strange heartburn problem

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Question:

I’ve had bad heartburn-like pain in my chest for the past 5 months at varying levels of intensity.  At its worst, I’ve gone to the emergency room.  Sometimes it is almost tolerable.  This started after 10 days on doxycycline, so the initial thought was that caused irritation to the esophagus or stomach.  Accordingly, my Prevacid dose was upped and the theory was that after a few weeks of extra acid suppression, I would heal, and could go back to the 15 mg every other day dose of Prevacid I was taking originally.  Well, 5 months later, and there is really no improvement in symptoms.  In fact, I’m now on 30 mg twice a day and it’s no better: I still get excrutiating attacks ever few weeks, and the pain is always present if sometimes almost tolerable. I even switched to Aciphex for 3 weeks, but it wasn’t better than Prevacid and made me feel "strange" so I went back to Prevacid.  Now, 4 months ago an endoscopy revealed that my esophagus was fine, but there was some "slight irritation" of the stomach lining itself.  I have yet to get another endoscopy to see if it looks worse, but probably will. So, my question is why the heck am I not healing? BTW, there seems to be almost no correspondence between the level of pain and what food I eat, but I eat cautiously anyway.  Also, I never drink alcohol, I don’t smoke, and I’m under weight if anything.  I would describe the pain as not so much burning as a tightness/fullness/achiness, mostly under the sternum, but often also under the right breast area.  The later pain is a poser because I didn’t think anything but lung was over there! Thanks for any insight. John.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve had bad heartburn-like pain in my chest for the past 5 months at > varying levels of intensity.  At its worst, I’ve gone to the emergency > room.  Sometimes it is almost tolerable.  This started after 10 days > on doxycycline, so the initial thought was that caused irritation to > the esophagus or stomach.  Accordingly, my Prevacid dose was upped and > the theory was that after a few weeks of extra acid suppression, I > would heal, and could go back to the 15 mg every other day dose of > Prevacid I was taking originally.  Well, 5 months later, and there is > really no improvement in symptoms.  In fact, I’m now on 30 mg twice a > day and it’s no better: I still get excrutiating attacks ever few > weeks, and the pain is always present if sometimes almost tolerable. > I even switched to Aciphex for 3 weeks, but it wasn’t better than > Prevacid and made me feel "strange" so I went back to Prevacid.  Now, > 4 months ago an endoscopy revealed that my esophagus was fine, but > there was some "slight irritation" of the stomach lining itself.  I > have yet to get another endoscopy to see if it looks worse, but > probably will. > So, my question is why the heck am I not healing? > BTW, there seems to be almost no correspondence between the level of > pain and what food I eat, but I eat cautiously anyway.  Also, I never > drink alcohol, I don’t smoke, and I’m under weight if anything.  I > would describe the pain as not so much burning as a > tightness/fullness/achiness, mostly under the sternum, but often also > under the right breast area.  The later pain is a poser because I > didn’t think anything but lung was over there!

Not enough info here to do anything but take a wild guess. You need another EGD, plus ambulatory pH testing and esophageal manometry. HMc

Response:

Just a couple of thoughts. Have you been checked for Heliobactor Pilori infection in your stomach?  The pain you describe sounds similar to that which I had when infected. Re the pain under the right breast, I think your gall bladder is on the RHS, in behind the lower ribs.  Gall stones can cause anything from a dull ache to sharp pains in this area. Andrew. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve had bad heartburn-like pain in my chest for the past 5 months at > varying levels of intensity.  At its worst, I’ve gone to the emergency > room.  Sometimes it is almost tolerable.  This started after 10 days > on doxycycline, so the initial thought was that caused irritation to > the esophagus or stomach.  Accordingly, my Prevacid dose was upped and > the theory was that after a few weeks of extra acid suppression, I > would heal, and could go back to the 15 mg every other day dose of > Prevacid I was taking originally.  Well, 5 months later, and there is > really no improvement in symptoms.  In fact, I’m now on 30 mg twice a > day and it’s no better: I still get excrutiating attacks ever few > weeks, and the pain is always present if sometimes almost tolerable. > I even switched to Aciphex for 3 weeks, but it wasn’t better than > Prevacid and made me feel "strange" so I went back to Prevacid.  Now, > 4 months ago an endoscopy revealed that my esophagus was fine, but > there was some "slight irritation" of the stomach lining itself.  I > have yet to get another endoscopy to see if it looks worse, but > probably will. > So, my question is why the heck am I not healing? > BTW, there seems to be almost no correspondence between the level of > pain and what food I eat, but I eat cautiously anyway.  Also, I never > drink alcohol, I don’t smoke, and I’m under weight if anything.  I > would describe the pain as not so much burning as a > tightness/fullness/achiness, mostly under the sternum, but often also > under the right breast area.  The later pain is a poser because I > didn’t think anything but lung was over there! > Thanks for any insight. > John.

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Response:

Symptom help

Question:

A few months back I had tightness in my chest and what felt like heart palpitations. So I went to the doc and they run an ECG and find high voltage spikes or something to that effect. So they do an echocardiogram (sp?) to check for an enlarged heart, but find nothing. The problem has continued for months since then, mostly at night when I sleep on my back. I’ve also had back pain and what feels like swelling of the adams apple (difficulty swallowing) and when it’s real bad, then urge to throw up. I’ve also started to notice this during exercise. I’ve never had "classic heartburn" symptoms though. So I go back to the doc and they saddle me up with a 24 hr monitor to rule out heart problems. So now he prescribes an antacid, without doing any gastric tests. Everything is stress with this guy. From what little I’ve read in this group, this can be a complex problem, anything from Acid Reflux to GERD or spasms of the esophagus. Apart from finding a new doctor, what else can I do to narrow this down?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> A few months back I had tightness in my chest and what felt like heart > palpitations. So I went to the doc and they run an ECG and find high > voltage spikes or something to that effect. So they do an > echocardiogram (sp?) to check for an enlarged heart, but find nothing. > The problem has continued for months since then, mostly at night when I > sleep on my back. I’ve also had back pain and what feels like swelling > of the adams apple (difficulty swallowing) and when it’s real bad, then > urge to throw up. I’ve also started to notice this during exercise. > I’ve never had "classic heartburn" symptoms though. > So I go back to the doc and they saddle me up with a 24 hr monitor to > rule out heart problems. So now he prescribes an antacid, without doing > any gastric tests. Everything is stress with this guy. From what little > I’ve read in this group, this can be a complex problem, anything from > Acid Reflux to GERD or spasms of the esophagus. Apart from finding a > new doctor, what else can I do to narrow this down?

