increasingly worse gastric reflux

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

Question:

> Alot of doctors suggest that peptic ulcers are caused by H pylori. Alot of > pharmaceutical companies dont really care. Antacids are big business.

Peptic ulcers have nothing to do with acid reflux, which is the cause of most "heartburn". Helicobacter pylori is indeed the cause of about 70% of peptic ulcers, but H pylori has nothing to do with acid reflux either. Antacids are indeed big business. But how do you think H. pylori-mediated peptic ulcers are treated? With anti-secretory medication (Prevacid, Prilosec, Zantac, Tagamet etc etc) and antibiotics (which the pharmaceutical companies also make, right?). Just treating with antibiotics alone doesn’t work. In fact, TAP Pharmaceuticals (makers of Prevacid) also markets a standard treatment for H pylori-mediated peptic ulcers called PrevPac, which is a single package that contains Prevacid and an antibiotic. Look at http://tinyurl.com/lq0l HMc

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Alot of doctors suggest that peptic ulcers are caused by H pylori. Alot of > pharmaceutical companies dont really care. Antacids are big business. > Peptic ulcers have nothing to do with acid reflux, which is the cause of > most "heartburn". > Helicobacter pylori is indeed the cause of about 70% of peptic ulcers, but H > pylori has nothing to do with acid reflux either. > Antacids are indeed big business. But how do you think H. pylori-mediated > peptic ulcers are treated? With anti-secretory medication (Prevacid, > Prilosec, Zantac, Tagamet etc etc) and antibiotics (which the pharmaceutical > companies also make, right?). Just treating with antibiotics alone doesn’t > work.

I have worked with some top notch doctors that beg to differ outside of their practice. A simple over the counter antacid can work just fine while treating it with anti biotics. Yes pharaceutical companies sell the antibiotics, but do you think they push the antibiotic for the treatment? How many doctors do you know suggest using the antibiotic to treat the ulcer? ALMOST NONE in the USA. WHY? Because there arent the big kickbacks they can get by continually prescribing antacids. I amnot suggesting the doctor is willfully trying to hurt the person but they see through green colored glasses sometimes… > In fact, TAP Pharmaceuticals (makers of Prevacid) also markets a standard > treatment for H pylori-mediated peptic ulcers called PrevPac, which is a > single package that contains Prevacid and an antibiotic. Look at > http://tinyurl.com/lq0l

I will check that out. If that is what they are doing then bravo! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> HMc

Response:

> Hmm…haven’t tried raisins lately.  Have to see if I can handle those; I > don’t guess they should be bad.  Haven’t tried the tums smooth dissolve yet. > I’ve used a lot of maalox max, though, and it seems to work well.

Try some tums smooth disolve if you get the chance. One of > the nice things about the liquid is that you can keep it in the fridge, and > the cold is nice.

Is the Malox mint flavored?  I also have a "GI cocktail," which is a prescription mix > of mylanta, benadryl, a numbing agent, and something else I can’t remember > right off.

Yeah a purple lady like they give in the doctors office for peptic ulcers. I am about to try something called active Manuka honey for my peptic ulcers which has an abundance of anti bacterial and anti oxidents in it. It is all natural but better than origonal honey. They use it in Australia for peptic ulcers and even doctors suggest it commonly. So I figure its not worth hurting to take a chance. Alot of doctors suggest that peptic ulcers are caused by H pylori. Alot of pharmaceutical companies dont really care. Antacids are big business. It litterally numbs your GI tract from the back of your tongue > down.  I’ve hardly had to use it since I’ve been on the AcipHex, though. > Maybe I’ll get some of those tums to have something I can keep in my

pocket. As I said they gave me a purple lady at the hospital… Great for an all out attack. I have been trying to limit my antacid intake to only when i really need it. I have been trying an all pure diet. It seems to be helping. Less meats and stuff help. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > I’ve basically given up on fruit and fruit juice, except for bananas > when > > I’m having particularly bad stomach problems.  Those don’t really help, > but > > they’re about the only thing that doesn’t taste too bad coming back up. > :- > Well let me tell you something. Rasins are high in anti oxidents so I eat > them. I have no problem with them. I eat dole fruit cups for breakfast. It > all depends on your stomach though. > BTW have you tried tums smooth disolve? Seems to work with me. > > > > Tomatoes are ‘acidy’ do you find any problems with apples or citrus > > > fruits? > > > > Derek. > > > I dont find any problems with fresh citrus fruits like oranges or > anything > > > like that, but grapefruit yes, and an obvious yes to lemon or lime…. > > > Orange Juice is an obvious dont drink… > > > Choclate is very acidic… Mint should not be eaten either because it > > > relaxes the sphincter muscle which shouldnt be relaxed…. > > > > > Hey, just like to say that AcipHex has been a miracle drug for my > > GERD. > > > > One > > > > > pill every morning, and I’ve gone from sleeping a few hours in a > > > recliner > > > > > because of the pain when I’d lie down to having only minor > discomfort > > > once > > > > a > > > > > week or so.  Might be worth asking your doctor about.  Also, and > this > > is > > > a > > > > > little odd, avoiding tomato products seems to help.  Something > about > > > > tomatos > > > > > can really irritate GERD. > > > > > Hope you and your son feel better. > > > > > Mike > > > > > > > It can feel like it is your heart but you have classic > symptoms > of > > > > > gerd… > > > > > > > gerd can feel like a heart problem when it isnt… this > ofcourse > > can > > > > > give > > > > > > > you panic attack feelings… and anxiety… or the gerd can be > > > caused > > > > by > > > > > > > anxiety… > > > > > > > any questions > > > > > > Hey Douglas !! I see you on alt. religion Mormon..how are you??? > > > > > > Anyway, thanks for replying…. > > > > > > Yeah..it is gerd by the looks of it. Although my doctor now > thinks > I > > > may > > > > > > have an ulcer as well. > > > > > > Wiping out  coffee from my diet  ( I weep!) and spicy and fatty > food > > > has > > > > > > made a difference. The pain in my stomach is worse and I have > been > > > given > > > > > an > > > > > > a strong ant  acid and an anaesthetic suspension to take > together > > to > > > > ease > > > > > > the discomfort. What are your symptoms, does it get any better? > It > > > seems > > > > > > stress does indeed  makes it worse…. > > > > > > I was meant to go for an endoscopy but my son has been in > hospital > ( > > > > > > recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes) so life has been > > incredibly > > > > > > hectic…..

