Upper GI for GERD

[bostitch30]

HI,

I'm taking nexium for GERD which I've had for many years.  Currently, I'm not having any issues with GERD while taking the nexium.  The only time I have had a "flare up" I usually know what caused it  (eating something spicy).  My doctor wants me to have an Upper GI to "see if things are ok".  I don't like to have tests like that unless they are absolutely necessary.  In addition, my insurance has a $7,000 deductible, therefore, I would be responsible for the entire cost of the test.  

Is this something necessary if I only have a few "flare ups" a year (less than 5)?

[Red_Star]

Nexium is a short term drug only. Maximum of 8 weeks however the FDA issued a statement to take PPI's up to 14 days, 3 times a year. There is a good reason for this. You NEED stomach acid to absorb nutrients.  My mother hasn't suffered GERD and LPR (suffered both severely for 5 years) since stopping ALL acid blockers and antacids and taking digestive enzyme supplements (to help digest foods) and betaine HCI with pepsin supplements (to increase stomach acid). GERD and LPR were gone in a few weeks!  Also, my mother's gastritis is 95% improved with these supplements (suffered gastritis for 25 years!) Improved over a year so far.

"The most common risk factors for GERD include anything that obstructs the esophagus or stomach region such as hiatal hernia, pregnancy, and scleroderma. Other proven risk factors include obesity, smoking, and alcohol usage. Many prescription medications list GERD as a common side effect so this should always be considered.

"The popular belief is that acid reflux is due to an excessive amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. New science has revealed that this is not the case. GERD is most often caused by too little hydrochloric acid being secreted by the stomach.

During digestion the stomach secretes acid to lower its pH to around 1.5-2.5 range. More protein in the meal results in a greater need for stomach acid. Individuals with non-obstructive acid reflux are often not able to get their pH low enough. The LES is known to be a pH sensitive valve that initiates closure when pH drops under 3.0."

Acid reflux >>>
http://www.***********.***/033118_acid_reflux_remedies.html#ixzz1VUOLgFBh

Side effects of antacids and acid blockers >>>
http://*************.***/heartburn_GERD_articles/side-effects-antacids-and-acid-blockers.html

Betaine- Fight that acid reflux with Betaine HCl with Pepsin >>>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNNYekyShWo

Digestive Enzymes - King of Indigestion, Bloating and Acid Reflux Remedies >>>
http://www.*******************************/acid-reflux-remedies-digestive-enzymes.html

[Flycaster305]

I'd give another point of view... it sounds to me like a comparison to a situation where if you hit your head with a hammer and you get a headache, you wonder if you should have tests to see what is causing the headache.    

I'd suggest you continue take Nexium exactly as directed, and eliminate the risk factors completely.  You know what they are.  If the flare-ups continue after eliminated the risk factors, then you absolutely need to check out the problems.  Keep us informed.  

[selmaS]

  Hi...even tho u do not feel heart burn,have just a few flares  or  do not notice the reflux there r conditions like Silent Reflux...u do not feel the symptoms..no heart burn etc....BUT the acid can continue to do damage.

SO depending on when u were tested last, it may be best to be checked.

    "selma"