See a gastroenterologist or surgeon. You need an upper GI endoscopy (EGD) and 48-hours ambulatory pH testing to rule out GERD. HMc

Response:

Switched from Nexium to Protonix

Question:

Hi, I switched from Nexium to Protonix because my health plan had Protonix as a formulary (read cheaper) drug. Now my heartburn is severe. I’ve been taking the Protonix for a week. Both dosages are 40mg. I rarely had heartburn while on the Nexium. Should I give it more time or bite the bullet and go back to Nexium? Thanks. The Wobulator *Please REMOVE the obvious for my correct email address*

Response:

Yes, I’d think so. You might consider Aciphex/rabeprazole as it maybe the most effective of class. WARNING: I am not a physician.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > I switched from Nexium to Protonix because my health plan had Protonix > as a formulary (read cheaper) drug. Now my heartburn is severe. I’ve > been taking the Protonix for a week. Both dosages are 40mg. I rarely > had heartburn while on the Nexium. Should I give it more time or bite > the bullet and go back to Nexium? Thanks. > The Wobulator > *Please REMOVE the obvious for my correct email address*

Response:

>Yes, I’d think so. You might consider Aciphex/rabeprazole as it >maybe the most effective of class. >WARNING: I am not a physician.

I got some samples of Aciphex from the doctor but also got a prescription for Nexium. Thanks. > Hi, > I switched from Nexium to Protonix because my health plan had Protonix > as a formulary (read cheaper) drug. Now my heartburn is severe. I’ve > been taking the Protonix for a week. Both dosages are 40mg. I rarely > had heartburn while on the Nexium. Should I give it more time or bite > the bullet and go back to Nexium? Thanks. > The Wobulator > *Please REMOVE the obvious for my correct email address*

The Wobulator *Please REMOVE the obvious for my correct email address*

Response:

excruciating heartburn / esophagitis

Question:

Developed after 10 days on Doxycycline as treatment for prostatitis. My gastroenterologist suspects the doxycycline is the cause.  I would tend to agree, but I always took it with a full meal, so can’t quite see how it could have worked its evil on my esophagus.  Anyway, assuming I have doxy induced esophagitis, my doc put me on 30mg prevacid 1x/day, and sucralfate 4x/day.  So far, after only 1 day’s treatment, I am still in agony.  I have slept virtually not at all the past two nights because of the pain, which is still excruciating even when fully upright.  Food or lack of it does little to affect the pain.  Tylenol seems to do nothing as well. Is there any medication I can take to relieve the pain so that I can sleep and let the other medicines do their work?  I’ve heard of a "GI cocktail" that has lidocain in it that is used in ERs.  Is there something similar OTC? TIA for any and all ideas — John.

Response:

In article <95556f1e.0402110805.5b5cc475 > Developed after 10 days on Doxycycline as treatment for prostatitis. > My gastroenterologist suspects the doxycycline is the cause.  I would > tend to agree, but I always took it with a full meal, so can’t quite > see how it could have worked its evil on my esophagus.  Anyway, > assuming I have doxy induced esophagitis, my doc put me on 30mg > prevacid 1x/day, and sucralfate 4x/day.  So far, after only 1 day’s > treatment, I am still in agony.  I have slept virtually not at all the > past two nights because of the pain, which is still excruciating even > when fully upright.  Food or lack of it does little to affect the > pain.  Tylenol seems to do nothing as well. Is there any medication I > can take to relieve the pain so that I can sleep and let the other > medicines do their work?  I’ve heard of a "GI cocktail" that has > lidocain in it that is used in ERs.  Is there something similar OTC? > TIA for any and all ideas — John.

First of all, one can take prevacid 30 mg twice a day.  It is a large dose, but not that infrequently done (I’m doing it for the last month and it’s helped a lot with acid burning my throat till I could barely talk).  If you’re in the US, and using our wonderful insurance plans…..your doctor will have to get special permission for the large dose, but it can be done and it will make a big difference. Also, OTC Gaviscon is different from other antacids in that it creates a barrier of foam so the acid has a harder time refluxing.  If you take too much, the magnesium in it might give you some diahrrea – but again, for a little while, no harm done. In the health food camp:  1 tsp of aloe vera juice (pure) a few times a day.  DGL (deglycerized licorice) tablets chewed 15 minutes before meals. Put some kind of blocks under the head of your bed so that it is at an angle – they usually recommend 6 to 8 inches.   DO NOT USE EXTRA PILLOWS – you need the blocks under the top of the boxspring to create the proper angle. There are other things, such as medicines available in other countries, but not here, but those will take weeks for you to get and you’ll probably be better by then. Hope this helps and that you’re feeling better soon. Louise

Response:

errosive esophagitis and Barret's

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

Question:

I just had an endosopy (piece of cake BTW) for mild heartburn but it wasn’t that mild. Erosive esophagitis grade 2 with ulceration that bleed like a stuck pig when biopsies, stomach filled with blood. I could have hemorrhaged and died  if I was out drinking.Anyway my concern is Barrett’s which I don’t have. I read a study on PUBMED that states GERD causes non-erosive, erosive and Barrett’s esophagitis but there is no correlation that if you have erosive you will probably progress to Barrett’s syndrome. However once you get Barrett’s you have a good chance of it becoming carcinogenic. any Doc’s out there?

Response:

> I just had an endosopy (piece of cake BTW) for mild heartburn but it wasn’t > that mild. Erosive esophagitis grade 2 with ulceration that bleed like a > stuck pig when biopsies, stomach filled with blood. I could have hemorrhaged > and died  if I was out drinking.Anyway my concern is Barrett’s which I don’t > have. I read a study on PUBMED that states GERD causes non-erosive, erosive > and Barrett’s esophagitis but there is no correlation that if you have > erosive you will probably progress to Barrett’s syndrome. However once you > get Barrett’s you have a good chance of it becoming carcinogenic. > any Doc’s out there?