Response:

Hmm…haven’t tried raisins lately.  Have to see if I can handle those; I don’t guess they should be bad.  Haven’t tried the tums smooth dissolve yet. I’ve used a lot of maalox max, though, and it seems to work well.  One of the nice things about the liquid is that you can keep it in the fridge, and the cold is nice.  I also have a "GI cocktail," which is a prescription mix of mylanta, benadryl, a numbing agent, and something else I can’t remember right off.  It litterally numbs your GI tract from the back of your tongue down.  I’ve hardly had to use it since I’ve been on the AcipHex, though. Maybe I’ll get some of those tums to have something I can keep in my pocket.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve basically given up on fruit and fruit juice, except for bananas when > I’m having particularly bad stomach problems.  Those don’t really help, > but > they’re about the only thing that doesn’t taste too bad coming back up. > :- > Well let me tell you something. Rasins are high in anti oxidents so I eat > them. I have no problem with them. I eat dole fruit cups for breakfast. It > all depends on your stomach though. > BTW have you tried tums smooth disolve? Seems to work with me. > > > Tomatoes are ‘acidy’ do you find any problems with apples or citrus > > fruits? > > > Derek. > > I dont find any problems with fresh citrus fruits like oranges or > anything > > like that, but grapefruit yes, and an obvious yes to lemon or lime…. > > Orange Juice is an obvious dont drink… > > Choclate is very acidic… Mint should not be eaten either because it > > relaxes the sphincter muscle which shouldnt be relaxed…. > > > > Hey, just like to say that AcipHex has been a miracle drug for my > GERD. > > > One > > > > pill every morning, and I’ve gone from sleeping a few hours in a > > recliner > > > > because of the pain when I’d lie down to having only minor > discomfort > > once > > > a > > > > week or so.  Might be worth asking your doctor about.  Also, and > this > is > > a > > > > little odd, avoiding tomato products seems to help.  Something about > > > tomatos > > > > can really irritate GERD. > > > > Hope you and your son feel better. > > > > Mike > > > > > > It can feel like it is your heart but you have classic symptoms > of > > > > gerd… > > > > > > gerd can feel like a heart problem when it isnt… this ofcourse > can > > > > give > > > > > > you panic attack feelings… and anxiety… or the gerd can be > > caused > > > by > > > > > > anxiety… > > > > > > any questions > > > > > Hey Douglas !! I see you on alt. religion Mormon..how are you??? > > > > > Anyway, thanks for replying…. > > > > > Yeah..it is gerd by the looks of it. Although my doctor now thinks > I > > may > > > > > have an ulcer as well. > > > > > Wiping out  coffee from my diet  ( I weep!) and spicy and fatty > food > > has > > > > > made a difference. The pain in my stomach is worse and I have been > > given > > > > an > > > > > a strong ant  acid and an anaesthetic suspension to take together > to > > > ease > > > > > the discomfort. What are your symptoms, does it get any better? It > > seems > > > > > stress does indeed  makes it worse…. > > > > > I was meant to go for an endoscopy but my son has been in hospital > ( > > > > > recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes) so life has been > incredibly > > > > > hectic…..

Response:

> I’ve basically given up on fruit and fruit juice, except for bananas when > I’m having particularly bad stomach problems.  Those don’t really help, but > they’re about the only thing that doesn’t taste too bad coming back up.

:- Well let me tell you something. Rasins are high in anti oxidents so I eat them. I have no problem with them. I eat dole fruit cups for breakfast. It all depends on your stomach though. BTW have you tried tums smooth disolve? Seems to work with me. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Tomatoes are ‘acidy’ do you find any problems with apples or citrus > fruits? > > Derek. > I dont find any problems with fresh citrus fruits like oranges or anything > like that, but grapefruit yes, and an obvious yes to lemon or lime…. > Orange Juice is an obvious dont drink… > Choclate is very acidic… Mint should not be eaten either because it > relaxes the sphincter muscle which shouldnt be relaxed…. > > > Hey, just like to say that AcipHex has been a miracle drug for my > GERD. > > One > > > pill every morning, and I’ve gone from sleeping a few hours in a > recliner > > > because of the pain when I’d lie down to having only minor discomfort > once > > a > > > week or so.  Might be worth asking your doctor about.  Also, and this > is > a > > > little odd, avoiding tomato products seems to help.  Something about > > tomatos > > > can really irritate GERD. > > > Hope you and your son feel better. > > > Mike > > > > > It can feel like it is your heart but you have classic symptoms of > > > gerd… > > > > > gerd can feel like a heart problem when it isnt… this ofcourse > can > > > give > > > > > you panic attack feelings… and anxiety… or the gerd can be > caused > > by > > > > > anxiety… > > > > > any questions > > > > Hey Douglas !! I see you on alt. religion Mormon..how are you??? > > > > Anyway, thanks for replying…. > > > > Yeah..it is gerd by the looks of it. Although my doctor now thinks I > may > > > > have an ulcer as well. > > > > Wiping out  coffee from my diet  ( I weep!) and spicy and fatty food > has > > > > made a difference. The pain in my stomach is worse and I have been > given > > > an > > > > a strong ant  acid and an anaesthetic suspension to take together > to > > ease > > > > the discomfort. What are your symptoms, does it get any better? It > seems > > > > stress does indeed  makes it worse…. > > > > I was meant to go for an endoscopy but my son has been in hospital ( > > > > recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes) so life has been > incredibly > > > > hectic…..

Response:

I’ve basically given up on fruit and fruit juice, except for bananas when I’m having particularly bad stomach problems.  Those don’t really help, but they’re about the only thing that doesn’t taste too bad coming back up.  :-

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Tomatoes are ‘acidy’ do you find any problems with apples or citrus > fruits? > Derek. > I dont find any problems with fresh citrus fruits like oranges or anything > like that, but grapefruit yes, and an obvious yes to lemon or lime…. > Orange Juice is an obvious dont drink… > Choclate is very acidic… Mint should not be eaten either because it > relaxes the sphincter muscle which shouldnt be relaxed…. > > Hey, just like to say that AcipHex has been a miracle drug for my GERD. > One > > pill every morning, and I’ve gone from sleeping a few hours in a > recliner > > because of the pain when I’d lie down to having only minor discomfort > once > a > > week or so.  Might be worth asking your doctor about.  Also, and this is > a > > little odd, avoiding tomato products seems to help.  Something about > tomatos > > can really irritate GERD. > > Hope you and your son feel better. > > Mike > > > > It can feel like it is your heart but you have classic symptoms of > > gerd… > > > > gerd can feel like a heart problem when it isnt… this ofcourse can > > give > > > > you panic attack feelings… and anxiety… or the gerd can be > caused > by > > > > anxiety… > > > > any questions > > > Hey Douglas !! I see you on alt. religion Mormon..how are you??? > > > Anyway, thanks for replying…. > > > Yeah..it is gerd by the looks of it. Although my doctor now thinks I > may > > > have an ulcer as well. > > > Wiping out  coffee from my diet  ( I weep!) and spicy and fatty food > has > > > made a difference. The pain in my stomach is worse and I have been > given > > an > > > a strong ant  acid and an anaesthetic suspension to take together to > ease > > > the discomfort. What are your symptoms, does it get any better? It > seems > > > stress does indeed  makes it worse…. > > > I was meant to go for an endoscopy but my son has been in hospital ( > > > recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes) so life has been incredibly > > > hectic…..

