 2 years cause there is nothing else. My nexium costs ME $5.00 a pill...so $2500.00 would go a lot further in pills than the scope. What fun!!!! Sorry...just having a particularly bad day with this stuff.
Posted 10/2/2005 11:52 PM (GMT 0)

If the scope is to determine if you have reflux... well, like you say, they're already treating you for that.  With the scope they can see if you have any damage to the esophagus or ulcers in your stomach or a tumor, etc.  I'm not a doc, of course, but I don't think I'd shell out $2,500 just to confirm what they already suspect & are treating you for.  If you have other symptoms... symptoms of ulcers or cancer or someting, then it would make more sense to me.  But I'm no doctor, so don't take my word as the Gospel.

The only problem I was having was the feeling that there was something caught in my throat... & I'd had that 'feeling' for years... since 98 or 99.  A doc back then seemed to think it was all in my head, so I didn't go back for 6 or 7 years... enough time to actually erode the esophagus.  Apparently that was night time or silent reflux all those years... never had heartburn or anything.  More recently I've had stomach cramps and burping, but I think that is from the Pylori.

Jeepers, I feel like I'm falling apart!

Zeri

Posted 10/3/2005 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
hearty,

I had silent acid reflux for years. I found out when I choked on something. The doctor did an endoscopic exam and discovered that part of my esophogus was so tight they couldn't fit a pediatric dilator in it. He gave up and put me on liquid Zantac. He tried again two weeks later. It was partially dilated. He waited another few weeks to finish the job. He was worried that if he completely dilated it the second time he might damage the esophagus. Bottom line was that I had three endoscopic procedures because I waited so long.

Looking back, I was having trouble swallowing large pills and chewed food more than other people. I also occasionally had trouble with food getting stuck for a little while before passing the rest of the way down the esophagus.

If you think you may have a narrow esophagus than you may want to pay for the procedure. Trust me, it's better than choking on something. However, if you don't notice any issues like I described, I don't have any reason to contradict your doctor.
Posted 10/3/2005 10:36 PM (GMT 0)

My GI dilated my esophagus while he was in there also.  I don't think I mentioned that before.  I can't tell a difference now vs before, but I wasn't having choking issues before either.

Zeri

Posted 10/4/2005 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Guys,
One word: controlledcarbohydratediet. It is the solution.

Norm
Opinions based on extensive research leading to a book on the ultimate cause of reflux.
Posted 10/4/2005 3:28 AM (GMT 0)

Atkins?

Zeri

Posted 10/5/2005 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone! tongue

 

We are individuals.  What helps one, may not help another.  The main thing is to look to what is a trigger for you - what have you eaten, or drank that afterwards causes you to have reflux symptoms.  Eliminate it and see what happens.

 

Dr. Norm has done some studies and has found that what worked for him and some others is to reduce carbohydrate intake...yes similar to the Atkins, but not completely.

 

Check with your Dr. and ask that you be given another PPI like Prevacid, Aciphex - there are others.  Don't feel that you are locked into taking one med. when there are so many combinations, along with watching your dietary triggers that may help you feel better! yeah

 

Best wishes to you all!!

Hugs, Teri tongue

Posted 10/5/2005 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
That's just it, I don't have any reflux 'symptoms' or triggers.  Apparently it happens at night.  I've elevated my bed.

I saw a doc because I've had the feeling of a pill being caught in my throat for 6 or 7 years... it doesn't even hurt; it's just annoying.  Lo and behold, I have reflux.  I was on Prevacid but still had the feeling of something being stuck in my throat.  Nexium makes that feeling go away, but makes me feel terribly ill and constipated in the process.

My doc has lowered my does from 80mg a day to 40mg; I'll give this some time and see what happens.

Thanks,

Zeri

Posted 10/5/2005 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
Constipation is a complaint from many and just a couple of thoughts on this...if you can handle a small amt. of sugar - warm about 4-6 oz. of prune juice and drink it down. That would be a natural method along with whatever fruits and vegetables that you are able to eat. Of course, I always have to mention fiber cereals, as that is what I eat. :) It's a great way to help lower cholesterol, too! One other helpful suggestion - but first you must consult with your Dr.!! They have vegetable laxatives over the counter that may help, too - just make sure that it doesn't interfere with any other med.'s you are taking!

Hugs, Teri :)
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