Long-Term Nexium Use vs. Surgery

Hi,

I am a 37-year-old female with severe GERD. I had an endoscopy a couple of weeks ago that showed a hiatal hernia, a weak LES valve, and reflux esophagitis. My stomach also had numerous areas of irritation.

I've been taking Prevacid and/or Nexium for 2 weeks and haven't noticed any changes in the way that I feel. Does it take a while for these medications to work enough for me to notice a difference?

I have researched GERD on the internet, and see that some people need long-term drug intervention - especially those, like myself, who have the hernia & LES problem. It says that my symptoms will return if drug therapy is discontinued.

So, I either take drugs for the rest of my life, or have surgery to correct the mechanical problem(s). Personally, I think both options stink! However, drug therapy is definitely my choice of treatment . So, with this said, how do I know that the Nexium and/or Prevacid are completely safe to use long-term? Are there any new studies being done on either one of these drugs that I can look up on the internet?

Thanks for your time,
Kat

[Baseball_Mom]

Here's some food for thought.  I had the Nissen Funduplication surgery back in 1995.  Everything was great.  I didn't require any medication until last March when I fear the Funduplication broke loose.  The surgery is no guarantee that you will NEVER have to take medication.  After alot of research and discussions with my doctors last year, I was told that the Nissen Funduplicatin surgery is only supposed to last 7 to 10 years.  Mine only lasted 6.  Right now I am not a candidate for having the surgery redone so I take Nexium twice a day. It seems to control my symptoms well.  But I do remember it took a few days before I saw a noticeable difference.  I hope this helps you to make your decision.  Best of luck to you.

[Concerned lady]

Here's a third option--some Gastric Reflux tips--without acid blockers: (This is a "cut & paste"):

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/Vocal Cord Dysfunction/Laryngospasm 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

[feelbetter]

Hi there! I myself do many of the things that Concerned Lady mentions. I have found great success, especially with the DGL. I have been off of Prilosec since Feb. and have almost complete control of my reflux and for those times that I do have flare ups, I can take a Tums and it will actually work. I probably do not have exactly what you have (after endoscopy, my chart said "gastritis" but the doc told me the valve does not close properly) Anyway, I have found almost complete relief with the DGL. I still had great pain while on prilosec, including the annoying side effects. The DGL is certainly worth a try. Best wishes to you.

[needabreak]

I have to agree with Concerned Lady and feelbetter.  I am taking the DGL and feel that I am so much better once off the Prevacid.  I only took it (Prevacid) for about 6 weeks and developed so many side effects that I was miserable...even more than I ever was before.  At first I felt "hopeless" about my situation and wondered if I would ever feel better again and how I would cope with this.  Once I recovered from the side effects and began to notice a difference being on the DGL, I decided I'm going to live!  I also use Probiotics as needed and slippery elm lozenges and feel this helps as well.  I hope you are able to "manage" your GERD also this way...it's so much better for me.  Best wishes,  needabreak

[Kimmerle]

I want to thank you all for your advice! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me. I have decided to seek the help of an Iridologist to help control my symptoms through herbal therapy. Good luck to all of you!