LPR

[Idas]

Has anyone ever had success stopping LPR?  If so, what did you do.  Is surgery the answer?

[luac]

I have been eating a grain free diet for a year and a half and have done really well until about a month ago I started having the LPR symptoms.  I used to have it years ago and thought it was gone but now it is back.  I am terribly bloated in my upper abdomen despite eating a small amount of food each day.  Does the vinegar help with bloating too or did you not have that issue?  The feeling of the lump in my throat is really getting to me so I am going to go get some Braggs tomorrow and I sure hope I have the success that you have had.  I am hopeful!

[luac]

I have been eating a grain free diet for a year and a half and have done really well until about a month ago I started having the LPR symptoms.  I used to have it years ago and thought it was gone but now it is back.  I am terribly bloated in my upper abdomen despite eating a small amount of food each day.  Does the vinegar help with bloating too or did you not have that issue?  The feeling of the lump in my throat is really getting to me so I am going to go get some Braggs tomorrow and I sure hope I have the success that you have had.  I am hopeful!

[AmyLu4]

Hi!  I got back to you yesterday, but I must have done something wrong because my message didn't post.  Anyway to answer your question, YES, I started feeling better and better each day shortly after taking it.  BUT the DIFFERENCE  between you and me, is that I stopped taking all that other stuff, because (the meds) were making me worse.  I just couldn't take any of it.  So obviously I had nothing to lose. So I started just taking the Bragg's concoction and it was the best thing I could have done.  You seem to be caught up somewhere in the middle right now - taking both.   It sounds like the ACV is trying to work for you AND you've noticed some difference with it SO- That's Good !!  I must say that I think that 4 times a day on the ACV may be a little too much. I'd drop it down to 3 times.  To get the full benefit of the honey you may want to have the water a little on the lukewarm side to dissolve the honey so that you actually get it all.  That should help your throat.  Another thing that I did (thinking back) -and I still do when I think of it-  is,  I ate apples as often as I could.  There's a lot to be said for apples.  I was eating 4 a day when I was really sick with LPR.  I'd even cut them up and add a little mayonnaise to them.  Another thing that I would Highly recommend is GO FOR A WALK each day if at all possible.  It's great!  I have a very understanding husband that has stood by me through this whole ordeal.  He's the one that says, "Drink your stuff !" before supper if he thinks I'm going to forget. He got me walking.  And he even tells people about the Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy- he's as amazed as I am.  I just wonder about the other stuff that you're taking.  I hope this message posts.  Good Luck and Keep me Informed !  Take Care and God Bless,  AmyLu4

[Idas]

Hi Amy,
Just wondering, when you first started taking ACV, did you feel better each day. The first five days it was great.  Now,  I seem to have a set back.  The last couple of days, my burning has been pretty bad.  Sometimes I feel like the ACV is making it worse.  Just wondering how the progession was for you.  Were you continual getting better each day or was it going back and forth - some good days and some bad days.  Thanks.

[Idas]

Hi Amy,
This is day five for me and I feel so much better.  I take the ACV 4 times a day.  I do get breakthroughs of burn but nothing I can't handle.  Hopefully it will continue to get better and better.  I am down to two pills a day (I was on five) and plan on  gradually stopping.  I have an endoscopy scheduled on June 15 to check the intestinal metaplasia and if that is OK I will be on my way to normalcy.  Prior to reading your post, I read about ACV.  I bought store brand and nothing happened.  Not until I read your post, you said that you felt frantic and desparate like I did, you explained exactly what to take and how to take it, that is when I paid attention.  Thank you so much.  I would like to keep in touch if that is OK.  Thank you, thank you again.

