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Posted 9/19/2015 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with gerd. Tried omeprozole but couldn't handle the side effects. So put on zantac 150 twice a day. Been taking it for three months and my symptoms seem to be improving a lot but not totally. Still have choking fits in morning and sometimes after I eat. I just wanted to know if symptoms are starting to improve, will they continue too until I'm better? I don't want to try another ppi if I'm on my way to healing with the zantac. My eating is better and I cut out all the bad and trigger foods. Starting to be able to eat more and get my calories back to what they need to be. I'm a small girl and weighed 98 lbs when this started. Not being able to eat due to nausea and pain I lost 8 lbs. My energy is starting to come back. Mainly it's down to choking fits and burping still but even those are way better than they were.

So do you think I should stick with the zantac for another month and see if I keep improving? And how long is it safe to take it? Thank you in advance for any advice.
Posted 9/19/2015 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like it is improving and often the first part of healing is the toughest because the esophagus is inflamed and easily irritated again. These things can take an age to heal, a timeframe of months is not unheard of so I say stick with what's working and hopefully you'll continue to improve.

It's safe to take Zantac long term but its effectiveness reduces over time, but after 3 months you'll have already been through its reduced impact and sounds like you've been OK. There are several other types of PPI you could try if it doesn't work out so its good to know you still have options.
Posted 9/20/2015 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi antireflux, Welcome to the forum. Have you have all test done?
My situation was kind'a like yours. I was taking the PPI(omneprazole and Pantoprazole 40mg). I couldn't handle the side effects, it made me weak and dizzy, then I developed anxiey I took it for 6 weeks in the hope that it will get better. After, took Zantac for around 6 days and wean my self from 3x a day to 2 then 1. If all your test are ok then check yourself if you will be ok weaning the Zantac. Andy1986 is right, Zantac after long term does not work. We are all different. For me after 6 days it was an on and off effect. I took Tums and Rolaids for 2 days after I wean from Zantac. Diet will play an important rule on your recovery. I wean from Zantac since August 17 but still on a blunt diet. I introduce non triggered food on a day to day basis. I have a food diary so at least I can pinpoint which ones triggered any discomfort. I am taking probiotics, Magnesuim and Vit D/b12 to help my strength. ViT D and Calcium was advised by my doctor. It will take time to heal. A lot of prayers for me.

There's a site from the moderator that you can learn about diet and some post below, very helpful about acid rebound.
https://www.inspire.com/CAGU/journal/ppi-warning-gastroparesis-delayed-gastric-emptying-proton-pump-inhibitor/

God bless.

Post Edited (Tu Wang) : 9/19/2015 7:12:13 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/20/2015 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the advice guys.

No I haven't had any tests beside for h.pylori which was negative. I go to the stomach Dr finally next month. Seems like it takes forever to get into one.

I have noticed that making the lifestyle changes help a lot. Like don't lay flat. Sitting and standing definitely help keep the acid in the stomach. I am only having problems now with smoking. I'm trying to not but it is hard. I only drink water, am eating smaller meals and getting to where I might be able to add in a fifth meal now. As it is I eat 4 meals plus 3 snacks a day. Definitely eating better. I notice less burping everyday, my energy is slowly returning. I ca. Swallow a lot better and way less dry mouth and throat. And the burn is almost gone from throat. Sometimes I still feel acid up in my throat when I'm having choking fits but it seems less burning each time. I really feel like it's getting better everyday. Slowly but better.

I am going to the ENT Wednesday and getting my throat checked out. And stomach doctor next month. I honestly feel that by the times he runs tests I will be better and they won't find anything. Idk why it takes so long to get in.
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