Posts tagged: Amp

Acid Reflux – Coffee, Beer and Wine

Question:

I’ve been on Nexium for a couple months now after being diagnosed with Acid Reflux.  I really miss my 2 cups of coffee on the morning & an occasional beer or glass of wine.  I’ve heard Kona or Sumatra Coffee might be less aggravating to reflux symptoms & plan to try them.  I haven’t even attempted to drink Wine or Beer since starting the Nexium.  Anyone with Acid Reflux find any wine or beer that doesn’t cause aggravation?

Response:

> I’ve been on Nexium for a couple months now after being diagnosed with > Acid Reflux.  I really miss my 2 cups of coffee on the morning & an > occasional beer or glass of wine.  I’ve heard Kona or Sumatra Coffee > might be less aggravating to reflux symptoms & plan to try them.  I > haven’t even attempted to drink Wine or Beer since starting the > Nexium.  Anyone with Acid Reflux find any wine or beer that doesn’t > cause aggravation?

Although I find that *any* beer or wine aggravate my GERD, smooth dark beers seem to aggravate it the least.  For example, Guinness draught. — Richard W Kaszeta http://www.kaszeta.org/rich

Response:

Anybody awake and want to chat?

Question:

I’m just hanging out in the chat room – too tired to watch the rest of the movie I rented (Gladiator) but too awake to go to bed…. Come on in and join me! Michele

Response:

I’m at the chat room right now.  Hope it not too late.  It is still early 9:30p in calif. John K — Make a FREE long distance call from your PC! http://www.eboom.com/free/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m just hanging out in the chat room – too tired to watch the rest of the > movie I rented (Gladiator) but too awake to go to bed…. > Come on in and join me! > Michele

Response:

> I’m just hanging out in the chat room – too tired to watch the rest of the > movie I rented (Gladiator) but too awake to go to bed…. > Come on in and join me! > Michele

         Michele, I don’t know if it’s too late for you or not.  It’s 12:50AM Central Time where I am, & I would be glad to chat with you, abdominal pain keeping me up again tonite. (competes with back pain for attention <g>) Hope that I find you & it’s not too late, otherwise I will try again tomorrow.          With Love, Caring, & Peace,                   Albert — Tis easier to go thru the eye of a needle, than the knee of an idol                        web    http://www.schmendrik.org

Response:

Dear Albert:  Are you taking anything for irritable bowel syndrome? Is the pain intestinal or in your stomach proper?  Librax works well for me for intestional pain and phenergan works for the tummy pain along with the Prilosec twice a day.  Would yor doctor consider any of these or do you think any of them would help?  Just a couple of thoughts.  Thinking of you… Take Care, Deanie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m just hanging out in the chat room – too tired to watch the rest of the > movie I rented (Gladiator) but too awake to go to bed…. > Come on in and join me! > Michele >         Michele, >I don’t know if it’s too late for you or not.  It’s 12:50AM Central >Time where I am, & I would be glad to chat with you, abdominal pain >keeping me up again tonite. (competes with back pain for attention <g>) >Hope that I find you & it’s not too late, otherwise I will try again >tomorrow. >         With Love, Caring, & Peace, >                  Albert >– >Tis easier to go thru the eye of a needle, than the knee of an idol >                       web    http://www.schmendrik.org

Response:

Hi Albert, Sorry I missed you – I stayed for a little while and then went to bed.  Hope to see you there another time and I also hope you are feeling better. Michele – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m just hanging out in the chat room – too tired to watch the rest of the > movie I rented (Gladiator) but too awake to go to bed…. > Come on in and join me! > Michele >         Michele, >I don’t know if it’s too late for you or not.  It’s 12:50AM Central >Time where I am, & I would be glad to chat with you, abdominal pain >keeping me up again tonite. (competes with back pain for attention <g>) >Hope that I find you & it’s not too late, otherwise I will try again >tomorrow. >         With Love, Caring, & Peace, >                  Albert >– >Tis easier to go thru the eye of a needle, than the knee of an idol >                       web    http://www.schmendrik.org

Response:

[[ This message was both posted and mailed: see    the "To," "Cc," and "Newsgroups" headers for details. ]] > Dear Albert:  Are you taking anything for irritable bowel syndrome? > Is the pain intestinal or in your stomach proper?  Librax works well > for me for intestional pain and phenergan works for the tummy pain > along with the Prilosec twice a day.  Would yor doctor consider any of > these or do you think any of them would help?  Just a couple of > thoughts.  Thinking of you… > Take Care, > Deanie

         Deanie, God bless you for the suggestions.  I am currently taking 150mg generic Zantac at bedtime for horrible acid reflux.  Thought I had a heart attack one night, almost called my internist at about 2AM one morning. The Gastroenterologist that decided I had IBS after giving me an Endoscopy & Colonoscopy (maternal grandma had colon cancer) is only giving me MiraLax.  That is a prescription laxative to help with the miserable constipation from the Methadone.  I had planned to schedule an appt. with him this week or next, and will ask. Thank you again for the suggestions, I have felt so lost since he first suggested that I had IBS.  When I told him of the horrible pain, he just nodded, and said ok.  He did not offer any drugs to help the problem.  Like many docs I have seen in the past, he probably thinks that at 12 scripts already, I am taking enough prescription medication. Too bad he doesn’t have the care/comfort of the patient primary in his mind.  He didn’t even tell me that there were meds available to help with the IBS, or possibly the pain from it.  I will say that 70-80mg of Methadone a day doesn’t even touch the pain in the abdomen! Some days the pain feels like the stomach proper, and other days it does feel lower, like in the intestines.  That’s just me guessing, tho, it could all be in the intestines, and I just don’t know how low the stomach is in the human body :-} Again, thanks for the help, hope you are having as pain free nights & days as is humanly possible.  You are in my thoughts & prayers, and I will put 36 cents in the pishka for you.  Your kindness & support are nothing short of amazing.          With Love, Caring, & Peace,                   Albert — Tis easier to go thru the eye of a needle, than the knee of an idol                        web    http://www.schmendrik.org

Response:

[[ This message was both posted and mailed: see    the "To," "Cc," and "Newsgroups" headers for details. ]] > Hi Albert, > Sorry I missed you – I stayed for a little while and then went to bed.  Hope > to see you there another time and I also hope you are feeling better. > Michele

         Michele, I hope that you are feeling better now, and the pain has dropped to a more managable level.  The abdominal pain is a little better on days when I take just a little muscle relaxant, NOT enough to take a "trip", ala the ’60s :-} Hoping that you are having as pain free nights and days as are humanly possible, and that you are getting better rest now.  Looking forward to chatting with you another night.          With Love, Caring, & Peace,                   Albert — Tis easier to go thru the eye of a needle, than the knee of an idol                        web    http://www.schmendrik.org

Response:

speeding gastric emptying?

Question:

Does anyone know of ways to speed up gastic emptying without taking the prescription prokinetic agents (Reglan, etc.).  I’ve got GERD and while heartburn is pretty much under control with Prilosec and Gaviscon, I still seem to have a gastric emptying problem where I feel full for many hours, sometimes even up to a day, after a meal.  Its not serious enough that I would be willing to incur the side effects of the prescription drugs, but I think maybe the prilosec has made it worse (less stomach acid to help break down food).  Is there anything mild I can take or do to help this beyond avoiding the fats. I’ve heard walking after eating helps as does chewing gum.  I’ve been trying both and have noticed "mild" improvement.  

Response:

>Does anyone know of ways to speed up gastic emptying without taking the >prescription prokinetic agents (Reglan, etc.).

