Reflux (GERD)-who has it and what to you do about it?

[chickensioux]

Quote:
No, I know that I am one of the lucky ones. It is severe without the meds but generally under control with. When I used to have an episode, it would last for at least 4 hours and I would pace, sweat and cry in absolute agony. Now when I have an episode it doesn't last very long and is at least tolerable. They are farther apart now too.
For me, it is the taking of the daily meds for so many years. I just wish I didn't have to. Being on proton pump inhibitors for long periods of time can inhibit the absorption of calcium so I have to increase the intake of that too.
Over all, I am a very healthy 51 year old and have little to nothing to complain about healthwise. DH works in the healthcare biz and has sad stories about people much younger than me.
I am grateful, just curious at to who else deals with this.

 

[Laurajean]

Quote:
No, I know that I am one of the lucky ones. It is severe without the meds but generally under control with. When I used to have an episode, it would last for at least 4 hours and I would pace, sweat and cry in absolute agony. Now when I have an episode it doesn't last very long and is at least tolerable. They are farther apart now too.
For me, it is the taking of the daily meds for so many years. I just wish I didn't have to. Being on proton pump inhibitors for long periods of time can inhibit the absorption of calcium so I have to increase the intake of that too.
Over all, I am a very healthy 51 year old and have little to nothing to complain about healthwise. DH works in the healthcare biz and has sad stories about people much younger than me.
I am grateful, just curious at to who else deals with this.

I understand. I don't suffer from it, but wish you luck! I certainly understand having to take pills that I wish I didn't require.

 

[sunflowerenvy]

my hubby used to take OTC prilosec switch over to the prescription Ranitidine 150 mg it works the same way.
He goes to the doctor once a year to get his prescription fill
can can get the Ranitidine 150 mg 90 tabs for $10.00 at walmart.
GERD is when your flap in your throat is gone or weaking.
to help with gerd
limited so soda n coffee and spice food.
after u eat sit up or walk around we women get up and do after supper work. do not bend down. it would push the food up.when in bed have two pillow under your head n back or put one brick under the legs your head of the bed. it should help good luck

 

[welsummerchicks]

I've found that eating less sugary stuff helps, eating less at a time, helps, eating less overall, helps, losing weight helps, not eating anything after 6 or 7 pm helps, if you go to bed at 10 or 11; not lying down right after eating helps.

 

[bunnibird55]

I've had gerd for 15 years and have been on a lot of different meds. I have been on Protonix for the past 6 years and that seems to be working ok. I have had extra problems with the acid splashing up and caused a bit of a constricture in my throat so the local surgeon used a balloon type instrument this past spring to spread the tissues and now at least the food doesn't get stuck where I can't swallow. I have been worried too about the meds causing a problem with calcium absorbtion and I tried several times to go off the meds. No way! I am going to take it for life or until someone comes up with something better! Sometimes if the Protonix isn't enough, when I have had too much iced-tea or chocolate, I will have to drink some baking soda in water in addition to the prescription meds. I have the head of my bed propped up and am real cautious with tight clothing. I guess I am so accustomed to having this that I marvel that there are people (DH is one!) who have never had "heartburn"!!!!

 

[chickensioux]

Quote:
I hear ya. I too avoid the things that are triggers. I drink more water now and have stopped most spicy things. I take a chance every now and then. Most times get away with it, sometimes I pay the price. I have had 2 endoscopies since being diagnosed and so far, so good, no damage. I was on protonix for a long time and when I moved to NC and got diff. insurance, they didn't cover it. So now I take OTC prilosec. Works pretty good, the protonix worked better tho'.

 

[ChikeeMomma]

Oh man! Just wanted to say I feel for ya! I had it terribly during my first pregnancy and one bad bout with my second -- Painful, painful episodes and then I'd throw up. Unfortunately, it did not go away after I had my kids. It would be even more terrible. I hadn't ever heard of women having it just after having children. I had to be on Nexium for three months after each pregnancy. My doc did tell me that Prilosec was half the dose of Nexium and if I ever had it so terribly again to double up on the Prilosec until I went into to see her. Thankfully, I haven't had very many bouts since. Probably just a handful of times in the past three years. Not enough to visit the doc. I don't take Prilosec or anything anymore. I think now it is due to stress when I do get it. I really feel for all you who have it. It is very painful! When I was first diagnosed with it, I can remember thinking heartburn isn't supposed to hurt this bad! Since then I've heard of others thinking they were having heart attacks and went into the ER and come out being diagnosed with reflux. I can completely understand why you think you'd be having a heart attack! It hurts!!!!!!!!!

 

[drdoolittle]

I have it, and take prevacid. I think that's real all you can do----I don't have to take it every day, just when it acts up.

 

[tammye]

my trigger was wine and eating to much too late at night!!! all my fault, behavior changes they call it, often works to reduce symptoms and raising the head of the bed, worked best. good luck.

ps
protonics caused me to loss my platlets to the point that I would bleed throught my skin, it was very scarey, doc did not believe me until she finally looked it up and there it was the drug I was taking had that potential. as soon as i stopped taking the meds my platlets came back to normal. so beware

 

[3goodeggs]

If you have wheat sensitivities, then the b2 is not absorbed. The b2 is what keeps your endothelial cells healthy. it's basically our internal skin. When that is irritated, it hurts. What we would normally be able to live with -like everyone else can- is no longer tolerable. Do your lips rip or peel daily or often? Is your tongue sometimes sore when you have high acid foods?
Try giving up wheat, barley, rye... and something else that I just never ate anyway.. sorry I can't remember. You may be slightly gluten intolerant or wheat sensitive. Forgo the grains for two weeks along with the OTC's. If you see no change, by all means, do not suffer. I have eroded my gums and ruined my teeth from years of dealing with reflux. I know how bad it is.