Response:

> Tomatoes are ‘acidy’ do you find any problems with apples or citrus fruits? > Derek.

I dont find any problems with fresh citrus fruits like oranges or anything like that, but grapefruit yes, and an obvious yes to lemon or lime…. Orange Juice is an obvious dont drink… Choclate is very acidic… Mint should not be eaten either because it relaxes the sphincter muscle which shouldnt be relaxed…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hey, just like to say that AcipHex has been a miracle drug for my GERD. > One > pill every morning, and I’ve gone from sleeping a few hours in a recliner > because of the pain when I’d lie down to having only minor discomfort once > a > week or so.  Might be worth asking your doctor about.  Also, and this is a > little odd, avoiding tomato products seems to help.  Something about > tomatos > can really irritate GERD. > Hope you and your son feel better. > Mike > > > It can feel like it is your heart but you have classic symptoms of > gerd… > > > gerd can feel like a heart problem when it isnt… this ofcourse can > give > > > you panic attack feelings… and anxiety… or the gerd can be caused > by > > > anxiety… > > > any questions > > Hey Douglas !! I see you on alt. religion Mormon..how are you??? > > Anyway, thanks for replying…. > > Yeah..it is gerd by the looks of it. Although my doctor now thinks I may > > have an ulcer as well. > > Wiping out  coffee from my diet  ( I weep!) and spicy and fatty food has > > made a difference. The pain in my stomach is worse and I have been given > an > > a strong ant  acid and an anaesthetic suspension to take together  to > ease > > the discomfort. What are your symptoms, does it get any better? It seems > > stress does indeed  makes it worse…. > > I was meant to go for an endoscopy but my son has been in hospital ( > > recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes) so life has been incredibly > > hectic…..

Response:

Hey, just like to say that AcipHex has been a miracle drug for my GERD.  One pill every morning, and I’ve gone from sleeping a few hours in a recliner because of the pain when I’d lie down to having only minor discomfort once a week or so.  Might be worth asking your doctor about.  Also, and this is a little odd, avoiding tomato products seems to help.  Something about tomatos can really irritate GERD. Hope you and your son feel better. Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It can feel like it is your heart but you have classic symptoms of gerd… > gerd can feel like a heart problem when it isnt… this ofcourse can give > you panic attack feelings… and anxiety… or the gerd can be caused by > anxiety… > any questions > Hey Douglas !! I see you on alt. religion Mormon..how are you??? > Anyway, thanks for replying…. > Yeah..it is gerd by the looks of it. Although my doctor now thinks I may > have an ulcer as well. > Wiping out  coffee from my diet  ( I weep!) and spicy and fatty food has > made a difference. The pain in my stomach is worse and I have been given an > a strong ant  acid and an anaesthetic suspension to take together  to ease > the discomfort. What are your symptoms, does it get any better? It seems > stress does indeed  makes it worse…. > I was meant to go for an endoscopy but my son has been in hospital ( > recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes) so life has been incredibly > hectic…..

Response:

Tomatoes are ‘acidy’ do you find any problems with apples or citrus fruits? Derek.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hey, just like to say that AcipHex has been a miracle drug for my GERD. One > pill every morning, and I’ve gone from sleeping a few hours in a recliner > because of the pain when I’d lie down to having only minor discomfort once a > week or so.  Might be worth asking your doctor about.  Also, and this is a > little odd, avoiding tomato products seems to help.  Something about tomatos > can really irritate GERD. > Hope you and your son feel better. > Mike > > It can feel like it is your heart but you have classic symptoms of > gerd… > > gerd can feel like a heart problem when it isnt… this ofcourse can > give > > you panic attack feelings… and anxiety… or the gerd can be caused by > > anxiety… > > any questions > Hey Douglas !! I see you on alt. religion Mormon..how are you??? > Anyway, thanks for replying…. > Yeah..it is gerd by the looks of it. Although my doctor now thinks I may > have an ulcer as well. > Wiping out  coffee from my diet  ( I weep!) and spicy and fatty food has > made a difference. The pain in my stomach is worse and I have been given > an > a strong ant  acid and an anaesthetic suspension to take together  to ease > the discomfort. What are your symptoms, does it get any better? It seems > stress does indeed  makes it worse…. > I was meant to go for an endoscopy but my son has been in hospital ( > recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes) so life has been incredibly > hectic…..

Response:

> It can feel like it is your heart but you have classic symptoms of gerd… > gerd can feel like a heart problem when it isnt… this ofcourse can give > you panic attack feelings… and anxiety… or the gerd can be caused by > anxiety… > any questions

Hey Douglas !! I see you on alt. religion Mormon..how are you??? Anyway, thanks for replying…. Yeah..it is gerd by the looks of it. Although my doctor now thinks I may have an ulcer as well. Wiping out  coffee from my diet  ( I weep!) and spicy and fatty food has made a difference. The pain in my stomach is worse and I have been given an a strong ant  acid and an anaesthetic suspension to take together  to ease the discomfort. What are your symptoms, does it get any better? It seems stress does indeed  makes it worse…. I was meant to go for an endoscopy but my son has been in hospital ( recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes) so life has been incredibly hectic…..

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It can feel like it is your heart but you have classic symptoms of gerd… > gerd can feel like a heart problem when it isnt… this ofcourse can give > you panic attack feelings… and anxiety… or the gerd can be caused by > anxiety… > any questions > Hey Douglas !! I see you on alt. religion Mormon..how are you??? > Anyway, thanks for replying…. > Yeah..it is gerd by the looks of it. Although my doctor now thinks I may > have an ulcer as well. > Wiping out  coffee from my diet  ( I weep!) and spicy and fatty food has > made a difference. The pain in my stomach is worse and I have been given an > a strong ant  acid and an anaesthetic suspension to take together  to ease > the discomfort. What are your symptoms, does it get any better? It seems > stress does indeed  makes it worse…. > I was meant to go for an endoscopy but my son has been in hospital ( > recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes) so life has been incredibly > hectic…..

Well yes I am a "Mormon". I dont really go to the newsgroup anymore because so many bashers. Well yeah I figured you probablly had gerd, and peptic ulcers are usual with it. I am about to read a book soon called the PH miracle (you can get it on amazon for like 4 bucks). One lady who had the same symtpoms suggested it and said she is cured from her problems. I know her very well.. As far as the coffee and so forth is concerned the "Mormon" religion is really strict on dieting. For instance limiting the meats you eat, not drinking hot drinks, and staying away from any herb you dont need are just a few suggestions. I can only assume the reason this country has more problems with GERD than any other is because of the amount of chemicals and perservatives we take in. Caffine is horrible for the stomach, and especially sodas. I have gone back to a more pure diet involving fruits, grains, and very little meat. I have noticed some major changes but it will take time for my body to adapt…. I drink water and pure apple juice such as (langers). I figure not only will this cure my body from alot of illnesses but will give me longer life and less stress as it has shown so far. Will I miss foods? Sure but I can indulge everyonce in a blue moon. However I have learned to enjoy moderation more than I enjoyed the food. It is a hard habit to break but it can be done certainly.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all. > I have been having shocking reflux and stomach pain for over two years on > and off. > I went for an endoscopy eighteen months ago and was told I had very inflamed > stomach lining. No follow up. > All was fine for a while but a about five moths ago I felt like there was a > particle of food stuck in my throat ( after eating some spicy Thai food) I > went to a throat specialist who had a look and said my throat was irritated > due to reflux. Since then I have been getting increasingly worse reflux with > knife like pain under my breast bone. The pain radiated into my arm and > shoulder so my doctor ordered blood works and an ECG and of course did basic > obs.( pulse, BP and respiratory ) all normal. Yet I still get  a tad panicky > and think the pain is related to my heart even though the ECG was normal. > The pain on my left side ( under the ribs) is quite crippling at times and > when ever I bend over my reflux  gets much  worse.as does the pain in my > sternum and under the breast bone.My doctor palpated my stomach and said it > is extremely tender and has refereed me to a gastro specialist with the idea > to also do another endoscopy. Any one else here been through this?  Can you > tell me what to expect , is stress making it worse,any chance it is a cardio > vascular  thing?Can anxiety exacerbate   the  symptoms? > Much obliged for any replies……. > Helen

It can feel like it is your heart but you have classic symptoms of gerd… gerd can feel like a heart problem when it isnt… this ofcourse can give you panic attack feelings… and anxiety… or the gerd can be caused by anxiety… any questions

Response:

Hi all. I have been having shocking reflux and stomach pain for over two years on and off. I went for an endoscopy eighteen months ago and was told I had very inflamed stomach lining. No follow up. All was fine for a while but a about five moths ago I felt like there was a particle of food stuck in my throat ( after eating some spicy Thai food) I went to a throat specialist who had a look and said my throat was irritated due to reflux. Since then I have been getting increasingly worse reflux with knife like pain under my breast bone. The pain radiated into my arm and shoulder so my doctor ordered blood works and an ECG and of course did basic obs.( pulse, BP and respiratory ) all normal. Yet I still get  a tad panicky and think the pain is related to my heart even though the ECG was normal. The pain on my left side ( under the ribs) is quite crippling at times and when ever I bend over my reflux  gets much  worse.as does the pain in my sternum and under the breast bone.My doctor palpated my stomach and said it is extremely tender and has refereed me to a gastro specialist with the idea to also do another endoscopy. Any one else here been through this?  Can you tell me what to expect , is stress making it worse,any chance it is a cardio vascular  thing?Can anxiety exacerbate   the  symptoms? Much obliged for any replies……. Helen

Response:

Surgery for GERD

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

Question:

> I just recently switch doctors (about 6 months ago) over the last 5 years I > have been switch from one drug to the other, now nothing is working and I am > continually having heartburn.  My current doctor placed me back on Aciphex > and sugested that I give it a try for 3-4 weeks and if I do not get relief > then I should start to consider surgery.  I am currenlty not only > experiancing the heartburn but get acid and food backup whenever I bend > over, anytime…….  I am only 38 years old, slightly overwight (+20 lbs),

In my case, I found that the "lose some weight, even a few pounds" advice from my MD was also advice that helped a *lot*.  Losing 5lbs greatly reduced my GERD problems (and I was not, and am not, even close to being overweight: 5′10" and 160 lbs). — Richard W Kaszeta http://www.kaszeta.org/rich

Response:

Not had it done myself but know of someone that has had the fundoplication procedure done and is very happy with the results e.g. eats what she wants when she wants. I think everyone has a different way of dealing with GERD, for me it was to loose some weight, watch my diet, try to get a handle on what I can eat and what I can’t and  get some type of regular exercise. I still have events but they  are minor and can be controlled with a little Mylanta. (well most times). I am on 1x 40mg of Somac (pantoprazole) / day. If you don’t have a motility problem and at 38 y/o it sound like you are a good candidate for for surgery. Have you had a Acid PH and Motilty study done? Casey

Response:

I have not had the PH test nor the Motility tests done, I understand what the PH test does but I am not quite sure what the motility test does?  Now that I think about it, awhile ago I went in and had several tests taken where I drank some stuff and they took pictures as I swallowed, then I drank some fizzy stuff and they took more pictures to see the reflux.  They also took pictures of my upper GI.  I have never had any problems swallowing or have never had any feeling of unswallowed food, quite the opposite, if I even bend over slightly after eating I will reflux my meal back into my throat and mouth.  I would like to be able to exercise without that fear! Thanks Rob

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Not had it done myself but know of someone that has had the fundoplication > procedure done and is very happy with the results e.g. eats what she wants > when she wants. > I think everyone has a different way of dealing with GERD, for me it was to > loose some weight, watch my diet, try to get a handle on what I can eat and > what I can’t and  get some type of regular exercise. > I still have events but they  are minor and can be controlled with a little > Mylanta. (well most times). > I am on 1x 40mg of Somac (pantoprazole) / day. > If you don’t have a motility problem and at 38 y/o it sound like you are a > good candidate for for surgery. > Have you had a Acid PH and Motilty study done? > Casey

Response:

Hi Rob Sound like you had a Barium Swallow and X-rays done. PH and Motility study requires a small tube down the throat into the oesophagus area (via the nose). The first is the Motility and you are required to swallow water and the motility is recorded on a machine. The second tube, PH (fitted straight after the first is removed) is left there for 24 hours and has a monitor attached to you belt (or on a harness). You are able to do all you normal activities in this time (within reason of course). The monitor has an "event" button on it so that if you have some reflux and or regurgitating you the press this button and the event is "flagged" as need to be looked at. This monitor record the whole 24 hours (not just the events) and is removed after that. I had no trouble with this procedure at all and only felt a little discomfort. The motility study is required if you oft for the surgery (determines the amount of tightness they set the sphincter).  Hope this is some help. Cheers Casey P.S. Motility is the natural rhythm of the oesophagus to move food down to the stomach. <snip>

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have not had the PH test nor the Motility tests done, I understand what

Response:

When was the last time you have had a total checkup and especially a check internally.  I have not had the surgery, but have heard that if it is needed it is needed.  Dumb statement but true.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Just wondering if anyone has undergone the surgery to correct GERD.  I have > been on medication for numerous years and they have all stopped working. If > anyone has undergone the surgery could you post your experiances?? > Thanks > Rob

