reflux vomitting?

[tummytrubs]

I started having severe heartburn about 3 years ago.  At first antacids helped, then I had to move to stronger acid reducers, and have been taking prilosec OTC every day for more than a year.  The last several months I've been having severe heartburn even when taking the prilosec, and the heartburn often triggers vomiting.  Lately, the vomiting has also been triggered by a feeling that I have a dry-spot or lump in my throat (water doesn't help).  I have to repeatedly clear my throat or cough - which also triggers vomiting.  This past week I haven't been able to lie down for more than 2-3 hours without having to vomit.  Doesn't matter if I've recently eaten, or what I've eaten.  The vomiting "attack" that follows heartburn, throat irritation, or repeated belching happens most often at night - but has also struck in the middle of the day.  I haven't seen a specialist yet, and I've tried to talk to my family doc about it, but she seems not to hear what I'm saying and has not been any help.  This CAN'T be normal?! - any suggestions would be appreciated.

[tummytrubs]

Thank you.  I will definitely try the GERD diet.  Does the test for level of reflux show bile reflux as well as acid?  (I've heard different things on this.)  

After my initial post I had additional symptoms (vomiting bile and vomiting blood).  My family doc put me on 60 mg of prevacid and prescribed reglan - which I haven't yet tried because I'm not that convinced of her expertise or the "guess" that it was a motility problem.   She did help me in the most important way, however, by referring me to a specialist.  I have an endoscopy scheduled for next week.

[CalGal]

No, this is not normal. But it's possible that your family doc may not have enough experience to deal with the situation.

When you see the GI doc, make sure to ask for testing to evaluate the level of reflux that you're experiencing. And if you haven't been check for H. pylori please do so.

Have you been following a GERD diet since you were diagnosed? If not, you may want to consider starting one. You can find a representative example at www.gicare.com.