[AmyLu4]

Hi !  I have thought about you often - wondering how you were feeling!  Sounds like some change using the "concoction".  The difference with me was that I went off everything (that's just me), because I felt that all the meds made "me" worse.  The ppi's set "like a raft" as "they say" up so high (in the upper sphinctor) which separates LPR form GERD, that I had the same sensation-even worse with what felt like bubbles going up my windpipe, causing just the annoying throat clearing that I was trying to get rid of.  The more clearing - the sorer the throat. The sorer the throat - the more anxiety.  The more anxiety-the shortness of breath. Plus I had the sore stomach from Gastritis.  This Bragg's ACV, honey, in a cup of (not cold, cold water) drank through a straw has been a miracle for me.  
What I'm trying to say is that "my burn" went away after going off all of that other stuff.  I'm trying to remember how soon I felt better. It was fairly fast - could tell that there was definitely a change at first, just as you have.  Then it was steady improvement after that. This all started just about a year ago. After several months of being miserable (including the sore throat) and everything else I previously mentioned, I managed to "nip it in the bud" with the Bragg's ACV, honey, and water.  I still love my hot water bottle on my pillow.  The weather is getting  a little warm now, but I'm still hanging in there with it.  I think that the ACV concoction is helping my allergies tremendously also!  I sometimes around now ( and the pollen is THICK this year) get so sick and my sinuses get so painful causing an intense eyeball ache, that I'm bedridden sometimes for 3 days.  For the first time (so far and I'm keeping my fingers crossed), I've had NONE of that!  What I do now is add some vinegar and a little bit of honey to my water bottle and sip it throughout the day. That seems to be working out just fine.  Ooops, I want to make sure that I answer all of your questions :) -- When I was taking the Bragg's Concoction 3 times a day -- I took it when I woke up in the morning before breakfast -- random time in the afternoon -- then yes, the 3rd time was before supper.  Upon feeling better, I was able to get it down to 2 times a day -- once upon awakening and the last time right before supper.  Yay !!  Yay !!   Now, as I said, I either take it twice a day or just put some in a water bottle and sip it till it's gone-however long that takes- doesn't matter!  I must say that I can see some improvement in your typing. Definitely not as anxious as you seemed before. I do notice that.  A definite change in attitude.  More positive thinking going on here!  That's GOOD!  Keep up the good work!  Sounds like Mom has a good daughter.  My Dad is 90 years old.  I'm lucky to have him!  Hang in there !!    Please keep in touch and feel free to ask any questions!  You're gonna get through this.  Like I told you before -- I'ts just a little bump in the road of life!  Take Care and God Bless!  Amy

[Idas]

Hi Amylu4, remeber me.  Well, since I emailed you nothing improved.  The doctor added more meds and nothing worked.  She confirmed I have LPR and just said to continue with the meds.  I was having anxiety and could not sleep.  I agree it must have been from Zantac so I stopped taking it and cut Protonix in half.  I was afraid to eliminate all the drugs since the burn has not improved.  I started Bragg's, Honey and water and probiotics yesterday with the drugs.  Yesterday, I felt better (first day) and today I feel different, not better, not worse.  I was wondering, did you drink the ACV before meals.  Does it matter?  Did you take it before bed?  I am hoping that the reason I did not feel better today is because I had my 89 year old mother all day and she can't hear so I had to yell which aggravated my throat.  I will have her for the next few days.  I am hopefull though.  How long before you felt a significant change with the burning in the throat? My new symptom is a burning tongue.  I can hardly wait to feel better. Thanks for all your help.  

[AmyLu4]

Just wondering how long you've been on Zantac.  I just looked back at my records from last Summer.  We called it the 6 months from He..   The Garden Hose Doctor ( the one I told  you about ) -- he chuckles at vinegar.  Anyway, I think he thought that I was off the wall for keeping a Journal of every pill, symptom - everything.  But what else do you do when you're trying to find out what's wrong with yourself AND when the Doctor starts asking questions and expects you to come up with an answer -- (off the top of your head?)  Yah right like that's going to happen.  Sometimes I can't remember what I had for dinner  the night before.  SO -- I wrote everything down.  Anyway in looking back at the masses of papers, I found the pages where I wrote down that I was having trouble taking Zantac at night.  I felt that it was THAT that was giving me OR contributing to the insomnia.  I Googled it and found that the Zantac could be the culprit.  Just Googled it now and found under "The Side Effects of Zantac 150"  -----  ***  Zantac use may cause headache, dizziness and sleepiness in some patients.  The National Institutes of Health reports that Zantac may also CAUSE INSOMNIA , ANXIETY, AGITATION and MENTAL CONFUSION.  A DEPRESSED MOOD IS POSSIBLE, so patients with a previous history of depression should be observed for RECURRENCE or worsening of symptoms.  Older adults may experience hallucinations.  Gastrointestinal Side Effects ---   Abdominal pain ( and other stuff) --- you might want to look it up and see for yourself.  I'm only saying this, because I did everything you are doing.  Just felt like I was "spinning my wheels" and getting nowhere.  Yes, my sore throat was constant for not as long as you, because I lucked out with the Bragg's concoction.  But it was constant for I think it was 3 months.  Went to bed with it and woke up with it, along with the shortness of breath, shortly after getting out of bed the throat clearing started in, terrible anxiety, hoarseness, sore uper stomach and depressed because of all of the above.  Bowels didn't even function properly.  Was going to the bathroom-all off-schedule (in the midde of the night).  But that's in the Past. Anyway right now that's all I've got.  Can only speak from my own experience.  I think that things will start settling down for you soon.  As I did, it seems like you're going "through the program".  That's all we can do.  Chin up !!   You'll find what works.  -- you will !    Keep me posted !!  AmyLu4

[Idas]

I am frustrated because some of the tests contradict each other, no real answers, everything is in the gray area.  The pain is really bad but I am more concerned about intestinal metaplasia.  One doctor said don't worry about it.  Non of my patients has intestinal metaplasia turned into cancer.   And the new one said it can turn into cancer between 5 and ten years. I could have had it for a while and they just boipsied the wrong spot.   I want another endoscopy to check if there is more but the insurance won't pay unless I wait 6 months.  I can't think clearly because my throat is constantly burning.  So I have a couple of issues and can't resolve anything.  I am sorry I keep going on and on.  I am just not doing well and can't solve anything.

[Idas]

Hi.  My sister died many years ago and I only bring her up because they never determined the origin of her cancer.  The report says they believe gastric or pancreatic so we do not know.  I have been under a great deal of stress though in the last 4 years.  It all started about 3 years ago.  My throat would not stop burning, I was taking Fosomax, so I stopped taking it and my throat kept burning.  I took all kinds of test and nothing serious - mild gastritis, negative for H pylori, .  One doctor said I need an anti depressant.  I am depressed because I am in pain.  I went to several doctors and they pretty much ignored me.  I kept dealing with it in different ways when I could not handle the pain - like Vicoden.  I was on and off PPI's with no change.  Then the pain changed and the burning extended down to my stomach.  About two months I had another endoscopy and the doctor said no change except a hiatel hernia and  intestinal metaplasia = no problem.  He said,  I did not expect to find it so I only took one biopsy - no H pylori. He also took a video esophagram which said first, I have acid reflux, then there was an additional comment on the test result that said we changed our mind and believe it was a tech error.  He did a abdominal CT scan (since he heard my sister may have had stomach cancer) and it was normal as well as a blood test.  I decided to change doctors.  This new one put me on Protinix 40 mg twice a day and Zantac at night.  The burning in my stomach stopped but continued in my throat.  The burning is there about 95% of the time.  The blood test was strange and concerned me. (I was watching TV today and a doctor said it was very hard to determine H pylori so I don't know).  Then I had a manometry and they said to me that I have low resting pressure in my upper sphincter muscle.  I asked if that was LPR and they said it could be  I seem to have many of the signs.  Today I went for another test and it showed that when I drink Barium, it sticks to my throat.  I asked what that meant and they said you need another test.  I am so confused I can't think anymore.  This doctor is thorough but talks very medically and will not discuss anything over the phone so I can't reach her.  I keep telling her I don't know what you are saying please explain in layman terms.  So there you have it.  I have done everything - no chocolate, no caffiene, raise the bed, meds and nothing works.  By the way, my sleep is worse, so I am taking more pills.  If I do not sleep, the pain is more severe.  I was perfect in my eating yesterday, but stressed, and I just woke up with a severe sore throat.  Was your burning constant?

[AmyLu4]

Am wondering why the cause of your sister's passing is a mystery and when did she pass?  Am trying to figure a time line as to her passing away and you getting sick.  I must say that I find the doctor's reading of your blood test a little odd. Maybe someone else should interpret it. You shouldn't be left to GUESS at what you may or may not have.  You say that you have burning in both your throat and your stomach?  Is it constant?  Throat burning is a symptom of LPR and stomach burning is a symptom of Gastritis.  You say you were diagnosed with both.  But I noticed in you message to bsmsl that you said that "It was recently learned that it was LPR" --  but then in a message to me you said, "I have classic symptoms of LPR but no one has clearly stated that to me".
What are your other symptoms?  At this moment are you taking Protonix 40 mg twice a day and Zantac at night?  Is your sleep the same, better, or worse since taking these meds?   Don't worry you'll get to the bottom of all this.   When anxiety kicks in -sometimes it's hard to see the forest through the trees.  Then the fog clears and you realize that things weren't at all as bad as they appeared to be.  Please do keep in touch.  All for Now !!  ~ AmyLu4

[Idas]

Again, thank you for taking the time to respond to me.  I have a stupid test today to check the muscles in my throat.  I think this a complete waste of time and money but this is the only doctor I found to a take the time to try and figure things out so I can't refuse her.  I  have classic symptoms of LPR also but no one has clearly stated that to me.  It all started with a severe sore throat that would not go away.  I was on Fosomax, which I read can contribute to LPR.  My first endoscopy showed, like you, gastritis and diverticulitis. None of the meds worked.  I tried to ignore it as best I could but after 3 years it seemed even worse, now with stomach burning.  I had another endoscopy and everything the same except they added intestinal metaplasia, which could be a precursor to cancer.  Since my sister died, POSSIBLY of stomach cancer, I freaked out. Both endoscopies showed negative for  h pylori virus (which is a common cause of intestinal metaplasia and sometimes very hard to get rid of).  However the doctor never told me to stop taking meds before the endoscopies which I now learned can mask h pylori.  This new doctor takes a blood test which says I either have H pylori or I once had it and was treated for it.  I NEVER WAS TREATED FOR IT SO I GUESS I HAVE IT.  She also wants to do a 24 hour PH Test which is making me so nervous - when I think about it I feel like I am going to have a panic attack.  They put a tube in your nose for 24 hours to test acid.  None of the tests give definite answers.  I want to stop everything but am afraid there is something really wrong.  I could not feel this bad for this long.  I must admit my life has been unbelievably stressful in the last 4 years and I am not a calm person.  Your encouraging words have helped me.  I feel there is some hope.  If you don't mind, I would like to keep in touch with you.

[AmyLu4]

