Acute reflux /heartburn and medication isn't helping

[sandrad77]

I am a 33 y/o caucasion female. I am pretty healthy, generally excerciseand usually eat healthy foods. I am 5'7'' an 120 lbs. Two weeks ago I started getting heartburn and stomach aches. One week ago I went to my pcp and he gave me Dexilant. I have been taking 60mg daily (before lunch). I do no have a stomach ache but the heartburn is throughout the day, mainly at my breastbone and then I feel it in my left armpit.  Everything I eat is giving me heartburn. I have been eating very lowfat or fat free foods and small meals. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. I drink water only. I am under regular life stress. I had a ct scan 4 months ago, of my abdomen, due to feelings of fullness, gassy and headaches..they found nothing. What should I do now? I use mylanta (liquid) a few times a day. Does it take longer for the Dexilant to work? My pcp said it could be gallbladder, however I have no right sided pain and the last ct showed nothing...PLEASE HELP. I am MISERABLE.

[kev543]

Surgimenopause covered it well. Definetly need to follow up with your doctor and let him know that meds are not working. H-pylori is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics. it's pretty common so don't sweat it too much if thats the diagnoses. I believe it comes from other people handling your food with unsanitary hands. you know, doodoo fingers..lol just playin', i'm not sure if that's true, i just heard it from somewhere.

[LivingInHope]

sandrad- I know the frustration of chronic heartburn from personal experience.

  Did the doctor check you to make sure your heart is okay, as in women, a problem with your heart can potentially give the feeling like heartburn?

Did the dr. check for h. pylori, the bacteria known to cause ulcer formation?  

Have they done an upper GI scope on you to try to properly diagnose your condition and not just a CT scan?  

Not a doctor, but since everything you are eating is giving you heartburn, I think there is a fair possibility you have gastritis going on.  You should get the above tests, if you haven't yet.  IF you have plain gastritis, not ulcer, etc., they used to recommend clear liquid diet for 72 hours, if I remember right to me when they said I had gastritis, to give the stomach a break.

You are taking a proton pump inhibitor to reduce acid production.  I had a dr, tell me the body produces the most acid at night, so if you don't eat your lunch in the evening, you might consider moving when you take the dose at.  

Based on another proton pump inhibitor info a relative is taking, your week of taking it already should have been sufficient time for it start working, so it's time to get back to your doctor on this.

There are a number of types of foods that can tend to aggravate- like dairy, citrus, and spicy to name a few.  Avoiding eating at least 2 to 3 hours prior to bed time and putting a wedge under your mattress (if you don't have hospital bed or futon) to be sure you are at an angle, not flat and not just with pillow(s) under your head is important if you have acid reflux.