heartburn

Question:

Carafate is sold under the brand name: Sucralfate. Information can be located on this drug at the following web site: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/sucral.htm Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://members.aol.com/HawkTear/index.html

Response:

> Does anyone know anything about a drug called carafate??  I want to get > pregnant again someday and was told it is safe to use during pregnancy for > heartburn.  I presently take prilosec, which is not safe during pregnancy. > I have a hiatal hernia and have to take something to control this > heartburn.

I can’t answer your question, but I was wondering what a hiatal hernia feels like. When I was pregnant with my first, it felt like she was jamming her foot up under my ribs. I also had heartburn. Now I’ve been having pain under my ribs and last night I poked around trying to find out where the pain is originating. While sitting, I tried putting a little pressure below the sternum and bending over. It hurt so bad my eyes watered! I haven’t had trouble with swallowing or regurgitating acids. My Dr. put me on Prevacid for heartburn. It helps a little, but it still gets pretty tender in that spot. Especially if I slouch in front of the computer. Does it sound like hiatal herna? Regards, Mary

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >  I was wondering what a hiatal hernia feels > like. > When I was pregnant with my first, it felt like she was jamming her foot up > under my ribs. I also had heartburn. Now I’ve been having pain under my ribs > and last night I poked around trying to find out where the pain is > originating. While sitting, I tried putting a little pressure below the > sternum and bending over. It hurt so bad my eyes watered! > I haven’t had trouble with swallowing or regurgitating acids. My Dr. put me on > Prevacid for heartburn. It helps a little, but it still gets pretty tender in > that spot. Especially if I slouch in front of the computer. Does it sound like > hiatal herna? > Regards, > Mary

What you described could be as a result of hiatal hernia…or not. The only way to know for sure is get either an upper GI barium xray or an endoscopy.  Both pressure from below the diaphragm and genetic predisposition contirbute to this very widespread condition. Chris C.

Response:

Does anyone know anything about a drug called carafate??  I want to get pregnant again someday and was told it is safe to use during pregnancy for heartburn.  I presently take prilosec, which is not safe during pregnancy. I have a hiatal hernia and have to take something to control this heartburn.

Response:

> Hi, I have been having  bad heartburn for about 6 wks. I just got the > report from my upper GI today.  Everything is normal. No evidence of > hiatal hernia or reflux. No masses or ulcers in lower esophagus, stomach > or duodenum.So what in the heck could be causing the buning ? I’ve been > on Prilosec & it only helps a little.

If you aren’t getting much help from the acid blocking drugs, the burning might be caused by a yeast infection instead.  You can test this easily: eliminate ALL sugars from your diet for 48 hours.  No sucrose, fructose (fruit), lactose (dairy), or any -ose.  If you then feel better, yeast is most likely the cause, and you then will know to investigate other remedies.

Response:

Thanks Steve for the comment. I was thinking this same thing this morning , wondering if I could have candida. I’ve been baking "healthy" breads & yesterday I made bagels. I use all fruit jelly on these.I felt very bad after eating this baked goods & indeed have many, many symptoms of a yeast problem.

Response:

Hi, I have been having  bad heartburn for about 6 wks. I just got the report from my upper GI today.  Everything is normal. No evidence of hiatal hernia or reflux. No masses or ulcers in lower esophagus, stomach or duodenum.So what in the heck could be causing the buning ? I’ve been on Prilosec & it only helps a little. Of course I’ll be talking to my doctor on Mon. He sent me a note with the report but didn’t  offer any explanation. Anyone have any thougts on this ?

Response:

Neurontin for pain?

Question:

Has anyone heard of this? Any experiences?? — Christi Exquisite Essentials http://www.eeshops.com Tell me about your PETS! http://www.trilogyonline.com/ChristiConley/ >^,,^<         >^,,^<         >^,,^<         >^,,^<

~*~ Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator ~*~

Response:

I am on neurontin and I have mixed feelings about it.  Sometimes it seems to help and others, not much at all.  It also sometimes gives me odd feelings, like my nerves are kind-of jerking.  It has not stopped my "CPS with neurogenic features" (sheesh!) from progressing. However, I don’t want to come off it either as it is at least some help. Sorry to be so ambivalent about it.  I did have severe dizziness at first but this soon wore off. Sue A Jessie’s website: http://homepages.win.co.nz/creation/Jessindex.html

:Has anyone heard of this? :Any experiences?? : :– :Christi :Exquisite Essentials :http://www.eeshops.com :Tell me about your PETS! :http://www.trilogyonline.com/ChristiConley/ :>^,,^<         >^,,^<         >^,,^<         >^,,^< :~*~ Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator ~*~ : : :

Response:

I was started on it, but I was having side effects I didn’t like (like feeling slow, and not all there) so I never got up to a high enough dose to get any pain relief. Im starting another similar drug now, called Topamax. So far no bad side effects, but no pain relief, either. But again, I just started, so Im not sure how much more I have to increase before I can expect some pain relief if its going to work. Good Luck! Before you buy.

