24 years post-Nissen

I had an open Nissen 24 years ago as an infant to correct a hiatal hernia and theoretically my GERD.  It seems I had almost all the side effects possible while growing up.  I've never been able to vomit, swallowing can be quite difficult and painful sometimes, and I'm quite gassy with no easy way to relieve it (can't belch).  However, up until about 6 years ago, I was GERD-free.  About six years ago, I started to notice a little heartburn which has escalated to sometimes quite severe pain.  I still can't vomit or belch, but it seems that I can reflux with the best of them.  Some of my back teeth are starting to rot, and I constantly have a bad taste in my mouth and bad breath.  Right now, the pain is almost unbearable. I've already had the maximum of 300 mg Ranitidine today and I'm sitting up in bed, but there's an awful pain right below my sternum, burning in my back, and a golf-ball in my throat.  I'm running out of options and I don't know what to do.  I've also developed asthma during the last few years that seems directly coordinated with my severe bouts of reflux.  Are there more medications I can try with the Ranitidine?  It used to work amazingly well.  All I had for dinner was toast and water which usually gives my stomach a chance to settle down but it's on fire (literally!)  I used to take prilosec (when it was only prescription) and I'm pretty sure the Ranitidine helps more than that stuff.  I haven't told my dr. yet because I know I"m quickly working my way back to another Nissen - and with all the scar tissue from my previous surgery, another open-Nissen is probably my only option... I don't really want to go there right now.

any ideas for things to try?

[ChitChatNine]

Hi --- have you tried some of the newer meds like Nexium or Zigerid (?spelling) ?  The one you are taking is only a supressor and not a blocker .. I wonder if a stronger med may work along with the Zantac at night for breakthru acid if your dr. will allow it.

C~