Alkaline reflux?

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I was diagnosed with LPR a few weeks ago. I know I’ve had it off and > on for years. Also have irritable bowel and hiatal hernia. But all has > been under control, through a lot of natural means, until the past few > months. So ENT put scope down my nose to throat and confirmed that it > was LPR (no heartburn, just pain, chronic throat clearing and > coughing). > He wanted me on Zantac. But my internist said no and I should use a > PPI. Well, I’ve tried Nexium, Prevacid, and finally Aciphex. And they > don’t help. In fact, tonight, after taking an Aciphex this morning and > last night, I have that drawing hungry gnawing in my gut. > I even tried DGL licorice for about three days, and no help as well. > Even though I’ve read that H2 blockers are not as good, I’m trying > that. > It’s so bizarre that the meds seem to increase the acidity instead of > decrease it. Same thing happens when I take natural enzymes. > Now, I have been reading and see there is an alkaline reflux. I’m > wondering if that’s what I have, so that’s why digestive enzymes and > PPIs make things worse. Anyone have any experience with this and can > suggest what someone with this can do to heal it?

The next step is a complete diagnostic workup. Technically, the ENT can’t diagnose LPR since reflux, its character and extent, hasn’t been diagnosed yet. There are other things that can cause such laryngitis/pharyngitis. I agree that given your symptoms, it’s a reasonable presumption, but you need to have your upper GI tract evaluated. You need to have EGD, ambulatory pH testing, esophageal manometry. Your internist should be quite willing to get a consultation from a surgeon or gastroenterologist. Acid reflux, if that is indeed what you have, that does not respond to PPIs will usually require anti-reflux surgery. The only other thing you might try is a prokinetic agent, metaclopromide (Reglan) in hopes that it will aid in esophageal clearing and gastric emptying enough to control your symptoms. In the meantime, diet, weight loss, eating habits etc as detailed by many previous poster here on this newsgroup. HMc

Response:

I was diagnosed with LPR a few weeks ago. I know I’ve had it off and on for years. Also have irritable bowel and hiatal hernia. But all has been under control, through a lot of natural means, until the past few months. So ENT put scope down my nose to throat and confirmed that it was LPR (no heartburn, just pain, chronic throat clearing and coughing). He wanted me on Zantac. But my internist said no and I should use a PPI. Well, I’ve tried Nexium, Prevacid, and finally Aciphex. And they don’t help. In fact, tonight, after taking an Aciphex this morning and last night, I have that drawing hungry gnawing in my gut. I even tried DGL licorice for about three days, and no help as well. Even though I’ve read that H2 blockers are not as good, I’m trying that. It’s so bizarre that the meds seem to increase the acidity instead of decrease it. Same thing happens when I take natural enzymes. Now, I have been reading and see there is an alkaline reflux. I’m wondering if that’s what I have, so that’s why digestive enzymes and PPIs make things worse. Anyone have any experience with this and can suggest what someone with this can do to heal it? Thanks, Susan

Response:

Alkaline reflux?

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

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I was diagnosed with LPR a few weeks ago. I know I’ve had it off and > on for years. Also have irritable bowel and hiatal hernia. But all has > been under control, through a lot of natural means, until the past few > months. So ENT put scope down my nose to throat and confirmed that it > was LPR (no heartburn, just pain, chronic throat clearing and > coughing). > He wanted me on Zantac. But my internist said no and I should use a > PPI. Well, I’ve tried Nexium, Prevacid, and finally Aciphex. And they > don’t help. In fact, tonight, after taking an Aciphex this morning and > last night, I have that drawing hungry gnawing in my gut. > I even tried DGL licorice for about three days, and no help as well. > Even though I’ve read that H2 blockers are not as good, I’m trying > that. > It’s so bizarre that the meds seem to increase the acidity instead of > decrease it. Same thing happens when I take natural enzymes. > Now, I have been reading and see there is an alkaline reflux. I’m > wondering if that’s what I have, so that’s why digestive enzymes and > PPIs make things worse. Anyone have any experience with this and can > suggest what someone with this can do to heal it?

The next step is a complete diagnostic workup. Technically, the ENT can’t diagnose LPR since reflux, its character and extent, hasn’t been diagnosed yet. There are other things that can cause such laryngitis/pharyngitis. I agree that given your symptoms, it’s a reasonable presumption, but you need to have your upper GI tract evaluated. You need to have EGD, ambulatory pH testing, esophageal manometry. Your internist should be quite willing to get a consultation from a surgeon or gastroenterologist. Acid reflux, if that is indeed what you have, that does not respond to PPIs will usually require anti-reflux surgery. The only other thing you might try is a prokinetic agent, metaclopromide (Reglan) in hopes that it will aid in esophageal clearing and gastric emptying enough to control your symptoms. In the meantime, diet, weight loss, eating habits etc as detailed by many previous poster here on this newsgroup. HMc

Response:

I was diagnosed with LPR a few weeks ago. I know I’ve had it off and on for years. Also have irritable bowel and hiatal hernia. But all has been under control, through a lot of natural means, until the past few months. So ENT put scope down my nose to throat and confirmed that it was LPR (no heartburn, just pain, chronic throat clearing and coughing). He wanted me on Zantac. But my internist said no and I should use a PPI. Well, I’ve tried Nexium, Prevacid, and finally Aciphex. And they don’t help. In fact, tonight, after taking an Aciphex this morning and last night, I have that drawing hungry gnawing in my gut. I even tried DGL licorice for about three days, and no help as well. Even though I’ve read that H2 blockers are not as good, I’m trying that. It’s so bizarre that the meds seem to increase the acidity instead of decrease it. Same thing happens when I take natural enzymes. Now, I have been reading and see there is an alkaline reflux. I’m wondering if that’s what I have, so that’s why digestive enzymes and PPIs make things worse. Anyone have any experience with this and can suggest what someone with this can do to heal it? Thanks, Susan

Response:

Fundamental indigestion

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

Question:

Would it seem reasonable for a consultant to diagnose (prior to future tests) fundamental indigestion for an elderly  patient (68) who last year had treatment for a duodenal ulcer and whose symptoms keep returning  after having had triple therapy and when PPI’s are reduced to a maintenance level for acid reflux. Grisby

Response:

> Would it seem reasonable for a consultant to diagnose (prior to future > tests) fundamental indigestion for an elderly  patient (68) who last year > had treatment for a duodenal ulcer and whose symptoms keep returning after > having had triple therapy and when PPI’s are reduced to a maintenance level > for acid reflux. > Grisby

I’m not sure what "fundamental indigestion" is. If one is working up dyspeptic symptoms, then I don’t think it’s reasonable to assume any diagnosis until the workup is complete. This would include EGD, gallbladder ultrasound, HIDA scan with ejection fraction of the gallbladder (if ultrasound is normal), esophageal pH testing, and esophageal manometry. If "fundamental indigestion" is what would be normally termed a "functional" diagnosis, then it’s a diagnosis of exclusion and by definition can’t be made until a complete workup is done. HMc – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Would it seem reasonable for a consultant to diagnose (prior to future > tests) fundamental indigestion for an elderly  patient (68) who last year > had treatment for a duodenal ulcer and whose symptoms keep returning > after > having had triple therapy and when PPI’s are reduced to a maintenance > level > for acid reflux. > Grisby > I’m not sure what "fundamental indigestion" is. > If one is working up dyspeptic symptoms, then I don’t think it’s reasonable > to assume any diagnosis until the workup is complete. This would include > EGD, gallbladder ultrasound, HIDA scan with ejection fraction of the > gallbladder (if ultrasound is normal), esophageal pH testing, and esophageal > manometry. > If "fundamental indigestion" is what would be normally termed a "functional" > diagnosis, then it’s a diagnosis of exclusion and by definition can’t be > made until a complete workup is done. > HMc