Quit milk. That’s all that improved my gastric emptying. But it will only work if it turns out you’re allergic to it. I can’t even eat a molecule of the stuff without it messing me up for days. Constipation, bloating, fullness, heartburn, loss of appetite, pain. And those are just the gastro symptoms… CW Healing from GERD http://www.volare.net/gerd Alternative Medicine & GERD Discussion Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/altgerd

Response:

> Does anyone know of ways to speed up gastic emptying without taking the > prescription prokinetic agents (Reglan, etc.).  I’ve got GERD and while > heartburn is pretty much under control with Prilosec and Gaviscon, I still seem > to have a gastric emptying problem where I feel full for many hours, sometimes > even up to a day, after a meal.  Its not serious enough that I would be willing > to incur the side effects of the prescription drugs, but I think maybe the > prilosec has made it worse (less stomach acid to help break down food).

I wonder a lot about this, too, and have been unable to find any research on this issue directly.  I had a gastric emptying scan when I was first diagnosed with GERD, and it was normal.  I had one after eight months on twice-daily PPIs, and it was definitely slow.   A study published just this year found that in some patients, gastric emptying improves after surgery.  I can’t help but wondering if the fact that those with a successful fundoplication no longer take PPIs was the real issue.   Colleen Porter

Response:

Malox & aloe drink

Question:

> i know someone that drank malox like water until they started drinking this > aloe drink.Now they swear by it -no problems now. > see ya,

Now that’s very interesting. What is Malox? And what is the aloe drink? I’m always very interested in wonder cures.

Response:

> i know someone that drank malox like water until they started drinking this > aloe drink.Now they swear by it -no problems now. > see ya, > Now that’s very interesting. What is Malox? And what is the aloe drink? > I’m always very interested in wonder cures.

Maalox is a liquid antacid. Aloe is a juice of a tropical fruit which you can buy in bottles at health food stores.  Typically you’ll see Aloe Vera as an ingredient in sunburn remedies and lotions. On the advice of a friend, I bought a pint bottle of it last year to see if it would help tame my chronic heartburn.  Not only did it have no effect at all, but it is the most offensive-tasting stuff I’ve ever put in my mouth. I don’t know if I can even express in words how bad it tastes.  Imagine a cocktail of extremely spoiled milk mixed with mustard and you’ll get the idea..  Perhaps it would be tolerable with a lot of sugar added to it.. also it has to be kept refrigerated.. it is a somewhat viscous, sort of golden-colored liquid. Harv

Response:

The Aloe drink I tried tasted like it had Clorox added to it. I would have to down the gel form of this without looking, as to look at it would cause me to "barf".Anyway I did use 2 bottles of these, with no relief. Lora

Response:

ping dr work & dave: pain management

Question:

Austrailia…and codeee wants to go there?????? — Bill Work

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Katharine Are you in the USA?  I think not, because I would HATE to think that > a US doctor would tell a patient that he needs "permission from the government" > to prescribe MSContin, Oxycontin or Methadone.  Sounds like you may do better > with a pain management specialist.  good luck.

Response:

Do you know that there’s a site called Pain World, in Australia?  It’s a discussion group, but is not usenet.    Good people ….. if you’d like the url, let me know. — Harley

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> You won’t get an entire day’s worth of analgesia from this dosage, but it > certainly is worth trying. Since this medication lasts 4 to 6 hours, *unless > you were instructed otherwise* (You know that you have to follow your > Physician’s specific instructions if these were given)  I would recommend > 1/2 tablet along with your other medication to see if you can tolerate the > drug, and if it provides any relief at all in low dose, if you were given > dosing "freedom" for this trial prescription. Since your upper limit, as > defined by your current MD, is 1 and 1/2 tablet per day, this will give you > 6 doses per 24 hours.

Not sure where you got 6 doses from – 1/2 tablet at a time is three doses to get to the 1 1/2 total for the day. Anyway, I’ll give it a try, and see how I respond. The doc said to start with half a tablet once a day, and work my way up to three times a day. My main concern is that there’s 20 in the pack – only a week’s worth at the prescribed dosage. I assume I need to taper down off them? Anyway, off to the chemist to fill the script :) snipped > Also, If you see your Physician prior to pain management, ask for some > samples of Celebrex. COX II meds do work for some people very well, and is > worth trying, even when other NSAIDS have failed. Taken after the evening > meal (and 3 hours before bedtime-heartburn) Celebrex has been very effective > for several of my clients as an adjunct to pain management.

That’s what he was going to try with me, but as inflamation isn’t the problem, I don’t know how they could help. And I’m a bit worried about the side-effects. Also, it seemed like he just picked the name of the drug out of a hat, rather than it being something that he considered along with other possibilities, so I didn’t really trust what he was saying. Does adjunct mean in addition to other pain meds? > I knew that Australia’s Medicare had some prior approval requirements for > certain drugs-are the expensive SR opiates the only ones restricted? Opiates > in general?

snipped I don’t know how it works here, I’ll soon find out I suppose! > Also, give a Chemist a call and see if MS Contin and Oxycontin are available > in Australia. Canada has both, and I can see no reason that "Oz" would > exclude these two meds!

Just done that – looks like they are. But the doc said the long-acting Oxycontin is only available as a suppository at this stage! Pills coming soon I think. Katharine Maxwell.

Response:

  Weather plays a big part in how I feel.  Can you tell me how you can tell the difference?  Humidity really causes me pain also.  Humidity effects my whole body especially my hands, neck and knees.  What anti -inflammatory work for you?  I just tried Vioxx and have nothing good to say about it. See ya. Rob

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Sorry Rob…didn’t mean to hurt your head! > Weekends are for fun, not for thinking…I agree! > Thanks for the info, BTW. I have both osteoarthritis and > DDD in the same spot, too..lumbar spine. But I know the difference in > how they feel at different times, but that’s just me. > Weather is only a factor for my osteo, not my DDD. > Anyway, enjoy the rest of your weekend! > Best to you, > Trailingvine >The Merriam-Webster Dictionary states >Osteoarthritis : arthritis marked by degeneration of the cartilage and bone >of joints. >I was told by my orthopedic surgeon that Osteoarthritis is the brood term >used.  DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease), DJD( Degenerative Joint Disease), >DFD (Degenerative Facet Disease) are more specific as to the location of >Osteoarthritis. >The radiologist’s report referring to my MRI also calls it Osteo in one >sentence and then DDD in the next.  If they are two different conditions, I >have them both in one location. Osteo by definition means bone. Arthritis >is : inflammation of a joint or joints resulting in pain and swelling. I am >told that the definition depends on it’s source and is argumentative among >health care professionals.  Sorta like what came first the chicken or the >egg. > Now you went and made me think!  It’s the weekend, it is not time to think. >http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/osteoart.html#_1_1 >Rob Hartley >> Rob.. >> DDD and osteoarthritis are 2 different conditions. >> DDD is a disease of the spinal discs, where they degenerate and fall >> apart. >> Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, taking place in >> the joints. Most people who suffer from DDD also get osteoarthritis in >> the spine, which is where you are getting confused, I think. >> Dr. Work and others can go more in depth than I can on this, but I >> know that I am correct in that they are different diseases. >> Take care, >> Trailingvine >>  "To live happily is an inward power of the soul" >>                   Marcus Aurelius >> >Hi, I’m not 100% positive but I think Osteoarthritis is the same thing as >> >DDD and DJD (degenerative joint disease).  I also have Osteoarthritis and >> >found that Relafen has helped me.  Relafen is a NSAID and I think since >> >everyone is different that you must experiment with different drugs until >> >you find the one(s) that works.  I tried the new drug (Vioxx) and it >doesn’t >> >do diddly for me.  I always go back to the Relafen (1000 mgs/day). I >> >sincerely hope you find the combination that works and you have a >relatively >> >pain free life. >> >Rob >> ><snip> message >> ><snip> >> >> > > > > > He suggested something called celebrex, which he said is new. >I >> >> asked >> >> > > him what was in it, and he looked it up in the book and showed me. >> >> It >> >> > > said it was a COX-2 inhibitor. He said something action on >> >> > > prostaglandin… and that it was like the anti-inflammatories. The >> >> > > book mentioned side effects such as stomach problems, but he said >> >> few >> >> > > people had these problems. >> >> > > Anyway, it looked like an NSAID to me, which I’ve had two courses >> >> of, >> >> > > and they’ve had absolutely no affect. He said it also wasn’t just >> >> > > that, but also acted as a pain killer, but I wasn’t convinced. >Plus, >> >> > > the book said it was indicated for conditions such as >> >> osteoarthritis, >> >> > > and that’s nothing to do with what I’ve got (DDD). >> >> > > So, I brought out the big guns, and layed out on the table my >> >> > > printouts of info on Morphine Sulphate, and Oxycodone. He said he’d >> >> be >> >> > > prepared to give me a script for Oxycodone, but only one at this >> >> > > stage, as he has to get permission from the government as it’s a >> >> > > restricted drug. Plus, only the short-acting one is available in >> >> > > tablet form – the long-acting one only as a suppository (it’s >coming >> >> > > in tablet form soon apparently). He was wary of prescribing >Morphine >> >> > > Sulphate due to the restrictions, and he feels he should go step by >> >> > > step up to them rather than directly to them. He sees Morphine as >> >> > > being one step up from Oxycodone. >> >> > > So, we concluded that I’d be better off going to a pain management >> >> > > specialist, who deals with this kind of stuff all the time. That >> >> makes >> >> > > sense to me, but I wanted to give him a fair go first. But when he >> >> > > kept bringing up the problem of the addictive properties of these >> >> > > drugs… that kind of made up my mind :) At least he was pleasant >> >> > > about the whole thing, and was happy to hear what I had to say. >> >> > > Anyway, I’ve got a script for the Oxycodone. Is it worthwhile >> >> filling >> >> > > it? It’s for 5 mg tablets, to work my way up from 1/2 tablet a day >> >> to >> >> > > 1 1/2 tablets a day. Or should I just stick to the panadeine forte? >> >> > > (paracetamol 500mg, codeine phosphate 30mg), which I know works >> >> > > (although makes me feel a bit strange, but helps with the pain). >> >> > > Now I just have to find a pain specialist who’s not afraid to >> >> > > prescribe opiods if they are appropriate! I’ve got a couple of >leads >> >> > > from http://www.chronicpaininc.com/ and will be following them up. >> >> > > That’s my update! >> >> > > — >> >> > > Katharine Maxwell >> >> > > spamblock in action. Work it out! >> >> Before you buy. > " Because you have the most marvelous youth, and youth is the one thing worth having." >                     Oscar Wilde

