Acid Reflux

[geo]

Admittedly not the nicest topic but man I'm going through this (I think) at the moment. Been having heartburn since the turn of the year, which at times I've been worried may have been heart related. The quack listened to my heart and said it was fine but sent me to an ECG as a precaution.

I know it's stress related but damn it hurts like hell at times. Anyone else been through this? Any tips- aside from ant-acids, which I'm loathe to use too often for fear of longer term effects.

Peace,

G.

['Magic' Juan]

Admittedly not the nicest topic but man I'm going through this (I think) at the moment. Been having heartburn since the turn of the year, which at times I've been worried may have been heart related. The quack listened to my heart and said it was fine but sent me to an ECG as a precaution.

I know it's stress related but damn it hurts like hell at times. Anyone else been through this? Any tips- aside from ant-acids, which I'm loathe to use too often for fear of longer term effects.

Peace,

G.


Been there my friend. Dealt with it for many years and still get it every once in a while (like this morning - damned hot wings from last night). I popped a couple of pills for about 6 weeks and it is much better now. You may need to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist for better care. Ask your doctor for a referral.

In the meantime cut back on spicy foods and chocolate, keep your head elevated when you go to bed, and make sure you check into Protonix.

-M J

[david_mancuso]

Greetings geo :)

It is good that you ask. This can be a very uncomfortabe situation to deal with at times. Anybody who goes thru this, will attest to what I am saying to you.

Baking soda and water "used wisely" in short term heart burn episodes...works wonders.

Zantex in am with one glass of water 30 mins. before eating.

etc.

btw...I have same prob.

[geo]

You both get the burning heart sensation?

Man that freaked me out at first.

Thanks for the tips- i'm also going to stop drinking beer in the week as I'm told this is one of the worst things you can have to aggravate it.

[Armento]

Don't be just listening to anyone's drug advice please. Go to the doctor. Get the testing done. I did, they went into my stomach through my mouth.

EGD http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Mine revealed severe gastritis that requires some hardcore drugs. To relieve day to day heartburn we eat green apples. 1/2 glass of milk works too.

But get it checked out. Many times it's a sign of other things going on.

[geo]

Don't be just listening to anyone's drug advice please. Go to the doctor. Get the testing done. I did, they went into my stomach through my mouth.

EGD http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Mine revealed severe gastritis that requires some hardcore drugs. To relieve day to day heartburn we eat green apples. 1/2 glass of milk works too.

But get it checked out. Many times it's a sign of other things going on.

I'm pretty sure mine is stress related but yes- I intend to go back and see the quack.

[david_mancuso]

You both get the burning heart sensation?

Man that freaked me out at first.

Thanks for the tips- i'm also going to stop drinking beer in the week as I'm told this is one of the worst things you can have to aggravate it.

For sure.

btw...Armen is right on point.

[david_mancuso]

Don't be just listening to anyone's drug advice please. Go to the doctor. Get the testing done. I did, they went into my stomach through my mouth.

EGD http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Mine revealed severe gastritis that requires some hardcore drugs. To relieve day to day heartburn we eat green apples. 1/2 glass of milk works too.

But get it checked out. Many times it's a sign of other things going on.


Damn....you got lucky Armen. Milk does the opposite (in the long run) to me...and I drink a 1/2 gal. per day/powder milk. Apples without zantex I wouldn't touch with a 10 ft. tongue -again, acid reflux reaction. Had this for years. Don't leave my house without me keys and zantex. I got it under check tho.'

[thadeep]

Admittedly not the nicest topic but man I'm going through this (I think) at the moment. Been having heartburn since the turn of the year, which at times I've been worried may have been heart related. The quack listened to my heart and said it was fine but sent me to an ECG as a precaution.

I know it's stress related but damn it hurts like hell at times. Anyone else been through this? Any tips- aside from ant-acids, which I'm loathe to use too often for fear of longer term effects.

Peace,

G.


Sorry to hear about your discomfort. Acid Reflux is a sign something is going on and must be addressed. I would say do not panic but try to treat the immediate symptoms. One suggestion is Prilosec OTC. It is an over the counter PPI (Proton Pump inhibitor) It works by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. It is a regimen taken once a day for 14 days. This should help relieve any discomfort until you are seen by your doctor or specialist to determine root cause. I do not think it is necessary to see an ENT at this point until it has been fully determined your medical situation. It could be the early stages of GERD, etc. By all means communicate with your doctor or medical professional. I hope you feel better.

['Magic' Juan]

Don't be just listening to anyone's drug advice please. Go to the doctor. Get the testing done. I did, they went into my stomach through my mouth.

EGD http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Mine revealed severe gastritis that requires some hardcore drugs. To relieve day to day heartburn we eat green apples. 1/2 glass of milk works too.

But get it checked out. Many times it's a sign of other things going on.

I had the same thing done. I was on Protonix and Reglan for a bit over a year. I eventually got off of them and, with careful monitoring of what I eat, I can go on for months without any issues.

-M J

[Armento]

Sorry to hear about your discomfort. Acid Reflux is a sign something is going on and must be addressed. I would say do not panic but try to treat the immediate symptoms. One suggestion is Prilosec OTC. It is an over the counter PPI (Proton Pump inhibitor) It works by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. It is a regimen taken once a day for 14 days. This should help relieve any discomfort until you are seen by your doctor or specialist to determine root cause. I do not think it is necessary to see an ENT at this point until it has been fully determined your medical situation. It could be the early stages of GERD, etc. By all means communicate with your doctor or medical professional. I hope you feel better.
knocking down your acid level is never safe... that acid is there for a reason... doctor first.

[Armento]

I had the same thing done. I was on Protonix and Reglan for a bit over a year. I eventually got off of them and, with careful monitoring of what I eat, I can go on for months without any issues.

-M J
yeah i went through prevacid but now have issues again.. my stomach is just fucked (prolly too many freakin mushrooms in college).. just got to watch the diet..

spicy food and beer by the way... watch out!!! had a green papaya salad (thai spiciness) with a Stella on saturday and ooooh boy... instant runs lol

[sn]

I use to wake up to a mouth full of stomach content. Sometimes I had to sleep with my head propped up. Until I used Dr. Natura.com cleasing system. After 6 months of use I was able to eat ice cream before bed, and no acid. Haven't had acid in my stomach in almost 2 yrs.

Here is the one I used http://drnatura.com/colonix_program.php

[Phyllis Hyman Cherry]

Oh Baby i have been affected by this and IBS for years now.Whatever you do dont not take proton pump inhibitors(Nexium)unless you absouletly have to.Mine started off with Gastritis,i had a endoscopy,my stomach was producing too much acid.Doctor thought it could be the 151 i was drinking straight or stress.Then the doc put me on nexium which i stayed on for a year.It gave me excess gas,bad stomach cramps etc.The medicine was worse than the condition itself.He them put me on a medicine called Dicyclomine which is commonly prescribed for IBS it is to lessen the cramps.I stopped taking the medicine cold turkey and instanly my problems went away.Now the only time i have problems is when i eat to much bad foods or drink to much liquor.Take over the counter prilosec if you can,it blocks acid but its not as strong as Nexium.

[geo]

I use to wake up to a mouth full of stomach content. Sometimes I had to sleep with my head propped up. Until I used Dr. Natura.com cleasing system. After 6 months of use I was able to eat ice cream before bed, and no acid. Haven't had acid in my stomach in almost 2 yrs.

Here is the one I used http://drnatura.com/colonix_program.php

For real??

[emuzik]

Oh Baby i have been affected by this and IBS for years now.Whatever you do dont not take proton pump inhibitors(Nexium)unless you absouletly have to.Mine started off with Gastritis,i had a endoscopy,my stomach was producing too much acid.Doctor thought it could be the 151 i was drinking straight or stress.Then the doc put me on nexium which i stayed on for a year.It gave me excess gas,bad stomach cramps etc.The medicine was worse than the condition itself.He them put me on a medicine called Dicyclomine which is commonly prescribed for IBS it is to lessen the cramps.I stopped taking the medicine cold turkey and instanly my problems went away.Now the only time i have problems is when i eat to much bad foods or drink to much liquor.Take over the counter prilosec if you can,it blocks acid but its not as strong as Nexium.