Sorry I got the wording wrong it should have been Functional Dyspepsia. Grisby Functional dyspepsia (FD) is defined as chronic upper, centered abdominal discomfort or pain excluding the predominant symptom, heartburn. Associated symptoms are early satiety, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, bloating, and anorexia. For many years motor (movement) abnormalities in the stomach have been investigated and thought to be the cause of FD. As usual, psychosomatic theories are popular and patients are often prescribed tranquilizers or antidepressants.  Stress and anxiety are linked to motility problems and with the blind of a blind eye; a bad theory of FD (and IBS) was formulated and has remained popular despite lack of any convincing evidence. FD suffers responds poorly to common drug therapies and the majority of sufferers have episodic symptoms that reduce the quality of life and result in increased use of healthcare resources. Since FD is a rather vague diagnosis, symptoms often overlap with peptic ulcers, esophagitis and irritable bowel syndrome. It is easy to confuse acid reflux into the esophagus (GERD) with FD. Most gastroenterologists will not classify heartburn as "dyspepsia", and if esophagitis is present, FD cannot be diagnosed. By strict definition, patients with FD have undergone upper intestinal endoscopy that has revealed no lesions that can explain their symptoms. Diagnosis should include testing and possibly treatment for Helicobacter pylori. If infection is present, antisecretory therapy with H2-receptor antagonists or proton-pump inhibitors can be tried but these therapies are often not effective. One has to recall that H Pylori is often found in asymptomatic patients and their presence does not automatically mean that they are the cause of disease.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Would it seem reasonable for a consultant to diagnose (prior to future > > tests) fundamental indigestion for an elderly  patient (68) who last > year > > had treatment for a duodenal ulcer and whose symptoms keep returning > after > > having had triple therapy and when PPI’s are reduced to a maintenance > level > > for acid reflux. > > Grisby > I’m not sure what "fundamental indigestion" is. > If one is working up dyspeptic symptoms, then I don’t think it’s > reasonable > to assume any diagnosis until the workup is complete. This would include > EGD, gallbladder ultrasound, HIDA scan with ejection fraction of the > gallbladder (if ultrasound is normal), esophageal pH testing, and > esophageal > manometry. > If "fundamental indigestion" is what would be normally termed a > "functional" > diagnosis, then it’s a diagnosis of exclusion and by definition can’t be > made until a complete workup is done. > HMc > Sorry I got the wording wrong it should have been Functional Dyspepsia. > Grisby > Functional dyspepsia (FD) is defined as chronic upper, centered abdominal > discomfort or pain excluding the predominant symptom, heartburn. Associated > symptoms are early satiety, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, > bloating, and anorexia. For many years motor (movement) abnormalities in the > stomach have been investigated and thought to be the cause of FD. As usual, > psychosomatic theories are popular and patients are often prescribed > tranquilizers or antidepressants.  Stress and anxiety are linked to motility > problems and with the blind of a blind eye; a bad theory of FD (and IBS) was > formulated and has remained popular despite lack of any convincing evidence. > FD suffers responds poorly to common drug therapies and the majority of > sufferers have episodic symptoms that reduce the quality of life and result > in increased use of healthcare resources. > Since FD is a rather vague diagnosis, symptoms often overlap with peptic > ulcers, esophagitis and irritable bowel syndrome. It is easy to confuse acid > reflux into the esophagus (GERD) with FD. Most gastroenterologists will not > classify heartburn as "dyspepsia", and if esophagitis is present, FD cannot > be diagnosed. By strict definition, patients with FD have undergone upper > intestinal endoscopy that has revealed no lesions that can explain their > symptoms. Diagnosis should include testing and possibly treatment for > Helicobacter pylori. If infection is present, antisecretory therapy with > H2-receptor antagonists or proton-pump inhibitors can be tried but these > therapies are often not effective. One has to recall that H Pylori is often > found in asymptomatic patients and their presence does not automatically > mean that they are the cause of disease.

Yes, I understand the term "functional dyspepsia". It is typically a "wastebasket" diagnosis that is made after all other potential diagnoses are ruled out. Symptomatic gallbladder disease, peptic ulcer, gastritis, GERD, IBS, etc can all present with the same or similar patient complaints. As I said, a diagnosis of exclusion. EGD is commonly done as part of the workup, and GERD is one diagnosis that must be excluded. The problem is (and many physicians don’t understand this) that GERD cannot be ruled out on the basis of EGD alone since severe symptomatic reflux can most definitely be present even in the face of a completely normal EGD. EGD can only diagnose the *complications* of GERD (esophagitis, stricture, Barrett’s esophagus). A normal EGD does not rule out the GERD. Ambulatory pH testing is the only way to definitively diagnose GERD if the EGD does not demonstrate the above complications. HMc

Response:

Bread worsens reflux

Rabeprazole is a medication used to treat gestational acid reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers. buy rabeprazole and feel better today!

