A few weeks back I posted about my health scare. I believed that I had throat cancer (sore throat for months, enlarged tonsil, prominent red lump on the back of my throat).

I was examined by an ENT specialist (who specializes in head and neck cancers). His diagnosis was *Reflux* was likely causing my issues. He told me that there was no suggestion of cancer, and the red bump was an area of lymphoid tissue that was inflamed. He prescribed Omeprazole before breakfast and dinner. I must modify my diet as well.

Now, my question: Has anybody had to deal with reflux? What were your symptoms? I've had a mild cough, I constantly clear my throat, I have a sore throat, mild tongue pain, post nasal drip, and my ears sometimes hurt and feel 'full' with the need to pop them.

Also: what has helped you to alleviate your reflux? I'm a powerlifter, been doing it for years. I'm learning that my habits are the worst for reflux (I drank huge protein shakes right before bed, I'd drink protein and eat, then use a tight lifting belt and deadlift huge weights right after eating). I also drank a ton of coffee. I've since cut back on the coffee (just in the morning, and perhaps a little in the afternoon). I've cut out eating before bed. I've tried to cut back on acidic drinks and foods.

Any tips or experience with symptoms? (In the back of my mind I still worry that I have undiagnosed cancer in the throat).

Thanks.

The omeprazole, (Prilosec) works for me, I've taken it since before it went over the counter. One thing I have noticed is the brand name stuff is better than the generic. No other changes in my eating habits, two cups of coffee in the morning, can still eat spicy foods. Never have ate before bed.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

My symptoms were much more mild. I just had heartburn a lot, anything the least bit carbonated or acidic (think pizza sauce) would have me reaching for the Rolaids. I had them in all of my jacket pockets, car door, glove box, desk drawer or anywhere I might suddenly get heartburn.

Back then I just dealt with it, about 10 years ago or so I'd had enough and told my doctor. I take a 40 milligram omeprazole every morning and I'm good to go. Sometimes I forget to take it and I'm good well into the next day. But by day two without it, Tums for the tummy. I still keep a roll or two stashed away, but they are seldom needed.

Did the doctor mention sleeping with your head elevated? That seemed to help me from time to time. Coffee and soft drinks don't bother me anymore. Hope it works for you.

Not eating after 6 pm,no booze or coffee in the evening has helped some

First reflux "attack" I had was way back in the early eighties...thought I was having a heart attack. Ended up at the ER. My doctor showed up, and correctly diagnosed acid reflux.

None of my symptoms were remotely similar to yours, though.

Doctor told me to stop eating soon before bed. Told me to give up all types of dark cola drinks...Coke, Pepsi, etc. Also told me to lighten up on spicy food...I ate a lot of Mexican and Italian stuff back then. I actually gave up all types of soft drinks over six years ago. Don't miss 'em at all. And I don't knowingly ingest caffeine in any form.

I, too, take Omeprazole...in 20mg doses, once a day...but actually only take it now on an as-needed basis. With my health plan, it's actually cheaper in the Rx form than in the OTC stuff. Thirty capsules cost me $1.40 per Rx.

I think you should change the way you take your protein supplement. I do my protein shakes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour before working out, or in the same time frame after a workout. And I don't guzzle it all down at once, either. A 12-ounce protein shake with maybe a banana and some fruit added in feels like it just lays in your stomach, you know? And if you're adding in some CLA and amino stuff, it's even heavier on your stomach. You don't want that stuff laying in your stomach while you're sleeping.

Acid reflux can damage your esophagus over time if not kept under control. Just stop eating/drinking before bed. If that little "trapdoor" to your stomach opens up when you're laying down, it's most unpleasant.

Good luck with your eating/lifestyle changes and treatment.

thanks for all the quick replies.

Watchdog: thanks for the advice on the workout supplement plan. I would always drink the stuff as fast as I could. Not good I suppose.

I think I'm going to try to find a foam support for sleeping.

I've dealt with this problem for years. I take Omerprazole twice daily and watch my diet. Any thing that has an acidity to it causes problems. Have to watch night time snacks. Some times drinking milk or having yogurt helps. Otherwise it tums and antacids. It does seem to cause irritation in my throat. The worst problem that I had was an Esophageal spasm which was quite painful.

I get acid reflux when I drink too many Angry Orchards. I also think that eating before bed is not a good idea. If not just for the weight gain side effect, having a gut full while prone can cause the content to fill the esophagus and potentially end in the throat or mouth. The stomach acids can actually burn the throat in extreme cases and cause serious damage.

I have had this happen on a few occasions, usually after drinking more than I should, and then lying down.

I would cut back on the coffee and limit it to morning and as Cheryl Tiegs recommended, eat nothing after 7 at night.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Agreement with those here who advise no food late night before going to bed....Eat and give yourself 2 hours to digest intake before laying down....For me cheese and cheese product snacks caused the most problems. I don't eat anything after 7:00pm and generally go to bed around 10:30 or 11:00.

Sleeping upright (recliner) also helps to some degree......

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Hipcocked45

Let me say this about that. There used to be (and may still be) a school of thought about protein and other supplements in relation to weight and strength training. Basically, it was like if you do these supplements, do your workout ASAP because the working of the muscles will draw that protein into your system super fast. Well, that's B.S. If you're power lifting, you're probably taking mega doses of protein, aren't you? You may even be doing some creatine monohydrate for that extra little energy boost and to help your muscles retain water and stay hydrated (and look bigger). So seriously, give the stuff time to naturally get into your system before training sessions.

Here's something that's funny to me now. Long time ago, before all the really serious supplement rage hit, we'd eat protein pills between each set. Do a set of this or that, then chomp up four or five protein pills. It was like eating chalk, but we just knew we were accomplishing something...we were gonna get bigger. The girls were gonna love us, right? So we'd do another set and eat more pills. We were convinced, aka brainwashed, into believing that stuff was going straight to our biceps or lats or traps or whatever, you know? But it was really just the guy running the gym doing his sale pitch on us.

As I said earlier, acid reflux is extremely unpleasant. You think you're just going to burp maybe, but instead this stomach acid comes back up into your throat. A nasty feeling, just nasty.

I've had 'bouts' of it but not long lasting, thank goodness. I have enough problems, knock on wood.

Does the doctor think you may have a hiatal hernia? If so, that can be fixed surgically. You should keep tabs on it.

In 1965 my Grandfather died due to esophageal erosion. Heavy drinking was mentioned as a probable cause, but I never heard anything official.

My Dad died of kidney cancer a year ago. They did say that he also had very bad erosion in his esophagus and he hadn't had anything but some beer and wine for many years, so the drinking thing may have been balony or a guess with nothing to back it up.

Either way, keep tabs on it. I'm going to keep tabs on mine. In the meantime I hope your get some relief.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I deal with it. I'll wake up in the middle of the night choking, depending on what I've eaten. Not always, but sometimes.

Fred Meyer stores here in the PNW (Kroger) have in the vitamin section an enzyme made from pineapple and papaya. Years ago I started eating a couple before bed, and it works as good as Prilosec.

Those taking PPI's (Proton Pump Inhibitors), you need to ask the doc about taking them "forever." I sold Protonix (pantoprazole) for years and if'n you take them "chronically", the cells in the stomach that the acid kills in a never ending symbiosis start growing up into the esophagus. That ain't good. A month on, a month off. Can't believe I said that out loud, my old District Manager would have lost his shoe in my ### for that. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

I have had Acid Reflux for the last 20 years. It's an "old cop disease" (eating fast while on breaks between calls) also a Hyatle Hernia can cause it.
I take two Prilosec tablets daily and don't have any problems. If I miss just one dose of the Prilosec, I definately notice the acid coming back. My Dr. told me that I would be on Prilosec for the rest of my life otherwise I would face esophageal cancer. I think these meds can cause other problems such as joint problems.

You’ve obviously been in the iron game for a long time. I remember my dad telling me that when he met John Grimek at York Barbell, he offered him all these protein pills that were described as chalk.

Thanks for the advice.

Pepsid Complete works great! Stay away from Red Sauces.

How I cured MY ulcer.

I was writing a guy that turned out to be a salesman for Glaxo Pharma a speeding ticket and just about doubled over from the pain.

He asked if I had an ulcer and, when I told him yes, he told me to eat as many green chili peppers as I could stand. I was of course incredulous. But he reminded me of basic chemistry and we agreed the best thing to neutralize acid was alkali and he said that green chilis were a great source of alkali.

I asked how much and how often and he said as much and as often as you could stand. I thought he was messing with me but, upon reflection and willing to try anything, I started eating canned green chilis: with eggs in the am, on sandwiches, at supper with anything, and on soda crackers between meals.

30-40 days later no pain and no problem since and that was in 1991.

I now wish I'd torn up that ticket.

Regards JD

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On the whistle draw and fire 6

not sure what caused my ulcers/GIRD... I only took 3000mg naproxen daily instead of my prescribed pain meds, smoked 3-4 packs a day, chewed tobacco & dips of Kodiak/Skoal. minimum of 2 qts a day stiff black coffee, then iced tea after that about ten oclock AM. Now I drink zero tea, maybe a qt of black coffee, then water after that, no cigs or chew/dip since Apr of 2013 when I had the rest of my R lung taken out.

