heartburn

im not sure if its related to the thyroid surgery or the synthroid im taking , but i have horrible heartburn !! im eating alot of tums with very little relief . my diet hasnt changed , im not eating very much since my surgery. ill ask my gp on friday , but he's not veryhelpfull sometimes . any ideas ?

[Craniac3]

When I went hypo I experienced GERD. I haven't had surgery, and I have read that some people don't tolerate synthroid too well.

That said, my theory is that if you're hypo, your metabolism is slow. Digestion is a metabolic process, so it would slow down as well, creating heartburn/discomfort.

I would definitely discuss with doctor and find out if you are hypo at this point, and perhaps he/she will prescribe prilosec or something else to protect your esophogus (sp?) and provide relief.

Good luck!

[amir650]

I had horrible GERD during the hypothyroid phase of my silent thyroiditis.  Try sleeping slightly upright, and do not eat for 4 hours before bedtime.  Do not take tums - talk to your doctor and he'll prescribe something that will work.  If not - try zantac.

[Newbee2000]

Shortly before my hashi hypo diagnosis I also developed terrible, raging heartburn and gerd. Had to see gastro Md and endoscopy exam. Was prescribed proton pump inhibitor (prevacid, there are a few others like nexium and protonix, you also try some OTC stuff like pepcid ac or prilosac). I haven't had any since MD prescribed prevacid. I'm pretty sure being hypo made the gerd/heartburn so bad. Previous poster was right to suggest sleeping w/ you head raised, it helps.

[patient-x]

It seems digestive symptoms are something we have to go through with our thyroid disease.
I have Graves...had heartburn etc since before being diagnosed.
Was given Lansoprazole...didnt help at all, but made thyroid worse. Zantac done nothing...nor do other over the counter antacids...I found after trying almost everything: that it feels better after eating...so small meals/snacks often,- is worse after large meals, so again small meals/snacks.
I take Syrup of Figs (Califig) regular & when I open bowels heartburn goes for couple of days...then comes back...so more Califig to open bowels & reliev the heartburn. I am not constipation just digestion is sluggish