Question:

Hi    I’m a fellow sufferer of GERD for the last 3 yrs. I’m taking Pepcid 40 mg twice daily and Motilium 10 mg 1/2 hr before meals.The PPI’s don’t seem to work on me and I stopped the now banned Propulsid when it started to give me palpitations.It was a good effective drug except for the cardiac effects. Anyways, we all know about foods that exacerbate reflux: high fat, citrus, spicy, acidic…..but has anyone here have the experience of starches and carbs triggering a flare. I have noticed that bread, especially dense, chewy, crusty (read yummy) breads will send me into a flare along with potatoes and other starchy foods. I thought carbs would be the easiest to digest, but I find lately I can have an occasional fix of Kentucky Fried and fries without much problem but bread leaves me suffering for 2 days. Would this intolerance be part of GERD or is there something else brewing? Roseanne

Response:

I have heard of wheat allergy… but dont know a lot about it. Could this be a possibility?? But that wouldnt explain the potatoes.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi >    I’m a fellow sufferer of GERD for the last 3 yrs. I’m taking Pepcid 40 mg > twice daily and Motilium 10 mg 1/2 hr before meals.The PPI’s don’t seem to > work on me and I stopped the now banned Propulsid when it started to give me > palpitations.It was a good effective drug except for the cardiac effects. > Anyways, we all know about foods that exacerbate reflux: high fat, citrus, > spicy, acidic…..but has anyone here have the experience of starches and > carbs triggering a flare. I have noticed that bread, especially dense, > chewy, crusty (read yummy) breads will send me into a flare along with > potatoes and other starchy foods. I thought carbs would be the easiest to > digest, but I find lately I can have an occasional fix of Kentucky Fried and > fries without much problem but bread leaves me suffering for 2 days. > Would this intolerance be part of GERD or is there something else brewing? > Roseanne

Response:

>Anyways, we all know about foods that exacerbate reflux: high fat, citrus, >spicy, acidic…..but has anyone here have the experience of starches and >carbs triggering a flare. I have noticed that bread, especially dense, >chewy, crusty (read yummy) breads will send me into a flare along with >potatoes and other starchy foods.

When you say "bread", I am wondering if perhaps it is the dryness that is contributing. People with GERD have problems with motility of the esophagus, and bread can be hard to swallow. Or you could be allergic to wheat. But that does not explain the potatoes. >Would this intolerance be part of GERD or is there something else brewing?

I am not sure what you are asking. GERD is a symptom, not a disease. But this definitely could be relevant. CW http://www.volare.net/gerd

Response:

>I have heard of wheat allergy… but dont know a lot about it. >Could this be a possibility?? But that wouldnt explain the potatoes.

LOL, you said it before I did. I think it’s the dryness factor. She said she can easily digest KFC french fries. I have never heard of a potato allergy, besides. CW http://www.volare.net/gerd

Response:

<<GERD is a symptom, not a disease.>> Hmmm Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease.? Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

>I have heard of wheat allergy… but dont know a lot about it. >Could this be a possibility?? But that wouldnt explain the potatoes. > LOL, you said it before I did. > I think it’s the dryness factor. She said she can easily digest KFC french > fries. > I have never heard of a potato allergy, besides. > CW > http://www.volare.net/gerd

My daughter has a potato allergy. I too had never heard of a potato allergy until my daughter tested slightly positive on skin tests at age three.When we took it totally out of her diet 80 % of her eczema disappeared and now at age 16 it’s gotten worse to the point of breaking out in hives if she has any potatoes. She is also allergic to tomatoes with the same reaction and these two veggies are in the deadly nightshade family along with green peppers. Roseanne

Response:

also the same family as chillies, solanum is the family.  They all contain a rather large amount of chemicals called alkaloids. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >I have heard of wheat allergy… but dont know a lot about it. > >Could this be a possibility?? But that wouldnt explain the potatoes. > LOL, you said it before I did. > I think it’s the dryness factor. She said she can easily digest KFC french > fries. > I have never heard of a potato allergy, besides. > CW > http://www.volare.net/gerd > My daughter has a potato allergy. I too had never heard of a potato allergy > until my daughter tested slightly positive on skin tests at age three.When > we took it totally out of her diet 80 % of her eczema disappeared and now at > age 16 it’s gotten worse to the point of breaking out in hives if she has > any potatoes. She is also allergic to tomatoes with the same reaction and > these two veggies are in the deadly nightshade family along with green > peppers. > Roseanne

Response:

><<GERD is a symptom, not a disease.>> >Hmmm Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease.?

Well, yes, I should’ve put "GERD" in quotations, as it should be. The term is grossly inaccurate IME. CW

Response:

Funny, I was just having a similar conversation on another board.  Slow gastric emptying has been known to contribute to GERD.  namely, if the flood flows too slowly out of the stomach, it exerts more pressure to push acid up, also there’s just more "stuff" in your stomach to be refluxed.  So basically, any food that you happen to have trouble digesting quickly qould contribute to GERD. Do you feel "full" more when you eat these foods than the ones that don’t exacerbate the GERD?  If so, its probably the slow digestion thing rather than an allergy.  I’ve heard of lots of people described eating starches (potatos, pasta, etc.) as like having a brick in their stomach, so I imagine many people have trouble digesting them quickly. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Anyways, we all know about foods that exacerbate reflux: high fat, citrus, >spicy, acidic…..but has anyone here have the experience of starches and >carbs triggering a flare. I have noticed that bread, especially dense, >chewy, crusty (read yummy) breads will send me into a flare along with >potatoes and other starchy foods. >When you say "bread", I am wondering if perhaps it is the dryness that is >contributing. People with GERD have problems with motility of the esophagus, >and bread can be hard to swallow. Or you could be allergic to wheat. But that >does not explain the potatoes. >Would this intolerance be part of GERD or is there something else brewing? >I am not sure what you are asking. GERD is a symptom, not a disease. But this >definitely could be relevant. >CW >http://www.volare.net/gerd

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:

prilosec and nizatidine

Question:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

Prevacid and Cigarettes

Question:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

Prilosec 20mg

Question:

I have been taking 40mg of Prilosec for about a year and I take 150 – 300 mg of Zantac at night. I had a mild case of Barrett’s Esophagus when I began the intensive treatment 12 months ago. On my last scope about three months ago the Barrett’s had disappeared and my inflammation was significantly reduced. I will be scoped again in 9 months. — Click here for Free Video!! http://www.gohip.com/freevideo/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Sometimes there is a dramatic difference. One will work where the other > does > not work at all. Talk to your doctor first about taking 40 mg of Prilosec > a > day. If you are still not getting results then ask about trying Prevacid. > If > this is not effective then you will have to undergo some tests to see > exactly > what the nature of the problem is. > Hi >    I’ve had GERD for the last 2 yrs. My GI doc put me on Prilosec 40 mg/day > and it did nothing after a month of being on it.Then I tried Pantoloc which > is also a PPI, it also did absolutely nothing.My GI doc then sends me  for a > surgical consult but before going for the consult I end up at my family doc > for another problem and while there I told him about the ineffectiveness of > the PPI’s and the fact that the GI doc referring me on for surgery. My > family doc wants me to try another medication called Axid.Within 48 hrs of > starting the Axid all my GERD symptoms disappear. This drug is not a PPI but > is in the same catagory as Zantac and Pepsid, the Histamine 2 inhibitors. > So just because the more potent PPI’s don’t work don’t assume the weaker > Histamine 2 inhibitors will not work. Try those out before trying something > more drastic such as surgery.We are all chemically different and I’ve spoken > to others with whom the PPI’s didn’t work but weaker meds did. > Roseanne

Response:

Hello, I have taken 20mg Prilosec for 3 weeks, not doing a damn thing.  Anyone else with similar exp? Is Prevacid a comletely structurally different drug? Freddi

Response:

Prevacid is in the same class of drug as Prilosec. They are both Proton Pump Inhibitors but achieve the acid suppression by using different compounds. People react differently to the compounds. Sometimes there is a dramatic difference. One will work where the other does not work at all. Talk to your doctor first about taking 40 mg of Prilosec a day. If you are still not getting results then ask about trying Prevacid. If this is not effective then you will have to undergo some tests to see exactly what the nature of the problem is. There are several questions about Prilosec and Prevacid on the Ask A Doctor message board located on www.heartburn-help.com that might be of interest to you. Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

> Sometimes there is a dramatic difference. One will work where the other does > not work at all. Talk to your doctor first about taking 40 mg of Prilosec a > day. If you are still not getting results then ask about trying Prevacid. If > this is not effective then you will have to undergo some tests to see exactly > what the nature of the problem is.

Hi    I’ve had GERD for the last 2 yrs. My GI doc put me on Prilosec 40 mg/day and it did nothing after a month of being on it.Then I tried Pantoloc which is also a PPI, it also did absolutely nothing.My GI doc then sends me  for a surgical consult but before going for the consult I end up at my family doc for another problem and while there I told him about the ineffectiveness of the PPI’s and the fact that the GI doc referring me on for surgery. My family doc wants me to try another medication called Axid.Within 48 hrs of starting the Axid all my GERD symptoms disappear. This drug is not a PPI but is in the same catagory as Zantac and Pepsid, the Histamine 2 inhibitors. So just because the more potent PPI’s don’t work don’t assume the weaker Histamine 2 inhibitors will not work. Try those out before trying something more drastic such as surgery.We are all chemically different and I’ve spoken to others with whom the PPI’s didn’t work but weaker meds did. Roseanne

Response:

propulsid…

Question:

Is it possible for propulsid to have long-term side effects…I took propulsid for 6-8 months at night for very bad heartburn…starting suffering from tachycardia in may nad took me off of it….they never were sure whether or not it was from the propulsid….haven’t taken it since last May but continue to have weird hearbeats. Could this be a result of taking propulsid for so many months? tia.

Response:

I’ve got the same thing from taking propulsid for a few years and quit taking it a few months ago (In fact I ended up in the ER with atrial fibrilation – no heart disease or any other reasonable explanation for it – is this ground for lawsuit or what?).  I found that moderate amounts of vit E (see my post below) can help with irregular heartbeats but you’ve got to be careful about not overdoing it. A generally healty diet will help with both problems. I’d welcome any other comments about any lasting effects taking prepulsid on a long term basis can have on the heart. What bothers me is that after stopping propulsid I found that it was probably quite useless since adhering to a stict(er) diet/exercise program and taking a PPI  (Prevacid in my case) can completelly control heartburn (for me at least).  Of course, now I wonder about the side effects of taking Prevacid on a long term basis…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Is it possible for propulsid to have long-term side effects…I took propulsid > for 6-8 months at night for very bad heartburn…starting suffering from > tachycardia in may nad took me off of it….they never were sure whether or not > it was from the propulsid….haven’t taken it since last May but continue to > have weird hearbeats. > Could this be a result of taking propulsid for so many months? > tia.

Response:

The other evening I was researching this drug (cisapride) and discovered that the manufacturers will be issuing a statement about it shortly because of the heart problems that have occurred.  Just done another search and can’t locate the page but will try again and let you know. Looked to me that, in future, it will only be prescribed very selectively.   DT – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Is it possible for propulsid to have long-term side effects…I took propulsid >for 6-8 months at night for very bad heartburn…starting suffering from >tachycardia in may nad took me off of it….they never were sure whether or not >it was from the propulsid….haven’t taken it since last May but continue to >have weird hearbeats. >Could this be a result of taking propulsid for so many months? >tia.

Response:

For more information on Propulsid go to www.heartburn-help.com and click on Drugs and then Propulsid. Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

it is possible or pure coincidence: because I took Pantozol (proton blocker) 40mg Byk AG/SA (Switzerland) for 30 days in the evenings and got tachycardia up to 167 p/s while lying dawn on the bed they had to take me to the ER (Miami Heart Institute) the first time this happened as it scared the daylights out of me. These tachycardia attacks have recurred and my cardiologist did not know what to do with them, now I know what to tell him as a possible cause. I will also tell my Gastroenterologist about it. Don Klaus – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Is it possible for propulsid to have long-term side effects…I took propulsid > for 6-8 months at night for very bad heartburn…starting suffering from > tachycardia in may nad took me off of it….they never were sure whether or not > it was from the propulsid….haven’t taken it since last May but continue to > have weird hearbeats. > Could this be a result of taking propulsid for so many months? > tia.

Response:

> Is it possible for propulsid to have long-term side effects…I took propulsid > for 6-8 months at night for very bad heartburn…starting suffering from > tachycardia in may nad took me off of it….they never were sure whether or not > it was from the propulsid….haven’t taken it since last May but continue to > have weird hearbeats. > Could this be a result of taking propulsid for so many months? > tia.

Tia, would like to help you. Yes propulsid could have long term side affects. We are trying to get the company to pay for and provide medical monitoring for people who have taken the drug. We are especially interested in a New Jersey resident. Please email me if you would like further information and help. Brad Before you buy.

Response:

Lap nissen didn't work

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

Question:

Help! I had a lap nissen in september. It did not work. I have tried all the meds/lifestyle mod, etc. Anyone have any suggestions? – Tara Before you buy.

Response:

Moses here: Tells which meds have you tried? What doses have you tried? How long did you take each med? A fellow worker had the operation (Nissen fundo) which failed after approx 16 months (he says a year and a season) at which time he went back on a PPI drug. Before the operation he had been on Prevacid 30 mgs then after the surgury failed he went on to Prilosec 40 mg. He thinks it a more effective drug. He tried both Prevacid and Prilosec again after it was decided the he need a PPI med. He says Prilosec 20 mg didn’t quite do the job, though even that dose of Prilosec remained preferrable to Prevacid 30 mg. At least that was the case for him. It is said to vary from person to person. Some say Prevacid is best and others Prilosec. Have you tried Aciphex? the new PPI med. Hopefully you are caffiene free? Chocolate free? Coffee free? If you talk to your surgeon, please tell us what he/she says. Sincerely Best Wishes Moses Clarke PS Typos typos…a bird that flies from forest fire to forest fire. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Moses here: Insurance companies are examples of bloated private bureaucracies. Anyway, I suggesting a PPI drug is the way to go. Understand there is esophageal cancer risk is if you keep getting it burned by stomach acid. I think PPI drug are safer than the H-2 blocker class drug which are the pinheads at the insurance companies will want you to take. They are worried about their short term profits and the huge salaries for their assorted VP’s, Directors, Pres. and other assorted social parasites. It is ironic that in the long term, it likely even to their benefit to provide coverage for a PPI drug. Treating cancer isn’t cheap. But perhaps they have calculated, that by the time you get it, your coverage will have lapsed. What have you tried? Provide a few specifics to make your posting more interesting. Dose? Drug names? Length of time taken? I know I rant. Take care and best wishes   Moses Clarke * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Hi: Have tried lots of meds not prevacid though and not the new one. My insurance is not great at covering this stuff and I am concerned about taking these things for the rest of my time on this earth. I have lived the caff and choc free life and I still suffer anyway. I am going back for a pH probe test week after next. Before you buy.

Response:

Hi Tara, Sorry to hear your not feeling any better after the surgery.  I have tried both prevacid and aciphex.  I didn’t notice any differenc on either one.  I was desparate for a solution and under recommendation from my GI dr ( in regards to complaining about constipation along with gerd) he told to drink plenty of water everday.  I have been drinking about a gallon of water everday and feel much much better in respects with gerd and being more regular.  I hope this helps. > Help! I had a lap nissen in september. It did not work. I have tried > all the meds/lifestyle mod, etc. Anyone have any suggestions? – Tara > Before you buy.

Before you buy.

Response:

Perhaps cancer more assoc with bile reflux, but there seems to be a lot of talk about esop cancer and acid reflux in press- there was 20/20 special on this recently, and I have seen numerous articles in papers. Do a search on the web and see what you find. Before you buy.

Response: