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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Chronic Heartburn Seems to have vanished
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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Chronic Heartburn Seems to have vanished
by Brian_Wa, Apr 22, 2002 12:00AM
I am a 33 year old male, who has suffered from heartburn for many years. About thgree years ago I had an endoscope which revealed a "small valve" and minor burning in my esophagus. The doctor noted there was no pre-cancerous conditions and diagnosed me with reflux, prescribing prilosec on an "as needed" basis.
I have been on Prilosec as needed for about two years, and recently I have noticed I don't need it very often, and that my heartburn is no where near what it used to be. Some days I can eat whatever I want and not have heartburn, which was never the case before.
Is it possible for people to be "cured" of heartburn or reflux? I have read that a lack of heartburn can signal cell changes such as Barrett's.
Should be having another endoscope to see if there is an underlying cause? I still get heartburn occasionally, but it isn't nearly as bad as it once was.
Thanks.
I have been on Prilosec as needed for about two years, and recently I have noticed I don't need it very often, and that my heartburn is no where near what it used to be. Some days I can eat whatever I want and not have heartburn, which was never the case before.
Is it possible for people to be "cured" of heartburn or reflux? I have read that a lack of heartburn can signal cell changes such as Barrett's.
Should be having another endoscope to see if there is an underlying cause? I still get heartburn occasionally, but it isn't nearly as bad as it once was.
Thanks.
Concerned Lady on this forum posted alternative treatments for reflux. I have also been going to an M.D. that uses vitamins in his treatment. My reflux has improved greatly the last 2 weeks. My doctor said that it was due to all the irritation in my esophagas being healed. What helped me more than anything, I think, was the DGL (deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Root Extract) and Slippery Elm Throat Lozenges that I got from the health food store. Prior to taking the above, everytime that I swallowed anything, I had burping and burning.
I stopped taking all the prescribed meds for reflux in Nov. because I was having so many bad side effects.
I would suggest that you get another scope to see for sure what is happening because I too have read that when heartburn stops that can be a bad sign.
Good luck to you. Hope that you get a good report. Isn't it wonderful to see improvement!!
My hat goes off to Concerned Lady. It was her post that got me on the right track.
The only time that I have reflux now, to my knowledge, is when I lay down. I have a hiatal hernia. Anyone have some alternative tips for hiatal hernias???
Am having another scope down my throat in a couple of months and a PH test & mobility test to see what's going on. I am hoping that by then even the reflux at night will be gone.
Anyway, I'm getting long-winded...I just really need a bit of encouragement and your insight on what's going on with this. Thanks again! Thinking of you all........needabreak
I can't remember how long before the DGL started helping. I think about a week or 2. Burping and burning was extremely bad at first. My M.D. gave me Vit. A (liquid drops). This helped heal and with the acid also. It takes time to heal. Be patient & hang in there. Aleo Vera is also very good.
I've had 2 endoscopy tests and scheduled for a 3rd. There is nothing to them. They will give you an IV and right before the doctor comes in, they put something in your IV. I didn't remember swallowing the tube or anything. It only takes about 15-20 minutes. When you wake up, you think you are awake but won't remember real good what the doctor tells you. Then will go home and sleep for the rest of the day. Nothing to it.
I give you ladies a lot of credit, for TRYING some NATURAL methods to combat your gastric reflux! :-)
I'm going to put (our) GASTRIC REFLUX TIPS here, too, to give you food for thought. Sorry for the lengthiness of this posting.
A special "GERD" pillow helps some, or, get someone else (not you!) to put blocks (6 to 8 inches thick) on the floor, under the head end of the bed.
While you are having rebound acid production from too rapid stopping of the acid blockers, you can temporarily "cheat" with TUMS, etc. However, keep up with the DGL, Slippery Elm (throat lozenges, tea, etc.), and organic carrot juice.
If your skin turns carrot colored (orange), cut back on the carrot juice, to prevent an overdose of "beta-carotene", too much of which can be toxic to a weak liver, even though the beta-carotene is water soluble.
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Some GASTRIC REFLUX TIPS (without acid blockers):
GER=Gastro-Esophageal Reflux. (Gastro=stomach. Esophagus=food tube.)
LPR= Laryngeal-Pharyngeal Reflux. (Larynx=voice box, containing the 2 vocal cords. Pharynx=throat, above the larynx. The larynx is above the trachea/windpipe.)
Reflux=acidic or alkaline stomach material that backs up into the esophagus (food tube), causing any of these problems: VCD attacks, cough, voice problems, asthma, globus (feeling of lump in throat), constant need to clear throat, worsening of sinus condition, sore throat, pre-cancerous conditions of throat &/or esophagus, etc.
SOME GER/LPR CONTROL THINGS WE DO, that we learned from the excellent book: STOMACH AILMENTS AND DIGESTIVE DISTURBANCES, by Michael T. Murray, N.D. See page 9, References, in my website: http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com and, also see GER/LPR info on page 5, and on LINKS page.
PLEASE READ THIS GREAT BOOK. It may possibly be bought on-line, from Michael T. Murray’s website.
Some of the following we learned from people &/or other books, &/or other good websites about voice, GER, etc.
(1) DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice) is one of our main methods of controlling the GER/LPR. We use Enzymatic Therapy brand, shortly before meals. The DGL does NOT cause high blood pressure, and does NOT cause fluid retention/edema, because the bad (steroidal) part of whole/crude licorice has been removed, leaving the DGL. DGL is available at most health food stores, and at good pharmacies.
The DGL tablet(s) must be chewed, to mix with saliva, to be effective. If it is too dry, one could mash/crush it and mix with a little water, and then chew it up. Chew tablet(s) for a minute or so, to thoroughly mix with saliva, shortly before EVERY meal, and if necessary, between meals (Read label directions).
The DGL seems to not only promote healing of throat, esophagus and stomach, but also seems to help prevent OUR reflux.(resulting in no more globus/lump in throat sensation, no more constant throat clearing, excess mucous, excess phlegm, no more NIGHT-TIME VCD attacks, no more laryngitis, etc. for us)
We like the taste of the DGL CHEWABLE tablets, but for those who hate the taste, try the chocolate flavored kind, without any mint. (Mint—in all forms, can cause gastric reflux episodes. AVOID MINT!!).
(2) We use Thayers brand of SLIPPERY ELM Throat Lozenges when we feel the need. (Soothing, coating, healing, nourishing). Slippery Elm (inner bark from a tree) also comes in teabag form, or in bulk, etc. as an herbal supplement.
(3) We drink the occasional small glass of CARROT JUICE (organic, fresh) which soothes, coats, heals the digestive tract, is nourishing, and stimulates the immune system, with beta-carotene, soothing and coating PECTIN (a type of fiber), and other good nutrients. (Carrot soup, cooked carrots are also good. Beta-carotene is heat resistant.) (Beta-carotene later is turned into Vitamin A inside us). Don’t overdo. If your skin turns orange, cut back on the carrot juice. Avoid beta-carotene pills—too potent.
(4) We tried elevating the head of the bed a few inches, by putting 6 inch to 8 inch BLOCKS, ON THE FLOOR, under the head end of the bed. This creates a slant (tilt), where one’s head is 6 to 8 inches higher than the feet. This helps some people, but not all people. (Check with a pediatric Gastro-enterologist, about raising the head end of a bed of a child, or a crib of an infant). Also, see (16) about a special GERD PILLOW, for adults.
(5) We try NOT TO BEND OVER too often, and we try to AVOID STRAINING (Valsalva maneuver). We AVOID LIFTING HEAVY objects. (No weight lifting!) (at least until after no more reflux symptoms for 3 months).
(a) If CONSTIPATION is causing any straining, see Ref.15,18,23,24,25 on page 9 for ideas about gently treating constipation, including eating whole grains, not white (de-natured ones), etc. For us, exercise, increased water intake, acidophilus/bifidus, digestive enzymes, avoiding junk food, improved diet