Should I be taking Nexium with my fullness symptoms?

Question:

Hello, I recently visited my family physician with complaints about always having a feeling of fullness in my stomach. I’ve had no feeling of acid indigestion but have had severe bloating. Because of recurring headaches, I’ve been taking Excedrin almost daily for months. (I now find that just drinking caffeinated coffee takes care of my headaches). My doctor prescribed Nexium and I’m wondering if I’m taking the correct medication since I don’t seem to have any acid reflux symptoms. Anyone advice appreciated.

Response:

> Hello, > I recently visited my family physician with complaints about always having a > feeling of fullness in my stomach. I’ve had no feeling of acid indigestion > but have had severe bloating. Because of recurring headaches, I’ve been > taking Excedrin almost daily for months. (I now find that just drinking > caffeinated coffee takes care of my headaches). My doctor prescribed Nexium > and I’m wondering if I’m taking the correct medication since I don’t seem to > have any acid reflux symptoms. > Anyone advice appreciated.

Might the fullness really be gas?  Look at your diet and see if it happens more after certain kinds of foods.  Sugars and even artificial sweeteners frequently produce gas. Also, are you constipated?  This too can lead to a full feeling. To answer your question about nexium – does it help? Louise

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, > I recently visited my family physician with complaints about always having a > feeling of fullness in my stomach. I’ve had no feeling of acid indigestion > but have had severe bloating. Because of recurring headaches, I’ve been > taking Excedrin almost daily for months. (I now find that just drinking > caffeinated coffee takes care of my headaches). My doctor prescribed Nexium > and I’m wondering if I’m taking the correct medication since I don’t seem to > have any acid reflux symptoms. > Anyone advice appreciated. > Might the fullness really be gas?  Look at your diet and see if it > happens more after certain kinds of foods.  Sugars and even artificial > sweeteners frequently produce gas. > Also, are you constipated?  This too can lead to a full feeling. > To answer your question about nexium – does it help?

But they don’t produce gas in the stomach…that is from swallowed air. The most common reason for air swallowing is reflux. Only about 40% of people with GERD have symptoms of heartburn or "acid indigestion". Having said that, I think it’s reasonable to continue the PPI if it helps your symptoms of bloating. If it doesn’t, I wouldn’t pay for another such pill until the diagnosis had been confirmed. HMc

Response:

If you do have gas in your stomach, you could try one of the preparations which contains simethicone (sp?), eg Myalanta.  The simethicone will help you burp and get rid of the gas. AB

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Hello, > > I recently visited my family physician with complaints about always > having a > > feeling of fullness in my stomach. I’ve had no feeling of acid > indigestion > > but have had severe bloating. Because of recurring headaches, I’ve been > > taking Excedrin almost daily for months. (I now find that just drinking > > caffeinated coffee takes care of my headaches). My doctor prescribed > Nexium > > and I’m wondering if I’m taking the correct medication since I don’t > seem to > > have any acid reflux symptoms. > > Anyone advice appreciated. > Might the fullness really be gas?  Look at your diet and see if it > happens more after certain kinds of foods.  Sugars and even artificial > sweeteners frequently produce gas. > Also, are you constipated?  This too can lead to a full feeling. > To answer your question about nexium – does it help? > But they don’t produce gas in the stomach…that is from swallowed air. The > most common reason for air swallowing is reflux. > Only about 40% of people with GERD have symptoms of heartburn or "acid > indigestion". > Having said that, I think it’s reasonable to continue the PPI if it helps > your symptoms of bloating. If it doesn’t, I wouldn’t pay for another such > pill until the diagnosis had been confirmed. > HMc

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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:

GERD without heartburn

Question:

Hi Jennifer, I had a Nissan fundoplication done 18 months ago and enjoyed my first coffee after 5 years of agony if I did have one.  I had ulcers on my oesophagus also so the burning was incredible.  Coffee was the worst that would give me so much pain.  If I avoided coffee the heartburn would ease but even a decaff would give me heartburn.  I hadn’t had oranges or orange juice for about 10 years because that was the worst for me.  I stopped eating tomatoes and putting vinegar on my salad both of which were my favourite things. Well there were alot of things… wine, pizza, any take away actually, pickled things… oh heaps the list was endless. I had the luxury of having all these things once the surgery was done.  It was absolutely fantastic!!  Now for the past 2 months the heartburn has returned because the wrap has slipped up into my chest wall and my diaphragm needs repair.  So in 4 weeks time I will be cut from my breast bone down to my navel to repair the diaphragm.  I had keyhole surgery before but now they cant do the repair by keyhole.  This is a real bummer as I held off having the fundoplication for 2 years waiting for them to get the keyhole procedure successful and now I have to be cut open anyway. I wish I could have avoided these problems earlier on. — Rose I pray for our Future – Children with Strong, Healthy Minds, Bodies and Future. "Stop Child Abuse"

> I’m assuming it’s OK to post a follow-up to one’s own query > Is there any possible connection between GERD and frequent nosebleeds?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Yes it is possible and reasonably common.  I had a good article on this > > topic, I think you can find it at www.bgsm.edu/voice/reflux_voice.html > > Phlegm in the back of the throat is often "post nasal drip" and can be > > associated with GERD aggravating the mucous lining of the throat/sinus area. > > > Does anyone know if it is possible to have diagnosed GERD without any > > > heartburn?  My father (73-year-old white male) was diagnosed with GERD > > > about two years ago, underwent bronchoscopy and pH monitoring and > > > motility study, which all turned out to be negative with the exception > > > of (I believe) mild gastritis along with a slight hernia right at the > > > base of the esophagus not significant enough to warrant surgery. His > > > primary complaint is, and always has been, heavy phlegm at the base of > > > his throat which causes him to constantly be clearing his throat. He > > > has been through the entire gamut of GERD medications and, I believe, > > > is currently taking Nexium.  He denies suffering from heartburn — > > > granted he is on Nexium — and DOES NOT abide by any kind of dietary > > > restrictions; he drinks a considerable amount of coffee. > > > Any information or opinions would be greatly appreciated. > GOD BLESS your dad I would give ANYTHING for a cup of coffee, but > heartburn is totally NORMAL. This is the doctors way of saying you > have TOO much ACID going on. This is why he has gastritis! And trust > me, it will NEVER get better as long as he’s drinking coffee! No > matter WHAT antacid he takes. Coffee is the BIGGEST acid producing > beverage known to man. EVEN if it’s decaf! How I found out that I had > gastritis was whenever I drink coffee and it was alot, I would get > this AWFUL pain in the pit of my stomach as well as burning in the pit > area. After endoscopy, I was told it’s gastritis. Because H-Pylori > (which causes gastritis and ulcers) was treated, the name given for > the reason I had gastritis was GERD. Simply put, TOO much acid. > Heartburn only occurs when the acid starts to RISE up through the > esophagus. His acid might not be that severe. Thank god!  But trust > me, ask the doctor. If he’s drinking coffee….it will NEVER get > better!!!! Never. He also needs to watch what he eats. Plenty of > water, and bland foods and with the antacid, it will get better in > time. It’s hard sticking with the diet, I’m 27 and it’s hard, so at > 70, it’s going to be even harder. And the reason the nexium isn’t > working, is BECAUSE…. of the coffee! It all comes down to that. > -Jenniefr