Response:

Sorry Rob…didn’t mean to hurt your head! Weekends are for fun, not for thinking…I agree! Thanks for the info, BTW. I have both osteoarthritis and DDD in the same spot, too..lumbar spine. But I know the difference in how they feel at different times, but that’s just me. Weather is only a factor for my osteo, not my DDD. Anyway, enjoy the rest of your weekend! Best to you, Trailingvine – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->The Merriam-Webster Dictionary states >Osteoarthritis : arthritis marked by degeneration of the cartilage and bone >of joints. >I was told by my orthopedic surgeon that Osteoarthritis is the brood term >used.  DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease), DJD( Degenerative Joint Disease), >DFD (Degenerative Facet Disease) are more specific as to the location of >Osteoarthritis. >The radiologist’s report referring to my MRI also calls it Osteo in one >sentence and then DDD in the next.  If they are two different conditions, I >have them both in one location. Osteo by definition means bone.  Arthritis >is : inflammation of a joint or joints resulting in pain and swelling. I am >told that the definition depends on it’s source and is argumentative among >health care professionals.  Sorta like what came first the chicken or the >egg. > Now you went and made me think!  It’s the weekend, it is not time to think. >http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/osteoart.html#_1_1 >Rob Hartley > Rob.. > DDD and osteoarthritis are 2 different conditions. > DDD is a disease of the spinal discs, where they degenerate and fall > apart. > Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, taking place in > the joints. Most people who suffer from DDD also get osteoarthritis in > the spine, which is where you are getting confused, I think. > Dr. Work and others can go more in depth than I can on this, but I > know that I am correct in that they are different diseases. > Take care, > Trailingvine >  "To live happily is an inward power of the soul" >                   Marcus Aurelius > >Hi, I’m not 100% positive but I think Osteoarthritis is the same thing as > >DDD and DJD (degenerative joint disease).  I also have Osteoarthritis and > >found that Relafen has helped me.  Relafen is a NSAID and I think since > >everyone is different that you must experiment with different drugs until > >you find the one(s) that works.  I tried the new drug (Vioxx) and it >doesn’t > >do diddly for me.  I always go back to the Relafen (1000 mgs/day). I > >sincerely hope you find the combination that works and you have a >relatively > >pain free life. > >Rob > ><snip> > ><snip> > >> > > > > > He suggested something called celebrex, which he said is new. >I > >> asked > >> > > him what was in it, and he looked it up in the book and showed me. > >> It > >> > > said it was a COX-2 inhibitor. He said something action on > >> > > prostaglandin… and that it was like the anti-inflammatories. The > >> > > book mentioned side effects such as stomach problems, but he said > >> few > >> > > people had these problems. > >> > > Anyway, it looked like an NSAID to me, which I’ve had two courses > >> of, > >> > > and they’ve had absolutely no affect. He said it also wasn’t just > >> > > that, but also acted as a pain killer, but I wasn’t convinced. >Plus, > >> > > the book said it was indicated for conditions such as > >> osteoarthritis, > >> > > and that’s nothing to do with what I’ve got (DDD). > >> > > So, I brought out the big guns, and layed out on the table my > >> > > printouts of info on Morphine Sulphate, and Oxycodone. He said he’d > >> be > >> > > prepared to give me a script for Oxycodone, but only one at this > >> > > stage, as he has to get permission from the government as it’s a > >> > > restricted drug. Plus, only the short-acting one is available in > >> > > tablet form – the long-acting one only as a suppository (it’s >coming > >> > > in tablet form soon apparently). He was wary of prescribing >Morphine > >> > > Sulphate due to the restrictions, and he feels he should go step by > >> > > step up to them rather than directly to them. He sees Morphine as > >> > > being one step up from Oxycodone. > >> > > So, we concluded that I’d be better off going to a pain management > >> > > specialist, who deals with this kind of stuff all the time. That > >> makes > >> > > sense to me, but I wanted to give him a fair go first. But when he > >> > > kept bringing up the problem of the addictive properties of these > >> > > drugs… that kind of made up my mind :) At least he was pleasant > >> > > about the whole thing, and was happy to hear what I had to say. > >> > > Anyway, I’ve got a script for the Oxycodone. Is it worthwhile > >> filling > >> > > it? It’s for 5 mg tablets, to work my way up from 1/2 tablet a day > >> to > >> > > 1 1/2 tablets a day. Or should I just stick to the panadeine forte? > >> > > (paracetamol 500mg, codeine phosphate 30mg), which I know works > >> > > (although makes me feel a bit strange, but helps with the pain). > >> > > Now I just have to find a pain specialist who’s not afraid to > >> > > prescribe opiods if they are appropriate! I’ve got a couple of >leads > >> > > from http://www.chronicpaininc.com/ and will be following them up. > >> > > That’s my update! > >> > > — > >> > > Katharine Maxwell > >> > > spamblock in action. Work it out! > >> Before you buy.

" Because you have the most marvelous youth, and youth is the one thing worth having."                     Oscar Wilde

Response:

Thank you for your feedback, much appreciated. Katharine.