Response:

I just recently switch doctors (about 6 months ago) over the last 5 years I have been switch from one drug to the other, now nothing is working and I am continually having heartburn.  My current doctor placed me back on Aciphex and sugested that I give it a try for 3-4 weeks and if I do not get relief then I should start to consider surgery.  I am currenlty not only experiancing the heartburn but get acid and food backup whenever I bend over, anytime…….  I am only 38 years old, slightly overwight (+20 lbs), have migranes and glaucoma. I have been on: Priolosec, Previced, Aciphex, Nexium……. Thanks Rob

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> When was the last time you have had a total checkup and especially a check > internally.  I have not had the surgery, but have heard that if it is needed > it is needed.  Dumb statement but true. > Just wondering if anyone has undergone the surgery to correct GERD.  I > have > been on medication for numerous years and they have all stopped working. > If > anyone has undergone the surgery could you post your experiances?? > Thanks > Rob

Response:

Just wondering if anyone has undergone the surgery to correct GERD.  I have been on medication for numerous years and they have all stopped working.  If anyone has undergone the surgery could you post your experiances?? Thanks Rob

Response:

> Just wondering if anyone has undergone the surgery to correct GERD.  I have > been on medication for numerous years and they have all stopped working.  If > anyone has undergone the surgery could you post your experiances??

Sure, I had a Nissen Fundoplication done in ‘01.  Here’s the short version: 1. Prior to the surgery, I was almsot completely unresponsive to medication (including Zantac, Prevacid, and Prilosec), and was recommended for a Nissen. 2. Had the nissen, which went fairly well except for a rather nasty bout of crepitus (trapped air under the skin) after surgery. 3. For about 3 weeks after the surgery, I couldn’t swallow anything solid, but then regained the ability to swallow.  Alas, at that time my GERD symptoms reappeared. 4. However, post-Nissen I have been a *lot* more responsive to medication, and am currently taking Nexium 2x a day, and an occasional Zantac prior to going to bed, and have regained a more or less normal life. — Richard W Kaszeta http://www.kaszeta.org/rich

Response:

The Reflux Catch-22

Question:

Doctors want their respiratory patients to avoid reflux, since it may worsen respiratory symptoms. I wish they would consider how many of the medications they prescribe to these same patients, can *cause* reflux. At least they cause it in my case.  Lots of oral antibiotics cause me reflux, and even stomach upset. — Steven D. Litvintchouk                  

Response:

> Doctors want their respiratory patients to avoid reflux, since it may > worsen respiratory symptoms. > I wish they would consider how many of the medications they prescribe to > these same patients, can *cause* reflux. > At least they cause it in my case.  Lots of oral antibiotics cause me > reflux, and even stomach upset.

   Hi Steven,    I don’t get reflux much now, but I used a non-prescription    preparation called  TOPAL, the composition of which was –    dried alum. hydrox. gel  30mg     light mag. carb. 40mg     alginic acid 200mg     cream tab.     I recommend it because it is utterly harmless and doesn’t     clash with any of the other medicaaments you take.> >   If it’s off the market, show this to your pharmacist to

     get an equivalent – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> —

Response:

Personal preference

Question:

From Guy Williams I was put on metaformin and it was a disaster.  It has since been proven that it was not needed.  It was a combination ignorance of it’s action and a speil be a drug salesmen. It is indicated in many cases, but this should NOT be WAG decision. Like ALL drugs it has pluses and minuses.  Any drug  should be used with good reasons.   Most drugs harm someone. Anyone that had a job where productivity is their job requirement should not be expected to publicize the negatives of their product.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> From Guy Williams > I was put on metaformin and it was a disaster.  It has > since been proven that it was not needed.  It was > a combination ignorance of it’s action and a speil > be a drug salesmen. > It is indicated in many cases, but this should NOT be > WAG decision. > Like ALL drugs it has pluses and minuses.  Any > drug  should be used with good reasons.   Most > drugs harm someone. > Anyone that had a job where productivity is their > job requirement should not be expected to publicize > the negatives of their product.

I also had a very nasty experience with metformin. It is still being urged on me by well meaning doctors. The account of my experience is viewed with suspicion. My only defence is a stubborn refusal to ever use this medication again. Annette

Response:

>It is still being urged on me by well meaning doctors. The account >of my experience is viewed with suspicion. >My only defence is a stubborn refusal to ever use this medication >again.

Annette, I feel the same way about Actos.  Even though my blood sugar was EXCELLENT with Actos, I’m convinced  the side effects themselves would have killed me eventually.   First visit with a new PCP last year, she said, "I’m thinking about Actos for you."  I told her not to bother, I wouldn’t be taking that again anytime soon, after experiencing a rapid weight gain of 30lbs, constant pressure in my head, feeling unable to breathe, and pitted edema so bad I sprang a leak that wouldn’t dry up till I abruptly quit taking the Actos and went on Lasix. My experience with Avandia wasn’t much better, although the side effects were limited to edema, a 20lb weight gain and frequent headaches. Glucophage is my only reasonable option at this point.  I cannot exceed 850mg regular Glucophage per day, or I become ill.  I cannot take Glucophage XR at all, as it seems to cause me MORE gastric upset, (heartburn, nausea) than the regular. My husband is on XR, and has had pretty good results with it.  I don’t know why it doesn’t work for me.  I just consider myself lucky that I can now buy generic metformin at a cheaper copay……lol.. Bev Remove the "SpamFree" for email, please.  

Response:

In my opinion for the many that glucophage has an adverse affect, I feel that the scale towards the postiive aspects of this drug outweigh the negatives.  It is a case of YMMV  and for my mileage Glucophage is doing great.  I hope as I condinue to lose weight that I can reduce the amount of meds.  i have already reduced six mgs of amaryl. Loretta In tribute to the United States of America and the State of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and terrorism.

Response:

prilosec and nizatidine

Question:

My doctor has got me on nizatidine which I thought was working but lately I’ve had a couple of nights of being woken at 4 am with heartburn. Amazing what a different place the world is when you haven’t had enough sleep. I guess I’ll see what happens over the weekend, but looks like I’ll soon be going back to the doctor and begging for Losec (or Prilosec as you Americans call it). I’m getting to the stage where I find it hard to believe that *anything* could work and that I’ll just have heartburn forever and ever. Has anyone else tried nizatidine?

