Treatment/Medication for Chronic symptoms

Have you ever tried Carafate ? Did it help ?
I have heartburn after every meal and it lasts 3 hours, Then my stomach is in pain. Wondering if it is a digestive disorder ? gnawing pain when hungry. Assuming GERD So I have slept with a tilt for 4 months. I hate to go on a liquid diet.If Nexium 40 mg. did not control heartburn and stomach pain then What can one do? Continue to follow all the guidelines for diet so I am doing my part. Vicious Circle: Pain no food, Pain with food : Very Bland too
Have you tried Librax ?
Prilosec ?
Prevacid and Ranitidine : caused irregular heartbeats
The pharacisit said many of these drugs are in the same family , But all are effected differently.
Any help ? thanks

[Baseball_Mom]

One Nexium per day might not be enough.  Have you asked your doctor about taking two?  The only other drug I can comment on is Prilosec.  It worked ok for a while. I take two Nexium per day and they work really well.  Best of luck to you.

[karie]

What may I ask was your diagnosis ? For how long is your treatment ? What started your discomfort ?
The makers of Nexium told me not too take more then 1 a day. After 6 weeks on that drug with no relief to heartburn and abdominal pain: Which I wonder if the pain is too much acid after eating or hunger.
I had alot of headaches, diarreha, nausea on that drug.
Ever heard of Carafate: Which coats the stomach ? I tried it yesterday and the side effects are abdominal pain and dizziness, But if I can eat : Yippey.
Peanut butter seems to do ok .
Thanks,

[Baseball_Mom]

Good Morning:  I was put on Nexium when my Acid Reflex and Heartburn came back a few months ago.  I had the Nissen Funduplication surgery back in 1995 and had not experienced any Acid Reflux/Heartburn until a few months ago.  They started me out on one Nexium and when I told the doctor that one Nexium doesn't seem to do the trick, they told me to try two a day.  Doing the two Nexium a day works great.  I find that I take them after my breakfast and then again before I go to bed at night.  Seems to control the acid reflux/heartburn GREAT!  I've not heard of that Carafate that you mention.  That has never been a drug they offered to try on me.  Do you still have your gallbladder?  Because alot of your problems sound like people who have had their gallbladder removed.  I also take Digestive Enzymes that help tremendously.  I was given these after a 'bout with Acute Pancreatitis following an ERCP with Sphincterotomy.  Every thing I ate even broth hurt my stomach.  The digestive enzymes make it so I can eat ANYTHING I want.  I hope this information has helped.  Take care and let me know if there are any other questions you might have.

[karie]

Hi,
What digestive enzymes do you take?
Would Librax,Pamine work in that way?
The Carafate is a liguid that is supposed to help with GERD and seal the stomach before eating ? Not doing that great yet.
After 6 weeks of Nexium I wanted to try Prilosec?
Aciphex and Protonix ?
I still have my Gallbladder, and the ultrasound said it looks fine.
After loosing 4 family members last year they thought stress was the only contributor. But I have really done all suggested and just miss eating food without pain and heartburn for hours to no relief.
Appreciate your insight as always.

[Baseball_Mom]

Hi Karie - The Digestive Enzymes I take are Panokase Tablets.  I certainly would not want to revert back to Prilosec after trying Nexium.  I would encourage you to ask your doctor about taking Nexium twice a day.  Nexium is made by the same people as Prilosec. It is the "new and improved" form of Prilosec.  If your gallbladder is fine, ask the doctor about your Pancreas.  That might be the root of your problem.  I hope you find relief soon.  Take care.

[karie]

It what way would my Pancreas cause GERD ?
Is there a test that would show this ?

[Baseball_Mom]

Having problems with your Pancreas would have nothing to do with GERD, I don't think.  But the part that you wrote about your stomach hurting if you don't eat and your stomach hurting when you do it makes me think its your Pancreas.  I was just giving you that as a suggestion of something your doctor might want to check out.