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Response:

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary states Osteoarthritis : arthritis marked by degeneration of the cartilage and bone of joints. I was told by my orthopedic surgeon that Osteoarthritis is the brood term used.  DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease), DJD( Degenerative Joint Disease), DFD (Degenerative Facet Disease) are more specific as to the location of Osteoarthritis. The radiologist’s report referring to my MRI also calls it Osteo in one sentence and then DDD in the next.  If they are two different conditions, I have them both in one location. Osteo by definition means bone.  Arthritis is : inflammation of a joint or joints resulting in pain and swelling. I am told that the definition depends on it’s source and is argumentative among health care professionals.  Sorta like what came first the chicken or the egg.  Now you went and made me think!  It’s the weekend, it is not time to think. http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/osteoart.html#_1_1 Rob Hartley – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Rob.. > DDD and osteoarthritis are 2 different conditions. > DDD is a disease of the spinal discs, where they degenerate and fall > apart. > Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, taking place in > the joints. Most people who suffer from DDD also get osteoarthritis in > the spine, which is where you are getting confused, I think. > Dr. Work and others can go more in depth than I can on this, but I > know that I am correct in that they are different diseases. > Take care, > Trailingvine >  "To live happily is an inward power of the soul" >                   Marcus Aurelius >Hi, I’m not 100% positive but I think Osteoarthritis is the same thing as >DDD and DJD (degenerative joint disease).  I also have Osteoarthritis and >found that Relafen has helped me.  Relafen is a NSAID and I think since >everyone is different that you must experiment with different drugs until >you find the one(s) that works.  I tried the new drug (Vioxx) and it doesn’t >do diddly for me.  I always go back to the Relafen (1000 mgs/day). I >sincerely hope you find the combination that works and you have a relatively >pain free life. >Rob ><snip> ><snip> >> > > > > > He suggested something called celebrex, which he said is new. I >> asked >> > > him what was in it, and he looked it up in the book and showed me. >> It >> > > said it was a COX-2 inhibitor. He said something action on >> > > prostaglandin… and that it was like the anti-inflammatories. The >> > > book mentioned side effects such as stomach problems, but he said >> few >> > > people had these problems. >> > > Anyway, it looked like an NSAID to me, which I’ve had two courses >> of, >> > > and they’ve had absolutely no affect. He said it also wasn’t just >> > > that, but also acted as a pain killer, but I wasn’t convinced. Plus, >> > > the book said it was indicated for conditions such as >> osteoarthritis, >> > > and that’s nothing to do with what I’ve got (DDD). >> > > So, I brought out the big guns, and layed out on the table my >> > > printouts of info on Morphine Sulphate, and Oxycodone. He said he’d >> be >> > > prepared to give me a script for Oxycodone, but only one at this >> > > stage, as he has to get permission from the government as it’s a >> > > restricted drug. Plus, only the short-acting one is available in >> > > tablet form – the long-acting one only as a suppository (it’s coming >> > > in tablet form soon apparently). He was wary of prescribing Morphine >> > > Sulphate due to the restrictions, and he feels he should go step by >> > > step up to them rather than directly to them. He sees Morphine as >> > > being one step up from Oxycodone. >> > > So, we concluded that I’d be better off going to a pain management >> > > specialist, who deals with this kind of stuff all the time. That >> makes >> > > sense to me, but I wanted to give him a fair go first. But when he >> > > kept bringing up the problem of the addictive properties of these >> > > drugs… that kind of made up my mind :) At least he was pleasant >> > > about the whole thing, and was happy to hear what I had to say. >> > > Anyway, I’ve got a script for the Oxycodone. Is it worthwhile >> filling >> > > it? It’s for 5 mg tablets, to work my way up from 1/2 tablet a day >> to >> > > 1 1/2 tablets a day. Or should I just stick to the panadeine forte? >> > > (paracetamol 500mg, codeine phosphate 30mg), which I know works >> > > (although makes me feel a bit strange, but helps with the pain). >> > > Now I just have to find a pain specialist who’s not afraid to >> > > prescribe opiods if they are appropriate! I’ve got a couple of leads >> > > from http://www.chronicpaininc.com/ and will be following them up. >> > > That’s my update! >> > > — >> > > Katharine Maxwell >> > > spamblock in action. Work it out! >> Before you buy.

Response:

Rob.. DDD and osteoarthritis are 2 different conditions. DDD is a disease of the spinal discs, where they degenerate and fall apart. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, taking place in the joints. Most people who suffer from DDD also get osteoarthritis in the spine, which is where you are getting confused, I think. Dr. Work and others can go more in depth than I can on this, but I know that I am correct in that they are different diseases. Take care, Trailingvine  "To live happily is an inward power of the soul"                   Marcus Aurelius – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi, I’m not 100% positive but I think Osteoarthritis is the same thing as >DDD and DJD (degenerative joint disease).  I also have Osteoarthritis and >found that Relafen has helped me.  Relafen is a NSAID and I think since >everyone is different that you must experiment with different drugs until >you find the one(s) that works.  I tried the new drug (Vioxx) and it doesn’t >do diddly for me.  I always go back to the Relafen (1000 mgs/day). I >sincerely hope you find the combination that works and you have a relatively >pain free life. >Rob ><snip> ><snip> > > > > > > He suggested something called celebrex, which he said is new. I > asked > > > him what was in it, and he looked it up in the book and showed me. > It > > > said it was a COX-2 inhibitor. He said something action on > > > prostaglandin… and that it was like the anti-inflammatories. The > > > book mentioned side effects such as stomach problems, but he said > few > > > people had these problems. > > > Anyway, it looked like an NSAID to me, which I’ve had two courses > of, > > > and they’ve had absolutely no affect. He said it also wasn’t just > > > that, but also acted as a pain killer, but I wasn’t convinced. Plus, > > > the book said it was indicated for conditions such as > osteoarthritis, > > > and that’s nothing to do with what I’ve got (DDD). > > > So, I brought out the big guns, and layed out on the table my > > > printouts of info on Morphine Sulphate, and Oxycodone. He said he’d > be > > > prepared to give me a script for Oxycodone, but only one at this > > > stage, as he has to get permission from the government as it’s a > > > restricted drug. Plus, only the short-acting one is available in > > > tablet form – the long-acting one only as a suppository (it’s coming > > > in tablet form soon apparently). He was wary of prescribing Morphine > > > Sulphate due to the restrictions, and he feels he should go step by > > > step up to them rather than directly to them. He sees Morphine as > > > being one step up from Oxycodone. > > > So, we concluded that I’d be better off going to a pain management > > > specialist, who deals with this kind of stuff all the time. That > makes > > > sense to me, but I wanted to give him a fair go first. But when he > > > kept bringing up the problem of the addictive properties of these > > > drugs… that kind of made up my mind :) At least he was pleasant > > > about the whole thing, and was happy to hear what I had to say. > > > Anyway, I’ve got a script for the Oxycodone. Is it worthwhile > filling > > > it? It’s for 5 mg tablets, to work my way up from 1/2 tablet a day > to > > > 1 1/2 tablets a day. Or should I just stick to the panadeine forte? > > > (paracetamol 500mg, codeine phosphate 30mg), which I know works > > > (although makes me feel a bit strange, but helps with the pain). > > > Now I just have to find a pain specialist who’s not afraid to > > > prescribe opiods if they are appropriate! I’ve got a couple of leads > > > from http://www.chronicpaininc.com/ and will be following them up. > > > That’s my update! > > > — > > > Katharine Maxwell > > > spamblock in action. Work it out! > Before you buy.

Response:

Hi, I’m not 100% positive but I think Osteoarthritis is the same thing as DDD and DJD (degenerative joint disease).  I also have Osteoarthritis and found that Relafen has helped me.  Relafen is a NSAID and I think since everyone is different that you must experiment with different drugs until you find the one(s) that works.  I tried the new drug (Vioxx) and it doesn’t do diddly for me.  I always go back to the Relafen (1000 mgs/day). I sincerely hope you find the combination that works and you have a relatively pain free life. Rob <snip>

<snip> – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > > > > He suggested something called celebrex, which he said is new. I > asked > > him what was in it, and he looked it up in the book and showed me. > It > > said it was a COX-2 inhibitor. He said something action on > > prostaglandin… and that it was like the anti-inflammatories. The > > book mentioned side effects such as stomach problems, but he said > few > > people had these problems. > > Anyway, it looked like an NSAID to me, which I’ve had two courses > of, > > and they’ve had absolutely no affect. He said it also wasn’t just > > that, but also acted as a pain killer, but I wasn’t convinced. Plus, > > the book said it was indicated for conditions such as > osteoarthritis, > > and that’s nothing to do with what I’ve got (DDD). > > So, I brought out the big guns, and layed out on the table my > > printouts of info on Morphine Sulphate, and Oxycodone. He said he’d > be > > prepared to give me a script for Oxycodone, but only one at this > > stage, as he has to get permission from the government as it’s a > > restricted drug. Plus, only the short-acting one is available in > > tablet form – the long-acting one only as a suppository (it’s coming > > in tablet form soon apparently). He was wary of prescribing Morphine > > Sulphate due to the restrictions, and he feels he should go step by > > step up to them rather than directly to them. He sees Morphine as > > being one step up from Oxycodone. > > So, we concluded that I’d be better off going to a pain management > > specialist, who deals with this kind of stuff all the time. That > makes > > sense to me, but I wanted to give him a fair go first. But when he > > kept bringing up the problem of the addictive properties of these > > drugs… that kind of made up my mind :) At least he was pleasant > > about the whole thing, and was happy to hear what I had to say. > > Anyway, I’ve got a script for the Oxycodone. Is it worthwhile > filling > > it? It’s for 5 mg tablets, to work my way up from 1/2 tablet a day > to > > 1 1/2 tablets a day. Or should I just stick to the panadeine forte? > > (paracetamol 500mg, codeine phosphate 30mg), which I know works > > (although makes me feel a bit strange, but helps with the pain). > > Now I just have to find a pain specialist who’s not afraid to > > prescribe opiods if they are appropriate! I’ve got a couple of leads > > from http://www.chronicpaininc.com/ and will be following them up. > > That’s my update! > > — > > Katharine Maxwell > > spamblock in action. Work it out! > Before you buy.

Response:

Good luck with the new doc. Katherine, I think (bet)you’ll notiice a difference between the oxy and the stuff he was giving you.  I’m glad he didn’t blow up when you showed him the information. codeee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I hope you find some relief with the oxycodone…but it is short-acting.  At > least the pain doc will be able to tell how much you will need for > long-acting. > — > Bill Work > Well, I went back to the doctor, armed with all my research and > new-found knowledge of treatment of chronic pain. I explained that the > panamax (Tylenol) didn’t do a thing, except suppress my appetite a bit > (bringing it back to normal – the Luvox has increased it). Waited to > see what he’d say. > He said he’d like to step me up one level – panadeine (paracetamol > 500mg, codeine phosphate 8mg). > I said I’d prefer not to, as I wasn’t happy being on medication which > was designed for short-term pain, and is also short-acting – I need > something that’s long acting. He also suggested straight codeine, but > I balked at that for the same reason. > He suggested something called celebrex, which he said is new. I asked > him what was in it, and he looked it up in the book and showed me. It > said it was a COX-2 inhibitor. He said something action on > prostaglandin… and that it was like the anti-inflammatories. The > book mentioned side effects such as stomach problems, but he said few > people had these problems. > Anyway, it looked like an NSAID to me, which I’ve had two courses of, > and they’ve had absolutely no affect. He said it also wasn’t just > that, but also acted as a pain killer, but I wasn’t convinced. Plus, > the book said it was indicated for conditions such as osteoarthritis, > and that’s nothing to do with what I’ve got (DDD). > So, I brought out the big guns, and layed out on the table my > printouts of info on Morphine Sulphate, and Oxycodone. He said he’d be > prepared to give me a script for Oxycodone, but only one at this > stage, as he has to get permission from the government as it’s a > restricted drug. Plus, only the short-acting one is available in > tablet form – the long-acting one only as a suppository (it’s coming > in tablet form soon apparently). He was wary of prescribing Morphine > Sulphate due to the restrictions, and he feels he should go step by > step up to them rather than directly to them. He sees Morphine as > being one step up from Oxycodone. > So, we concluded that I’d be better off going to a pain management > specialist, who deals with this kind of stuff all the time. That makes > sense to me, but I wanted to give him a fair go first. But when he > kept bringing up the problem of the addictive properties of these > drugs… that kind of made up my mind :) At least he was pleasant > about the whole thing, and was happy to hear what I had to say. > Anyway, I’ve got a script for the Oxycodone. Is it worthwhile filling > it? It’s for 5 mg tablets, to work my way up from 1/2 tablet a day to > 1 1/2 tablets a day. Or should I just stick to the panadeine forte? > (paracetamol 500mg, codeine phosphate 30mg), which I know works > (although makes me feel a bit strange, but helps with the pain). > Now I just have to find a pain specialist who’s not afraid to > prescribe opiods if they are appropriate! I’ve got a couple of leads > from http://www.chronicpaininc.com/ and will be following them up. > That’s my update! > — > Katharine Maxwell > spamblock in action. Work it out!

Before you buy.

Response:

Katharine Are you in the USA?  I think not, because I would HATE to think that a US doctor would tell a patient that he needs "permission from the government" to prescribe MSContin, Oxycontin or Methadone.  Sounds like you may do better with a pain management specialist.  good luck.

Response:

Australia. — Katharine Maxwell spamblock in action. Work it out!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Katharine Are you in the USA?  I think not, because I would HATE to think that > a US doctor would tell a patient that he needs "permission from the government" > to prescribe MSContin, Oxycontin or Methadone.  Sounds like you may do better > with a pain management specialist.  good luck.

Response:

Katharine, You won’t get an entire day’s worth of analgesia from this dosage, but it certainly is worth trying. Since this medication lasts 4 to 6 hours, *unless you were instructed otherwise* (You know that you have to follow your Physician’s specific instructions if these were given)  I would recommend 1/2 tablet along with your other medication to see if you can tolerate the drug, and if it provides any relief at all in low dose, if you were given dosing "freedom" for this trial prescription. Since your upper limit, as defined by your current MD, is 1 and 1/2 tablet per day, this will give you 6 doses per 24 hours. If you have no response, a whole tablet after supper or bedtime is worth an attempt to see how effective this is for you. Dr Work is (of course) very correct in that this trial Rx will at least give a baseline for the pain management physician to look at, and also some exposure to the medication for you to discuss with the pain management Physician.     You shouldn’t have to take two opiates (Oxycodone and codeine) but it looks like that is your only option right now. – Anyway, give it a fair go-sometimes it is surprising what will work for you. Also, If you see your Physician prior to pain management, ask for some samples of Celebrex. COX II meds do work for some people very well, and is worth trying, even when other NSAIDS have failed. Taken after the evening meal (and 3 hours before bedtime-heartburn) Celebrex has been very effective for several of my clients as an adjunct to pain management. I knew that Australia’s Medicare had some prior approval requirements for certain drugs-are the expensive SR opiates the only ones restricted? Opiates in general? I know that our system in the US severely monitors the use of opiates, but permission prior to prescribing (and dispensing) is not required by the government. It is required by some HMOs and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in the insurance industry-not for dispensing, but for payment. Also, give a Chemist a call and see if MS Contin and Oxycontin are available in Australia. Canada has both, and I can see no reason that "Oz" would exclude these two meds! Hope this information is of some value to you Dave/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well, I went back to the doctor, armed with all my research and > new-found knowledge of treatment of chronic pain. I explained that the > panamax (Tylenol) didn’t do a thing, except suppress my appetite a bit > (bringing it back to normal – the Luvox has increased it). Waited to > see what he’d say. > He said he’d like to step me up one level – panadeine (paracetamol > 500mg, codeine phosphate 8mg). > I said I’d prefer not to, as I wasn’t happy being on medication which > was designed for short-term pain, and is also short-acting – I need > something that’s long acting. He also suggested straight codeine, but > I balked at that for the same reason. > He suggested something called celebrex, which he said is new. I asked > him what was in it, and he looked it up in the book and showed me. It > said it was a COX-2 inhibitor. He said something action on > prostaglandin… and that it was like the anti-inflammatories. The > book mentioned side effects such as stomach problems, but he said few > people had these problems. > Anyway, it looked like an NSAID to me, which I’ve had two courses of, > and they’ve had absolutely no affect. He said it also wasn’t just > that, but also acted as a pain killer, but I wasn’t convinced. Plus, > the book said it was indicated for conditions such as osteoarthritis, > and that’s nothing to do with what I’ve got (DDD). > So, I brought out the big guns, and layed out on the table my > printouts of info on Morphine Sulphate, and Oxycodone. He said he’d be > prepared to give me a script for Oxycodone, but only one at this > stage, as he has to get permission from the government as it’s a > restricted drug. Plus, only the short-acting one is available in > tablet form – the long-acting one only as a suppository (it’s coming > in tablet form soon apparently). He was wary of prescribing Morphine > Sulphate due to the restrictions, and he feels he should go step by > step up to them rather than directly to them. He sees Morphine as > being one step up from Oxycodone. > So, we concluded that I’d be better off going to a pain management > specialist, who deals with this kind of stuff all the time. That makes > sense to me, but I wanted to give him a fair go first. But when he > kept bringing up the problem of the addictive properties of these > drugs… that kind of made up my mind :) At least he was pleasant > about the whole thing, and was happy to hear what I had to say. > Anyway, I’ve got a script for the Oxycodone. Is it worthwhile filling > it? It’s for 5 mg tablets, to work my way up from 1/2 tablet a day to > 1 1/2 tablets a day. Or should I just stick to the panadeine forte? > (paracetamol 500mg, codeine phosphate 30mg), which I know works > (although makes me feel a bit strange, but helps with the pain). > Now I just have to find a pain specialist who’s not afraid to > prescribe opiods if they are appropriate! I’ve got a couple of leads > from http://www.chronicpaininc.com/ and will be following them up. > That’s my update! > — > Katharine Maxwell > spamblock in action. Work it out!

Response:

<snip story of doctor visit> > Anyway, I’ve got a script for the Oxycodone. Is it worthwhile filling > it? It’s for 5 mg tablets, to work my way up from 1/2 tablet a day to > 1 1/2 tablets a day. Or should I just stick to the panadeine forte? > (paracetamol 500mg, codeine phosphate 30mg), which I know works > (although makes me feel a bit strange, but helps with the pain).

Katharine, For many of us these doses of oxycodone would be considered quite low (a common short-term med here [USA] is Percocet/Percodan which each have 5 or 4.5 mg of oxycodone plus tylenol or aspirin, repectively). Such low doses may work well for a patient who has no opiate use history and could work for you, since you have only used codeine up until now. However, the limits the doc put on your frequency of use may mean that you get only 4-6 hours of pain relief a day. Sounds to me like it is worth trying as a temporary measure until you get set up with someone in pain management. If you have the option of using the panadeine forte as a backup, keep it on hand. Dave Patterson or Bill Work are better to advise you on this, since you are being given pure oxycodone, there is little reason to worry about taking the panadeine forte too soon after the oxycodone. > Now I just have to find a pain specialist who’s not afraid to > prescribe opiods if they are appropriate! I’ve got a couple of leads > from http://www.chronicpaininc.com/ and will be following them up.

I hope one of them works out for you! — Hot Sun "There are lies, damn lies, and project management updates." Visit our humble Home page at http://members.home.net/mmart2/index.html To get my real address, remove the "nojunk" from it.

Response:

I hope you find some relief with the oxycodone…but it is short-acting.  At least the pain doc will be able to tell how much you will need for long-acting. — Bill Work

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well, I went back to the doctor, armed with all my research and > new-found knowledge of treatment of chronic pain. I explained that the > panamax (Tylenol) didn’t do a thing, except suppress my appetite a bit > (bringing it back to normal – the Luvox has increased it). Waited to > see what he’d say. > He said he’d like to step me up one level – panadeine (paracetamol > 500mg, codeine phosphate 8mg). > I said I’d prefer not to, as I wasn’t happy being on medication which > was designed for short-term pain, and is also short-acting – I need > something that’s long acting. He also suggested straight codeine, but > I balked at that for the same reason. > He suggested something called celebrex, which he said is new. I asked > him what was in it, and he looked it up in the book and showed me. It > said it was a COX-2 inhibitor. He said something action on > prostaglandin… and that it was like the anti-inflammatories. The > book mentioned side effects such as stomach problems, but he said few > people had these problems. > Anyway, it looked like an NSAID to me, which I’ve had two courses of, > and they’ve had absolutely no affect. He said it also wasn’t just > that, but also acted as a pain killer, but I wasn’t convinced. Plus, > the book said it was indicated for conditions such as osteoarthritis, > and that’s nothing to do with what I’ve got (DDD). > So, I brought out the big guns, and layed out on the table my > printouts of info on Morphine Sulphate, and Oxycodone. He said he’d be > prepared to give me a script for Oxycodone, but only one at this > stage, as he has to get permission from the government as it’s a > restricted drug. Plus, only the short-acting one is available in > tablet form – the long-acting one only as a suppository (it’s coming > in tablet form soon apparently). He was wary of prescribing Morphine > Sulphate due to the restrictions, and he feels he should go step by > step up to them rather than directly to them. He sees Morphine as > being one step up from Oxycodone. > So, we concluded that I’d be better off going to a pain management > specialist, who deals with this kind of stuff all the time. That makes > sense to me, but I wanted to give him a fair go first. But when he > kept bringing up the problem of the addictive properties of these > drugs… that kind of made up my mind :) At least he was pleasant > about the whole thing, and was happy to hear what I had to say. > Anyway, I’ve got a script for the Oxycodone. Is it worthwhile filling > it? It’s for 5 mg tablets, to work my way up from 1/2 tablet a day to > 1 1/2 tablets a day. Or should I just stick to the panadeine forte? > (paracetamol 500mg, codeine phosphate 30mg), which I know works > (although makes me feel a bit strange, but helps with the pain). > Now I just have to find a pain specialist who’s not afraid to > prescribe opiods if they are appropriate! I’ve got a couple of leads > from http://www.chronicpaininc.com/ and will be following them up. > That’s my update! > — > Katharine Maxwell > spamblock in action. Work it out!

Response:

Well, I went back to the doctor, armed with all my research and new-found knowledge of treatment of chronic pain. I explained that the panamax (Tylenol) didn’t do a thing, except suppress my appetite a bit (bringing it back to normal – the Luvox has increased it). Waited to see what he’d say. He said he’d like to step me up one level – panadeine (paracetamol 500mg, codeine phosphate 8mg). I said I’d prefer not to, as I wasn’t happy being on medication which was designed for short-term pain, and is also short-acting – I need something that’s long acting. He also suggested straight codeine, but I balked at that for the same reason. He suggested something called celebrex, which he said is new. I asked him what was in it, and he looked it up in the book and showed me. It said it was a COX-2 inhibitor. He said something action on prostaglandin… and that it was like the anti-inflammatories. The book mentioned side effects such as stomach problems, but he said few people had these problems. Anyway, it looked like an NSAID to me, which I’ve had two courses of, and they’ve had absolutely no affect. He said it also wasn’t just that, but also acted as a pain killer, but I wasn’t convinced. Plus, the book said it was indicated for conditions such as osteoarthritis, and that’s nothing to do with what I’ve got (DDD). So, I brought out the big guns, and layed out on the table my printouts of info on Morphine Sulphate, and Oxycodone. He said he’d be prepared to give me a script for Oxycodone, but only one at this stage, as he has to get permission from the government as it’s a restricted drug. Plus, only the short-acting one is available in tablet form – the long-acting one only as a suppository (it’s coming in tablet form soon apparently). He was wary of prescribing Morphine Sulphate due to the restrictions, and he feels he should go step by step up to them rather than directly to them. He sees Morphine as being one step up from Oxycodone. So, we concluded that I’d be better off going to a pain management specialist, who deals with this kind of stuff all the time. That makes sense to me, but I wanted to give him a fair go first. But when he kept bringing up the problem of the addictive properties of these drugs… that kind of made up my mind :) At least he was pleasant about the whole thing, and was happy to hear what I had to say. Anyway, I’ve got a script for the Oxycodone. Is it worthwhile filling it? It’s for 5 mg tablets, to work my way up from 1/2 tablet a day to 1 1/2 tablets a day. Or should I just stick to the panadeine forte? (paracetamol 500mg, codeine phosphate 30mg), which I know works (although makes me feel a bit strange, but helps with the pain). Now I just have to find a pain specialist who’s not afraid to prescribe opiods if they are appropriate! I’ve got a couple of leads from http://www.chronicpaininc.com/ and will be following them up. That’s my update! — Katharine Maxwell spamblock in action. Work it out!

Response:

any link b/w Lariam and heartburn?

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Question:

I took Lariam (mefloquine) while in SE Asia w/o any side effects (other than more vivid dreams).  But when I returned to the U.S., where I still had to take Lariam for 4 more weeks, I experienced some mild insomnia, and after about one week back in the U.S., I started to get pretty bad heartburn (which I’ve never had before).  I’m on Zantac for the heartburn.  Doctors think I’ve got GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Most of the info I’ve seen on Lariam does not mention heartburn as a side effect, but then again, Lariam is not a well understood drug in terms of its mechanism of action or its side effects.  Anyone experience similar symptoms?  Does the heartburn tend to disappear soon after you stop taking Lariam? TIA

Response:

>  Does the heartburn tend to disappear soon after you stop taking Lariam?

I don’t know anything about heartburn being connected, but when I had side-effects other than vivid dreams the first time I took Lariam, they all went by the end of the week after I took the last tablet. :-) Liz — …Happily nonPC – a M$ / Windoze-free zone Website: http://www.argonet.co.uk/users/lizleyden – Safari, Seychelles & image manipulation

Response:

> I took Lariam (mefloquine) while in SE Asia w/o any side effects > (other than more vivid dreams).  But when I returned to the U.S., > where I still had to take Lariam for 4 more weeks, I experienced some > mild insomnia, and after about one week back in the U.S., I started to > get pretty bad heartburn (which I’ve never had before).

I have taken larium about three different years while in SE Asia.  I had vivid, in fact horrifying, dreams the last time and I have also had very mild insomnia.  I never had heartburn, though.

Response:

I had problems with Larium, that sort of felt like heartburn. The best advice 1) eat heartily before taking it 2) drink prodigous amounts of water. Yech, I hate the stuff. Marc

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I took Lariam (mefloquine) while in SE Asia w/o any side effects > (other than more vivid dreams).  But when I returned to the U.S., > where I still had to take Lariam for 4 more weeks, I experienced some > mild insomnia, and after about one week back in the U.S., I started to > get pretty bad heartburn (which I’ve never had before).  I’m on Zantac > for the heartburn.  Doctors think I’ve got GERD (gastroesophageal > reflux disease). > Most of the info I’ve seen on Lariam does not mention heartburn as a > side effect, but then again, Lariam is not a well understood drug in > terms of its mechanism of action or its side effects.  Anyone > experience similar symptoms?  Does the heartburn tend to disappear > soon after you stop taking Lariam? > TIA

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I had problems with Larium, that sort of felt like heartburn. The best > advice > 1) eat heartily before taking it > 2) drink prodigous amounts of water. > Yech, I hate the stuff. > Marc > I took Lariam (mefloquine) while in SE Asia w/o any side effects > (other than more vivid dreams).  But when I returned to the U.S., > where I still had to take Lariam for 4 more weeks, I experienced some > mild insomnia, and after about one week back in the U.S., I started to > get pretty bad heartburn (which I’ve never had before).  I’m on Zantac > for the heartburn.  Doctors think I’ve got GERD (gastroesophageal > reflux disease). > Most of the info I’ve seen on Lariam does not mention heartburn as a > side effect, but then again, Lariam is not a well understood drug in > terms of its mechanism of action or its side effects.  Anyone > experience similar symptoms?  Does the heartburn tend to disappear > soon after you stop taking Lariam? > TIA

Heartburn has been reported to Lariam Action USA, along with other gastro side effects like diarrhea, nausea, not being able to eat, etc. Unfortunately most people who have side effects find they last much longer than after you stop taking the drug. Here’s the figures: More than 735 people have voluntarily reported Lariam physical and/or psychological side effects to us since 1997. Not all of them (48%). tell us how long the side effects persisted Of the 52% who talk about duration, * 16% specified that Lariam’s side effects continued up to six months * 16% stated their side effects continued from six months to two years * 20% reported side effects continuing for two years and beyond. We do know a few people who still have side effects after 9 years, and others who suffered permant damage from Lariam toxicity. The latest research from 1999-2000 shows that side effects from Lariam – -unpleasant enough to make people stop taking the drug–occur in 1 in 5 people who using the drug. Abstracts of this reasearchy are on our website. If you are on the fence about what drug to take, you have a choice. The CDC states that doxycycline is just as effective as Lariam. Jeanne Lese Information Coordinator, Lariam Action USA Before you buy.

Response:

Chronic Belching

Question:

I have been diagnosed with GERD and I belch constantly. At least once every 5 minutes and sometimes more often than that. I was put on Prilosec last week which seems to have alleviated any heartburn I used to have, but has caused an increase in my belching. My doctor says the belching is simply due to my GERD. Any ideas on why I might be belching more after Prilosec or why I belch so much in the first place? HELP! and Thanks! Matt

Response:

Matt: Many of my friends have found using enzymes help and controlling operation of gastro-intestinal valves help. Denis — Denis Sapiro, President Karl Sutter, Vice President & Secretary Karden Associates, Inc. professionals in dot com business start-up, join us: www.rexall.com/denisandkarl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have been diagnosed with GERD and I belch constantly. At least once every > 5 minutes and sometimes more often than that. I was put on Prilosec last > week which seems to have alleviated any heartburn I used to have, but has > caused an increase in my belching. My doctor says the belching is simply due > to my GERD. > Any ideas on why I might be belching more after Prilosec or why I belch so > much in the first place? > HELP! and Thanks! > Matt

Response:

I am not sure what enzymes you refer to. Those naturally found in foods (in concentrations that are also naturally occurring) can be helpful. However some products you find in the health food stores can be downright dangerous (e.g. pancreatic enzymes, papaya extract, betaine hcl – many of these are also found in some of the vitamin complexes) . They can aggravate stomach, duodenal or esophageal ulcer. I think they should be avoided by anyone with GERD, regardless of any momentary benefits they may experience. P.S. I am not an MD, but I am speaking (unfortunately) from my experience, which was confirmed by a gastro specialist.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Matt: > Many of my friends have found using enzymes help and controlling operation > of gastro-intestinal valves help. > Denis > — > Denis Sapiro, President > Karl Sutter, Vice President & Secretary > Karden Associates, Inc. professionals in dot com business start-up, join us: > www.rexall.com/denisandkarl > I have been diagnosed with GERD and I belch constantly. At least once > every > 5 minutes and sometimes more often than that. I was put on Prilosec last > week which seems to have alleviated any heartburn I used to have, but has > caused an increase in my belching. My doctor says the belching is simply > due > to my GERD. > Any ideas on why I might be belching more after Prilosec or why I belch so > much in the first place? > HELP! and Thanks! > Matt

Response:

I have been suffering from heart-burn for quiet a long time. for the first time I tried relaxation technique about six month ago, and it was astonishing.

Response:

what kind of relaxation technique? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have been suffering from heart-burn for quiet a long time. > for the first time I tried relaxation technique about six month ago, and it > was astonishing.

Response:

Chronic Belching

Nexium is a medication used to treat gestational acid reflux disease (GERD). Buy discount Nexium and feel better today!

Question:

I have been diagnosed with GERD and I belch constantly. At least once every 5 minutes and sometimes more often than that. I was put on Prilosec last week which seems to have alleviated any heartburn I used to have, but has caused an increase in my belching. My doctor says the belching is simply due to my GERD. Any ideas on why I might be belching more after Prilosec or why I belch so much in the first place? HELP! and Thanks! Matt

Response:

Matt: Many of my friends have found using enzymes help and controlling operation of gastro-intestinal valves help. Denis — Denis Sapiro, President Karl Sutter, Vice President & Secretary Karden Associates, Inc. professionals in dot com business start-up, join us: www.rexall.com/denisandkarl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have been diagnosed with GERD and I belch constantly. At least once every > 5 minutes and sometimes more often than that. I was put on Prilosec last > week which seems to have alleviated any heartburn I used to have, but has > caused an increase in my belching. My doctor says the belching is simply due > to my GERD. > Any ideas on why I might be belching more after Prilosec or why I belch so > much in the first place? > HELP! and Thanks! > Matt

Response:

I am not sure what enzymes you refer to. Those naturally found in foods (in concentrations that are also naturally occurring) can be helpful. However some products you find in the health food stores can be downright dangerous (e.g. pancreatic enzymes, papaya extract, betaine hcl – many of these are also found in some of the vitamin complexes) . They can aggravate stomach, duodenal or esophageal ulcer. I think they should be avoided by anyone with GERD, regardless of any momentary benefits they may experience. P.S. I am not an MD, but I am speaking (unfortunately) from my experience, which was confirmed by a gastro specialist.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Matt: > Many of my friends have found using enzymes help and controlling operation > of gastro-intestinal valves help. > Denis > — > Denis Sapiro, President > Karl Sutter, Vice President & Secretary > Karden Associates, Inc. professionals in dot com business start-up, join us: > www.rexall.com/denisandkarl > I have been diagnosed with GERD and I belch constantly. At least once > every > 5 minutes and sometimes more often than that. I was put on Prilosec last > week which seems to have alleviated any heartburn I used to have, but has > caused an increase in my belching. My doctor says the belching is simply > due > to my GERD. > Any ideas on why I might be belching more after Prilosec or why I belch so > much in the first place? > HELP! and Thanks! > Matt

Response:

I have been suffering from heart-burn for quiet a long time. for the first time I tried relaxation technique about six month ago, and it was astonishing.

Response:

what kind of relaxation technique? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have been suffering from heart-burn for quiet a long time. > for the first time I tried relaxation technique about six month ago, and it > was astonishing.

Response:

Is gas in stomach & esophogus heartburn?

Question:

I don’t have much of a burn but a lot of gas and feel a need to burp but have trouble doing so. It has been on and off for a week. I saw my doctor and he told me to take antacids. They work but it comes back. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Randy

Response:

> I don’t have much of a burn but a lot of gas and feel a need to burp but have > trouble doing so. It has been on and off for a week. I saw my doctor and he > told me to take antacids. They work but it comes back. Any advice or help would > be greatly appreciated. > Thanks > Randy

I seem to have the same problem, gas and not heartburn. So I would be interested in any answers you get.  I have had it off and on for years.  It is not just a burp but I get pressure under my ribs after spicey or fatty foods.   Sometimes antiacids work and I have been trying things like Gas-X with mylicon which breaks up the gas better.   The discomfort can last for hours.  So far the Dr said "maybe you have GERD" but no one worries too much about it but me.  It does vary which is puzzling.  One week I am miserable and the next week I am fine. Elaine

Response:

gerd can easily be mistaken for gas. when i get reflux it often helps to burp even if i have to swallow air deliberately in order to do so. try taking some longer acting h-2 blocker like tagamet or pepcid and see if that works. – david – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I don’t have much of a burn but a lot of gas and feel a need to burp but have > trouble doing so. It has been on and off for a week. I saw my doctor and he > told me to take antacids. They work but it comes back. Any advice or help would > be greatly appreciated. > Thanks > Randy > I seem to have the same problem, gas and not heartburn. > So I would be interested in any answers you get.  I have > had it off and on for years.  It is not just a burp but I > get pressure under my ribs after spicey or fatty foods. > Sometimes antiacids work and I have been trying things > like Gas-X with mylicon which breaks up the gas better. > The discomfort can last for hours.  So far the Dr said > "maybe you have GERD" but no one worries too much about > it but me.  It does vary which is puzzling.  One week I > am miserable and the next week I am fine. > Elaine

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> gerd can easily be mistaken for gas. when i get reflux > it often helps to burp even if i have to swallow air > deliberately in order to do so. try taking some longer > acting h-2 blocker like tagamet or pepcid and see if > that works. > – david > > I don’t have much of a burn but a lot of gas and feel a need to burp but have > > trouble doing so. It has been on and off for a week. I saw my doctor and he > > told me to take antacids. They work but it comes back. Any advice or help would > > be greatly appreciated. > > Thanks > > Randy > I seem to have the same problem, gas and not heartburn. > So I would be interested in any answers you get.  I have > had it off and on for years.  It is not just a burp but I > get pressure under my ribs after spicey or fatty foods. > Sometimes antiacids work and I have been trying things > like Gas-X with mylicon which breaks up the gas better. > The discomfort can last for hours.  So far the Dr said > "maybe you have GERD" but no one worries too much about > it but me.  It does vary which is puzzling.  One week I > am miserable and the next week I am fine. > Elaine

The gas problems you describe are possibly the precursor to heartburn. I suffered first one and then the other for over 30 years. I found various, after the fact, forms of relief that had to be changed over time as the severity of the condition changed. These remedies included anti-acids, wine (for the stomach sake), Aloe Juices of various kinds, cold processed apple cider vinegar, Orange Blossom Water, Papaya Enxyme, and as a last resort Activated Charcoal. (I have probably left out a few remedies) My condition had deteriorated to the point that I would swear of eating every night as the heartburn pain kept me awake for 2 to 4 hours a night, until I would, too often, resort to the charcoal. This would absorb the gases that created the pressure that caused the stomach acids to be pushed into the esophagus where I would feel its burning pain. According to Dr. Edward Howell, in his research published in his book Enzyme Nutrition, the real underlying problem of gas and/or heartburn, and one cause of degeneration in general, is the decreased intake of digestive enzymes. This being caused by modern farming, and processing etc. which destroys enzymes. The real hideous thing that’s happening is we’re using up our limited supply of metabolic enzymes for digestion leading to degeneration and disease. When we run out of metabolic enzymes we’re dead! The only solution is the intake of digestive enzymes. I personally found this to be true! After following the advice of Dr. Howell, from his book and Dan and Larua Clausing, founder of Body Electric Inc. I used Enzymes That Work and I have no more gas or heartburn. And the increased enzyme activity has lead to many other positive gains in body health. If you would be interested in more help and information please contact me by email at:  Bob Ellwood Before you buy.

Response:

Or is it Barrett’s Esophagus or even worse, Esophageal Cancer. Remember:  Antacids do NOT stop cancer!  But they sure can mask the problems — until too late. Gentle as you go, Marny

Response:

> gerd can easily be mistaken for gas.

Darn…I must have SOME gerd then because I blew a hole in my pants once the gas was so bad. Before you buy.

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: