Too many tests, on Nexium and still no cure

[Fierdal]

By now I have had two endoscopys, many blood work visits and been through at least ten different medications the names of which I don't even remember. At the moment I'm on nexium and this has helped with the acids coming up my esophagus, but at least two times a week I'll eat something and have it in my stomach for hours. I know this will happen about half an hour after I've eaten because it is then that I begin to feel a sort of lead weight in my stomach and I begin with what I can only call a gas attack. I will burp about once every two or so minutes for as long as the lead weight remains in my stomach which can sometimes be up to eight hours. Why do I get this ? Why sometimes when I eat I feel just fine and then others I will get this feeling which is very uncomfortable and hard to manage. So far I have tried gas relievers of all brands and types including activated charcoal and it offers little or no relief. My doctor seems to not believe I get this as she just tells me that the nexium will cure me. My endoscopys revealed nothing aside from irritation of the stomach lining and I've been having these symptoms for about five years. As I said nexium helps with the acid but not the lead weight on those special days.

[Lor]

Do you have pain or just the burping? Is the gas feeling right below the sturnum?

[virgo57]

You may want to take note of what you eat on the occasions you get this lead feeling in your stomach. It could be too fatty of a food for your digestive system to handle. It sounds like it is either something you eat or drink, or else why would you not get it after every meal. Write down what you eat and you might start seeing a pattern on what food does this to you, then you are better able to stay away them or lower you intake.
Good Luck and I wish you well.

[Concerned lady]

Dear Fierdal,

Here are some GASTRIC REFLUX TIPS (without acid blockers), that help lots of people, including my husband, myself, and many others. Give these a try (with your doc's OK), and let us know how they help! :-)

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’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 DGL, shortly before ALL meals (breakfast, lunch, supper). 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. DGL is available at most health food stores, and at good pharmacies.
  
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 about 10 seconds (at least), to thoroughly mix with saliva, shortly before EVERY 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/Vocal Cord Dysfunction/Laryngospams attacks, no more laryngitis, etc. for us)

We like the taste of the plain, fructose-free, DGL CHEWABLE tablets, but for those who hate the taste, try mixing the crushed tablet with a tiny bit of mashed organic banana, and then chew thoroughly, to mix with saliva. Avoid any DGL that contains 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 (inner bark from a tree) 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). Do not overdo. If your skin turns orange, cut back on the carrot juice. Avoid beta-carotene pills -- too potent.

(4) We tried elevating the head of the bed a few inches, by putting 6 inch to 8 inch BLOCKS, ON THE FLOOR, under the head end of the bed. This creates a slant (tilt), where the 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.

We try to avoid all artificial ingredients, including fake fats (like Olean, Olestra, etc.), because these can destroy the digestive system, and prevent absorption of vital nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) from foods. These fake fats also prevent digestion and absorption of needed fats & oils, used to repair myelin nerve cell sheaths (made of fatty material, mostly cholesterol). Hormones are also made of mostly cholesterol.

(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. These are available at health food stores & pharmacies. (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 (includes spelt & kamut), rye, oats, barley, & buckwheat. Read labels to avoid hidden gluten, in some soy sauces, gravies, grain alcohols, beer (barley malt), etc. People with Celiac Disease need to avoid all foods containing gluten. BROWN RICE (organic) is gluten-free. Corn is gluten free, but is very allergenic (allergy causing), so avoid corn. Avoid millet, at first, because there is disagreement about whether millet is safe or not, for Celiac patients.

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 the 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 stomach, for absorption of Vitamin B 12 to happen, in the ileum (last part of the small intestine), I believe.

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, zinc, other minerals, and important trace minerals, 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 (broken down--eventually into amino acids), in the stomach, when there is no acid in the stomach.

Doctors and pharmacists can advise about gradual(slow) tapering down (weaning) 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) Avoid harmful chemical air pollution, which can aggravate gastric reflux. See page 5 of VCD website for more about this.

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

(19) 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 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 tips help you! :-)

Sincerely, Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

[eGoober]

Do you take any medications ? I had stomach and gas problems on celexa, zoloft, nexium , acifex and problems when taking alot of fish oil ? ConcernedLady do you know if its ok to combine licorice with protonix and pepsid ? I have read that licorice is an antidepressant also .

[PJR]

I have simular problems but have gas coming out the other end. My new GI doc said I have dyspepsia and gave me elavil(anti depressant).  I think she is a quack.  lor please email me at ***@****

[Corgan]

I have similar problems.  Almost to a tee.  I have acid reflux, was on Zantac but that caused my heart to race and was quite uncomfortable.  Now I take nothing at all for my acid reflux and some days are just hell... my doctor doesn't do anything, he's not very good.

I have diahreah all the time and upset stomachs.  I drink alcohol once a week with friends on the weekend, I notice however though, if you can stay away from alcohol totally, things eventually start getting better, but just very very slowly.  Fatty foods don't help either.

It's a mystery to me still.

[karie]

I am 34 and had a racing heart on Zantac, Ranitidine , Prevacid not on Nexium which did not help but I tried for 6 weeks.
I will have burps which are like bile.
Suffering with this for months and nemerous tests as well.
What tests have you had .
I always stay away from spice,alcohol,caffeine, and other diet mentions, So no need to change.
Bland diet with fruits and water, exercise and meditation.
Underweight now.
The listed suggestions by Concerned lady are very helpful.
Keep us posted

[Concerned lady]

To Karie--Thanks for recommending the "tips"!

To eGoober--I think it's important to start the DGL WHILE you are still taking the acid blockers. This is because it is usually BAD to SUDDENLY stop taking acid blockers. Sudden stopping can cause "rebound" (extra) acid production in the stomach, resulting in worse GERD problems.

So, continue taking the acid blockers, and start trying the DGL. Take BOTH the DGL & acid blockers for about 2 weeks.

See if the DGL (plus all the other GASTRIC REFLUX TIPS) HELP you to feel better. If yes, THEN, continue the DGL plus the "tips.

Then, BEGIN TO VERY, VERY, VERY SLOWLY WEAN OFF THE ACID BLOCKERS, while continuing to take the DGL & do the "tips". Ask your pharmacist & doctor to give you a slow weaning/tapering "schedule" (if safe for you).

Keep doing the slow weaning, until you are off the acid blockers, but are still using the "tips".

Continue the "tips" (including DGL) until you are well, for about 3 months. Then, try stopping the tips, and see what happens. Some of us have to use the "tips" every day (with good results, and no toxic side effects!).

Run these tips by your GI (gastro doc) to be sure they are OK for your particular case. Do this before you start to try the tips.

I think you may be pleasantly surprised at some good results.

Always look for better docs, too, in case more than reflux is going on, in your case!

Sincerely, Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

[eGoober]

Concerned -- I have Barrett's and have been told not to stop medication. I haven't talked to the doctor about licorice yet. I am afraid of cancer so I am afraid to stop the protonix and pepcid. I think the licorice helps, maybe I will try to give up the pepcid.

[Concerned lady]

Dear EGoober,

If you stay on BOTH the DGL and the acid blocker, and if you fully HEAL your esophagus (and stomach), then, maybe your doc will be more agreeable to your weaning off the acid blocker--while you continue with the DGL (along with all the other gastric reflux tips.)

You can continue to be monitored by your doctor, to see how the healing of your esophagus is going.

I wish you the best.

Sincerely, Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

[PJR]

What tests have you undergone so far.  I have the exact same symptoms and they cannot find what it is yet.  I had 2 upper endoscopys, ultrasound, ct scan, barium swallow, and a ton of blood work.  Nothing turns up yet.  I want to get a HIDA scan to see how well my gall bladder is emptying out.  Corgan Please keep in touch and email me if you find out anything new and I will do the same.  Thanks...Paul

[terur]

How do you wean yourself off of acid blockers if your only taking one a day?  

[Concerned lady]

Dear Terur,

To wean off acid blockers (if safe for you), when taking only one a day:

See if you can get a lower dose type, and take the lower dose ones, every day, for a week. If it's a pill, cut the pill in half, and take half the pill, to get a lower dose.

Then, take the lower dose one, every other day, for a week.

Then, you're weaned.

To be sure that this weaning plan is OK for you, speak to BOTH your doctor, AND your pharmacist.

Sincerely, Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

[jlmommy]

I suggest checking all medications that you currently take.  I have found that any medications with magnesium stearate in them greatly increses GERD.  This chemical is usually listed as an "inactive ingredient."  Ironically, Nexium which is supposed to help, contains magnesium stearate.

Also, many vitamins contain magnesium stearate.

Prevacid, unlike Nexium, contains magnesium carbonate, which doesn't seem to be as aggravating.

[Concerned lady]

Dear JlMommy,

Thank you for that good info about how Mag. Stearate WORSENS GERD, and yet... has been added to supposed "anti-GERD" meds! Hmmmm. Wonder why? Could it be like spiking tobacco with more nicotine, to increase the addictive qualities, to sell more product? Or, am I being too cynical?

Concerned lady

[thebuzzard]

After all has been said, and it sure looks like it here, one thing else  needs to be mentioned: EXCERCISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.Next time the leady feeling comes up, get off your gut(no pun intended) and go for a brisk walk. Yes, even at 3:00 in the morning in -zero weather. You can always bundle up. Walk until the heaviness and the burping start to go away. You may have to walk for one hour!!!!!!!The relief is not permanent but it will help to get you to the next episode and you will  get some good sleep  too as a bonus. Everyone can walk and you don't need to get your Doc's ok to do it either. I firmly believe that knowing you can walk for relief is in itself a great moralbooster when your stomach has you in fits.  Also, for fun and giggles, try looking up some of the literature that was around in the 1800's and you will pleased to learn that you and I are right proud inheritors of a noble tradition. Upset  stomach has been around for years. Of course today we do not run out and buy snake oil.
Or do we?