GERD? Prevacid? WHAT a night!!

[needabreak]

Please, anyone else on Prevacid for GERD or suspected GERD?  How long before I get any relief?  I've been taking it for a little over a week now (second try).  Doctor only gave me 15 mg.which I take once a day.  But, so far, every night I am in horrible pain up into my chest and throat, even after taking a couple of spoonfuls of Mylanta.  I am going to try elevating the head of my bed now... I don't know what to eat anymore!  Give me some ideas.  I only weigh 110lbs now and can't afford to lose.  Seems like everything I want to eat is "bad" for me.  I'm also trying to exercise on my XLglider in the evenings for about 20 min. or so, hoping that this will aid in digesting my dinner.  
     Where are you "sturge"??? You had the same type problems I had and I want to know how you are dealing with it and feeling now.  But, anyone who can help with their experiences, please do.  You understand the suffering and discouragement and are much appreciated!  Also, anyone know where I can purchase DGL? Our GNC store doesn't carry it.  Thanks again.

[Addie]

Make sure you elevate the head of the bed by putting something like a Brick under the head bed legs.  My doc wanted them up 8" but this was impossible for my bed. I am up 5
inches.
Prevacid did nothing for me but Nexium has helped better. My sister was put on prevacid (only thing allowed on her insurance plan) and she did good.  I believe with any Proton Pump Inhibitors, i.e. prilodec, prevacid, nexium and some others, my doc said it could take up to 2-3 weeks before i would get relief.

My doc told me to stay away from Chocolate, Pepper, peppermints and all red sauces. Limit coffee to a small cup in the morning and small cup at dinner.  Do not eat or drink 2 hours before going to bed.

It will get better.  Keep in close touch with your doctor.

Good Luck.

[needabreak]

Thanks LisaLamb!  I love your doctor!  Coffee?  I could live with having a small cup in the morning, but none at all would depress me.  I'm still looking for ideas of what to eat.  You don't know what a good thing you did for me with your encouragement.  To the rest of you reading this, please respond!  I need all the help I can get.  Dreading the night and getting tired.         needabreak

[Addie]

It is me again.  Did your doctor (gastro) go down and look into your esophagus with a light?  This is very imnportant.  I have a stricture in my espohagus which the new doc will go back in and balloon this.  I know I will get more relief when this is done.

Also, there is a condtion called Barret's Espohagus whuch can be seen by going in and looking.  This is a pre-cancerous condtion and if one has this, close supervison is needed.  

The first doc (did not like him) took biopsies and it did show erosions of the esophagus.  The new lady doc(wonderful) will be doing the next EGD (look and see with the light)

Oh......Forgot to mention....Aspirin and Aspirin products can really play havoc on the tummy.  

Also, my gastro doc said that it is trial and error on these meds.  Some do very well on one and another will not do good.  There are side effects to all these meds which some never have and others will suffer the side effects.  

I could not take Prilosec but Nexium is made by the same people and I do better on this. Achifex was another I could not tolerate.

Put you feet up now and think positive thoughts that you will get through this.  Keep stress away as this is not good for the Gerd.

[twingirl]

Sorry to hear that your GERD is so bothersome to you even after taking the Prevacid.  I take 30 mgs per day.  Ask your doctor if he/she could up the dose for you.  My daughter is on 20mgs a day, and she is only 10 and 63 pounds.  I just don't think 15 mg is enough.  Ask your doctor if you could take one in the morning and one at night.  I take 30 at night, and I have very little problems now.  The Prevacid worked quickly on me.  It very well may be that you need something different.  I do well with Prevacid, and my daughter does very well on Prilosec which did nothing for me.  Good luck and hope that you feel relief soon.  Twingirl

[karizmaflip]

ask your doctor about reglan.im on it and it helps.

[feelbetter]

Hi. I am so sorry that you are having such problems. You could try adding to your dosage of meds to see if that helps. I also agree with elevating yourself at night. That seems to help if you actually feel the acid coming back. I prop my pillows a certain way but I plan to buy a wedge when I get a chance. I too had trouble finding DGL. I take a kind that is made by Enzymatic Therapy brand natural medicines. They have a website www.enzy.com and you can go there and find a store that carries the DGL. It is still working for me. I have some hoarseness and throat clearing still but no actual pain. I also do not eat 3 hours before bed because if I do, I usually will have trouble. Best wishes and God Bless!

[pikamom]

I think protonix is a new one for reflux. My cardiologist had me try it but it didn't do anything for me. I eat rolaids like candy. It could be the exercize after dinner is actually making your reflux worse, it does mine! What helps me the most is eating small portions and never letting myself get too full. I make sure to let my food settle before exercize. I avoid spicy things. Also, chocolate, tea and coffee are real irritators. Oh, and so are rich foods like cheeze cake. Spagetti and pizza will give me heartburn. Hope this helps and you feel better soon.

[avion]

sipping buttermilk helps me a lot.

[needabreak]

I love you guys!  Thanks for all the help and encouragement.  I have slept better the last 2 nights, I think because we raised the head of the bed up 5-6 inches.  I'm feeling a little better and not so desperate.  For what it's worth, I'm also drinking a little aloe vera juice each day and hope that it has that healing effect.  I wished we all lived close by.  We could go out for lunch and then sit there and complain about all the things we can't eat!  (Buttermilk?? what do you think it is about buttermilk that helps you? Did someone give you this idea?)  Whatever works, great!   Am I the only one out there who hasn't had the "scope" or PH test, and just trying the Prevacid to see if it works?  So far, that's what the doctor ordered.      You all have my best wishes and prayers for complete healing.  Keep me in yours.      needabreak

[Concerned lady]

I'm going to do a "cut & paste" of some GASTRIC REFLUX TIPS that greatly help my husband and me!

Check out these tips with your doc, and if he/she & you have no objections, give them a try for a week! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how effective they can be.

Some of the people responding to you, have already mentioned some of these tips! Try them all, and let us know how they help!:

              ***********************************

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 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 can be bought on-line, from Michael T. Murray’s website.

Some of the following we learned from people &/or other books, &/or other good websites about voice, GER, etc.

(1) DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice) is one of our main methods of controlling the GER/LPR. We use Enzymatic Therapy brand, shortly before meals. The DGL does not cause high blood pressure, and does not cause fluid retention/edema, because the bad (steroidal) part of whole/crude licorice has been removed, leaving the DGL. MOST HEALTH FOOD STORES COULD ORDER THESE FOR YOU, IF THEY DON'T HAVE IT IN STOCK. SOME GOOD PHARMACIES CAN ALSO ORDER THESE FOR YOU.
  
The DGL tablet(s) must be chewed, to mix with saliva, to be effective. If it is too dry, one could mash/crush it and mix with a little water, and then chew it up. Chew tablet(s) for a minute or so, to thoroughly mix with saliva, shortly before each meal, and if necessary, between meals (Read label directions).
  
The DGL seems to not only promote healing of throat, esophagus and stomach, but also seems to help prevent OUR reflux.(resulting in no more globus/lump in throat sensation, no more constant throat clearing, excess mucous, excess phlegm, no more NIGHT-TIME VCD attacks, no more laryngitis, etc. for us)

We like the taste of the DGL CHEWABLE tablets, but for those who hate the taste, try the chocolate flavored kind, without any mint. (Mint—in all forms, can cause gastric reflux episodes. AVOID MINT.).

(2) We use Thayers brand of Slippery Elm Throat Lozenges when we feel the need. (Soothing, coating, healing, nourishing). Slippery Elm also comes in teabag form, or in bulk, etc. as an herbal supplement.

(3) We drink the occasional small glass of carrot juice (organic, fresh) which soothes, coats, heals the digestive tract, is nourishing, and stimulates the immune system, with beta-carotene, soothing and coating PECTIN (a type of fiber), and other good nutrients. (Carrot soup, cooked carrots are also good. Beta-carotene is heat resistant.) (Beta-carotene later is turned into Vitamin A inside us)

(4) We tried elevating the head of the bed a few inches, by putting 6 inch to 8 inch blocks under the head end of the bed. This creates a slant (tilt), where one’s head is 6 to 8 inches higher than the feet. This helps some people, but not all people. (Check with a pediatric Gastro-enterologist, about raising the head end of a bed of a child, or a crib of an infant). Also, see (16) about a special GERD PILLOW, for adults.

(5) We try not to bend over too often, and we try to avoid straining (Valsalva maneuver). We avoid lifting heavy objects. (No weight lifting!) (at least until after no more reflux symptoms for 3 months).

(a) If CONSTIPATION is causing any straining, see Ref.15,18,23,24,25 on page 9 for ideas about gently treating constipation, including eating whole grains, not white (de-natured ones), etc.  For us, exercise, increased water intake, acidophilus/bifidus, digestive enzymes, avoiding junk food, improved diet, chewing slowly (takes will power!), eating when not under stress or angry, etc., all are helpful.

(6) No more tight pants, belt, corset,--avoid tight clothing, etc.

(7) We try to not eat too much junk food. Some people avoid acidic  food, while others need to eat acidic food, if their stomach is not producing any (or enough) acid. (It is good to avoid acid, if one has an ulcer.) These gastric reflux tips methods often can help to heal ulcers. Some people need betaine hydrochloride supplements, which becomes HCl/hydrochloric acid, or, some use vinegar (acetic acid) in salads, or mixed with water, while others need to avoid eating excess acid. Each person is unique. We avoid all artificial sweeteners. Anyone with diabetes might want to look at the excellent book Reversing Diabetes, by Dr. Julian Whittaker, M.D..

Diet soda pop contains the harmful artificial sweetener Aspartame (Equal/Nutrasweet), which can cause WEIGHT GAIN, HEADACHES, UPSET STOMACH, BLURRED VISION, BLINDNESS, TWITCHING, SEIZURES, BRAIN TUMORS, HYPERACTIVITY, MOOD SWINGS, ETC., and soda pop often has strong acids, plus other harmful artificial ingredients. Plain water, gentle herb teas, certain fruit juices, brown rice-milk, etc. are healthier substitutes for soda pops.

(8)  We try to drink more water, to prevent chronic dehydration. We like hard (nicely mineralized) well or spring water.
We do not drink distilled water (soft water, no minerals), because it can leach minerals out of our bones, possibly contributing  to osteoporosis. (See Ref.18,23, on page 9.) We avoid water softeners (chemicals) because they can be toxic, and because good minerals help keep us healthy. People with KIDNEY PROBLEMS &/or GLAUCOMA, etc. should ask their docs how much water is safe to drink, since too much water can be dangerous for them! (But, dehydration can cause problems also.)

(9) We use acidophilus/bifidus ( edible beneficial bacteria which keep bad YEASTS away, such as Candida Albicans, formerly called Monilia). ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS also can eat or control some bad bacteria, and some viruses. The acidophilus/bifidus are also called pro-biotics, and are beneficial intestinal flora (mainly for the large intestine). We keep the jars refrigerated, but not too cold. (See Ref.14,15,23,24,25, on page 9).

Acidophilus/bifidus can re-populate the large intestine, with good bacteria, after antibiotics &/or steroids, etc. have killed off these good bacteria! Some of us have to continue eating the acidophilus/bifidus (daily, or from time to time), but the results seem worth the effort to us.

Yogurt and buttermilk contain similar beneficial bacteria, but are milk products, so see (11) below about milk products.

(10) We use digestive enzymes. My husband likes Acid-Ease by Prevail, which contains Slippery Elm (inner bark), Marshmallow Root, Gamma-Oryzanol (from Rice Bran Oil), and the plant enzymes Amylase (digests starch), Lipase II (digests fat), and Cellulase I (digests cellulose from plant cell walls). The Acid-Ease does not contain Protease, which can be very irritating to ulcer/GER folks.

The Acid-Ease is NOT an acid blocker. It is not an antacid. It soothes, coats, nourishes, and promotes healing. Its enzymes help with leaky gut syndrome.

   I use Total Enzymes (which does have Protease, a protein digesting enzyme) by Nutri-West, a company that sells only to health practitioners (Chiropracters, Physicians, and others). One could ask their physician to order, at cost, for them, by having physician call 1-307-358-5066.

   Digestive enzymes are NOT FOR EVERYBODY.

(11)  My husband has found that avoiding milk products helps him feel less congested, with less mucous in throat. Milk and milk products can cause gastric reflux episodes. Brown-Rice Milk (look for gluten-free) can substitute for milk (but not for babies!). Gluten is in wheat, rye, oats, barley, & buckwheat. Read labels to avoid hidden gluten, in some soy sauces, gravies, grain alcohols, beer (barley malt), etc.

MILK MAY CAUSE MORE ACID to be produced, IN THE STOMACH.

I occasionally eat milk products, like yogurt, cheese, whipped cream, or my ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS, which is mixed with goat milk powder. So, at these times, I take LACTASE ENZYMES, to digest (break down into easily absorbed small molecules) the milk-sugar called LACTOSE. Many people (due to heredity &/or disease) have Lactose intolerance, where one’s small intestine does not secrete the lactase enzyme. Result is that the milk-sugar (lactose) travels further down the small intestine than it should. Then, bad bacteria eat the lactose, giving off lots of gas (a by-product of the digestion of bad bacteria), and this causes folks to get bloated, gassy, have diarrhea, and cramping. I use Lactaid” brand lactase enzymes, and it works for me. Ordering direct from them can save money.

(12) Using the above methods has almost completely freed my husband of needing to use Tums, and seems to be nicely controlling his and my GER/LPR. We have never used acid blockers.

ACID BLOCKERS CAN HAVE DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS: Some examples are:

Acid must be present in the stomach, in order for the stomach to make a substance called Intrinsic Factor. Intrinsic factor must be present with Vitamin B 12, in the duodenum (first part of the small intestine), for absorption of Vitamin B 12 to happen.

Acid blockers therefore prevent absorption of Vitamin B 12. Malabsorption (lack of absorption) of Vitamin B 12, causes NERVE DAMAGE (pain, numbness, pins & needles sensation, etc.) in the peripheral nerves (outside the brain & spinal cord). This is called PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY. For details about this problem, see the Peripheral Neuropathy forum at http://www.braintalk.org

If Vitamin B 12 continues to NOT be absorbed, eventually there can be NERVE DAMAGE to the Central nervous system (brain & spinal cord).

ALSO, the minerals calcium, iron, etc. cannot be properly absorbed, when there is no acid in the stomach (due to acid blockers, etc.).

AND, protein does not get properly digested in the stomach, when there is no acid in the stomach.

Doctors and pharmacists can advise about tapering down schedules (when and if safe) for the acid blockers. Some acid blockers, when stopped too quickly, can cause rebound acid secretion in the stomach, resulting in excess hydrochloric acid secretion.

ALSO, SOME FORMS OF REFLUX ARE NOT ACID REFLUX, but are ALKALINE REFLUX, (bile is alkaline). Besides refluxed stomach acid (HCl/hydrochloric acid), Pepsin (an acidic proteolytic/protein digesting, enzyme) & bile (alkaline) can irritate & damage: the esophagus, throat, vocal cords, & lungs.

(13) Do not drink ICY COLD DRINKS, and AVOID VERY HOT DRINKS. Use room temperature drinks, or slightly cool, or warm, but not ultra-hot. Extremely cold or hot liquids can irritate the stomach, which is bad for ulcers &/or gastric reflux.

(14) Ask physical therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, etc. if they know any safe adjustments that might lessen GER/LPR, if you wish.

(15) Read (by Dr. James A. Koufman) PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET ON REFLUX by Center for Voice Disorders of Wake Forest University. Here’s a link:  http://www.bgsm.edu/voice/pt_info.html  Dr. Koufman was a pioneer in showing the connection between stomach reflux (can be acid reflux OR alkaline reflux) and breathing problems!

(16) Some have found a special (large) GERD pillow helpful for preventing GERD episodes while sleeping and while lying down. Here is a link to the Prop up pillow website:  http://www.propuppillow.com

(17) Using the above methods, in addition to the SINUS SURVIVAL tips, has helped us to prevent VCD attacks, in us.

(18) Please check with your doctor, in advance, to be sure that it is OK for you to try these tips, in your particular case. Also, please get monitored by your doctor, to be sure that no more damage to the throat, esophagus, stomach, vocal cords, lungs, etc. is happening, from possible SILENT gastric reflux.

(Pregnant or nursing ladies reading these notes should check with their doctors, before trying any of these tips.)

Avoid any herbs, foods, etc. that you may be allergic to.

Check with your doctor and pharmacist, to be sure that there would be no harmful interactions between any of your medications, diet that you may be on, and any herbs, foods, etc. mentioned in these tips.

Check with your doctor, to be sure that these tips would not interact badly with any medical condition you may have.

These tips help my husband and me (adults). Some of these tips may be OK for children, and others may not be OK for children. Check with your doctor! Babies with gastric reflux need DIFFERENT treatments, not these tips (except for raising the head end of the crib, if your doctor says it is OK to do this, etc.). Check with your doctor!

I hope these ideas are helpful to you! :-)

Sincerely, Concerned lady

http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com
***@****

[needabreak]

Thanks for all the info!  It's alot to digest (get it?).  I am into the natural products, too, but didn't know about the DGL.  I think I know a place to get it now.  Does it taste REAL bad?  Does it taste like licorice?    For now though I better stay on the Prevacid, but will try this as well.  What were your symptoms with your reflux?  Your husband has it too?  Just curious.  You gave me so much great info.  Thanks again.

[feelbetter]

Hi Needabreak! I have gotten used to the taste of DGL after taking it for several weeks. Just don't do what I did and boldly chew down 2 tablets at once. I now slowly chew each one and drink a little water. It is really not that bad and you get used to it. I can not get over how well it works, better than the prilosec really. Everytime I have felt an "attack" brewing, I have chewed the DGL and it went right away. I did just stop taking the prilosec though, I hope I didn't mess up by stopping so quickly. It tastes like VERY strong licorice. I have fun with my "healthy" friends who can down gallons of coffee with no problem and have them smell the bottle. It is strong and they can't believe that I actually eat the stuff. :) I hope it works for you!

[karie]

With the GERd do you suffer with stomach pain,aches as well? Can you take DGL after a meal to help ? Why would we have these conditions still if our diet and lifestyle is so calm ?
Thanks so much

[feelbetter]

Hi. With my GERD, I have awful pain in my stomach. I never really had a problem with feeling acid or burning (until recently) My main problem was PAIN which was very severe. It could occur at anytime, especially if I skipped a meal or even ate lunch late. A simple drink of water could set it off. I take DGL before I eat or as needed. For example, if I feel the pain coming on, I take some DGL. The results have been amazing. I usually chew 2 in the am and 2 before dinner at night. I don't know why we still have problems after changing our diets. That was very frustrating for me. I still eat pretty healthy as well as use the DGL. I had ice cream the other night and I had trouble afterwards but I don't do it that often. It was mocha chocolate chip, how could I resist? :) I might note that I still take a couple of Tums from time to time as well but not as much as I was. Good Luck!

[needabreak]

Now that you mention stomach pain...it seems that every evening and sometimes more, I have a dull, uncomfortable ache in my stomach.  I was wondering if this has anything to do with the fact that I'm taking Prevacid (side effect?) or, the food is taking longer to digest because my stomach acids are cut way down.  I DO have to get some of the DGL!!  I tried calling the place near (30 miles) here that sells it, but they were closed.  :(  I REALLY want to get well too.  Good hearing from all of you!  Anyone else wondering how SICKYOUNGGURL22 is doing?  If she reads this, please let us know.

[DGO]

karizmaflip,
below is a cut & paste of some comments earier on reglan. i really had a bad experience with it about 16 years ago. good luck with your problems.


prilobabe,
be careful with the Reglan. i know different drugs will affect people different ways but i had a bad experience with Reglan in 1986. it was prescribed by my family doctor to prevent reflux.
it has a tendancy to make you lethargic and ended i up in depession. i didn't realize what had caused it at the time. when i got thru the depression i went back to Reglan and began to feel the same way again. i stopped and have'nt had trouble with depression since. years later it was verified to me by a physciatrist that it could in fact cause depression. also years later i had my reflux diagnosed and am being treated with Nexium with no side effects. many others seem to have a terrible time with it. anyway, good luck. DGO

C35 prilobabe
(14-Feb-02)  . Thank you for all of the information.
Regarding the new drugs, I have not tried the Nexium yet and I have decided not to bother filling the scrip for reglan. I researched it and it does cause depression and lethargy. In fact, the info said you may not want to drive! Personally, I don't need to risk depression. I live in the Northeast and I have trouble (with depression)in the winter as it is. Thanks again for sharing your experiences. I am holding you all in my thoughts and prayers. We can't give up, there is got to be a way to make this stuff better.

[karie]

I find the heartburn so bad and the stomach ache and pain in the evening can bring me to tears.
The Nexium did bring on more abdominal pain. I am on nothing at this date.
Why stomach pain, Is it acid that is stirring up. I use a heating pad sometimes and have not wanted to take anything for pain.
Would like to know what it is that makes a person with a healthy lifestyle have such a time ? But we all ask this

[Eager]

I am so sorry to hear another person in the same predicament as me. I have such terrible pain as well. I am now seeing a Homopathic Doctor who seems to understand that the meds all the Doctors have given me over the past 5 years don't work or give me terrible side affects. His explination is thet the stomach is creeping up inside the esopagus. Ya, that would hurt. To relieve the pain, he actually pulls the stomach down for me. Someone in the chat room suggested a large glass of water in the morning on an empty stomach and then jump. I am willing to give it a try. I also get stuff stuck in my throat like carrots or bread. I take a glass of water but then I can't breath or I choke. Any natural remedies?