The Almighty created a wonderfully self renewing body for us... if we don't insist on destroying it like I did. The Rx strength purple capsule meds for ulcer/GIRD is still the best if your insurance will let you have it... Mine won't let me have 3 months of it to cure mine... but they've happily paid for daily prescription Omeprazole since Apr of 2013....go figure.... I still keep Tums beside my chair & a small roll in my jeans pocket to keep with me.

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be safe,enjoylife,journey well

My wife was diagnosed with GERD over ten years ago. She did a lot of online research following her diagnosis which helped her feel more in control and less apprehensive about GERD.

She has changed her diet, lost weight (many midsection inches), and switched her main meal from evening to afternoon. Now, we have dinner in the early afternoon and a small supper before 7 PM. This management strategy has worked well for her and she rarely uses OTC meds.

Our gym coach taught health class and said that supplements were no good and stay away from them.
Later in a football game rally he said that one of his boys was taking protein pills and really building up muscle.

I wasn't very sophisticated in those days, but does 'hypocritical' seem like the right word to describe this?

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Take a shot of Bragg's Apple Cider vinegar when you get out of bed in the morning. I do and I haven't had heartburn since I started about 3 years ago.

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God spelled backwards is dog.

depending on how long ago it was... the pills he were taking could have been steroids...

one of my brother in laws played offensive tackle for a major west coast university from 66 thru 69... when he snapped an ankle... another brother in law(same era) was a wrestler for a large mid-western school made All American honorable mention, for heavyweight his last year, played a lil college football too...they both were very tall, strong kids when they left for college...

both said they were given large doses of steroids every day, plus ate large meals at their "training table free.. every kid in their school's program did the same to the best of their knowledge... they knew their replacements were begging for a chance if they refused to "get with the program". They both gained large amounts of muscle (& height too I think)...Even now some "coaches" get their athletes to take them.

One had his first big stroke 4 years after college, he'd just finished his military hitch, & gotten hired by a large company two weeks before.
The company stuck by him & kept him on medical insurance & kept his job open...God bless them

The other brother in law developed a few health problems we' believe were linked to his steroid use, then came down with cancer. By the grace of our Lord, he is in remission.

I hope the kid at your school is not taking them....

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be safe,enjoylife,journey well

I was at work in May 1997 when a perfect storm for GERD occurred. I hadn't eaten, I was guzzling coffee all day, and because of office renovations my desk was literally next to the copy machine and that just drove me up wall. All of a sudden I'm having chest pains. I ended up being carried out of the office on a stretcher and taken to the hospital. Luckily, I didn't have a heart attack, just acid reflux. I ended up getting the most doctoring I ever had in my life. I alternated between Previcid and Prilosec, because one of the gave me abdominal pains so bad I was doubling over. When I went back to work I refused to work at the desk next to the copy machine again. Luckily when I had the stomach scope there was no damage and eventually I got better and the problems went away. Retirement has totally alleviated the stress.

I had a camera stuck down my throat 10 years ago. Doc said my esophagus was very eroded due to stomach acid. And he said that if not treated esophagus cancer was high risk of occurrence. He put me on omeprazole and I have been on it since. I had my esophagus scoped again a year and then two years after starting on the meds. My esophagus was healed.
I presume I’m on this drug permanently. I take one in the morning and it lasts all day. I have not changed my diet, but I avoid food, coffee and alcohol within 2-3 hours of bedtime.

Thank God it wasn't cancer. I can tell you that throat cancer is no fun at all.

During my second round of chemo (platinum) I was told to start the once daily Omeprazole to prevent nausea. Not only did it do THAT, but my frequent heartburn and reflux went away completely.

Pretty sure it was the reflux that caused my throat cancer. 2+ packs a day for 40 years probably had nothing to do with it.

Might want to double check that Rx. My purple pills say once daily. They are supposedly not like Tums or whatever that act right away.

Generic purple pills from Costco or Walmart are a LOT cheaper than Prilosec, BTW.

I suffered from reflux (as it is now known, several other terms have been used to describe this condition over the years) for over 30 years. Basically, I lived on Tums and Rolaids for decades, while having to avoid several different types of food (citrus fruits, bananas, anything with chili powder, and others). Daily symptoms ranged from constant discomfort to violent nausea, with throat and nasal irritation and inflammation always present.

About 15 years ago I was prescribed Omeprazole 20mg capsules, which are now available as an over-the-counter generic. One capsule taken daily at dinner time has made reflux a thing of the past for me. I have shared this information with dozens of other people suffering similar problems, and all have received relief. Some take Omeprazole only when symptoms arise; others use it as a prophylaxis as I do.

Although it is available without prescription (cost about $20 for 30 days' supply at Walgreens), I would suggest discussing this with your physician prior to starting use, particularly if you are taking any other medications that might be affected by its use.

Hope this helps.

What an awful story.

And this is college ball. Well, everybody knows that pro or not it was and is still big money and perks. Might as well start a football team and build a university to support it.

No, this was way back in the early 70's. The protein pills he was getting was probably soybeans.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I worked next to a mechanical room with huge compressors that were never maintained and whined like a jet engine. That and steam popoffs and a steam EJECTOR that ran most of the time and roared to beat the band. I ended up retiring early. I hated not working but I was glad to get outa there.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Waking up in a start, after inhaling digestive acid into your lungs.

Trust me, it takes more than a few Tic Tacs to get that taste out of the your mouth.

I take a PPI, but sleeping on my back with my torso elevated is the only sure way to keep it at bay.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

I’ve dealt w/this problem for years and have learned when I stay away from food & drink that set it off and I’m OK. Also, I worked out w/weights (no power lifting) for years and found the big belt made things worse so as I got older (71 now) swithced to lighter weight & higher reps.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

thanks. It sound like you are recovered. I wish you continued health.

And it burns, burns, burns your throat and even nasal passages if it goes up far enough. The taste is bad, but it takes a while for the pain to go away and I can't think about much else until then.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Right. Because once you inhale acid down your trachea there's no way to neutralize it. It's not possible to "breath" an antacid into your lungs.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

Wow...this was me quite a few years ago. Had to be scoped every year. Your esophagus really doesn't heal it self completely. Mine went south after a few years.. My doc told me of a new "treatment" they were trying.. It was called esophageal ablation. I was a kinda test patient for my docs about 4 years ago. Cellular changes into esohageal cancer. Had the ablation and since my esophagus has been clear. Oh... raise the head of the bed about 4 inches..stop smoking(and since I was a southern boy..stopped drinking sweet tea). Can't take Prilosec(allergic reaction) so take something else. I was in the early stages of esophageal cancer and consider myself very lucky., Got to go back for my yearly scope of the esophagus... Making the appointment Monday..

I still have relative minor episodes of acid reflux from time-to-time, but nothing like I used to 27 or so years ago. My story is different and apparently quite uncommon!

I used to have severe episodes nearly nightly, often two in a single night. These were as Kernel Crittenden describes. Regurgitate and aspirate stomach contents. Taste bad isn't the half f it as many of you well know!!!!

Well, it was about this same time I was diagnosed as a diabetic! I don't recall what caused me to be checked, but I was. The up-shot was that once my blood sugar levels were under control the acid reflux almost entirely went away. I still have some episodes that are related to diet, but much less severe than I used to have.

So, one more thing to consider, Diabetes! Acid reflux may be an uncommon symptom of diabetes, but it would be worthwhile to look into this if you are not already diabetic, or you are and your blood sugars are not well controlled.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

In 1990 I doubled over with pain and started throwing up blood. I drove myself to the Instacare and the Doc laid me on the table. I turned green and it started again. He said "you are going to the ER". I said "OK it's just down the street, I can drive there in 5 minutes". He told me their nice little ambulance was puling up and I would get better care that way than if I tried to check myself in.
I had a GI with an esophagal hole where my esophagus joins the stomach. I was cauterized and put on alternating drugs for about a year with exams every 2-3 months to monitor progress. When Omiprozale hit the market I was on 450 MG per day alternating back to something else every other month as no one was sure of the long term effects of taking it. My esophagus still had oozing in late 93 and there was a concern of it turning to Barrets [cancerous] so I opted for surgery. I had a Nissen Fundoplasty which put a twist in my stomach where my Hiatal valve should have been. I took Omniprozale for another year or so then stopped. I have had occasional reflux when eating late or really spicy foods late. If needed I take an antacid.
I would do the following.
1] Elevate your bed 2" minimum. When I stay in a motels I determine which way the slope is and remake the bed. Never have your head or throat lower than your stomach, level is not good if you can avoid that.
2] Keep a food and symptom diary. Record everything you eat and drink by the hour and when symptoms occur by the hour. For some it's tomatoes, for me it's cheese. Find your triggers and avoid them even if it's your favorite foods.
3] Eat nothing 2-3 hours before you go to bed. The exception being if you have reflux on an empty stomach have a cracker or a half piece of plain bread, no butter or anything else.
4] Stick to what works for you. I do much better with a heavy protein diet than a mixed one. I start every morning with two eggs and avoid carbs. Loosing weight is what the experts will tell you to do but I have been between 250-270 for the last 25 years and my reflux is now hardly an afterthought.

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Front sight and squeeze

I've dealt with it since the late 1960s. A couple of time I thought I was having a heart attack, luckily not so. The serious/scary times have been when I aspirated stomach acid into my lungs. It has happened twice. I now manage the situation pretty well. I never eat later than 6pm and I limit the size of my evening meal. A great aid is a mattress where you can raise your upper body while sleeping, never lay flat. I found a thing called a 'bed wedge'. It is a simple insert that raises your upper body. That and a steady diet of omeprazole (Prilosec), two a day. Luckily I get mine through the VA. Reflux is nothing to fool with but it can be managed with a few life style changes.

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Keep Shootin' and check 6

Interesting thread, as a GERD patient. One thing not mentioned is that GERD causes severe damage to your teeth, the acid attacks the Enamel and leaves the teeth open to decay. If you suffer GERD regular Dentist visits are essential, it was actually my Dentist that suggested I ask my MD for Protonics.

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John. SWCA #1586

Go to a health food store and get on some Prebiotics and Probiotics. Also there is a powder made by "Garden of life" that's called Raw Meal chocolate or vanilla flavored. I had all the symtems mentioned above. I let the body fix it's self not the drugs the Drs give you.

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Keeping America Moving

Thanks. I take a large spectrum probiotic daily; for years. Lots of Greek yogurt too

Milk before bed was my problem. Pepsid AC helped alot. Good luck.
that stuff is no fun.

Charlie

I had a nighttime incidence of GERD, went to Bethesda the next day, where the Indian MD told me that my problem was overeating too late before getting horizontal, and that my large meal should be during the day.

The only incidents I've had since then were when I egregiously overate late in the evening. For a while I was eating heavily one night a week, but I would fall asleep reading while sitting up on a couch. I would sleep for a two or three hours vertically before going to bed, and had no problem, unless I had really overeaten.

Now I just eat less. And still sit up, often at the computer.

Fiber helps this in addition to a host of other problems.

GET OFF THE PILLS AND SITTING UPRIGHT ALNIGHT LONG! I had acid reflux so bad my doctor put me on some really strong prescription anti-acid pills; didn't help. I have breathing problems during sleep at night and the doctors put me on a CPAP air machine. Since I started wearing the mask while sleeping and breathing the air from the CPAP machine, acid reflux is no longer a problem regardless of how much spicy food I eat or how late I eat it. I also had really bad sinus and allergy problems, no longer. I am a believer in that contraption...it works! You will never get 100-percent used to the non-intrusive soft hose that runs from the machine to fit snugly over your nose and the very soft mask (I use the nostril pillow type), but it is not a bad tradeoff...and...medicare and/or the VA covers the entire cost of it if you are a veteran with an Honorable or Medical Discharge. Hopes this helps you.

Gaviscon works for me.

TBH I didn't, or couldn't read each and every reply above...so if I give dupe advice, please forgive me. I just wanted to add that long term use of acid-blockers - more than a year or two - is NOT a good thing. The users may begin to suffer the effects of malabsorption of minerals and nutrients because of weakened digestive juices....leading to vitamin deficiencies which in turn lead to other, or more health problems. Having been there done that myself, my best advice is to use them regularly at first...until symptoms are under control, or stopped. Then, after that point, only use them on an as-needed basis. If you follow a lot of the advice posted above, you shouldn't need to take acid-blockers on a regular basis.

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Smith. And Wesson. And Me!

Loosing a little weight helped me. I have also learned that by sleeping on my left side, prevents a lot of regurgitation. I quit the Omeprazol for fear of long term stomach troubles.

You would find that an adjustable bed, so that you can elevate your head and upper torso would be a blessing.
Best,
Gary

I take these twice a day & have since they put me on it. with the blessings of my family doc, & my oncologist & their nurses...calcium, magnesium , potassium, Vitamin K, Vit. D, & a male over 50 daily Vitamin . Long term use of Omeprazole can cause weak/brittle bones if you do not use vitamin & mineral supplements. Read thee medical packet that comes with your prescription. Or go to Drugs.com.. to look up any prescription or supplement free. It gives it to you in layman's terms.

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be safe,enjoylife,journey well

Be careful with the potassium. I know it's effective (I was taking it for leg cramps), but too much can cause serious heart problems.

Most vitamins you can take as much as you want. If you take 5,000% of a daily requirement of vitamin-C it causes no harm. But potassium is not like that. Too much and it very quickly starts to mess with the rhythm of your heart beat.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~