If you have GERD, you should be having periodic EGDs as surveillance for the development of Barrett’s esophagus. As you noted, the presence of  severe GERD as indicated by your erosive esophagitis does put you at higher risk for Barrett’s esophagus, which in turn increases your risk of esophageal cancer. HMc – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

I never really had GERD symptoms. I always ate the spiciest foods, I would pour on hot sause on eveything. I’ve never had any real pain, just some minor heatburn once in a while. Go figure. However I would go out usually on Saturday night have about3 or  4 maybe 5 scotches, stuff my face with food, then fall asleep for 4 hours, wake up take two excederin eat again and fall asleep. Maybe this did it!???

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I just had an endosopy (piece of cake BTW) for mild heartburn but it > wasn’t > that mild. Erosive esophagitis grade 2 with ulceration that bleed like a > stuck pig when biopsies, stomach filled with blood. I could have > hemorrhaged > and died  if I was out drinking.Anyway my concern is Barrett’s which I > don’t > have. I read a study on PUBMED that states GERD causes non-erosive, > erosive > and Barrett’s esophagitis but there is no correlation that if you have > erosive you will probably progress to Barrett’s syndrome. However once you > get Barrett’s you have a good chance of it becoming carcinogenic. > any Doc’s out there? > If you have GERD, you should be having periodic EGDs as surveillance for the > development of Barrett’s esophagus. As you noted, the presence of  severe > GERD as indicated by your erosive esophagitis does put you at higher risk > for Barrett’s esophagus, which in turn increases your risk of esophageal > cancer. > HMc

Response:

Howard, Thanks for your reply. I’m assuming you’re the resident DOC here I’m just a little anxious right now, I wasn’t expecting these results from my EGD. My Doctor was also surprised since I had such mild heartburn. Nothing I ate ever gave me heartburn. Lately however come to think of it Margarhitas have caused me some moderate pain.Lately  I was also taking  some diet pills with Efedra to lose weight, maybe I was my own worst enemy. So scotch,excedrin, diet pills, and eating heavy right before I went to bed caused acid reflux to slowly eat away my esophogus? Do you feel some needed lifestyle changes is all I would need after I get off the meds like Previcid?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I just had an endosopy (piece of cake BTW) for mild heartburn but it > wasn’t > that mild. Erosive esophagitis grade 2 with ulceration that bleed like a > stuck pig when biopsies, stomach filled with blood. I could have > hemorrhaged > and died  if I was out drinking.Anyway my concern is Barrett’s which I > don’t > have. I read a study on PUBMED that states GERD causes non-erosive, > erosive > and Barrett’s esophagitis but there is no correlation that if you have > erosive you will probably progress to Barrett’s syndrome. However once you > get Barrett’s you have a good chance of it becoming carcinogenic. > any Doc’s out there? > If you have GERD, you should be having periodic EGDs as surveillance for the > development of Barrett’s esophagus. As you noted, the presence of  severe > GERD as indicated by your erosive esophagitis does put you at higher risk > for Barrett’s esophagus, which in turn increases your risk of esophageal > cancer. > HMc

Response:

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:

Heartburn-help.com

Question:

http://www.heartburn-help.com has a very active message board for heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. Several people posting on the board have had corrective surgery for Gerd and are answering questions.

Response:

>http://www.heartburn-help.com has a very active message board for heartburn >and Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. >Several people posting on the board have had corrective surgery for Gerd and >are answering questions.

is it possible to merge it  with this newsgroup ?

Response:

I’m hoping to be able to post in this group as I have had corrective surgery however have had complications with the surgery and now have to have another operation and have alot of indigestion and heartburn. — Rose I pray for our Future – Children with Strong, Healthy Minds, Bodies and Future. "Stop Child Abuse"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> http://www.heartburn-help.com has a very active message board for heartburn > and Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. > Several people posting on the board have had corrective surgery for Gerd and > are answering questions.

Response:

Hi Rose Sorry to hear your not doing well. What was the surgery for and what went wrong? Casey

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m hoping to be able to post in this group as I have had corrective surgery > however have had complications with the surgery and now have to have another > operation and have alot of indigestion and heartburn. > — > Rose > I pray for our Future – Children with Strong, Healthy Minds, Bodies and > Future. > "Stop Child Abuse"

Response:

Hi Casey, I had a Nissan Fundoplication done to help with my GERD.  I had a few ulcers on my oesophagus and the valve that shuts off the oesophagus to the stomach was actually totally burnt out.  So a wrap was made from my stomach to rebuild the valve. It was fantastic for the first year but then something just didn’t feel right.  As a mother, my kids always go to doctors when they have the sniffles but me… well I put it off for a while, so when I went back to see the surgeon and he did an endoscopy again he found that the wrap has come away and has risen into the chest wall.  My diaphragm has ripped and it all needs to be repaired again. So the heartburn, constant reflux is back and on the 20th May I will have to undergo the operation again and repair the diaphragm too but this time it will be open and not laparoscopic.  The incision will be from my breast bone to my bellybutton so I am scared.  I have no choice but to have it as it is a mess in there. I see you are in the land of Oz as I am too.  I live in WA.  So do you suffer heartburn?  I am a 33 year old mum of 2 kids, 9 & 11 y/o — Rose I pray for our Future – Children with Strong, Healthy Minds, Bodies and Future. "Stop Child Abuse"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Rose > Sorry to hear your not doing well. > What was the surgery for and what went wrong? > Casey > I’m hoping to be able to post in this group as I have had corrective > surgery > however have had complications with the surgery and now have to have > another > operation and have alot of indigestion and heartburn. > — > Rose > I pray for our Future – Children with Strong, Healthy Minds, Bodies and > Future. > "Stop Child Abuse"

Response:

Hi Rose Yep I have been suffering this pathetic disease for about 15 years now. You must be feeling very uncomfortable at the moment. I have been putting off having the operation for some time now but I think it is inevitable that I have it done. I hope and pray all goes well for you and that the op is a complete success, please keep us informed. Bye for now Casey – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Casey, > I had a Nissan Fundoplication done to help with my GERD.  I had a few ulcers > on my oesophagus and the valve that shuts off the oesophagus to the stomach > was actually totally burnt out.  So a wrap was made from my stomach to > rebuild the valve. > It was fantastic for the first year but then something just didn’t feel > right.  As a mother, my kids always go to doctors when they have the > sniffles but me… well I put it off for a while, so when I went back to see > the surgeon and he did an endoscopy again he found that the wrap has come > away and has risen into the chest wall.  My diaphragm has ripped and it all > needs to be repaired again. > So the heartburn, constant reflux is back and on the 20th May I will have to > undergo the operation again and repair the diaphragm too but this time it > will be open and not laparoscopic.  The incision will be from my breast bone > to my bellybutton so I am scared.  I have no choice but to have it as it is > a mess in there. > I see you are in the land of Oz as I am too.  I live in WA.  So do you > suffer heartburn?  I am a 33 year old mum of 2 kids, 9 & 11 y/o > — > Rose > I pray for our Future – Children with Strong, Healthy Minds, Bodies and > Future. > "Stop Child Abuse" > Hi Rose > Sorry to hear your not doing well. > What was the surgery for and what went wrong? > Casey > > I’m hoping to be able to post in this group as I have had corrective > surgery > > however have had complications with the surgery and now have to have > another > > operation and have alot of indigestion and heartburn. > > — > > Rose > > I pray for our Future – Children with Strong, Healthy Minds, Bodies and > > Future. > > "Stop Child Abuse"

Response:

If you are in WA Casey, the best surgeon for this procedure is Professor Fletcher at Kaleeya hospital & Fremantle Hospital.  He trained with the guy that invented the procedure. — Rose I pray for our Future – Children with Strong, Healthy Minds, Bodies and Future. "Stop Child Abuse"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Rose > Yep I have been suffering this pathetic disease for about 15 years now. > You must be feeling very uncomfortable at the moment. > I have been putting off having the operation for some time now but I think > it is inevitable that I have it done. > I hope and pray all goes well for you and that the op is a complete success, > please keep us informed. > Bye for now > Casey > Hi Casey, > I had a Nissan Fundoplication done to help with my GERD.  I had a few > ulcers > on my oesophagus and the valve that shuts off the oesophagus to the > stomach > was actually totally burnt out.  So a wrap was made from my stomach to > rebuild the valve. > It was fantastic for the first year but then something just didn’t feel > right.  As a mother, my kids always go to doctors when they have the > sniffles but me… well I put it off for a while, so when I went back to > see > the surgeon and he did an endoscopy again he found that the wrap has come > away and has risen into the chest wall.  My diaphragm has ripped and it > all > needs to be repaired again. > So the heartburn, constant reflux is back and on the 20th May I will have > to > undergo the operation again and repair the diaphragm too but this time it > will be open and not laparoscopic.  The incision will be from my breast > bone > to my bellybutton so I am scared.  I have no choice but to have it as it > is > a mess in there. > I see you are in the land of Oz as I am too.  I live in WA.  So do you > suffer heartburn?  I am a 33 year old mum of 2 kids, 9 & 11 y/o > — > Rose > I pray for our Future – Children with Strong, Healthy Minds, Bodies and > Future. > "Stop Child Abuse" > > Hi Rose > > Sorry to hear your not doing well. > > What was the surgery for and what went wrong? > > Casey > > > I’m hoping to be able to post in this group as I have had corrective > > surgery > > > however have had complications with the surgery and now have to have > > another > > > operation and have alot of indigestion and heartburn. > > > — > > > Rose

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > > I pray for our Future – Children with Strong, Healthy Minds, Bodies > and > > > Future. > > > "Stop Child Abuse"

Response:

wellbutrin to effexor

Question:

i started on wellbutrin less than a month ago, but about 2 weeks into it my hands and feet started itching like crazy, possibly an allergic reaction.  so i stopped the wellbutrin for a week.  since then i’ve had the most horrid heartburn ever.  i haven’t changed my diet or lifestyle or stress level, and i have a pretty tolerant stomach for the most part, in fact i’ve never had heartburn before this.  now i’ve just begun effexor xr.  kind of sad i am allergic to the wellbutrin, it really gave me that extra energy to actually stay awake during the day. anyways, anyone have any experience with wellbutrin and heartburn as a withdrawl side effect?

Response:

> i started on wellbutrin less than a month ago, but about 2 weeks into > it my hands and feet started itching like crazy, possibly an allergic > reaction.  so i stopped the wellbutrin for a week.  since then i’ve > had the most horrid heartburn ever.  i haven’t changed my diet or > lifestyle or stress level, and i have a pretty tolerant stomach for > the most part, in fact i’ve never had heartburn before this.  now i’ve > just begun effexor xr.  kind of sad i am allergic to the wellbutrin, > it really gave me that extra energy to actually stay awake during the > day. > anyways, anyone have any experience with wellbutrin and heartburn as a > withdrawl side effect?

I took Wellbutrin 450 mg + Celexa 20 mg as augmentation for about 7 months. I had every side effect there has to be by the end of my journey on it.  I did not realize how much, but I lost a lot of hair.  But I have a lot of hair.  The bathroom floor was a brown carpet of my hair.  Of course my hair started to grow back when I stopped and even that was noticeable, little spikes.  LOL.  Pimple breakouts.  Hypomania.  Heartburn for me is a daily event.  I have no less than 3 bottles of Rolaids in my home at a time.  I had some sort of paranoia.  That was taking it. Withdrawal.  I went cold turkey.  It was horrific.  I’d rather give up cigarettes again all over. I also took Effexor – 450 mg.  Again this did not work for me (1999).  I had no problem with a withdrawal. Everyone is so different.  Wellbutrin is the only AD I’ve ever had a problem with withdrawal that was just horrible.  All the rest have been crappy, but tolerable. Carrie

Response:

hello Elise and Carrie… any possibility of your pdoc okaying a prescription for the meds on the market that prevent heartburn? I am in Canada and take Losec (I think it is called Prilosec in the U.S.). It is incredibly effective in controlling acid reflux. Elise, there is no reason for you to be taking all of those Rolaids. I used to take a heck of a lot of Tums, and I wound up getting a bad episode of kidney stones. I was told all the extra calcium I was getting from the Tums more than likely caused the stones. As for taking this med along with my Effexor XR and Gabapentin, I make sure that I take it either one hour before or two hours afterwards, to ensure my "head meds" are absorbed properly. regards, Compucat