Response:

Where is axid available in USA over the counter? what is it called?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Moses here: nizatidine is known by the brand name Axid here in the USA. > It is sold as over the counter…..without a Doctors prescription…in a > is better absorb that most drug in this class….70 to 95% as compared > to ranitidine the next best absorptionwise. 60% of this excreted by the > kidneys unchanged. Duration of action per the text is 8 to 12 hours and > onset and peak are unknown….which I find strange….but that is what > the book says…..Davis Drug Guide 1999 > IMHO..you need a PPI med and not a H-2 blocker. Note: too much PPI drug > can also cause stomach pain……if a PPI med doesn’t seem to work or > you start getting gut pain…..and you are taking a higher dose ….try > the LOWER dose!! > My doctor has got me on nizatidine which I thought was working but > lately I’ve had a couple of nights of being woken at 4 am with > heartburn. Amazing what a different place the world is when you > haven’t > had enough sleep. I guess I’ll see what happens over the weekend, but > looks like I’ll soon be going back to the doctor and begging for Losec > (or Prilosec as you Americans call it). I’m getting to the stage where > I > find it hard to believe that *anything* could work and that I’ll just > have heartburn forever and ever. > Has anyone else tried nizatidine? > Before you buy.

Response:

> Where is axid available in USA over the counter? what is it called?

Moses here again: Axid is available as Axid AR in 75 milligram capsules which is half the dose the Doc will prescribe.  Where? Wal-Mart and likely Big K-Mart and Safeway….and so on. Before you buy.

Response:

Prevacid and Cigarettes

Question:

Okay, they have nothing to do with each other, just two seperate points I want to make. better? Not cured, but relieved a bit? My doctor told me that smoking made it worse and I would notice a "vast improvement" if I quit. Well, I quit last october and I feel like it got worse! Either that or my Pepcid twice a day isn’t working like it should. Of course, no matter what I went to the doctor for, it was the fault of the cigarettes. LOL! I actually didn’t quit because of the heartburn. I found a small brown mark on the inside of my cheek one day and it scared me so bad that I quit that night and bought patches at 1 in the morning. LOL! Turned out to be nothing more than a of the night. maintenece type thing like Pepcid. Is this true? I tried my dad’s prevacid a few times and it was awesome! I could eat what I wanted for about a day and half with no heartburn at all! I really would rather be on that stuff!

Response:

I have talked to many people and giving up smoking did make a vast improvement in their gerd symptoms. Congratulations on kicking the habit! Prevacid can be taken long term. You might want to visit your doctor and see about a prescription for Prevacid or one of the other PPI’s. It sounds like you would be able to improve your quality of life based on your experiment. Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

Before I quit smoking (5 years ago) I felt great and had no symptoms of heartburn or GERD.  I got winded walking up a flight of stairs, though.  Heartburn and GERD began about a year after I quit.  Now, I’ve been diagnosed with GERD, gastritis and Barrett’s esophagus and I’m on Prevacid but still have some pain every day.  Sometimes I wish I’d never quit smoking!  I’ve told the doctors how much better I felt when I smoked and they all look at me like I’m crazy. Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

> Before I quit smoking (5 years ago) I felt great and had no > symptoms of heartburn or GERD.  I got winded walking up a flight > of stairs, though.  Heartburn and GERD began about a year after > I quit.  Now, I’ve been diagnosed with GERD, gastritis and > Barrett’s esophagus and I’m on Prevacid but still have some pain > every day.  Sometimes I wish I’d never quit smoking!  I’ve told > the doctors how much better I felt when I smoked and they all > look at me like I’m crazy?

I believe that nicotine (sp)  calms peristalisis and helps with colon distress.  I can’t prove it. I’ll look for some info on the web about it or maybe someone in the group call fill in the blanks.    It is only fair that I admit that I had esophageal spasms and GERD for a long time before I stopped smoking and was diagnoses with Barrett’s later. Before you buy.

Response:

Heartburn through kissing ?

Question:

I’ve experienced heartburn problems after kissing my ex-girlfriend. I had to stop any kind of oral contact to avoid such problems. The doctors said that it’s impossible to get heartburn through kissing, but still that has been my experience. Last year I split with my ex and a few months later met my current fianc

any link b/w Lariam and heartburn?

Want to learn more? Find for more information about acid reflux dosage zantac for baby at our partner site AcidRefluxDiseaseGERD.com

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:

Being weened of Prilosec

Question:

I would definitely stay on prilosec if it is helping, unless your doctor can give you specific reasons not to use it.  Sheis probably trying to cut costs. I have been on it for four years, now. Alex.

Response:

Moses here: People end up taking it on an ongoing basis. You’ll know soon enough. If you were a chronic sufferer it will be back. Do you have all the reforms in place? Have you tilted your bed, quit coffee, tea, chocolate, fatty things, peanut butter, tomatoes, citrus and so be back on the med if you can pay for it. What nation are you in? Are you in an HMO…this is a trick they would likely try to cut costs for them. It is no real concern if you suffer to them, as long as their fat old boys at top get their millions of dollars. Ah, the wonder of the brave old frontier of huge bloated private/corporate bureaucracy. Thank Trent Lott and crew and their back room buddies. Sincerely Moses Clarke – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My doctor prescribed Prilosec for me about 2 months ago, but she said it was > not recommended for continuous daily usage.  After my prescription runs out > (tomorrow) I fear my chronic heartburn will return.  I know other people who > take Prilosec every day of their lives, so obviously there are doctors out > there that don’t have a problem prescribing it for full time use. What > should I expect when I stop taking the drug?  What are the concerns with > taking it daily?  Should I threaten to leave my doctor for one who will > prescribe it full time?  These last couple of months have been great, the > purple pill has been a God send.

Before you buy.

Response:

My doctor prescribed Prilosec for me about 2 months ago, but she said it was not recommended for continuous daily usage.  After my prescription runs out (tomorrow) I fear my chronic heartburn will return.  I know other people who take Prilosec every day of their lives, so obviously there are doctors out there that don’t have a problem prescribing it for full time use.  What should I expect when I stop taking the drug?  What are the concerns with taking it daily?  Should I threaten to leave my doctor for one who will prescribe it full time?  These last couple of months have been great, the purple pill has been a God send.

Response:

Esophageal Spasms vs Heart Pain – Looking for advice!

Question:

An awful lot of good advice. Have just read your post David. Thanks from me as well. The only advice I got from my doctor (it could be oesophageal spasms) was to take paracetomol 3 times a day. Wilks. Before you buy.

Response:

You’re quite welcome, and glad to help. What is paracetomol?

Response:

Has anyone ever suffered from, or know of someone who has, esophageal spasms?

Yes, I have, and have been hospitalized a couple of times for them. NOTE: I am not a physician. I have not studied medicine. I make no medical claims for this advice. I am simply a heartburn sufferer myself who can recommend what works for me. It might not work for you. Above all, if you suffer from severe abdominal problems — SEE A DOCTOR. After exercise, I get nothing short of heart attack like symptoms. Massive chest pain and dizziness. This has gone on for years, went away for the better part of 2 years, and after a stupid 8 mile hike the other day is back with a vengeance! I can barely walk 100 yards right now without feeling very dizzy – 5 days since the attacks began and not the slightest abatement! Been to the ER, GP, and a Cardiologist. Had 3 EKGs in 3 days. All exactly the same – normal with a slightly short PR interval, whatever that means. Nothing to indicate heart problems. More heart tests to come this week, then they focus on the esophagus but I’m somewhat sure, if history repeats itself, they will find the same problem I had 5 years ago.

I think you’re on the right track there. Stick with the doctors. They sound like they’re taking the right course. Heart problems should be ruled out for your symptoms before they deal with esophageal issues. Had lot’s of heart tests 5 years ago to rule out the heart – all negative! One “Bernstein” test showed “impressive” esophageal spasms. Very painful test! I was diagnosed with esophageal spasms, and not a lot of help.

That’s too bad, but not uncommon. Many esophageal problems are a mystery do doctors, even Gastroenterologists, because they concentrate so heavily on ulcers, cancer and other more common problems that they see more often. But, I continue to find it difficult to believe the pain can be this severe and last for so days, if not longer, and induced only by exercise – not by food or stress, that I can tell of anyway. The “feeling” sometimes rises to having a problem of actually breathing!

The nerves which traverse the esophagus also serve the heart, and esophageal pain is often indistinguishable from cardiac pain. Nitroglycerin is often given to relieve esophageal spasm, further clouding the diagnostic picture. It sounds like if your problems are really due to esophageal spasm caused by GERD, the mechanical irritation of walking, running, exercising, is causing the nerves to become irritated in the inflamed area, and your body’s response is to force you to stop moving. Remember that the esophagus has to pass through the diaphragm, and that this very large and very powerful muscle pushes against the gastro-esophageal junction right where it gets the most inflamed with GERD, so it’s not uncommon for severe GERD or e-spasm to cause you to feel so much pain with breathing. It’s also not uncommon for patients to find a position in which they can relieve this pain, semi-reclining usually. The other day my breathing seemed to stop for a second or two as I was finally dosing off and took quite an effort to start back up. Felt like my heart stopped. Doctor’s are, at this point, confused to say the least. Claimed the spasms may have temporarily close my throat? I’ve searched the web and have found nobody with similar problems that come from exercise and is this severe! I’ve heard from some sufferers but nothing like what I’m going through!

Sleep apnea may be part of your problem, or it might be reflux aspiration. Part of the reflux problem is that you regurgitate when you lie down and relax, then breathe in your stomach contents, which are acidic. Your airway may have actually been blocked. This has happened to me a few times. It’s scary, but your body will always find a way to get you breathing again, although it may scare the bejeezes outta you. Recognize that these are two separate breathing problems: The first is caused by nerve irritation, the second by mechanical obstruction. Any information on this would be greatly appreciated. This is one VERY “profound” type of pain. Drugs they gave me were Prevacid for reflux and XANAX for anxiety. I’m not sure the former does anything.

It can take six months for a severely eroded and inflamed esophagus to heal up to the point where symptoms disappear, if they ever do totally. The erosion itself can be almost symptomless until you get to the point where your first indication is a severe attack. Give the Prevacid a few days/weeks to work. Are you supplementing the Prevacid with anything else? Lots of water? Mylanta? Change in diet? Raise the head of your bed? If I could recommend something which may have an immediate effect, it would be to follow the following fairly simple regimen: 1) Eat six small meals per day, instead of three big ones, and try to reduce the amount of fat in the meals. Instead of a cheeseburger and fries, have a turkey sandwich with a salad. Fat stays in the stomach longer, promotes bile release, and encourages reflux. 2) Drink lots of water after and between meals. This washes and soothes the affected area. 3) Take 1/2 ounce of Mylanta between meals. This soothes, de-acidifies, and promotes G-E sphincter competency. 4) Raise the head of your bed at least 7 inches with books, blocks or bricks. Don’t try to just use a bunch of pillows. This keeps the reflux down through simple gravity. It takes a little getting used to, but helped me in a big way immediately. Don’t underestimate the power of this simple action. 5) Don’t eat for three hours before going to bed. Drink lots of water during these three hours, and chug an ounce of Mylanta before retiring. This way, you won’t have any food in your gut at night to wash up into your esophagus or mouth. 6) Eliminate cola drinks, alcohol, hot beverages, cigarettes, spicy foods and “hard” foods from your diet. These are all either chemically irritating, promote incompetence of the G-E sphincter, or promote the production of stomach acid. The [Xanax] is cool in that it calms me down and puts me to sleep. But, a glass or two of wine would serve the same purpose and be more fun For now – no alcohol or other fun things to eat!

If you have severe GERD and esophageal spasms leading to apnea, and are still drinking and enjoying alcohol, you may be in for some bad news. I’m sure you physician is going to recommend that you immediately eliminate ALL of the following from your diet: alcohol, fatty foods, caffeine, tobacco, cola drinks, citrus juices, spicy foods like hot peppers, “hard” foods — popcorn, dry crackers, thick dry chips (Doritos). The Xanax is a good idea since it relaxes you, which will serve to reduce the pressure on the diaphragm area, which becomes very tense under stress. Remember that the G-E junction is subject to the following influences when you have GERD: 1) Chemical irritation — reflux itself, hot and/or spicy foods, acidic foods — citrus, peppers. Anything washing over the irritated area can cause further irritation, and this includes anything taken by mouth. 2) Mechanical irritation — posture, large meals, exertion — all of these can cause pressure on the inflamed area, which can damn hurt. Try not to bend over at the waist, slump in your chair, or pick up heavy objects. Anything which increases internal abdominal pressure can trigger an attack. 3) G-E junction incompetence — some foods and lifestyle peculiarities can reduce the ability of the upper stomach sphincter to close properly, increasing GERD and reflux: alcohol, tobacco, caffeine. Once an “event” starts (always from exercise) it spirals way out of control. Whew… does this hurt. And, I have a high tolerance for pain. Work is next to impossible. May have a 1 month paid sabbatical. Any ideas? Diets? I notice warm teas (no caffeine helps a bit) but aren’t sure what types of herbals are cool with something like this. I was drinking HUGE amounts of peppermint tea as I was told it was good for the stomach but now just read the opposite.

You might try a WARM ( not hot! ) herbal like “Sleepytime” tea from Celestial Seasonings, or whatever works for you. As you learn to live with this condition and become familiar with how your body reacts, you’ll tailor the advice you get from people and books and Websites to your own body. I, for example, can eat steak and potatoes and thrive — they don’t hurt me at all, and even in a severe attack, can keep me from becoming debilitated from malnutrition. But I can’t touch a spoonful of cola drinks — they are like inhaling liquid fire to me, and I hurt immediately. I can’t drink any alcohol at all — I feel bad the next morning. I can’t eat jalapeno peppers. Other sufferers might thrive on tacos with hot sauce and drink lots of beer, but can’t handle steak and potatoes. One thing’s for sure, though, raising your bed, drinking lots of water, and allowing a few hours between dinner and bedtime will help. I notice you haven’t posted since 10/8. Let us hear from you, and let us know what the doctors had to say. Are you going to get a gastroscope?

Response:

I’m taking some heart test this week to rule out, again, heart problems. I expect none. I know what this is. Have you ever been given some king of “blockers” – I think Calcium Channel or Beta blockers or something like that. That’s suppose to be a big part of the solution but I can’t have them until the heart is again rules out as the drugs will skew the tests. Also, is stress a part of your problem? Good luck Tom

Has anyone ever suffered from, or know of someone who has, esophageal spasms? After exercise, I get nothing short of heart attack like Sorry I can’t offer anthing but consolation, but there ARE others! My sympoms are identical to yours, except onset can be triggered by plain walking, and I sometimes have to stop after 50 feet or so…. And, need one say it, I circulate among many specialists who mumble and send me to other specialists…. “Do not meddle in the affairs of Dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with catsup.”

Response:

Dear Tom: I used to have spasms but not from exercise, but more from the position my body was in. Lying on my side seemed to often start them up.  A couple of things that helped me were to put a heating pad between my shoulders on my back and also to try to expand my chest and ribs and hold that position for a while. I never knew what was happening – just that it wasn’t my heart, even though it was chest crushing pain. For some reason I’ve done much better since I raised the head of my bed for sleeping. I don’t get the spasms during the day or night at this point and I hope they never come back. I did hear of a woman who was getting spasms as a result of exercise. She was put on prevacid and she said they went away after that. I sure wish you luck. I use Lily of the Desert edible aloe gel a couple of tablespoons first thing in the morning and last thing before bed and I also take catnip herb with meals.  Plus I have radically altered my diet to eliminate foods that cause me distress and raised my bed up at the head of the bed 7 inches. -Chris

Has anyone ever suffered from, or know of someone who has, esophageal spasms? After exercise, I get nothing short of heart attack like symptoms. Massive chest pain and dizziness. This has gone on for years, went away for the better part of 2 years, and after a stupid 8 mile hike the other day is back with a vengeance! I can barely walk 100 yards right now without feeling very dizzy – 5 days since the attacks began and not the slightest abatement! Been to the ER, GP, and a Cardiologist. Had 3 EKGs in 3 days. All exactly the same – normal with a slightly short PR interval, whatever that means. Nothing to indicate heart problems. More heart tests to come this week, then they focus on the esophagus but I’m somewhat sure, if history repeats itself, they will find the same problem I had 5 years ago. Had lot’s of heart tests 5 years ago to rule out the heart – all negative! One “Bernstein” test showed “impressive” esophageal spasms. Very painful test! I was diagnosed with esophageal spasms, and not a lot of help. But, I continue to find it difficult to believe the pain can be this severe and last for so days, if not longer, and induced only by exercise – not by food or stress, that I can tell of anyway. The “feeling” sometimes rises to having a problem of actually breathing! The other day my breathing seemed to stop for a second or two as I was finally dosing off and took quite an effort to start back up. Felt like my heart stopped. Doctor’s are, at this point, confused to say the least. Claimed the spasms may have temporarily close my throat? I’ve searched the web and have found nobody with similar problems that come from exercise and is this severe! I’ve heard from some sufferers but nothing like what I’m going through! Any information on this would be greatly appreciated. This is one VERY “profound” type of pain. Drugs they gave me were Prevacid for reflux and XANAX for anxiety. I’m not sure the former does anything. The later is cool in that it calms me down and puts me to sleep. But, a glass or two of wine would serve the same purpose and be more fun For now – no alcohol or other fun things to eat! Once an “event” starts (always from exercise) it spirals way out of control. Whew… does this hurt. And, I have a high tolerance for pain. Work is next to impossible. May have a 1 month paid sabbatical. Any ideas? Diets? I notice warm teas (no caffeine helps a bit) but aren’t sure what types of herbals are cool with something like this. I was drinking HUGE amounts of peppermint tea as I was told it was good for the stomach but now just read the opposite. Thanks all… Tom

– Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

Has anyone ever suffered from, or know of someone who has, esophageal spasms? After exercise, I get nothing short of heart attack like

Sorry I can’t offer anthing but consolation, but there ARE others! My sympoms are identical to yours, except onset can be triggered by plain walking, and I sometimes have to stop after 50 feet or so…. And, need one say it, I circulate among many specialists who mumble and send me to other specialists…. “Do not meddle in the affairs of Dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with catsup.”

Response:

Has anyone ever suffered from, or know of someone who has, esophageal spasms? After exercise, I get nothing short of heart attack like symptoms. Massive chest pain and dizziness. This has gone on for years, went away for the better part of 2 years, and after a stupid 8 mile hike the other day is back with a vengeance! I can barely walk 100 yards right now without feeling very dizzy – 5 days since the attacks began and not the slightest abatement! Been to the ER, GP, and a Cardiologist. Had 3 EKGs in 3 days. All exactly the same – normal with a slightly short PR interval, whatever that means. Nothing to indicate heart problems. More heart tests to come this week, then they focus on the esophagus but I’m somewhat sure, if history repeats itself, they will find the same problem I had 5 years ago. Had lot’s of heart tests 5 years ago to rule out the heart – all negative! One “Bernstein” test showed “impressive” esophageal spasms. Very painful test! I was diagnosed with esophageal spasms, and not a lot of help. But, I continue to find it difficult to believe the pain can be this severe and last for so days, if not longer, and induced only by exercise – not by food or stress, that I can tell of anyway. The “feeling” sometimes rises to having a problem of actually breathing! The other day my breathing seemed to stop for a second or two as I was finally dosing off and took quite an effort to start back up. Felt like my heart stopped. Doctor’s are, at this point, confused to say the least. Claimed the spasms may have temporarily close my throat? I’ve searched the web and have found nobody with similar problems that come from exercise and is this severe! I’ve heard from some sufferers but nothing like what I’m going through! Any information on this would be greatly appreciated. This is one VERY “profound” type of pain. Drugs they gave me were Prevacid for reflux and XANAX for anxiety. I’m not sure the former does anything. The later is cool in that it calms me down and puts me to sleep. But, a glass or two of wine would serve the same purpose and be more fun For now – no alcohol or other fun things to eat! Once an “event” starts (always from exercise) it spirals way out of control. Whew… does this hurt. And, I have a high tolerance for pain. Work is next to impossible. May have a 1 month paid sabbatical. Any ideas? Diets? I notice warm teas (no caffeine helps a bit) but aren’t sure what types of herbals are cool with something like this. I was drinking HUGE amounts of peppermint tea as I was told it was good for the stomach but now just read the opposite. Thanks all… Tom

Response: