BIle Reflux - looking for some answers..

I had an endoscopy a couple days ago and my GI specialist diagnosed me with Bile Reflux.  He showed me photos of my esophagus and stomach that had green bile in them (gross).  He perscribed carfate for me which is supose to coat and protect the esophagus and stomach (4x per day on empty stomach) and told me to continue with my Kapidex for acid reflux (1 x/day before breakfast).  He did take biopsies of both stomach and esophagus.  They looked pretty irritated in the photos from what I can remember (I was still pretty loopy from the meds for the procedure).  My questions are:  has anybody ever taken carfate?  If so, how long does it take to work?  And, did it work for you?  My symptoms are a burning / gnawing sensation in my upper stomach and sometimes in the esophagus.  I also have a cratchy voice and what feels like tons of mucus in my throat.  Also, I understand the bile reflux is different to treat than than acid reflux.  Is there anything that can be done to totally cure bile reflux?  Does it come and go or will I have this forever? Looking for any comments/ helpful suggestion from anyone else with this problem.  I;ve had acid reflux on and off for about 6 years.  Always on different PPIs here and there when it would flare up.  It was hard to control at times.  Other times it would go away within a month.  This is the first time I've even heard of bile reflux.  Thank you!  

[BB349]

I can realate to your post.....I was also diagnosed (last week) with bile reflux..after an endoscopy......with the same symptoms as described.......burning discomfort in the middle of my stomach. I'm taking carafate...it's making me dizzy, and giving me headaches....but not helping the bile reflux......yet.
All info would be appreciated...I'm afraid I'll never be able to enjoy a dinner out, or a glass of wine again.
My dr. said it can never be "cured"...just managed....great.

[jns1022]

I've been taking Carafate 4 times a day for 2 weeks and haven't noticed any improvement in my symptoms but I haven't noticed any side effects from it either. Also I'm taking Prilosec once a day. Based on symptoms alone, no tests, I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and acid reflux.  I have a dull ache in the upper part of my abdomen under my breastbone and my stomach is tender to the touch from there down to my belly button.  I've also been feeling a tightness in my chest up to my throat as well as my back aching slightly. I've been having stomach issues since back in August and had my gallbladder removed in December.  I read that some people develop bile reflux after having there gallbladder removed and am wondering if maybe that is what is going on with me.  Guess I really need to discuss this with my doctor.

[Liz V]

Hi there,
I too have bile reflux. It started right after my gallbladder was removed over a year ago. I also have gas, diarrhea, constipation, stomache cramps. I have constant burning all over but mostly in my abdomen area. Any success in treating/controlling?
Thanks!
Liz

[zewesw0103]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I myself have been treated with bile reflux. I suffered so badly I thought I was having a heart attack. It was scary. They did an endoscopy and told me thats what it was. It started in August of 2010 and its been a couple months. They too put me on carafate and keep changing my meds for the acids. I am starting to feel better. The carafate has been helping me but the acids are still killing me. I have been on protonix and dexilant and everything else under the sun. Its mostly in the evenings. But I noticed that if I drink Silk or some kind of soy milk, it kinda relieves my acids a bit. I also take 2 ranitidine in the evening, sometimes that helps. Some people may heal faster then others. Im still healing. Stay away from greasy, spicy foods, peppermint and spearmint and caffiene...also fatty foods really make acids bad. Hope this helps!

[bigrroy]

I have had bile reflux for almost 70 years - gawd it's awful. No doc or emergency ward had a 'fix' ... not even a temporary one. I had to tough out every attack.

A couple-so years ago, out of sheer desperation I tried ice cream. IT WORKED!!

20 minutes and I was completely ok excepting for a minor 'burnt' feeling in my throat ... which went away within the hour.

Any flavour ... I've tried chocolate, vanilla and butterscotch. Frozen yoghurt does not work.

Good luck.

And pass it on. Bile reflux is bloody 'orrid !!!