Anybody deal with reflux??

[crsides]

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

Charlie

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

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.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

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

 

[Mac!Gettothechoppa'!]

CPAP machine kills acid reflux

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.

 

[islandguy]

Gaviscon works for me.

 

[500SNW]

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.

 

[Izzydog]

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.

 

[K-22]

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.

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

 

[da gimp]

to deal with long term use of omiprazoles robbing the body of minerals

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.

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.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

....calcium, magnesium , potassium, Vitamin K, Vit. D, & a male over 50 daily Vitamin....

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.

 

[brigeton]

I had it for most of my adult life. Prlosec helped a lot. I never had a problem with spicy food, greasy food especially gravy got me the worst. The root cause for me was my job. Not the work but the jerks that ran the place.
I retired 4 years ago and haven't had it since.