What should I do?

My mother was a pretty healthy 86 year old.  In fact, it was only last year that she had a total knee replacement and recovered very well.  Currently, she has not been feeling well for three weeks.  She has been having heartburn, hoarse voice, feeling of fullness and loose stools.  Her throat ultrasound was OK, her chest x-ray fine and the barium swallow GI tract x-ray confirmed acid reflux.  My mother is afraid to eat now (because she feels worse after eating), is losing weight and her strength.  She feels worse in the morning and usually better in the latter part of the day.  She has not gotten better in all of those three weeks.  She is on some kind of prescription acid medication and has been so for several years.  The doctor changed her medication to another prescription.  Nothing is helping.  I think that she should go to the hospital to be checked out because she is going downhill.  Any suggestions?

[Jevack]

If she is not eating and not feeling well I say she definetly needs medical attention. Did tey take blood work?

[selmaS]

  HI u said ur mom is on GERD/acid reflux meds for yrs...was her PH tested lately?...does she really need them...sometimes  if the acid levels r too low u would feel the same as if u had a acid issue...and  the meds would make u feel worse...Has she been to a GI Dr lately?

[Rufie98]

Get this---the GP. said that her blood work was fine---the blood work was done in November!  My mother and I will be going to see the GP again and ask for blood work.  I am not sure about her PH being tested.  I am not sure even what that is.  We will be asking to see a specialist---would that be the GI Dr.?  Well I guess the GP will know who to send her to.  My concern is that it will take too long for that appointment.