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m assuming it’s OK to post a follow-up to one’s own query > Is there any possible connection between GERD and frequent nosebleeds? > Yes it is possible and reasonably common.  I had a good article on this > topic, I think you can find it at www.bgsm.edu/voice/reflux_voice.html > Phlegm in the back of the throat is often "post nasal drip" and can be > associated with GERD aggravating the mucous lining of the throat/sinus area. > > Does anyone know if it is possible to have diagnosed GERD without any > > heartburn?  My father (73-year-old white male) was diagnosed with GERD > > about two years ago, underwent bronchoscopy and pH monitoring and > > motility study, which all turned out to be negative with the exception > > of (I believe) mild gastritis along with a slight hernia right at the > > base of the esophagus not significant enough to warrant surgery.  His > > primary complaint is, and always has been, heavy phlegm at the base of > > his throat which causes him to constantly be clearing his throat.  He > > has been through the entire gamut of GERD medications and, I believe, > > is currently taking Nexium.  He denies suffering from heartburn — > > granted he is on Nexium — and DOES NOT abide by any kind of dietary > > restrictions; he drinks a considerable amount of coffee. > > Any information or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

GOD BLESS your dad I would give ANYTHING for a cup of coffee, but heartburn is totally NORMAL. This is the doctors way of saying you have TOO much ACID going on. This is why he has gastritis! And trust me, it will NEVER get better as long as he’s drinking coffee! No matter WHAT antacid he takes. Coffee is the BIGGEST acid producing beverage known to man. EVEN if it’s decaf! How I found out that I had gastritis was whenever I drink coffee and it was alot, I would get this AWFUL pain in the pit of my stomach as well as burning in the pit area. After endoscopy, I was told it’s gastritis. Because H-Pylori (which causes gastritis and ulcers) was treated, the name given for the reason I had gastritis was GERD. Simply put, TOO much acid. Heartburn only occurs when the acid starts to RISE up through the esophagus. His acid might not be that severe. Thank god!  But trust me, ask the doctor. If he’s drinking coffee….it will NEVER get better!!!! Never. He also needs to watch what he eats. Plenty of water, and bland foods and with the antacid, it will get better in time. It’s hard sticking with the diet, I’m 27 and it’s hard, so at 70, it’s going to be even harder. And the reason the nexium isn’t working, is BECAUSE…. of the coffee! It all comes down to that. -Jenniefr

Response:

Does anyone know if it is possible to have diagnosed GERD without any heartburn?  My father (73-year-old white male) was diagnosed with GERD about two years ago, underwent bronchoscopy and pH monitoring and motility study, which all turned out to be negative with the exception of (I believe) mild gastritis along with a slight hernia right at the base of the esophagus not significant enough to warrant surgery.  His primary complaint is, and always has been, heavy phlegm at the base of his throat which causes him to constantly be clearing his throat.  He has been through the entire gamut of GERD medications and, I believe, is currently taking Nexium.  He denies suffering from heartburn — granted he is on Nexium — and DOES NOT abide by any kind of dietary restrictions; he drinks a considerable amount of coffee. Any information or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Response:

Yes it is possible and reasonably common.  I had a good article on this topic, I think you can find it at www.bgsm.edu/voice/reflux_voice.html Phlegm in the back of the throat is often "post nasal drip" and can be associated with GERD aggravating the mucous lining of the throat/sinus area.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Does anyone know if it is possible to have diagnosed GERD without any > heartburn?  My father (73-year-old white male) was diagnosed with GERD > about two years ago, underwent bronchoscopy and pH monitoring and > motility study, which all turned out to be negative with the exception > of (I believe) mild gastritis along with a slight hernia right at the > base of the esophagus not significant enough to warrant surgery.  His > primary complaint is, and always has been, heavy phlegm at the base of > his throat which causes him to constantly be clearing his throat.  He > has been through the entire gamut of GERD medications and, I believe, > is currently taking Nexium.  He denies suffering from heartburn — > granted he is on Nexium — and DOES NOT abide by any kind of dietary > restrictions; he drinks a considerable amount of coffee. > Any information or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Response:

I’m assuming it’s OK to post a follow-up to one’s own query Is there any possible connection between GERD and frequent nosebleeds? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Yes it is possible and reasonably common.  I had a good article on this > topic, I think you can find it at www.bgsm.edu/voice/reflux_voice.html > Phlegm in the back of the throat is often "post nasal drip" and can be > associated with GERD aggravating the mucous lining of the throat/sinus area. > Does anyone know if it is possible to have diagnosed GERD without any > heartburn?  My father (73-year-old white male) was diagnosed with GERD > about two years ago, underwent bronchoscopy and pH monitoring and > motility study, which all turned out to be negative with the exception > of (I believe) mild gastritis along with a slight hernia right at the > base of the esophagus not significant enough to warrant surgery.  His > primary complaint is, and always has been, heavy phlegm at the base of > his throat which causes him to constantly be clearing his throat.  He > has been through the entire gamut of GERD medications and, I believe, > is currently taking Nexium.  He denies suffering from heartburn — > granted he is on Nexium — and DOES NOT abide by any kind of dietary > restrictions; he drinks a considerable amount of coffee. > Any information or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Response:

Advice needed

Question:

I have completely eliminated chronic heartburn with diet changes. I was diagnosed with GERD, had chronic burning pain, and was considering surgery.  Was taking large numbers of Antacid tablets, that I carried with me everywhere. Chanced across the book Eat Right 4 Your Type because of high cholesterol concerns.   It gives very specific and surprising recommendations on foods that you should eat or should avoid, according to your blood type.   (You can find out your blood type, if you don’t know it, by donating blood to the Red Cross, or by buying a home typing kit by mail order – an address is in the book.)   It’s NOT a "lose weight" diet book, its more of a health book, but also gives recommendations should you be trying to lose weight. I happen to be type AB, and have gradually adopted the diet pretty completely.  Had to eliminate some specific foods from each group – for example chicken, most wheat bread, some types of fish, some specific types of cheeses, specific fruits like bananas, oranges, and so on. But OK to eat turkey, lamb, some breads, some types of fish, some specific types of cheeses, specific fruits like lemons, berries, plums, grapes, pineapples, and so on.   Its not a hardship, but took some getting used to and a lot of "checking the list". Its right on, for me.  My body was telling me something, reacting with heartburn and other effects, from typical American foods – even healthy, low fat, high fiber foods.  Now that I have changed over, I have been able to bring back some foods that I really like, that typically must be avoided by heartburn sufferers: coffee, red wine, a red meat (lamb).   If I stick to the diet/list, NO HEARTBURN.  Haven’t taken an antacid tablet for weeks, months really.    If I start to drift or cheat too much, heartburn comes back to remind me. I have no financial or other interest in "Eat right 4 Your type".  Just trying to pass on some great news to other sufferers.  Hope it works for you. Steve Evans Acton, MA

… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Diet suggestions?

Response:

People respond differenty to the compounds that make up the various medications. I have talked to many people that say when one medication didn’t work very well, another worked great. So sometimes it can be a real trial and error situation. That is quite a lot of medication you are taking to resolve the heartburn. You might try placing a post on the www.heartburn-help.com message board as well.

Response:

Your girlfriend needs to get into the care of a doctor who manages chronic pain immediately!  There is no reason for her to be suffering like that. Once her pain is managed, you’ll be amazed at how much she’ll change.  No one should have to suffer like your girlfriend is suffering. Start here:  http://www.widomaker.com/~skipb/panic.html and http://www.widomaker.com/~skipb/goodDoctors.html If you don’t find a good doctor in your area on these webpages, post again and perhaps someone here knows of a humane, compassionate doctor in your area. — Mouse No cute quote; deal with it. AIM ID:  JSHMTE ICQ# 9049058

: Hello, my girlfriend has a bone tumour and is in a colossal amount of : pain most of the time, and I just feel helpless. It is so difficult to : watch her lying there in pain, not knowing what to do or say, or : rather, knowing that I cant do anything to make it go away. She finds : that the pain is a lot worse at night and Im afraid that I get : irritable when I am very tired and need to sleep, and I am worried : that I sound like I dont care. Can anyone else identify with this? : : Niall

Response:

Niall I think all you’d have to do is voice this same concern to her and she’d know you care. catherine

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, my girlfriend has a bone tumour and is in a colossal amount of > pain most of the time, and I just feel helpless. It is so difficult to > watch her lying there in pain, not knowing what to do or say, or > rather, knowing that I cant do anything to make it go away. She finds > that the pain is a lot worse at night and Im afraid that I get > irritable when I am very tired and need to sleep, and I am worried > that I sound like I dont care. Can anyone else identify with this? > Niall

Response:

Hello, my girlfriend has a bone tumour and is in a colossal amount of pain most of the time, and I just feel helpless. It is so difficult to watch her lying there in pain, not knowing what to do or say, or rather, knowing that I cant do anything to make it go away. She finds that the pain is a lot worse at night and Im afraid that I get irritable when I am very tired and need to sleep, and I am worried that I sound like I dont care. Can anyone else identify with this? Niall

Response:

Just a suggestion but maybe you can persuade her to see a doc who prescribes decent pain meds.  Not to mention sleep meds.  I pray she does and gets to feeling better.  Best of luck. John K — Make a FREE long distance call from your PC! http://www.eboom.com/free/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, my girlfriend has a bone tumour and is in a colossal amount of > pain most of the time, and I just feel helpless. It is so difficult to > watch her lying there in pain, not knowing what to do or say, or > rather, knowing that I cant do anything to make it go away. She finds > that the pain is a lot worse at night and Im afraid that I get > irritable when I am very tired and need to sleep, and I am worried > that I sound like I dont care. Can anyone else identify with this? > Niall

Response:

I have been shooting with an antique (the first Bear Whitetail Hunter) for some time now and I think I may finally be ready to move up.  I have an opportunity to buy any of these four bows: Hoyt Xi @ $199 They are all dual cam bows with 55-70# draw, minus sights, rest, etc. Cash is a consideration.  Are any of these a particularly good buy? Should I avoid any of them?  Thanks in advance for any info. Happy Hunting! Bill       — "No animals were harmed during the creation of this note."

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have been shooting with an antique (the first Bear Whitetail Hunter) > for some time now and I think I may finally be ready to move up.  I have > an opportunity to buy any of these four bows: > Hoyt Xi @ $199 > They are all dual cam bows with 55-70# draw, minus sights, rest, etc. > Cash is a consideration.  Are any of these a particularly good buy? > Should I avoid any of them?  Thanks in advance for any info. > Happy Hunting! > Bill > — > "No animals were harmed during the creation of this note."

I would be concerned with any used bow – they’re a lot like cars – they only have so many miles in them until they get loose. The problem is they don’t come with odometers (or warranties)! If the warranty is not a concern for you, then go with the bow that fits your draw length and weight and shooting style – any of these bows is a good hunting bow. The Prowler is an excellent bow for finger shooters, and its long axle to axle & high brace height make similar to your old bow in that it is forgiving to shoot. The Pantera is in the same category, a little shorter axle to axle and lower brace height, but probably a lighter bow. It also has a machined riser where the Prowler has a cast riser. Good luck!       (                                          \///       |                                          

i'm new too

Question:

http://gerdonline.itgo.com/surgery.html hey i did it!!!!!! well kinda—–i couldn’t get it highlighted. hope it works for you dawn. stella

Response:

>well kinda—–i couldn’t get it highlighted.

duh !!!!! i am an idiot!!!!! stella

Response:

>I take one prevacid at nite… but hating taking a med all the time… >thinking >of trying some ginger.

Ginger works well. I didn’t get rid of my severe reflux until I cut out all dairy products (now I eat only kosher) and drink fresh ginger juice daily. CW http://www.volare.net/gerd

Response:

if i dont take my prevacid 30 mg or a nexium 40mg once a day it dont matter what i eat or  drink water, cokes or dont eat anything i get heartburn badly so i have to take prevacid or nexium at least once a day but after that i can eat or drink ANYTHING for 24 hours

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I take one prevacid at nite… but hating taking a med all the time… >thinking >of trying some ginger. > Ginger works well. I didn’t get rid of my severe reflux until I cut out all > dairy products (now I eat only kosher) and drink fresh ginger juice daily. > CW > http://www.volare.net/gerd

Response:

Yes, esophagitis can trigger reflux. Ginger helps heal esophagitis as well, as I said. The problem I had before was that it kept coming back until I quit dairy (this includes crackers, breads, cheese, and anything else with even an atom of milk in it — even eating a piece of bread containing milk will give me heartburn) and other irritating foods (such as vinegar, lemons, or tomatoes). Now I have no problem drinking water and I really don’t have any acid reflux after meals. Granted, I’m not "normal" yet, but I was just about there before I became sick with the flu and vomited my way back into esophagitis hell last week. CW http://www.volare.net/gerd – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->if i dont take my prevacid 30 mg or a nexium 40mg once a day it dont matter >what i eat or  drink water, cokes or dont eat anything i get heartburn badly >so i have to take prevacid or nexium at least once a day but after that i >can eat or drink ANYTHING for 24 hours > >I take one prevacid at nite… but hating taking a med all the time… > >thinking > >of trying some ginger. > Ginger works well. I didn’t get rid of my severe reflux until I cut out >all > dairy products (now I eat only kosher) and drink fresh ginger juice daily.

Response:

Stella: You can send the link to my email. But if you know how to "copy" and "paste" you can highlight the address / the url and right click mouse-and hit copy and then paste it into your post here on the ng. I was diagnosed about a year ago. I had this choking feeling in my throat.. thought it was my thyroid. Also thought I had sinus drainage- which I found out is a common symptom.  The Prevacid has mostly taken away the choking/lump feeling in my throat… If I could do something about feeling like I will choke if I do not CONSTANTLY have water by my side. And this clearing my throat/sniffing thing I do (I sound like a dog!) tks- dawn

>Good to talk w/ others that understand. > oh how true!!!! >What is Nissen? >Is is meds or surgery? cool > link to it that tells everything  about it. but since i’m

computer-illiterate i – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> haven’t the faintest idea of how to post a link to a newsgroup. with your > permission i’d send it to you directly. >I take one prevacid at nite… but hating taking a med all the time… get > frustrating after a while. how long ago were you dx’d? were you on other meds > before the prevacid? took prevacid for about 2 yrs but once i was up to 5 a day > (30mg?) my dr switched me to aciphex. that was in june of ‘99. > be well, > stella

Response:

Yes, will I be 60 and have about 30 pills to take each day? I am wondering about ginger? I read something on it. I may try it…. but keep taking prevacid for a bit too. I have a huge deductible for my insurance, as I am buying ins. as an individual….so I have to pay for too… thankfully I have a doc that will give me samples, when he has them. Some nites I dont take my prevacid. Some times I take one every-other nite.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> howdy back at ya >  the one prevacid  seems to take care of me but  at 3.50$ a pill is killing > me since my insurance wont  help me at all in that area  alos my doc put me > on nexium  i can take either one  at a time  they both work great for me > but am concerned about the future do we have to live with this all our > lives?? > hi dawn, CaSey, and psychic sandwich……i’ve been wanting to post here > also > but never see much going on. maybe we can change that! anyway i was dx’d > with > GERD in 1989 and just went through all those nasty  tests to see if ‘m a > candidate for the nissen…….no test results back yet though. > the "clearing the throat" thing is something i’ve dealt with for a long > time. > my dr says it’s part of the deal. annoying, isn’t it?? oh well, after all > these > years of being on every med available ,i’m accepting this as part of > everyday > life. hello to everyone and hope you are all having pain-free days.

Response:

>Good to talk w/ others that understand.

oh how true!!!! >What is Nissen? >Is is meds or surgery?

link to it that tells everything  about it. but since i’m computer-illiterate i haven’t the faintest idea of how to post a link to a newsgroup. with your permission i’d send it to you directly. >I take one prevacid at nite… but hating taking a med all the time…

frustrating after a while. how long ago were you dx’d? were you on other meds before the prevacid? took prevacid for about 2 yrs but once i was up to 5 a day (30mg?) my dr switched me to aciphex. that was in june of ‘99. be well, stella

Response:

howdy back at ya  the one prevacid  seems to take care of me but  at 3.50$ a pill is killing me since my insurance wont  help me at all in that area  alos my doc put me on nexium  i can take either one  at a time  they both work great for me but am concerned about the future do we have to live with this all our lives??

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hi dawn, CaSey, and psychic sandwich……i’ve been wanting to post here also > but never see much going on. maybe we can change that! anyway i was dx’d with > GERD in 1989 and just went through all those nasty  tests to see if ‘m a > candidate for the nissen…….no test results back yet though. > the "clearing the throat" thing is something i’ve dealt with for a long time. > my dr says it’s part of the deal. annoying, isn’t it?? oh well, after all these > years of being on every med available ,i’m accepting this as part of everyday > life. hello to everyone and hope you are all having pain-free days.

Response:

hi dawn, CaSey, and psychic sandwich……i’ve been wanting to post here also but never see much going on. maybe we can change that! anyway i was dx’d with GERD in 1989 and just went through all those nasty  tests to see if ‘m a candidate for the nissen…….no test results back yet though. the "clearing the throat" thing is something i’ve dealt with for a long time. my dr says it’s part of the deal. annoying, isn’t it?? oh well, after all these years of being on every med available ,i’m accepting this as part of everyday life. hello to everyone and hope you are all having pain-free days.

Response:

Hi ! Good to talk w/ others that understand. I  do the throat clearing thing and also a kind of breathing/sniffing thing (Lord, I sound like a real dork! haha!) But I dont even realize i am doing it!! And then I catch myself and think WHAT IN THE WORLD IS WRONG WITH ME??!!! I can get into a rhythm doing it… like I’m playing a song ! haha! What is Nissen? Is is meds or surgery? I take one prevacid at nite… but hating taking a med all the time… thinking of trying some ginger. dawn

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hi dawn, CaSey, and psychic sandwich……i’ve been wanting to post here also > but never see much going on. maybe we can change that! anyway i was dx’d with > GERD in 1989 and just went through all those nasty  tests to see if ‘m a > candidate for the nissen…….no test results back yet though. > the "clearing the throat" thing is something i’ve dealt with for a long time. > my dr says it’s part of the deal. annoying, isn’t it?? oh well, after all these > years of being on every med available ,i’m accepting this as part of everyday > life. hello to everyone and hope you are all having pain-free days.

Response:

i was just diagnosed as manic depressive (the kind where you haven’t had a major manic phase, just hypomanic ones) in the beginning of january, and just discovered this newsgroup, which makes me really happy b/c i’ve been feeling very alone with this disease.  i know a ton of people who have been diagnosed as depressive and been on various meds for it, but i don’t know anyone else who is manic.   but anyway, i have been on 4 anti-depressants in the past year and a half (prozac, zoloft, paxil, and pamelor) and all of them made me hypomanic.  right now i’m on 900 mg of lithium per day and i just had some questions which my pdoc hasn’t been able to answer really well, since she hasn’t gone through this herself.  i’ve noticed that with the lithium i have felt very clumsy and sort of "slow" — i can’t seem to formulate a thought as well, find the right words as easily, i’m always tripping over things (in fact last week, i fell and gave myself a concussion).  is this normal?  i mean, do other people feel this or is it just me? i’m just feeling kind of scared b/c i don’t want to lose that quick, bright, funny side of myself that the MD brings on.  i have just been feeling so stupid and slow lately. will this get better with time or am i going to feel like this as long as i am on the lithium? thanks, chris

Response:

<snip> > since she hasn’t gone through this herself.  i’ve noticed that with the > lithium i have felt very clumsy and sort of "slow" — i can’t seem to > formulate a thought as well, find the right words as easily, i’m always > tripping over things (in fact last week, i fell and gave myself a > concussion).  is this normal?  i mean, do other people feel this or is > it just me? i’m just feeling kind of scared b/c i don’t want to lose > that quick, bright, funny side of myself that the MD brings on.  i have > just been feeling so stupid and slow lately. will this get better with > time or am i going to feel like this as long as i am on the lithium? > thanks, chris

Hi Chris, For me, it gets better and then it may get worse for awhile too.  I think it’s related to my mood, or what my mood would have been without the lithium. As your typical m-d, I have some theories about everything, including this stupidity: the lithium interrupts my spiraling into mania or depression; it short-circuits the obsession to euphoria, rage, or unhappiness.  A lot of my "intelligence" was derived from my ability to obsess about something until I got it right.  On lithium, I have to find another way to be smart, and it’s hard work sometimes . . . I remember the first paper I wrote when I went back to graduate school after 2 years on lithium.  I thought I was a 2nd grader. But, I think I have found some ways to be smart with the derailment of my thought which lithium provides.  It reminds me of how a functioning alcoholic can accomplish many tasks while drunk, but has no idea how to do them when sober.  The part of our mind that learned how to be smart without the lithium isn’t activated anymore, but we can learn how to be smart with another part of our minds, I do believe. Nancy

Response:

Tamer additive

Question:

has anyone here ever used some of the Tamer products to reduce acid in the stomach, or to add to coffee, food etc. i was wondering if it works at all and also if you can take your PPI’s with it. i would appreciate it if someone could give me an answer. thanks — kitty

Response:

I have used the Tamer products for about two years now and they work real well for me. Especially the Food Tamer. I use it on ketchup and other tomato products. I have also talked to others that say it works great in coffee. I also take Prilosec 20 mg a day…no problems. I purchase it through www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

Can someone tell me what these Tamer things are? I am from Australia, which might explain my ignorance. Also, why would you need to take them *and* Prilosec? Doesn’t the Prilosec work?

Response:

Tamer is a product that can be added to food and drink before you consume it in order to neutralize the acid in the food. Prilosec shuts off the acid that is produced by the stomach. When a person has heartburn or Gerd they have to stay away from offending high acid foods and drink sometimes even though they are taking a PPI such as Prilosec. For many people, the Tamer products allow them to once again enjoy coffee, tomato etc. Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

These Tamer products sound interesting. Does anybody know if they are available in Australia?

Response:

They can be ordered from www.heartburn-help.com and sent through the mail.

Response:

New diet hell

Question:

Hello. I was diagnosed yesterday with GERD and stricture by a gastroenterologist.  I am going on the 19th for a Barium swallow test, an upper GI, and to have my esophagus dialated, so far as I understand.  I’m afraid to say that my doc wasn’t all that forthcoming on all of the entailed processes.  He was very clear on one thing, however:  everything that I’m not allowed to eat. Basically, in one fell swoop, I have had my entire diet taken away from me.  I’ve asked friends about things that I might eat, and no one can come up with a suggestion that doesn’t have at least one strike against it on my list.  (Too fatty, too spicy, contains tomatoes, contains high fat dairy products, contains caffeine, etc.)  I was a cook for several years in college and after, and I learned to do my job well.  I love to cook, and now most of the things that I like to eat and cook are no longer permissible to me.  Apparently, the doctor thinks that my case is rather severe, and he’s going to be looking for Barrett’s Esophagus when I have the procedures done in September.  I have searched and searched, but the only thing that I can see that I can eat is bland, tasteless food.  I love food.  I lived in Italy many years ago, and I love Italian food, however there is little now that I can think of that I can still eat.  I suppose I’m looking for some encouragement here.  My fiancee’ isn’t much help right now, because she doesn’t understand that this isn’t something that will go away with time.  She thinks that in a few weeks, or a month or so, I will be okay, and I can eat the same old foods, so long as I do it in moderation.  Everything I have so far heard tells me that this is not true.  I’m not feeling too good about this situation right now, and I’m not really sure what to do next.  I can’t imagine living the rest of my life without ever being able to enjoy the foods that I love.  I guess I’m hoping that someone out there can give me some encouragement here, but right now I don’t know what you could say.  I was looking on a message board yesterday and saw someone say ‘Bland can be good, too’.  I’m afraid that if someone said that to me right now, I might be prone to violence.  Please, can any one out there give me something good about this?  Right now the ‘bright side’ is looking decidedly dark to me.  Thanks. Regards, Ben Pitzer

Response:

Sorry to hear about your severe condition. But at your young age, it is important not to be taken in completely by the establishment. They cannot explain why GERD occurs, or how it can be reversed. From your organization I surmise you are a runner. Me too. I had severe GERD, particularly while running. It cleared up when I finally stopped all medication and use of bases and took salt. Since then I feel I have figured out, with much web surfing, why this worked. You can find my heartburn web site at http://www.BobCotton.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello. > I was diagnosed yesterday with GERD and stricture by a > gastroenterologist.  I am going on the 19th for a Barium swallow test, > an upper GI, and to have my esophagus dialated, so far as I understand. >  I’m afraid to say that my doc wasn’t all that forthcoming on all of the > entailed processes.  He was very clear on one thing, however: >  everything that I’m not allowed to eat. > Basically, in one fell swoop, I have had my entire diet taken away from > me.  I’ve asked friends about things that I might eat, and no one can > come up with a suggestion that doesn’t have at least one strike against > it on my list.  (Too fatty, too spicy, contains tomatoes, contains high > fat dairy products, contains caffeine, etc.)  I was a cook for several > years in college and after, and I learned to do my job well.  I love to > cook, and now most of the things that I like to eat and cook are no > longer permissible to me.  Apparently, the doctor thinks that my case is > rather severe, and he’s going to be looking for Barrett’s Esophagus when > I have the procedures done in September.  I have searched and searched, > but the only thing that I can see that I can eat is bland, tasteless > food.  I love food.  I lived in Italy many years ago, and I love Italian > food, however there is little now that I can think of that I can still > eat.  I suppose I’m looking for some encouragement here.  My fiancee’ > isn’t much help right now, because she doesn’t understand that this > isn’t something that will go away with time.  She thinks that in a few > weeks, or a month or so, I will be okay, and I can eat the same old > foods, so long as I do it in moderation.  Everything I have so far heard > tells me that this is not true.  I’m not feeling too good about this > situation right now, and I’m not really sure what to do next.  I can’t > imagine living the rest of my life without ever being able to enjoy the > foods that I love.  I guess I’m hoping that someone out there can give > me some encouragement here, but right now I don’t know what you could > say.  I was looking on a message board yesterday and saw someone say > ‘Bland can be good, too’.  I’m afraid that if someone said that to me > right now, I might be prone to violence.  Please, can any one out there > give me something good about this?  Right now the ‘bright side’ is > looking decidedly dark to me.  Thanks. > Regards, > Ben Pitzer

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello. > I was diagnosed yesterday with GERD and stricture by a > gastroenterologist.  I am going on the 19th for a Barium swallow test, > an upper GI, and to have my esophagus dialated, so far as I understand. >  I’m afraid to say that my doc wasn’t all that forthcoming on all of the > entailed processes.  He was very clear on one thing, however: >  everything that I’m not allowed to eat. > Basically, in one fell swoop, I have had my entire diet taken away from > me.  I’ve asked friends about things that I might eat, and no one can > come up with a suggestion that doesn’t have at least one strike against > it on my list.  (Too fatty, too spicy, contains tomatoes, contains high > fat dairy products, contains caffeine, etc.)  I was a cook for several > years in college and after, and I learned to do my job well.  I love to > cook, and now most of the things that I like to eat and cook are no > longer permissible to me.  Apparently, the doctor thinks that my case is > rather severe, and he’s going to be looking for Barrett’s Esophagus when > I have the procedures done in September.  I have searched and searched, > but the only thing that I can see that I can eat is bland, tasteless > food.  I love food.  I lived in Italy many years ago, and I love Italian > food, however there is little now that I can think of that I can still > eat.  I suppose I’m looking for some encouragement here.  My fiancee’ > isn’t much help right now, because she doesn’t understand that this > isn’t something that will go away with time.  She thinks that in a few > weeks, or a month or so, I will be okay, and I can eat the same old > foods, so long as I do it in moderation.  Everything I have so far heard > tells me that this is not true.  I’m not feeling too good about this > situation right now, and I’m not really sure what to do next.  I can’t > imagine living the rest of my life without ever being able to enjoy the > foods that I love.  I guess I’m hoping that someone out there can give > me some encouragement here, but right now I don’t know what you could > say.  I was looking on a message board yesterday and saw someone say > ‘Bland can be good, too’.  I’m afraid that if someone said that to me > right now, I might be prone to violence.  Please, can any one out there > give me something good about this?  Right now the ‘bright side’ is > looking decidedly dark to me.  Thanks. > Regards, > Ben Pitzer > Hi Ben

sorry to hear you are having such a hard time with your GERD. you havent mentioned if you are on medication which will help you. i have had GERD for two years now, i was first put on Prilosec which worked after which they put me on Prevacid. i also had an upper GI, an ultrasound and an endoscopy two years ago. my gastroenterologist didnt see anything. now two years later i am having a problem even on the Prevacid. my symptoms returned, so they put me on Prilosec which is working. there is a sight you should go to that will answer all your questions. go to www.heartburn-help.com  it is the best around. you can even write to the surgeons and theywill answer you. gerd is a condtion that is caused by a relaxed LES muscle. because it is so relaxed when you eat or drink it comes back up into your esophagus. according to the surgeons at heartburn-help once you fix the problem, which is the weak muscle you should be able to go back to your favorite foods after awhile. you should discuss this with your doctor also. i am italian and i also love food. i havent been able to eat my favorite foods for two months now but i am going for help to find out exactly what is wrong or if there is another reason why i feel like i do. i am changing gastroenterologists and going to a clinic in Boston so i can be thoroughly evaluated. please go to that site. i hope i have been of some help — kitty Before you buy.

Response:

Ask your doctor about Pro motility drugs like motilium.  My wife has had gerd for months and has been on pirlosec and prevacid (at different times). Last week the Dr. added motilium to the losec and the last 3 days have been her best in months.   As we understand it the pro motility drug helps the sphickter tighten up and help prevent the acid form coming up into the esophogus (not sure of spelling here) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello. > I was diagnosed yesterday with GERD and stricture by a > gastroenterologist.  I am going on the 19th for a Barium swallow test, > an upper GI, and to have my esophagus dialated, so far as I > understand. >  I’m afraid to say that my doc wasn’t all that forthcoming on all of > the > entailed processes.  He was very clear on one thing, however: >  everything that I’m not allowed to eat. > Basically, in one fell swoop, I have had my entire diet taken away > from > me.  I’ve asked friends about things that I might eat, and no one can > come up with a suggestion that doesn’t have at least one strike > against > it on my list.  (Too fatty, too spicy, contains tomatoes, contains > high > fat dairy products, contains caffeine, etc.)  I was a cook for several > years in college and after, and I learned to do my job well.  I love > to > cook, and now most of the things that I like to eat and cook are no > longer permissible to me.  Apparently, the doctor thinks that my case > is > rather severe, and he’s going to be looking for Barrett’s Esophagus > when > I have the procedures done in September.  I have searched and > searched, > but the only thing that I can see that I can eat is bland, tasteless > food.  I love food.  I lived in Italy many years ago, and I love > Italian > food, however there is little now that I can think of that I can still > eat.  I suppose I’m looking for some encouragement here.  My fiancee’ > isn’t much help right now, because she doesn’t understand that this > isn’t something that will go away with time.  She thinks that in a few > weeks, or a month or so, I will be okay, and I can eat the same old > foods, so long as I do it in moderation.  Everything I have so far > heard > tells me that this is not true.  I’m not feeling too good about this > situation right now, and I’m not really sure what to do next.  I can’t > imagine living the rest of my life without ever being able to enjoy > the > foods that I love.  I guess I’m hoping that someone out there can give > me some encouragement here, but right now I don’t know what you could > say.  I was looking on a message board yesterday and saw someone say > ‘Bland can be good, too’.  I’m afraid that if someone said that to me > right now, I might be prone to violence.  Please, can any one out > there > give me something good about this?  Right now the ‘bright side’ is > looking decidedly dark to me.  Thanks. > Regards, > Ben Pitzer > Hi Ben > sorry to hear you are having such a hard time with your GERD. you > havent mentioned if you are on medication which will help you. i have > had GERD for two years now, i was first put on Prilosec which worked > after which they put me on Prevacid. i also had an upper GI, an > ultrasound and an endoscopy two years ago. my gastroenterologist didnt > see anything. now two years later i am having a problem even on the > Prevacid. my symptoms returned, so they put me on Prilosec which is > working. there is a sight you should go to that will answer all your > questions. go to www.heartburn-help.com  it is the best around. you can > even write to the surgeons and theywill answer you. gerd is a condtion > that is caused by a relaxed LES muscle. because it is so relaxed when > you eat or drink it comes back up into your esophagus. according to the > surgeons at heartburn-help once you fix the problem, which is the weak > muscle you should be able to go back to your favorite foods after > awhile. you should discuss this with your doctor also. i am italian and > i also love food. i havent been able to eat my favorite foods for two > months now but i am going for help to find out exactly what is wrong or > if there is another reason why i feel like i do. i am changing > gastroenterologists and going to a clinic in Boston so i can be > thoroughly evaluated. please go to that site. i hope i have been of > some help > — > kitty > Before you buy.

  normu.vcf

< 1K Download

Response:

diet and gerd

Question:

Anyone notice any improvement in gerd symptoms while following any kind of diet such as low-carb, zone, high protein etc?  I had heard that the low-carb diet was getting some results for some but then they say that carbohydrates and protein strenthen the les and fat is just the opposite. So it is difficult to decide to try a low carbo diet.  Any ideas or experience here? Regards Cecelia

Response:

Generally, you want to avoid high-fat diets.  I’ve never heard of a low-carbohydrate diet helping.  It also helps to eat small meals, and compensate by eating more frequently.  And when you get heartburn, try to remember what you have eaten in the past eight hours or so. Hopefully that way in a few weeks you’ll be able to see foods that are exacerbating the problem, and avoid them (try different combinations including the suspect foods, though.  It is very easy to get fooled.) Alex.

Response:

Digestion Problems?

Question:

Hello a.s.s-s! I am 31 years old and have been off of cigarettes since January 1st. This is my 4th or 5th quit and the longest I have ever went without relapsing is 9 months. When I smoke, I have no indigestion, unless I’ve overeaten or have eaten very spicy foods. I am also completely regular when I smoke. Everytime I quit smoking (including now), I suffer from chronic indigestion and irregularity. Just about everything I eat gives me heartburn and I belch constanatly. Even the mildest of foods will give me heartburn and stomach gas. It feels as though when I smoke, food travels through my system at proper speed…….but when I don’t smoke, everything just lays in my stomach much longer than it should. I also become so irregular, that even Metamucil hardly helps. The thing that concerns me is that even when I quit for 9 months, my digestion did not improve over all that time until I started smoking again. As silly as it sounds, when I smoke, I feel perfectly healthy. When I don’t, my digestive system is a wreck. It’s as though my digestive system has become completely dependant upon smoking in order to work properly! Can anyone with similar experiences relate to what I’m talking about or am I just a strange case?                                Thanks for reading,                                            Gene Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

Response:

Same here, only I have quit for 6 years, before finally deciding that smoking does help my digestive speed, the trick however is to keep it to as little as possible: 2-3 cigarettes around mid-morning is all I ‘need’ until they come up with better meds (prepulsid does not do much for me). I have tried everything else, a good diet helps, light exercise ditto, but no amount of fibre in the diet or exercise or laxatives keeps me as ‘happy’ as having a couple of cigarettes each morning, without them my regularity slips and everything else follows; bloating, reflux, etc… I only wish the incompetent doctors (many specialists) would have warned me about this instead of pushing me to quit when I was having mild heartburn problems. quitting only made it worse and i have paid for it dearly, since for  a number of years I had to spend inordinate amounts of time and money caring for my uncooperative digestive system, instead of focusing on my career and other interests. So I will die a few years early , but what choice do i have now? I would not encourage anybody to start smoking, but for some of us who did smoke for a number of years, the choice seems to be between two evils, I chose to cut off a few years off my life and trade them for a better quality of life NOW. Again, the challange is to use tobacco as ‘medicine’, it IS addictive and it’s easy to slip into smoking too much. Hopefully I will find something else that work as well, but so far i haven’t found it. chris

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello a.s.s-s! > I am 31 years old and have been off of cigarettes since January 1st. This is > my 4th or 5th quit and the longest I have ever went without relapsing is 9 > months. > When I smoke, I have no indigestion, unless I’ve overeaten or have eaten > very spicy foods. I am also completely regular when I smoke. > Everytime I quit smoking (including now), I suffer from chronic indigestion > and irregularity. Just about everything I eat gives me heartburn and I belch > constanatly. Even the mildest of foods will give me heartburn and stomach > gas. It feels as though when I smoke, food travels through my system at > proper speed…….but when I don’t smoke, everything just lays in my > stomach much longer than it should. I also become so irregular, that even > Metamucil hardly helps. The thing that concerns me is that even when I quit > for 9 months, my digestion did not improve over all that time until I > started smoking again. > As silly as it sounds, when I smoke, I feel perfectly healthy. When I don’t, > my digestive system is a wreck. It’s as though my digestive system has > become completely dependant upon smoking in order to work properly! > Can anyone with similar experiences relate to what I’m talking about or am I > just a strange case? >                                Thanks for reading, >                                            Gene > Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

Response:

Ginger

Question:

I have tried it.. It seem to help but it could very well have been a placebo effect. I have talked to many people that have used Ginger to relieve heartburn and have found that most seem to think it helps. A few found that it made their heartburn symptoms worse. To date, no one has been able to explain to me why it would reduce heartburn symptoms. The formula is posted on the www.heartburn-help.com web site under Herbs and Vitamins. I would recommend talking to your doctor before trying this and even then proceed with caution. If anyone has experience with Ginger, good or bad, please post here. Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

Eve, I started using Ginger Root Juice (GRJ) and found out about it on this newsgroup. The man who told me about it discovered it in a book ‘Saving Yourself From The Disease-Care Crisis’ by Dr. walt Stoll. Copies can be ordered at 1-800-464-7034. I have suffered from a hiatal hernia (HH) since 1975 and had gotten along pretty good by watching what I ate, raising the head of my bed frame *not just my head* and taking Zantac 150 mg. as needed and the occasional over-the-counter antacid. All this worked good until I took an early retirement in Feb. 1996 and within a year my condition had deteriorated to the point my esophagus was so tender I was having trouble swallowing anything. I was living on cold cereal and milk. I was on the verge of calling a surgeon to have the Nissen Fundoplication operation to try and help my situation. I thought it was my only choice. But, luckily I read about GRJ. The article in the cited book reads as follows: "  Hiatus hernia is an increasingly common condition in which gastric contents escape up into the esophagus, causing heartburn symptoms that tend to be worse when the person is lying down.  Hiatus hernia can be simply, cheaply and safely resolved. The conventional medical options for treatment are dangerous (surgery), expensive (special antacids [Gaviscon] to coat the esophagus, prescription antispasmotics and tranquilizers); a real bother (propping up the head of the bed eight inches, not eating for four hours before retiring, avoiding alcohol and losing weight); and not very effective.  Although the following simple treatment was originally described to me as a way to cure hiatus hernia, it is also nearly as effective for other symptoms of the upper intestinal tract that have not responded to conventional treatment.  Anyone with an established diagnosis of hiatus hernia should do the following if they would like to be rid of it. Go to the grocery store and buy about two pounds of fresh ginger root (you will find it in the fresh vegetable section). The heavier the root, the more juice there is in it. Buy about two pounds of the stuff. Extract the juice with a juicer. For some reason (the Chinese medical practitioners know why — something to do with the yin/yan), the shredding type of juicer works best. If you use a blender (that slices things up) this will not work as well. Collect all the juice and store it in the refrigerator. You will notice some settlings in the bottom which you can safely ignore.  Every morning, on arising, take a teaspoon of the juice straight. At  first, it will feel like you have swallowed two-hundred proof alcohol.  However, the sensation will cause you no harm and lasts only a few seconds. In a few days, you will become accustomed to the warming sensation and won’t notice it so much. Be sure to keep this up for a full three weeks or the problem may recur.  Within a few days you will begin to see some benefits. Your problem should be gone long before the three weeks are up. If the problem should ever start to come back, just do the procedure again. However, if you start as soon as the symptoms recur, you should only have to take the ginger root juice a few days. If you wait till it has been there for a few months, you may have to do the whole three weeks again." I quickly state that the GRJ *won’t* cure GERD or heartburn but it definitely will sooth and help heal your esophagus. My esophagus got better within three days so that I could eat food that I hadn’t been able to eat for months. Then with your esophagus soothed and somewhat healed you can make some lifestyle changes that will definitely help. Like what, when, how and the time of day you eat. There are many, many things you can do to help the situation. Like properly chewing all food, stopping all caffeine, spices, hot and cold liquids, ments, nicotine, etc. etc. Different foods will trigger reflux in different people. It will take some experimenting to discover your triggers. Other things like your posture during and after eating. Standing up straight and taking a small walk will help the food move out of your stomach and into your small intestine. The worse thing you can do is what most of us do is immediately after eating sit in a recliner and lean back or slouch down. This allow reflux to touch the LES and thereby weaken the LES. Now, you must remember it has taken you probably years for your condition to become painful so the suggestions I make won’t make a difference in a few days, months or possibly years. But you will improve over time. There is no quick remedy for this situation. And definitely the Nissen Fundoplication operation won’t work. The docs are trying to replace a muscle, the LES, with a flap of your stomach. It just won’t work. Read the posts of people who have had the operation and still have the acid reflux. Some other things you can do is Positive Thinking and Positive Imagine, Yoga, Meditation, exercise, etc. etc. Your stomach is the seat of your emotions and negative emotions plays havoc on your digestion. Anyway, I hope I’ve given you some things to think about. I will be glad to answer any questions you may have by email. Good luck. Bill

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