On June 11, 2010, I had Barium Swallow test for stomach pains.Results were fine.June 21, 2010, I had an Endoscopy also for stomach pains.Test showed Gastritis and Diverticulosis-all fairly common.A short time later,I noticed that my swallowing felt slower. I then went on to develop a wretched sore throat that went on for 2-3 months. Don't know if there was a connection to these tests in my developing LPR or not--Because I too have had a lot of anxiety from stressful incidents in my life,compounding over the years.My daughter died on her birthday in 2003, less than 4 months later my mother-in-law died,and within a year I lost my mom to altzheimers.I helped in caring for them all.I still care for my dad-he's going to be 91 years old.The stress continues TODAY with my Mother-in-Laws estate still being in total jeopardy after 8 years.Lawyers take too long and money ran out.
I mention this because from what I understand Either physical trauma (endoscopy?) or mental trauma causes this.HENCE,the passing of your sister(so sorry for your loss).Don't know the sequence of this event,but may be related to your illness NOT because you may have stomach cancer,BUT because your LPR could be stress induced or aggravated through her passing.My endoscopy supposedly showed signs ALSO of the POSSIBILITY of early stages of Celiac Disease.I was told by Gastroenterologist to go GlutenFree.Easier said than done.After feeling like I was alienated from everything-panicking whenever I ate,
talk about stressful-I needed one more thing right? Before I go any further, I'll tell you that after 3 months of dealing with the Celiac thing,I went to a Major Celiac Center in Mass.,because I wanted to know what the chances were of my daughter getting it. After looking at my Endoscopy results, I was told that I didn't have it.I felt that my prayers had been answered,at least on this.Not to mention mixed feelings about doctors tossing a total life altering CASUAL diagnosis of Celiac Disease at me.While going through all of this Celiac stuff ,I have all the classic LPR symptoms that I was dealing with at the same time,that I previously mentioned in my other message-I learned this from going online to forums like this one.On Aug. 4, 2010  I went to a local ENT with sore throat, clearing issues, ear pressure, sore stomach, etc., -was told to take 2 prilosecs instead of one.That didn't work. Aug. 24, 2010, I called the Gastroenterologist complaining to her of sore throat, clearing issues-wondering if there could be a connection to the Endoscopy test which I had done for stomach pains.She told me "no, that would be an Ears, Nose, Throat doctor issue., (o.k?)  Aug. 27, 2010, I go to an ENT specialist connected to major hosp. in Mass.  I got scoped.She thought that my throat looked awful.She diagnosed me with LPR (which I already suspected) and was prescribed Lanzapropazole (prevacid),Ranitidine, and Maalox.That didn't work.Made me worse.She prescribed other things that made me worse again. I finally, through searching out forums such as this one discovered that people were having good results with apple cider vinegar (Bragg's) and water.I decided to add the honey for my sore throat.I could see a definite improvement.By October although feeling better,I still had a little burn left.So on Oct. 8th, 2010,I went to an Otolaryngologist in an office in a Major Hosp. in Mass. that had previously worked on Famous People.I filled out the sheet in the office that asks you what you are currently taking and filled in my ACV remedy and could hear the chuckling coming from the office.The doctor arrives only to ridicule me as to why I had gone to see so many doctors (don't forget along with this,I had stomach issues as well).I felt belittled.He decided to scope my throat and out came the Garden Hose.The only thing that kept me going during that procedure was that I knew that those famous people were still alive (not the same doctor,I had,but the same office). Anyway although I could feel the burn,he saw nothing.I didn't know how to feel.He regarded me,I think as a hypochondriac with a picture-perfect throat.Can't blame him due to the fact that the other doctor (Aug. 27th one) had no copy machine to give me a picture to prove to him what I looked like before.Well,if nothing else in looking at the picture that he gave me, I decided I would keep up the Vinegar Mixture and figured that soon this LPR thing may all be on its way out.I left his office(same day) and went back for a previously scheduled follow-up appt. back to the (Aug. 27th ) doctor.I showed her the picture that the Famous Office Garden Hose doctor had just taken and she couldn't believe that that was my throat.So she (tiny) scoped it again.She was amazed and that is when she said that it looked a "million times better".I told her that I couldn't do what she had prescribed.She asked, "What did you take?' I told her 1 tblsp. of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar (with the MOTHER-that has enzymes good for the stomach),1 tblsp. of honey in 8 oz. of warm to cool water and drink it through a straw.Then I rinse out my mouth with clear water.She couldn't believe it.I handed her the Bragg's label and said that it might be a nice idea to suggest it to people.She said that I didn't need any more follow-up appts. and sent me on my way.So that's my story.3 scopes and a Garden Hose! Vinegar,Honey,Water--ALL BETTER !  LPR is a strange one,I must say,because I don't know about you,but many people including myself don't even get heartburn.Yet it's Acid Reflux-go figure.So it's ACV for me,now only twice a day.Oh,I used to take Kyo-dophilus tabs and now I only take 2 Acidophilus tablets a day along with my vitamins-nothing special -they are the American Health brand ( 1 billion active Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bifidus )--works for me.As for the hot water bottle-I also am prone to sinusitis and with the hot water bottle-it's kind of like a "one size fits all remedy" for me.I was told by my doc that the best time to take calcium supplements is at night because it promotes sleep.So, I (needing all the help I could get) decided to take my calcium at night along with Chamomille tea (that'll help with sleep too) and my flannel covered hot water bottle---Ahh....makes me sleepy just to think about it.Can you believe it Tea and Coffee are on the Not Good Idea list with LPR and I can now drink the tea right before bed! Sorry if I keep repeating myself, but I need to in order to take you by the hand and guide you through the process that you inquired about.Gosh, I truly hope that this helps you.I also was afraid to take with meds,but in my case meds didn't work so I just went to the ACV Remedy.I too took sleeping pills AND doubled them. NO MORE.  I now do all of the above.I have NO meds.Before discovering what I know and do now, I was contemplating surgery.ACV,(I feel) made that unnecessary.I can feel the anxiety in your message-you remind me SO much of me! The HONEY in the Bragg's really helped my throat.You must give it some time.I remember being you and look at where I am now! Relax,be patient,mention the ACV and HONEY to your doc.From what I have learned from others with LPR, it seems that the Doctors don't really know that much about the LPR (hence your running around in circles) as they do the typical GERD.They are Apples and Oranges.GERD is more a lower sphinctor Nite-time illness and LPR is lower/upper sphinctor Daytime illness.What works for GERD doesn't necessarily work for LPR. For me it only made it worse!Cheer up--soon you'll be looking back on all of this and then you can help someone else !!Keep me updated on your progress.This is just a little bump in the road of life !! All for Now and hope this helps !!~AmyLu4  

[Idas]

Do you mind me asking, how did they determine LPR?  What test did they take?  I also have a hiatel hernia and gastritis.  So I don't know if I have acid reflux or not.  I just know I am miserable and depressed from all of this.  Thanks for listening.

[Idas]

You don't know how much I appreciate you responding.  I am so miserable.  I have been dealing with this for three years and it seems to be getting worse.  I am on so much medication and have so much anxiety.  They keep sending me for more tests.  My two endoscopies showed no h pylori.  Now they are saying I have intestinal metaplasia, which can be a precurser of stomach cancer, and I am borderline positive for h pylori.  My last two tests for h pylori were negative but now they say the test could have been taken from the wrong area.  I haved constant throat burning and it has controlled my life.  I tried apple cider vinegar, but not Bragg's, and felt more burning.  Maybe because I did it while I am on medication.  Did you feel immediate relief after you tried it or did it take a while?  Why do you put a hot water bottle on your pillow.  I have always had a problem sleeping and take something but I think these pills make it worse.  Out of desperation, I have doubled my sleeping pills, which I am very concerned with. When I told the doctor I have extreme anxiety, she said light candles and don't watch TV.  Some answer. The doctors have me going in circles.  Do you think I should try it with the meds?  Also how much Acidophilus and what kind do you take?  The doctors keep telling me to take the meds and have me do more tests.  And I don't get any real answers.  I am scheduled next week for a test to video my throat to see where exactly the problem is and a 24 hour ph test.  My lower spincter is normal.  They found the intestinal metaplasia by mistake and were not looking for it.  My sister may have dyed from stomach cancer.  I am sorriy for going on and on but you are the first person I  have talked to that would understand what I am going through.  Could you please let me know if you found instant relief from the ACV?  I am afraid to take it with meds because it is adding acid while the pills are taking it away.  
What do you think?

[AmyLu4]

I wanted to make sure that you got my message.  In answer to your question as to how I was doing with LPR ?  Not a Problem !   I'm 59 years old - female.  Last summer was aweful.  I was diagnosed with LPR, Diverticulosis, Gastritis, and Celiac Disease.  The Celiac Disease turned out to be a false alarm ( to make a long story short).  The LPR was terrible-with shortness of breath, throat clearing-feeling like I had bubbles in my windpipe that I couldn't get rid of. I had tremendous anxiety, some ear pressure, stomach soreness, and a wretched sore throat for months that I went to bed with and woke up with. The throat clearing would send me out onto the back porch just trying to get some fresh air to maybe clear it only to make my throat even more sore. The meds prescribed by the Specialist gave me diarrhea and I also for whatever reason came down with CHRONIC INSOMNIA.
I elevated the headboard of the bed and didn't eat after 9 p.m. as prescribed by the doctor. I was miserable.  Out of frustration ( I guess) the nurse told me after 2 desperate phone calls asking what I should do now because I couldn't take the meds -- she said, "Then just don't take anything!"  I was on my own. I searched out people on the internet - like everyone does here -- and found that the one thing that seemed to be working for people with LPR was Apple cider vinegar!  Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar is highly recommended. It has what they call on the label, THE MOTHER.  It contains enzymes -- great for the stomach.  Hence -- I figured a little something for my Gastritis.  I have mentioned this before, but am repeating myself in the hopes that it might help anyone reading this that may have felt as desperate as I did.  Anyway,after doing some research, I found that as we get older, we have reflux problems, not necessarily because we have too MUCH acid, but often times, NOT ENOUGH.  So I started taking 1 TBLSP. of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar with THE MOTHER and 1 TBLSP. of honey.  I put it in 7 or 8 oz. of warm to cool water and drink through a straw.  Then rinse mouth out with clear water to get vinegar off teeth. Guess what ?  It's right on the Bragg's bottle.  Recommended as a healthy drink for everyone !  I used to do this 3 times a day for a number of months.  I kept the headboard of the bed elevated and still didn't eat after 9 p.m.  The sore throat went away (after months of pain) almost immediately!  Anxiety went away, breathing went back to normal, stomach got better, ear pressure went, throat clearing went away, bowel department went back to normal, and I sleep like a baby!  Hope I didn't forget anything.  Bottom line? --- with the exception of a little hoarseness for a few minutes once in a great while, my symptoms are ALL GONE !  I now take the Vinegar Mixture only twice a day - when I get up in the morning and right before supper. I also take 1 Acidophilus tablet twice a day with my regular vitamins.  LPR for me is a thing of the past.  My Specialist couldn't believe it!  Been great since last August!   Oh, and I put the bed back to normal after only about 3 months and I can eat afer 9 p.m. if I really want to . I'm no doctor , I'm just someone who was diagnosed with LPR and I don't even think about it anymore.  But, as for the vinegar and honey?  If I'm going on a trip ?  I DON"T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT !  I try to eat apples whenever I think of it also.  I even drink chamomille tea before I go to bed, take my calcium, and put a hot water bottle on my pillow. WORKS FOR ME !   I sleep like a baby -- I really do!  SO don't give up.  Sometimes things aren't as bad as they seem.   I'm not trying to sway anyone off meds.   They just didn't work for me.  There's something out there that will work-  you just have to find it.   I hope this helps !   All for Now!   AmyLu4

[Idas]

Thanks for responding.  I have been on and off PPI's for three years because they thought it was gerd.  It was recently learned that it was LPR and I have been on Protonix 40 mg twice a day and Zantac at night,  I have done everything I am suppose to do and still have terrible burning.  I have been on these meds for two weeks.  Do you know if it takes a longer period of time to take effect.  I really can't handle this burning much longer.  It has taken over my life.  If you have any more information< i would appreciate it.  They also found intestinal metaplasia so does LPR cause intestinal metaplasia.  My sister died, possibly from stomach cancer.  They are not sure.  I am a mess.

[bsmsl]

LPR can be controlled with medication and diet.  The Nissen fonduplication surgery is also an option, but I consider a last restort.  Proton pump inhibitors work well, but it is best to only use those short term.  H2 blockers like ranitidine are helpful.  Dietary and life style changes are very effective for some people.  

As far as the diet goes avoid anything with caffeine (coffee, tea and chocolate) and spicy foods.  Some people have problems with eggs and dairy.  I have trouble with cumin.  It will take some experimentation to figure out all your personal triggers.

Life style changes include not eating within 3 -4 hour of liing down, raising the head of your bed 6 inches or sleeping on a wedge pillow.  Tight fitting clothes also contribute to reflux.  

I hope that helps get you started.

Take care and God bless.
Sonya