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> i started on wellbutrin less than a month ago, but about 2 weeks into > it my hands and feet started itching like crazy, possibly an allergic > reaction.  so i stopped the wellbutrin for a week.  since then i’ve > had the most horrid heartburn ever.  i haven’t changed my diet or > lifestyle or stress level, and i have a pretty tolerant stomach for > the most part, in fact i’ve never had heartburn before this.  now i’ve > just begun effexor xr.  kind of sad i am allergic to the wellbutrin, > it really gave me that extra energy to actually stay awake during the > day. > anyways, anyone have any experience with wellbutrin and heartburn as a > withdrawl side effect? > I took Wellbutrin 450 mg + Celexa 20 mg as augmentation for about 7 months. > I had every side effect there has to be by the end of my journey on it.  I > did not realize how much, but I lost a lot of hair.  But I have a lot of > hair.  The bathroom floor was a brown carpet of my hair.  Of course my hair > started to grow back when I stopped and even that was noticeable, little > spikes.  LOL.  Pimple breakouts.  Hypomania.  Heartburn for me is a daily > event.  I have no less than 3 bottles of Rolaids in my home at a time.  I > had some sort of paranoia.  That was taking it. > Withdrawal.  I went cold turkey.  It was horrific.  I’d rather give up > cigarettes again all over. > I also took Effexor – 450 mg.  Again this did not work for me (1999).  I had > no problem with a withdrawal. > Everyone is so different.  Wellbutrin is the only AD I’ve ever had a problem > with withdrawal that was just horrible.  All the rest have been crappy, but > tolerable. > Carrie

Response:

Treating regular but not constant pain

Question:

Hi Friends, I have pain with endometriosis that knocks me completely down 1-2 weeks a month.  I know many of you suffer constant pain that is managed with long acting time released meds such as oxycontin and mscontin..  My question is what do you take if you only need pain medicine for 2 weeks a month or even 1 week a month if its a "good" month? Shorter acting meds? Longer acting meds but for only the time you need them? I have an appointment with my PCP on Friday and want to talk to him about this from a pain management point of view.  I’ve been off pain meds completly for a couple of months now and have suffered terrible painful episodes that I do NOT want to repeat.  His last advice was to go on birth control pills to try and make periods easier – I did this and gained 10 pounds in a week and felt horrible (bloated, heartburn, nausea….emotional etc), so I quit taking them and now feel like a normal female human being again except that I know in about 1 week I will be in ridiculous pain that will have me pulling out my hair, kicking walls and crying for about 4 days and after that I can expect to spend the next 4 days bent over double and in "moderate" pain. The same doc I am seeing Friday has prescribed vicoprofen  and it has worked very well. Is this the best thing I could take long term?  I wonder how this type of pain is treated because it is regular like clockwork but not full time. I’m tired of trying to fix the cause of the pain which never seems to work (surgery/hormones) and just want to treat the primary symptom which is extreme, brutal pain….I cannot take another month of this! Thanks for reading my little tirade and for any advice you might give. Michele

Response:

Jamie, If motrin and Aleve does not work for you.  Talk to him about Toradol or lortabs.  My wife takes the duragesic patch all the time and sometimes take Toradol.  You do need to keep an eye on the kidneys while taking Toradol. My wife takes mepergan also.  She is allergic to a lot of different narcotics.  She cannot take lortabs.  So they had to go to the bigger narcotics.  I got this off of Dr. cook site on NSAID drugs he uses I guess and narcotics he uses.       Aleve Anaprox Tablets Anaprox DS Tablets       Cataflam Motrin  Naprosyn Tablets       Ponstel  Relafen  Toradol narcotics       Darvocet-N 50 Darvocet-N 100       Darvon Compound  Demerol Tablets       Dilaudid Oral Liquid Dilaudid Rectal Suppositories       Dilaudid Tablets Duragesic       Fioricet with Codeine Capsules Fiorinal with Codeine Capsules       Hydrocet Capsules Levo-Dromoran Tablets       Lorcet 10/650 Lortab 2.5/500 Tablets       Lortab 5/500 Tablets Lortab 7.5/500 Tablets       Lortab Elixir MS Contin Tablets       Mepergan Tablets Narco       Oxycontin Percocet Tablets       Percodan Tablets Roxanol       Roxacet Roxicodone       Talwin Tylenol with Codeine       Tylox Vicodan Tablets       Vicodan ES Tablets Wygestic Tablets I hope this helps it was under current asked quesitons had a long article on it might go to his site and check it out

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Friends, > I have pain with endometriosis that knocks me completely down 1-2 weeks a > month.  I know many of you suffer constant pain that is managed with long > acting time released meds such as oxycontin and mscontin..  My question is > what do you take if you only need pain medicine for 2 weeks a month or even > 1 week a month if its a "good" month? Shorter acting meds? Longer acting > meds but for only the time you need them? > I have an appointment with my PCP on Friday and want to talk to him about > this from a pain management point of view.  I’ve been off pain meds > completly for a couple of months now and have suffered terrible painful > episodes that I do NOT want to repeat.  His last advice was to go on birth > control pills to try and make periods easier – I did this and gained 10 > pounds in a week and felt horrible (bloated, heartburn, nausea….emotional > etc), so I quit taking them and now feel like a normal female human being > again except that I know in about 1 week I will be in ridiculous pain that > will have me pulling out my hair, kicking walls and crying for about 4 days > and after that I can expect to spend the next 4 days bent over double and in > "moderate" pain. > The same doc I am seeing Friday has prescribed vicoprofen  and it has worked > very well. Is this the best thing I could take long term?  I wonder how this > type of pain is treated because it is regular like clockwork but not full > time. > I’m tired of trying to fix the cause of the pain which never seems to work > (surgery/hormones) and just want to treat the primary symptom which is > extreme, brutal pain….I cannot take another month of this! > Thanks for reading my little tirade and for any advice you might give. > Michele

Response:

Jamie, I know I have already typed you a message, but your doc is not far off base on the BCP.  There are many different types out there on the market.  My wife takes them her BCP is low ogestrel.  She has not gained weight on them. She might have at first, but now she is actually losing weight.  Dr. Cook site talks about BCP and short acting and long acting pain relievers.  YOU might check out that site like I said before in my other posts he actually has a very good article on it.  He made a part II combination this week talking about what is happening to you when you start your cycle and why the pain that is involved.  I found it interesting.  However, that is my opinion. Phil

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Friends, > I have pain with endometriosis that knocks me completely down 1-2 weeks a > month.  I know many of you suffer constant pain that is managed with long > acting time released meds such as oxycontin and mscontin..  My question is > what do you take if you only need pain medicine for 2 weeks a month or even > 1 week a month if its a "good" month? Shorter acting meds? Longer acting > meds but for only the time you need them? > I have an appointment with my PCP on Friday and want to talk to him about > this from a pain management point of view.  I’ve been off pain meds > completly for a couple of months now and have suffered terrible painful > episodes that I do NOT want to repeat.  His last advice was to go on birth > control pills to try and make periods easier – I did this and gained 10 > pounds in a week and felt horrible (bloated, heartburn, nausea….emotional > etc), so I quit taking them and now feel like a normal female human being > again except that I know in about 1 week I will be in ridiculous pain that > will have me pulling out my hair, kicking walls and crying for about 4 days > and after that I can expect to spend the next 4 days bent over double and in > "moderate" pain. > The same doc I am seeing Friday has prescribed vicoprofen  and it has worked > very well. Is this the best thing I could take long term?  I wonder how this > type of pain is treated because it is regular like clockwork but not full > time. > I’m tired of trying to fix the cause of the pain which never seems to work > (surgery/hormones) and just want to treat the primary symptom which is > extreme, brutal pain….I cannot take another month of this! > Thanks for reading my little tirade and for any advice you might give. > Michele

Response:

Thanks – I did take a look at Dr. cook’s site.  I hadn’t seen the newest information but had read part 1 of the pain management discussion. I’ve tried nearly all of the NSAIDS and Ultram with not much luck.  I just want to be able to take what I need to control the pain without medicating when I don’t need it.  Lortabs are hydrocodone if I’m not mistaken – that works for me in the form of vicoprofen.  I think I will ask him to keep me on that for now unless he has a better idea for controlling the pain. I’m not quite ready to part with my uterus yet – even though it feel like it is torturing me sometimes. I wish you and  your wife the best . Michele – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Jamie, >If motrin and Aleve does not work for you.  Talk to him about Toradol or >lortabs.  My wife takes the duragesic patch all the time and sometimes take >Toradol.  You do need to keep an eye on the kidneys while taking Toradol. >My wife takes mepergan also.  She is allergic to a lot of different >narcotics.  She cannot take lortabs.  So they had to go to the bigger >narcotics.  I got this off of Dr. cook site on NSAID drugs he uses I guess >and narcotics he uses. >      Aleve Anaprox Tablets Anaprox DS Tablets >      Cataflam Motrin  Naprosyn Tablets >      Ponstel  Relafen  Toradol >narcotics >      Darvocet-N 50 Darvocet-N 100 >      Darvon Compound  Demerol Tablets >      Dilaudid Oral Liquid Dilaudid Rectal Suppositories >      Dilaudid Tablets Duragesic >      Fioricet with Codeine Capsules Fiorinal with Codeine Capsules >      Hydrocet Capsules Levo-Dromoran Tablets >      Lorcet 10/650 Lortab 2.5/500 Tablets >      Lortab 5/500 Tablets Lortab 7.5/500 Tablets >      Lortab Elixir MS Contin Tablets >      Mepergan Tablets Narco >      Oxycontin Percocet Tablets >      Percodan Tablets Roxanol >      Roxacet Roxicodone >      Talwin Tylenol with Codeine >      Tylox Vicodan Tablets >      Vicodan ES Tablets Wygestic Tablets >I hope this helps it was under current asked quesitons had a long article on >it might go to his site and check it out

Response:

> Jamie, > If motrin and Aleve does not work for you.  Talk to him about Toradol or > lortabs.  My wife takes the duragesic patch all the time and sometimes take > Toradol.  You do need to keep an eye on the kidneys while taking Toradol. > My wife takes mepergan also.  She is allergic to a lot of different > narcotics.  She cannot take lortabs.  So they had to go to the bigger > narcotics.  I got this off of Dr. cook site on NSAID drugs he uses I guess > and narcotics he uses.

Actually the Vicoprofin much stronger than the Toradol (Toradol is an anti-inflamitory like Advid), and Vicoprofin is just as strong or stronger than Lortabs… Vicoprofin is an Advil & Hydrocodone combination drug. Toradol is actually a very good drug, depending on what the problem is.  If the problem is anti-inflamitory in nature where there is swelling and such, Toradol can be quite good as it’ll relieve the inflamation.  Toradol can also be used in combination with a narcotic drug, which is good for treating pain where there is a need for an anti-inflamitory as well as a true pain med. If Vicoprofin worked really good, it’ll probably be a good idea to stay with that class of drugs (Hydrocodone), as anything stronger could cause tolerance to go down faster, thus the need for something even stronger. Only problem is Hydrocodone is only available as a combination drug with Tylenol or Ibuprofin.  If your doctor feels taking either Tylenol or Ibuprofin for a week or two each month at prescribed doses is safe, you may want to stay with it.  The strongest available Hydrocodone with the least amount of a combination drug is Norco .. 10mg Hydrocodone, 325mg of Tylenol. That may be something to look into, and then supliment the pain treatment with something like Toradol if Ibuprofin isn’t in the mixture. As far as something without Tylenol or Advil, you’re going to be looking at the stronger, long acting drugs.  A lot of the drugs were not made for short-term use like the Oxycontin, even though it’ll be long term in the sense of 1-2 weeks _every_ month.  Other _commonly_ prescribed long-acting drugs are MScontin, Durgeisic, and Methadone.   Whether use of these is appropriate is a gray area from what I understand..  The Durgeisic would probably be too strong for you to use, so that we can probably rule out.. Oxycontin / MScontin, it would be up to your doc on these ones .. They are strong, potent, time-released medicines.. Overall, it’ll be safer on your stomach & liver in the long run than the short-acting combo drugs.  The other one to consider is Methadone — Methadone is _VERY_ strong, 2x’s stronger than the Oxycontin .. but it can be started at doses as low as 5mg, which would be like 10-15mg of Oxycontin.  Methadone is probably worth looking into as well.. So, it looks like you have a few choices … personally, if your liver/stomach/etc will handle either tylenol or ibuprofin at the lowest dose possible with the short acting, that would be the best route to go.. If you do have liver/stomach concerns, go long acting – it’ll be safer in the long run.  Also, there are some short acting "strong" narcotics without a combo.. These are very short acting, so I don’t know if they would be of benefit — but you have Dilaudid, Morphine Sulfate, and Oxycodone … Demerol may even be available in the form of a pill depending on what country you’re in. Regards, Skippy

Response:

Jamie, One more thing about Todadol.  My wife finds it more effect then mepergan only during her cycle though.  You do not really have to watch the kidneys if you only take it for 5 days out of  the month.  I was thinking about how my wife takes it on a regular bases.  It is a step up from Aleve, but it helps her more during her cycle. They said the drug works on the prostaglandins better.  If it works for you go for it vicoprofen. Phil

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks – I did take a look at Dr. cook’s site.  I hadn’t seen the newest > information but had read part 1 of the pain management discussion. I’ve > tried nearly all of the NSAIDS and Ultram with not much luck.  I just want > to be able to take what I need to control the pain without medicating when I > don’t need it.  Lortabs are hydrocodone if I’m not mistaken – that works for > me in the form of vicoprofen.  I think I will ask him to keep me on that for > now unless he has a better idea for controlling the pain. > I’m not quite ready to part with my uterus yet – even though it feel like it > is torturing me sometimes. > I wish you and  your wife the best . > Michele >Jamie, >If motrin and Aleve does not work for you.  Talk to him about Toradol or >lortabs.  My wife takes the duragesic patch all the time and sometimes take >Toradol.  You do need to keep an eye on the kidneys while taking Toradol. >My wife takes mepergan also.  She is allergic to a lot of different >narcotics.  She cannot take lortabs.  So they had to go to the bigger >narcotics.  I got this off of Dr. cook site on NSAID drugs he uses I guess >and narcotics he uses. >      Aleve Anaprox Tablets Anaprox DS Tablets >      Cataflam Motrin  Naprosyn Tablets >      Ponstel  Relafen  Toradol >narcotics >      Darvocet-N 50 Darvocet-N 100 >      Darvon Compound  Demerol Tablets >      Dilaudid Oral Liquid Dilaudid Rectal Suppositories >      Dilaudid Tablets Duragesic >      Fioricet with Codeine Capsules Fiorinal with Codeine Capsules >      Hydrocet Capsules Levo-Dromoran Tablets >      Lorcet 10/650 Lortab 2.5/500 Tablets >      Lortab 5/500 Tablets Lortab 7.5/500 Tablets >      Lortab Elixir MS Contin Tablets >      Mepergan Tablets Narco >      Oxycontin Percocet Tablets >      Percodan Tablets Roxanol >      Roxacet Roxicodone >      Talwin Tylenol with Codeine >      Tylox Vicodan Tablets >      Vicodan ES Tablets Wygestic Tablets >I hope this helps it was under current asked quesitons had a long article > on >it might go to his site and check it out

Response:

>Vicoprofin is just as strong or stronger >than Lortabs

They are basically the same drug except Lortab has Tylenol and Vicoprofen has Ibuprofen…both of course have Hydrocodone. I would each is just as strong as the other…. Robin I am *not* a Medical Doctor (MD) or *any* other type of Medical Professional. PLEASE consult your own Dr. for medical advice.  The information posted is information I have learned from researching or learning from my own disease.

Response:

The hydrocodone works pretty well – in fact it is the ONLY thing that I’ve tried that has worked to relieve this evil pain.  Robin was right – vicoprofen is 7.5 mgs of hydrocodone with 200mgs ibuprofen. Long long ago when this problem first surfaced in my teen years and long before I was diagnosed,  I took Tylenol #3 and it barely put a dent in the pain. I haven’t tried Toradol, but none of the NSAIDS I have tried have worked very well (Cataflam, Annaprox, Ponstel, Celebrex and Vioxx) so I’m a little dubious about trying more of the same. What is acceptable as a dosage of either ibuprofen or tylenol since hydrocondone doesn’t seem to come without them?  I know that its the hydrocodone that is helping.  I tried for years to treat pain with over the counter meds like tylenol and ibuprofen and found no relief.  When the pain is at its worst – I have to take a dose every four hours on the dot.  If I take a pill and go to sleep at 10pm, you can bet I am wide awake and in unbearable pain at 2:01am…and at 6:01…This can go on for a few days at a time.  Is it safe to take dose that frequently? My doctor prescibes them "every four hours as needed for pelvic pain…" Thanks for the help.  I want to go to my appointment Friday with soem kind of game plan in mind BESIDES hormones! Michele – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Actually the Vicoprofin much stronger than the Toradol (Toradol is an >anti-inflamitory like Advid), and Vicoprofin is just as strong or stronger >than Lortabs… Vicoprofin is an Advil & Hydrocodone combination drug. >Toradol is actually a very good drug, depending on what the problem is.  If >the problem is anti-inflamitory in nature where there is swelling and such, >Toradol can be quite good as it’ll relieve the inflamation.  Toradol can >also be used in combination with a narcotic drug, which is good for treating >pain where there is a need for an anti-inflamitory as well as a true pain >med. >If Vicoprofin worked really good, it’ll probably be a good idea to stay with >that class of drugs (Hydrocodone), as anything stronger could cause >tolerance to go down faster, thus the need for something even stronger. >Only problem is Hydrocodone is only available as a combination drug with >Tylenol or Ibuprofin.  If your doctor feels taking either Tylenol or >Ibuprofin for a week or two each month at prescribed doses is safe, you may >want to stay with it.  The strongest available Hydrocodone with the least >amount of a combination drug is Norco .. 10mg Hydrocodone, 325mg of Tylenol. >That may be something to look into, and then supliment the pain treatment >with something like Toradol if Ibuprofin isn’t in the mixture. >As far as something without Tylenol or Advil, you’re going to be looking at >the stronger, long acting drugs.  A lot of the drugs were not made for >short-term use like the Oxycontin, even though it’ll be long term in the >sense of 1-2 weeks _every_ month.  Other _commonly_ prescribed long-acting >drugs are MScontin, Durgeisic, and Methadone.   Whether use of these is >appropriate is a gray area from what I understand..  The Durgeisic would >probably be too strong for you to use, so that we can probably rule out.. >Oxycontin / MScontin, it would be up to your doc on these ones .. They are >strong, potent, time-released medicines.. Overall, it’ll be safer on your >stomach & liver in the long run than the short-acting combo drugs.  The >other one to consider is Methadone — Methadone is _VERY_ strong, 2x’s >stronger than the Oxycontin .. but it can be started at doses as low as 5mg, >which would be like 10-15mg of Oxycontin.  Methadone is probably worth >looking into as well.. >So, it looks like you have a few choices … personally, if your >liver/stomach/etc will handle either tylenol or ibuprofin at the lowest dose >possible with the short acting, that would be the best route to go.. If you >do have liver/stomach concerns, go long acting – it’ll be safer in the long >run.  Also, there are some short acting "strong" narcotics without a combo.. >These are very short acting, so I don’t know if they would be of benefit — >but you have Dilaudid, Morphine Sulfate, and Oxycodone … Demerol may even >be available in the form of a pill depending on what country you’re in. >Regards, >Skippy

Response:

> What is acceptable as a dosage of either ibuprofen or tylenol since > hydrocondone doesn’t seem to come without them?

I don’t think anyone knows.  I was told that at my age (then 39) and health (no "bad signs" in the liver or kidney tests) 3200 mg/day was okay for up to 6 weeks.  After that, they worry.  I got side effects (mental confusion) after 10 weeks. I have even seen a suggestion that it’s not the amount but the length of time that’s a problem.  There’s even some controversial research that shows even low doses for years causing a problem.  The reason it’s controversial is that the reason many people may take low doses over many years is back pain, which may be a symptom of kidney problems.  So it’s not necessarily taking Tylenol that causes kidney problems (in this study), but possibly rather kidney problems that causes taking Tylenol.  And the correlation between (low dose) long-time Tylenol and kidney problems was positive but weak. >  I know that its the hydrocodone that is helping.  I tried for years to treat > pain with over the > counter meds like tylenol and ibuprofen and found no relief.  When the pain is > at its worst – I have to take a dose every four hours on the dot.  If I take a > pill and go to sleep at 10pm, you can bet I am wide awake and in unbearable > pain at 2:01am…and at 6:01…This can go on for a few days at a time.  Is it > safe to take dose that frequently?

Yes.  (And I am a known waffler on broad statements of fact — so I’ll add, "unless you have some contraindication, like allergy to acetaminophen or cardiac irregularities or something like that.) > My doctor prescibes them "every four hours as needed for pelvic pain…"

There’s a reason for that phrasing. Jon Miller

Response:

Irregular heartbeat

Question:

Anyone here ever get an irregular heartbeat and think it may be due to bad reflux?

Response:

Yes, Many people have. There are a couple of different theories as to why this happens.  My problem stopped when I started taking Prilosec 20 mg a day. Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

> Yes, Many people have. There are a couple of different theories as to why this > happens.  My problem stopped when I started taking Prilosec 20 mg a day. > Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page:

http://www.heartburn-help.com {Raising hand} Me too.. And here’s another excellent resource – you’ll have to sign up to use it but it’s totally free: http://www.medhelp.org/perl6/cardio/wwwboard.html There are a lot of messages on that board about exactly this subject.. Harv

Response:

Here’s a general page about your breed: http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/bostonterriers.html#health A thorough page on heart disease:  http://www.vetheart.com/diseases.html I think that some dogs can have arrythmia throughout their lives with no consequences.  I’d ask the breeder also if her dogs have any history of heart problems or arrythmias. buglady take out the dog before replying – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello. >We recently had the joy of adding a new puppy to our family that >already has a dogg and a cat. >She’s a female Boston Terrier, and is 4 months old right now, we got >her from a breeder in Tennesee. >Last time when my husband took her to the vet, he was puzzled due to >her irregular heartbeat. >He said we should wait a little since she’s so young, and bring her >back for a heart monitoring test. >Since then, I have paid more attention on her heart, and sometimes it >does sound irregular.

Response:

 Hello. We recently had the joy of adding a new puppy to our family that already has a dogg and a cat. She’s a female Boston Terrier, and is 4 months old right now, we got her from a breeder in Tennesee. Last time when my husband took her to the vet, he was puzzled due to her irregular heartbeat. He said we should wait a little since she’s so young, and bring her back for a heart monitoring test. Since then, I have paid more attention on her heart, and sometimes it does sound irregular. I have been very worried about this, and would like to get mroe information on heart conditions on dogs/puppies. Any information of the kind would be very appreciated. Thank you, ~Valeria. Before you buy.

Response:

Here’s a general page about your breed: http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/bostonterriers.html#health A thorough page on heart disease:  http://www.vetheart.com/diseases.html I think that some dogs can have arrythmia throughout their lives with no consequences.  I’d ask the breeder also if her dogs have any history of heart problems or arrythmias. buglady take out the dog before replying – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello. >We recently had the joy of adding a new puppy to our family that >already has a dogg and a cat. >She’s a female Boston Terrier, and is 4 months old right now, we got >her from a breeder in Tennesee. >Last time when my husband took her to the vet, he was puzzled due to >her irregular heartbeat. >He said we should wait a little since she’s so young, and bring her >back for a heart monitoring test. >Since then, I have paid more attention on her heart, and sometimes it >does sound irregular.

Response:

 Hello. We recently had the joy of adding a new puppy to our family that already has a dogg and a cat. She’s a female Boston Terrier, and is 4 months old right now, we got her from a breeder in Tennesee. Last time when my husband took her to the vet, he was puzzled due to her irregular heartbeat. He said we should wait a little since she’s so young, and bring her back for a heart monitoring test. Since then, I have paid more attention on her heart, and sometimes it does sound irregular. I have been very worried about this, and would like to get mroe information on heart conditions on dogs/puppies. Any information of the kind would be very appreciated. Thank you, ~Valeria. Before you buy.

Response: