Anybody deal with reflux??

[American1776]

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.

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

 

[rwsmith]

And it burns....

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.

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.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

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.

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.

 

[Skeet 028]

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..

 

[Alk8944]

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.

 

[mtgianni]

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.

 

[galena]

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.

 

[hsguy]

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.

 

[ontheroad20]

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.

 

[American1776]

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.

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

 

[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.