Werd im taking prilosec it seems to be working .

[Armento]

this is the last time i'm saying this.. don't be knocking down your acid constantly... this is how you get serious parasites. only under doctor's orders...

[geo]

this is the last time i'm saying this.. don't be knocking down your acid constantly... this is how you get serious parasites. only under doctor's orders...

Duly noted.

[Armento]

Duly noted.
i'd hate to see a post in a year with someone saying they got one of these because their acid level was too low.

http://www.corkscrew-balloon.com/03/11/2lon/img/26a1.jpg

[geo]

i'd hate to see a post in a year with someone saying they got one of these because their acid level was too low.

http://www.corkscrew-balloon.com/03/11/2lon/img/26a1.jpg

Word. Check out some fo the pictures:

http://drnatura.com/picture_gallery.html?osCsid=939ca2ca2d74e5ce50997d ff17d66c51

[thadeep]

this is the last time i'm saying this.. don't be knocking down your acid constantly... this is how you get serious parasites. only under doctor's orders...

Armen,

I do not doubt you have knowledge regarding GERD\Acid reflux. I am curious to note your response of why you feel reducing acid is a bad thing? Not trying to start an argument but need to understand. Thanks.

[AD]

Admittedly not the nicest topic but man I'm going through this (I think) at the moment. Been having heartburn since the turn of the year, which at times I've been worried may have been heart related. The quack listened to my heart and said it was fine but sent me to an ECG as a precaution.

I know it's stress related but damn it hurts like hell at times. Anyone else been through this? Any tips- aside from ant-acids, which I'm loathe to use too often for fear of longer term effects.

Peace,

G.

i feel your pain. i've had it for a few years and it got real bad last year. cut down on the coffee and junk food along with any spicy foods. that helped me along with taking the usual dose of tums. if it continues for more than a month and doesn't seem to get any better then definitely seek treatment from a doctor because it can deteriorate the esophagus and lead to horrible complications with the worst being cancer. i didn't take it serious until a friend of mine who has the same problem told me everything his doctor told him would happen if he didn't get a proper diagnosis and treatment in time. drink a lot of milk and cut down on the spicy/junk food if you eat it. take care, bro.

[Armento]

Armen,

I do not doubt you have knowledge regarding GERD\Acid reflux. I am curious to note your response of why you feel reducing acid is a bad thing? Not trying to start an argument but need to understand. Thanks.

acid is there for a reason.. acid reflux is only a problem because the acid we need travels up into the esophagus because of a valve malfunction. So if one is self medicating and is constantly knocking down their acid levels they are not digesting food properly and are causing colonic issues. They are also under a much bigger threat of infections and parasites because the necessary high level of acid isn't there to kill them.

i'm just sayin do it all under doctor's orders.

I watch too much House m.d.

[thadeep]

Oh Baby i have been affected by this and IBS for years now.Whatever you do dont not take proton pump inhibitors(Nexium)unless you absouletly have to.Mine started off with Gastritis,i had a endoscopy,my stomach was producing too much acid.Doctor thought it could be the 151 i was drinking straight or stress.Then the doc put me on nexium which i stayed on for a year.It gave me excess gas,bad stomach cramps etc.The medicine was worse than the condition itself.He them put me on a medicine called Dicyclomine which is commonly prescribed for IBS it is to lessen the cramps.I stopped taking the medicine cold turkey and instanly my problems went away.Now the only time i have problems is when i eat to much bad foods or drink to much liquor.Take over the counter prilosec if you can,it blocks acid but its not as strong as Nexium.


Its good you are doing well. I notice a trend among physicians who prescribe longer treatment plans a year or longer of Protonix. This is the cause of many other issues you have described such as gas, bloating, cramps, etc. Dicyclomine (or Bentyl) as it is sometimes called is a antispasmodic and anticholinergic usually prescribed at dosages of 5mg-10mg to patient with IBS like symptoms. It was a great decision to wean yourself off the medication. You did what most people do not do and that is take control of their own health. Good you are doing well.

[thadeep]

acid is there for a reason.. acid reflux is only a problem because the acid we need travels up into the esophagus because of a valve malfunction. So if one is self medicating and is constantly knocking down their acid levels they are not digesting food properly and are causing colonic issues. They are also under a much bigger threat of infections and parasites because the necessary high level of acid isn't there to kill them.

i'm just sayin do it all under doctor's orders.

I watch too much House m.d.

Thanks for elaborating! I just want to add that reduction of acid DOES NOT contribute solely to parasitic infection. Parasites such as Helicobacter Pylori (aka H. pylori) this bacteria specifically becomes esconsced in the mucus of the stomach and can thrive in stomach acid without problem, it secretes enzymes which are called urease which neutralizes stomach acid. What I am suggesting is that this bacteria can survive in a "normal" environment of an acid producing stomach. A stomach low in acid makes no difference in some regards. The bacteria is the culprit in most GI issues ( as we are learning ) and lowering the acid levels for short periods allows the eradication of bacteria when used with a PrevPac therapy (a triple therapy combination of PPI and double dose of antibiotics). Many doctors keep patients on longer dosages of Protonix when it is medically not necessary.

I just want us to use caution when advising people here as most medical situations are best dealt with on a case by case basis. Please speak with your doctor or medical professional first. Many have tried many treatment methods and all respond differently. What works for one person may not work for someone else. Medicine should be practiced employing uniform methodolgy and treatment approached individually. Thanks.

[Armento]

see the doctor was all i've been saying... i'm going back soon too.. need a few biopsies lol

[thadeep]

Word. Check out some fo the pictures:

http://drnatura.com/picture_gallery.html?osCsid=939ca2ca2d74e5ce50997d ff17d66c51

Interesting? Dont believe everything you see or read, proceed with caution. Why would someone show you this stuff on a toilet? The active ingredient in this product is Psyllium fiber which can be purchased at local drugstore (CVS, Walgreens, Etc) sold as Metamucil, fiber supplementation, etc. I say research, research, research consult with doctor before trying these products. Sounds fishy.

[TAD]

Thanks for elaborating! I just want to add that reduction of acid DOES NOT contribute solely to parasitic infection. Parasites such as Helicobacter Pylori (aka H. pylori) this bacteria specifically becomes esconsced in the mucus of the stomach and can thrive in stomach acid without problem, it secretes enzymes which are called urease which neutralizes stomach acid. What I am suggesting is that this bacteria can survive in a "normal" environment of an acid producing stomach. A stomach low in acid makes no difference in some regards. The bacteria is the culprit in most GI issues ( as we are learning ) and lowering the acid levels for short periods allows the eradication of bacteria when used with a PrevPac therapy (a triple therapy combination of PPI and double dose of antibiotics). Many doctors keep patients on longer dosages of Protonix when it is medically not necessary.

I just want us to use caution when advising people here as most medical situations are best dealt with on a case by case basis. Please speak with your doctor or medical professional first. Many have tried many treatment methods and all respond differently. What works for one person may not work for someone else. Medicine should be practiced employing uniform methodolgy and treatment approached individually. Thanks.
hahahah pwned by the medicine man.

[TAD]

this shit is no joke. my friend nearly died from complications related to dysphagia. it caused a hole in his esophagus that leaked fluid into the lungs which then collapsed after a 5 hour plane trip. he was hospital bound abroad for 6 months.

drinking cow's milk is really bad for you armen.

http://www.healthcastle.com/acid_reflux.shtml

[DJ GOLD D]

Admittedly not the nicest topic but man I'm going through this (I think) at the moment. Been having heartburn since the turn of the year, which at times I've been worried may have been heart related. The quack listened to my heart and said it was fine but sent me to an ECG as a precaution.

I know it's stress related but damn it hurts like hell at times. Anyone else been through this? Any tips- aside from ant-acids, which I'm loathe to use too often for fear of longer term effects.

Peace,

G.

Apple Cider Vinegar helps that.

[Tim Martinez]

I had terrible acid reflux for years. I popped TUMS like they were tic tacs. I had an endoscopy done and it revealed I had a hiatal(sp?) hernia. I used protonix for a while but, it was too damn expensive. I switched to zantax and it worked fine. Now, i switched my eating habits and don't even need it.

Go to the doctor. this can be VERY serious if not treated.

[housemasterreggie]

I thought it was me. I was taking pepto, then the Zantac. I didn't like it. It was like it was still in my chest.

[MikeyB]

you could try slippery elm its a herbal treatment for reflux and other bowel conditions, worked great for me

http://www.alternative-healthzine.com/html/1100_2.html

[geo]

Well- I started taking Vitamin B capsules yesterday evening as well as starting a detox today, using First Cleanse.

Whether it's through realising it's not my heart to just taking some positive action, today was the first day I have not had any heartburn at all.

Oh yeah- also added a second pillow and kept my head up by about 8 inches.

[Angeet654]

Don't be just listening to anyone's drug advice please. Go to the doctor. Get the testing done. I did, they went into my stomach through my mouth.

EGD http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Mine revealed severe gastritis that requires some hardcore drugs. To relieve day to day heartburn we eat green apples. 1/2 glass of milk works too.

But get it checked out. Many times it's a sign of other things going on.

Have acid reflux and milk is not good for it.

[BrazenMuse]

Pancreatin
Digestive enzymes
Meals every 4 hours (small, of course)
Acidophilus

These things can clear it up in a matter of weeks if it's not too far gone.

Simple and effective in early stages...but don't skip the doctor visit - get the diagnosis...

[djdub63]

Been dealing with this for over 15 years... Felt like a swallowed a hot charcoal briquette every fVCK!NG nite! I had 2 upper endoscopy procedures done and they found irreparable damage done to my esophagus (looked like moon craters) they prescribed various medicines over many years and finally ended up with Nexium for about 4 years or so, then my insurance company changes coverage and I had to go through the whole process of testing meds again and ended up with Zegerid (omeprazole/sodiom biacarbonate). This stuff seems to work extremely well! Be sure to go to the doctor first then go from there.

[geo]

Well finally found out yesterday I have a hiatal hernia.

It's actually nice to know in a strange way. At least it stops my mind racing about more serious things.

Dr. says: "no caffeine, cut down booze, no spicy food."
Me: "Nooooooooooooooooooo...."

Some lifestyle changes are in store for 2009.

[Tim Martinez]

Well finally found out yesterday I have a hiatal hernia.

It's actually nice to know in a strange way. At least it stops my mind racing about more serious things.

Dr. says: "no caffeine, cut down booze, no spicy food."
Me: "Nooooooooooooooooooo...."

Some lifestyle changes are in store for 2009.

THIS CAN BE VERY SERIOUS!! I could have died twice because of my hiatal hernia.

In Oct 2006, I had severe anemia caused by the hiatal hernia. I lost 70% of my blood and required a transfusion of 5 units. I used protonix and zantac to relieve the symptoms of gurd and reflux. I chose medication over surgery.

In Oct 2008, I bled out again. This time, I caught it early and lost 30% of my blood volume. The Upper Endoscopy revealed that over 60% of my stomach was floating in the left side of my chest now. This hernia was rubbing up and down on my diaphragm causing irritations and severe erosions in my esophagus from the acid. I was told that it was either surgery or continue to bleed and die. I almost made my wife a widow twice, I was not about to take another chance.

The surgery went well. It was done laparoscopic with 6 small incisions. Now, I feel great and don't have to worry about reflux, gurd or bleeding out again.

Again, keep monitoring yourself and if you see any sign of dark or fresh blood in your stool, go to emergency immediately.

I hope my story helps you and others.

[T]

[TAD]

wow sorry to hear that Geo. hope everything works out for you. keep us posted.

[EddieW8]

I take over the counter Omeprazole, which is generic Prilosec. For me the generic works just as well as the brand name and it's 20-25% cheaper. They recommend 14 pills in 14 days, but I just take one when I need it. Reflux gone in minutes. The only time I need it is when I drink. Alcohol, that is.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omeprazole

[traj]

recently dealt with this as i was eating several tums a day. doc suggested prilosec otc, and i havent had a tums since.