Response:

They say that neurontin is primarily to decrease likelihood o seizures occurring, but attempting to block neuro/nervous signal activity. Supposedly, less nerve signals can mean less pain signals as well. I took it for awhile, it worked some, no bad side effects that i noticed. oran >Has anyone heard of this? >Any experiences?? >– >Christi >Exquisite Essentials >http://www.eeshops.com >Tell me about your PETS! >http://www.trilogyonline.com/ChristiConley/ >^,,^<         >^,,^<         >^,,^<         >^,,^< >~*~ Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator ~*~

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Response:

I am on my second trial with Neurontin.  While prescribed for severe neck, back, testicular pain, and a neuroma, I have found it MOST helpful in the treatment of FMS/CFS symptoms.  My dose is 300mg three times per day (after I had a "step-up" period).  I would highly recommend this med to anyone. Lyle www.my.webmd.com Prescription Drug Reference Gabapentin Neurontin

Pancreatic enzymes high

Question:

Hello, folks. I have been lurking on this group for quite a while, but a recent bout of trouble with…well, my doctor isn’t really sure what is wrong at this point, even though there has been a lot of blood drawn, a couple of CT scans and an endoscopy. "We’re" looking at the other end as soon as it can be scheduled. I’m so excited I could just sleep. Here’s my situation: Starting in 1982 (I was nearly 26), I began having regular bouts of heartburn. For a few years, I could control it with Tums, Rolaids, etc. I was eventually diagnosed with a hiatal hernia (recently reported to be "small"). In the past couple of years, I have been taking prescription strength Tagamet and one other which name escapes me (begins with an "H"?). Last winter, my family doctor put me in Prevacid, initially at 60mg per day. It worked wonders. The reason I had been in to see the doctor was because of tenderness in my abdomen. We never did determine what that was all about before it went away, but it placed us on a diagnostic path that seems to lead nowhere. My pancreatic enzymes are high (I don’t know the actual score), but there is no evidence of any problems with my pancreas. Over the past ten years, I have monitored my diet and weight in order to understand what triggers my heartburn episodes. While there are things I can point to that cause problems more than others (garlic, chocolate, alcohol), I can never predict when I am going to have real trouble until it hits. Unless, of course, I drink the least bit of brandy. That will do it every time. Haven’t had it in years because of that. Oh, yeah, almost forgot. I belch a lot. Pretty melodic sometimes. It doesn’t matter if I have had anything to eat or drink in a while. In fact, one just snuck up on me and I haven’t ingested anything (except a few ounces of water with my Prevacid 2 hours ago) in 10 1/2 hours. Half the time I don’t even notice any more. I am taking 30mg of Prevacid per day and my gastroenterologist (did I get that right?) tells me "no one should have heartburn at that dose…" He, my family physician and I are equally puzzled. I am writing because I woke up at 3am with a stomach ache and couldn’t get back to sleep. Ticks me off when that happens. I have watched a number of thoughtful comments and conversations on this group. Any thoughts, observations or ideas on my situation? Anything I’ve left out of my story? TIA — Steven Kopischke Green Bay, WI

Response:

Moses here: A friend of mind claims that Prilosec is the more effective drug. He tried both for a month each. Have your Doc prescribe a 40 milligram once daily dose. There was something on Medline that supported this view, but I didn’t keep track of it. The burping is likely the weaken LES allowing "backflow." My wife before her surgury complained about having a feeling like this. I’d avoid booze, coffee, and chocolate. The last two cause a weaken LES to relax even more as drug effect. Some people metabolize the PPI drugs at different rate and yeah, there is an abstract on Medline I saw on this topic. Albeit, it did not discuss an clinical ramifications at least in the abstract version. That is if I recall correctly. And if you have about $15000, you can have the surgury. But then it doesn’t always last. When look at my wife and reflect on her surgury, I think so far so good. Several years and one pregnancy down the road. However, I know others (OK one other who is complete failure and another who is a mixed case) who’ve had the surgury and it has failed over time. Sorry about repeating myself since this sounds like my earlier posts. Hopefully someone else will make some comments. Hope you get to feeling better. Sincerely Moses Clarke – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, folks. > I have been lurking on this group for quite a while, but a recent bout of > trouble with…well, my doctor isn’t really sure what is wrong at this > point, even though there has been a lot of blood drawn, a couple of CT scans > and an endoscopy. "We’re" looking at the other end as soon as it can be > scheduled. I’m so excited I could just sleep. > Here’s my situation: > Starting in 1982 (I was nearly 26), I began having regular bouts of > heartburn. For a few years, I could control it with Tums, Rolaids, etc. I > was eventually diagnosed with a hiatal hernia (recently reported to be > "small"). In the past couple of years, I have been taking prescription > strength Tagamet and one other which name escapes me (begins with an "H"?). > Last winter, my family doctor put me in Prevacid, initially at 60mg per day. > It worked wonders. The reason I had been in to see the doctor was because of > tenderness in my abdomen. We never did determine what that was all about > before it went away, but it placed us on a diagnostic path that seems to > lead nowhere. > My pancreatic enzymes are high (I don’t know the actual score), but there is > no evidence of any problems with my pancreas. > Over the past ten years, I have monitored my diet and weight in order to > understand what triggers my heartburn episodes. While there are things I can > point to that cause problems more than others (garlic, chocolate, alcohol), > I can never predict when I am going to have real trouble until it hits. > Unless, of course, I drink the least bit of brandy. That will do it every > time. Haven’t had it in years because of that. > Oh, yeah, almost forgot. I belch a lot. Pretty melodic sometimes. It doesn’t > matter if I have had anything to eat or drink in a while. In fact, one just > snuck up on me and I haven’t ingested anything (except a few ounces of water > with my Prevacid 2 hours ago) in 10 1/2 hours. Half the time I don’t even > notice any more. > I am taking 30mg of Prevacid per day and my gastroenterologist (did I get > that right?) tells me "no one should have heartburn at that dose…" He, my > family physician and I are equally puzzled. > I am writing because I woke up at 3am with a stomach ache and couldn’t get > back to sleep. Ticks me off when that happens. > I have watched a number of thoughtful comments and conversations on this > group. Any thoughts, observations or ideas on my situation? Anything I’ve > left out of my story? > TIA > — > Steven Kopischke > Green Bay, WI

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

medication called carafate

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Has anyone ever been on a medication called carafate??  Does this help with > heartburn?  I have been on prilosec for the last 3+ years for a heartburn > from a hiatal hernia.  My doctor told me I could go on carafate when I am > ready to get pregnant since prilosec is not safe to take during pregnancy. > Does anyone know how effective this medication is or what else I may be > able to take during pregnancy??  Carafate is apparently a medication used > for ulcer patients but also helps with heartburn.  Thank you in advance for > any responses to this post.

I wrote a long posting then the computer crashed. Moses here: Low tech but fairly effective. Also known as sucralfate is a complex salt of sucrose containing Al and SO4 . Work by coating & increasing mucus & bicarbonate production. Can constipate. It may bind your phosphates and carry them out? A supplement may well be warrented to make up for the loss. Sincerely Moses Clarke Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Has anyone ever been on a medication called carafate??  Does this help with > heartburn?  I have been on prilosec for the last 3+ years for a heartburn > from a hiatal hernia.  My doctor told me I could go on carafate when I am > ready to get pregnant since prilosec is not safe to take during pregnancy. > Does anyone know how effective this medication is or what else I may be > able to take during pregnancy??  Carafate is apparently a medication used > for ulcer patients but also helps with heartburn.  Thank you in advance for > any responses to this post.

Moses here: Low tech but fairly effective. In one gram doses four times a day it is about as effective as H2 blockers..at least for ulcers..for GERD? The only concern I have is that aluminum compounds tend to bind phosphate and carry it out of the gut rather than permitting it into the blood. You may need a supplement? Sucralfate is a complex salt of sucrose containing aluminum & sulfate. The sulfate anions bind to the postively charged proteins of the ulcer base…if the problem is an ulcer or acid burn of the esophagus. Also, it stimulates mucus & HCO3 production, prostaglandin production, & mucosal blood flow? and  binds to fibroblast growth factor? Said to be deviod of systemic effect unless the kidneys are "shot"…there is a medical term…ho ho. It can constipate..2 to 3% of users. Other meds should be take 2 hours after taking this med. sincerely Moses Clarke PS blame 35th edition of Medical Diagnosis & Treatment  a Lange med bk. if the comments are off base. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Has anyone ever been on a medication called carafate??  Does this help with heartburn?  I have been on prilosec for the last 3+ years for a heartburn from a hiatal hernia.  My doctor told me I could go on carafate when I am ready to get pregnant since prilosec is not safe to take during pregnancy. Does anyone know how effective this medication is or what else I may be able to take during pregnancy??  Carafate is apparently a medication used for ulcer patients but also helps with heartburn.  Thank you in advance for any responses to this post.

Response:

Please Help!!

Question:

I am starting to get so discouraged.  Here’s the situation…I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia over 2 years ago.  I was put on prilosec 20 mg 1 time per day.  That took care of the heartburn problem.  Recently, I started getting the heartburn back really bad and the acid was moving into my throat.  I was having some trouble swallowing, etc.  Anyways, my doctor did another endoscopy and found inflammation and erosion of my esphagus. He doubled my dosage of prilosec (1 in the am and 1 in the pm).  That in combination with watching my diet really seemed to help.  He told me to do this for 6 weeks, which I did.  Last week I went back on 1 per day according to his direction.  The heartburn is back and am starting to get burning in my throat.  I thought one dose of prilosec was suppose to help most people.  Why not me?  What else can I do??  The other problem is that I want to have more children someday.  Is my body ever going to be able to tolerate a pregnancy with this heartburn problem??  It is not safe to take prilosec during a pregnancy.  Does anyone have any answers for me???

Response:

>I thought one dose of prilosec was suppose to help most people.<

Some people require 40mg or higher. Others have switched to Prevacid and found that it works better. The reverse is true as well. >What else can I do??<

I am sure you are not smoking and really watching what you eat but I am saying it anyway for the others that will be reading this. >The other problem is that I want to have more children someday.  Is my body

ever going to be able to tolerate a pregnancy with this heartburn problem??  It is not safe to take prilosec during a pregnancy.< It is not recomemded to take Prilosec or Prevacid when pregnant. One person I know stopped taking the Prilosec and remained relativly heartburn free the whole time she was pregnant. After giving birth she had to start taking the Prilosec again. It could be that your doctor might reccomend an h2 blocker such as Ranitidine (Zantac) There have been no adequate studies on pregnant mothers to date but animal studies using  up 160 times the human dose showed no impaired fertility or damage to the fetus. The makers of Zantac also state:  "Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.." The other course of action would be fundoplication surgery. I hope this helps…I know it is not an easy thing to live with, especially when you would like to have children. Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

HawkTear> The other course of action would be fundoplication surgery. How long has this procedure been performed?  What is the long term implications of the procedure.  For example, if the patient is in their 30’s, will the surgery be a permanent solution?  What other implications are there? Thanks. — Russell Senior

Response:

Heartburn is caused by a lack of tone in certain muscles. That is why pregnant women get heartburn, they can not breathe deeply when pregenat and hormones cause a weakning of thier muscles in general. Just do the following exercises: Create a vacuum in your lungs, by sucking in air through pursed lips, pretending to suck a thick liquid through a straw. Then blowing out air through the same small opening, creating pressure on your lungs by you muscles. If you do this for a while on a daily basis, your muscles will have toned up in such a way that they keep the sphincter in the esophagus closed. I had this problem for 10 years and it is gone! Good luck — Joop Kaashoek

Response:

>How long has this procedure been performed?  What is the long term >implications of the procedure.  For example, if the patient is in >their 30’s, will the surgery be a permanent solution?  What other >implications are there?

The open Nissen fundoplication started being performed about 1951. The laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication about 1991. A resent study found that 90 percent of patients undergoing the procedure are symptom-free after 10 years.  Another serious study presented at the 62nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology reviewed the long-term effectiveness of fundoplication and made this statement "Although this procedure is viewed as curative, as many as 64 percent of patients in this study experienced persistent reflux symptoms and significantly impaired quality of life after this surgical procedure."  There are several excelent links on the heartburn-help.com web site that will answer your questions. Click on the Surgery Button on the main page.   Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

Thanks for posting for the whole group to see. Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

I`m so sorry for your loss Kathy, I lost my first husband when I was 22, & I had a 10 month old and a 2 year old. I know how you feel, and it`s not fair. My girls were what kept me going. I wish you all the luck in the world… Take care of that little 2 yr. old. {{{{{{Hugs}}}}}} Janis  (

Heartburn in Pregnancy

Question:

My wife is suffering from bad heartburn during her pregnancy. We read an article somewhere that Papaya fruit can help, either fresh or in tablet form. Seeing as she doesn’t like the fresh fruit, does anyone know a source for the tablets in England?? Help! Please reply to me be e-mail only

Response: