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Carafate and Zantac challenge

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 7/28/2016 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. Newly diagnosed post upper Endoscopy with distal esphogitis and Gastro MD prescribed regimen of Zantac 150 2x daily. On a month still problems nausea, full feeling,burping usually worse am but sometimes all day. No relief one month taking med so saw md and prescribed Carafate 4x daily and told increase Zantac to 225 - 300 2x daily. Is there anyone out there who has experience scheduling these two meds and food together properly and would be kind enough to provide some guidance in how to do it. Nervous about taking these meds and not taking for many reasons, any assistance appreciated. Thank you.
Posted 8/4/2016 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
I was taking a PPI and Carafate for a few months. It seemed to help but I started noticing more pressure in my upper abdomen. Bloating has always been a problem for me. Best thing to do is pay attention to how you feel when you start the med. Start slowly by cutting Carafate in half. Take 1 hour before meals and 1 before bed. Take Carafate alone (at least 1 hour from other meds)

I am still on a PPI but I know take "chewable original papaya enzyme". 1 with breakfast, 2 with lunch and dinner. I also carry simethicone with me when the pressure gets unbearable. As we get older, our body cannot digest certain food as well as it used to. Bloating can cause acid to rise. Get to bottom of your indigestion and things should improve. You might want to stay away from dairy, chocolate, sugar, too much carbs and slowly bring them back. Everybody is different so this will be trial and error. Good luck
Posted 8/4/2016 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your response and suggestions.

Bloating continues to haunt me at times but not all the time. I have been postmenopausal for a while and you make a good point re digestion and growing older. Used to have iron stomach but with aging tested lactose intolerant. Easy fix with Lactaid chewable.

The Zantac and Carafate do not seem to be doing the trick. My Gastro MD prescribed the Carafate 1 hr after meals not before. I thought this was a mistake so I first checked with the pharmacy to see if they made a typo and then confirmed with MD, that was how he prescribed. My guess is he is trying to coat the esophagitis rather than stomach.

Thank you. I am going to try the Papaya enzymes as it can't hurt. There is much gastro ca's in my ansestory including esophageal so feeling anxious to get the inflammation resolved.

Thank you again.
Posted 10/14/2016 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Well I am off medication for 2 months now. Super papaya enzymes seem to work better . Just one after meals . I have also added .5 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 10min before every meal.
Less bloating, less abdominal pain, less back pain, less anxiety. Better sleep, appetite.
I am trying different OTC enzymes until I find the best one. ACV has been a key to my success so far. I still avoid dairy, sugar, sodas, bananas, cucumber and anything that causes discomfort. I hope this helps
Posted 10/15/2016 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
I never could get the timing right with Carafate. All those rules!! I just quit taking it and used Pepzin GI instead.
Posted 1/24/2017 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Well , I have been staying away from wheat/wheat flour and I have noticed less bloating, reflux and pain. Lactose seems to be a problem also. I tested negative for celiac disease but I know I have some type of lactose and gluten sensitivity. Now that I have less bloating and pain, I am able to understand what foods bother me. Hope this helps. I have been drug free for approx 6 months now. Still taking gas pills, tums and gaviscon as needed.
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