I need a guide vocal

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Gotta get a diet change, and you’ll get rid of that Acid Reflux. I had it, > and like I said, a diet change WILL get rid of it. Throw the Pepcid in the > trash. > NO  Butter or Marg….NO Milk.. NO Grease….NO Eggs….. White Rice at > least 3 times a week…scrubs you right out!!! After awhile you can resume > at moderation. > No, tomato pastes, raw onions and cola products here. > — >    O> > /() >    ^^                                                      Slidell, LA

I used prevacid. Took it for a couple of years. Stopped just for the hell of it.. about five years ago.. haven’t had a problem since. Eat whatever I want, too. Not that changing your diet wont help. I’m just saying.. if you have insureance.. the prevacid has no side effects at all that I’m aware of. Pop a capsule in the morning and forget about it. Tomatos have lycopene.. which is great against cancer of the prostate.. or put another way, which is great for not having a great rot up yer pooter which makes you piss funny, not screw, and then die. Pepcid and over the counter stuff is not really for acid reflux, it’s for when you drink too much or eat the wrong thing. Prevacid stops the acid from building up in the first place. And by the way.. get on it. I dinked around with diet and over the counter stuff and wound up doing damage to my esophagus. The acid rises up beyond the point where the body can handle it.. and burns it… I was lucky.. but I’ve seen operations on people who seriously messed themselves up by waiting to treat acid reflux.. and you don’t wanna go there. Twang!

Response:

> Gotta get a diet change, and you’ll get rid of that Acid Reflux. I had it, > and like I said, a diet change WILL get rid of it. Throw the Pepcid in the > trash. > NO  Butter or Marg….NO Milk.. NO Grease….NO Eggs….. White Rice at > least 3 times a week…scrubs you right out!!! After awhile you can resume > at moderation.

No, tomato pastes, raw onions and cola products here. —    O> /()    ^^                                                      Slidell, LA

Response:

Yup.  ;-) — Enjoy the ride, enjoy the ride. http://www.soundclick.com/bands/9/joesanchez.htm http://www.trainwreckblues.com http://www.garageband.com/artist/bigstevetrainwreck Our new CD is now for sale! —

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > "Complete dub"? > > db > Uh…that’s Bud. > > Joe. > — > Enjoy the ride, enjoy the ride. > http://www.soundclick.com/bands/9/joesanchez.htm > http://www.trainwreckblues.com > http://www.garageband.com/artist/bigstevetrainwreck > Our new CD is now for sale! > — > Are you rearranging letters? > Bud

Response:

> It’s the day before my big gig and I have acid reflux!  I know I made > fun of Ashlee Simpson for it but this really sucks!  The back of my > throat burns and the taste of bile is a constant.

You think that’s bad? I just watched "The Fly" movie. Remember when he barfs on the guy’s leg and dissolves it? Now THAT’s acid reflux. You and Ashlee come back when you can show me a melted microphone… then I might have some sympathy.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> "Complete dub"? > db > Uh…that’s Bud. > > Joe. > — > Enjoy the ride, enjoy the ride. > http://www.soundclick.com/bands/9/joesanchez.htm > http://www.trainwreckblues.com > http://www.garageband.com/artist/bigstevetrainwreck > Our new CD is now for sale! > —

Are you rearranging letters? Bud

Response:

Seconded,  Used to acid reflux myself. Vegetarian for 10 years now. No acid reflux for last ten years. Danko

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Gotta get a diet change, and you’ll get rid of that Acid Reflux. I had it, > and like I said, a diet change WILL get rid of it. Throw the Pepcid in the > trash. > NO  Butter or Marg….NO Milk.. NO Grease….NO Eggs….. White Rice at > least 3 times a week…scrubs you right out!!! After awhile you can resume > at moderation. >                                                 S. > > It’s the day before my big gig and I have acid reflux!  I know I made > > fun of Ashlee Simpson for it but this really sucks!  The back of my > > throat burns and the taste of bile is a constant.  I sure hope our > > drummer hits the right button when he cues up my guide vocals or else > > I’ll have to do a hoedown and walk off the stage. > Reverse karaoke? > Bud

Response:

> Reverse karaoke?

"Complete dub"? db

Response:

> "Complete dub"? > db

Uh…that’s Bud. Joe. — Enjoy the ride, enjoy the ride. http://www.soundclick.com/bands/9/joesanchez.htm http://www.trainwreckblues.com http://www.garageband.com/artist/bigstevetrainwreck Our new CD is now for sale! —

Response:

Gotta get a diet change, and you’ll get rid of that Acid Reflux. I had it, and like I said, a diet change WILL get rid of it. Throw the Pepcid in the trash. NO  Butter or Marg….NO Milk.. NO Grease….NO Eggs….. White Rice at least 3 times a week…scrubs you right out!!! After awhile you can resume at moderation.                                                 S.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It’s the day before my big gig and I have acid reflux!  I know I made > fun of Ashlee Simpson for it but this really sucks!  The back of my > throat burns and the taste of bile is a constant.  I sure hope our > drummer hits the right button when he cues up my guide vocals or else > I’ll have to do a hoedown and walk off the stage. > Reverse karaoke? > Bud

Response:

It’s the day before my big gig and I have acid reflux!  I know I made fun of Ashlee Simpson for it but this really sucks!  The back of my throat burns and the taste of bile is a constant.  I sure hope our drummer hits the right button when he cues up my guide vocals or else I’ll have to do a hoedown and walk off the stage.

Response:

> It’s the day before my big gig and I have acid reflux!  I know I made > fun of Ashlee Simpson for it but this really sucks!  The back of my > throat burns and the taste of bile is a constant.  I sure hope our > drummer hits the right button when he cues up my guide vocals or else > I’ll have to do a hoedown and walk off the stage.

Reverse karaoke? Bud

Response:

strange heartburn problem

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

Question:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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Response:

Long Term Effects For Prevacid, etc. ?

Question:

Hello: I realize this has been touched on, somewhat, in previous posts, but would like tostart a new thread devoted to this single question, please. What is the latest research regarding the taking of Prevacid (or Nexium, etc.) indefinitely ? I guess I’m bothered by all their ads that say to take only for a maximum of approx. 8 days or so, and that it is not for long term use. My general MD (and also a Gastroenteroligist I’ve seen) wants me to take it indefinitely. Their belief is that the the research on really long term effects hasn’t been done yet, or is inconclusive, and that damage to the esophogus, etc. is by far the greater danger. Any thoughts on long term effects would be most appreciated. Thanks, Bob

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello: > I realize this has been touched on, somewhat, in previous posts, but > would like tostart a new thread devoted to this single question, please. > What is the latest research regarding the taking of Prevacid (or Nexium, > etc.) > indefinitely ? > I guess I’m bothered by all their ads that say to take only for a maximum of > approx. > 8 days or so, and that it is not for long term use. > My general MD (and also a Gastroenteroligist I’ve seen) wants me to take it > indefinitely. > Their belief is that the the research on really long term effects hasn’t > been done yet, or is inconclusive, and that damage to the esophogus, etc. > is by far the greater danger. > Any thoughts on long term effects would be most appreciated.

There is no study that indicates that long term use of PPIs prevent esophageal cancer. In fact, just the opposite; the alkaline reflux that results from acid suppression may be more carcinogenic that the acid reflux. HMc

Response:

excruciating heartburn / esophagitis

Question:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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:

Propulsid???

Question:

My doctor has suggested I try to get ahold of some propulsid or cisapride, which next I travel, which I do quite regularly. In which countris is propulsid or cisapride legal to be sold? Thanks. —

Response:

> My doctor has suggested I try to get ahold of some > propulsid or cisapride, which next I travel, which I do > quite regularly.

Are you sure?  Propulsid has some pretty serious risks and contraindications. — Richard W Kaszeta http://www.kaszeta.org/rich

Response:

> > My doctor has suggested I try to get ahold of some > propulsid or cisapride, which next I travel, which I do > quite regularly. > Are you sure?  Propulsid has some pretty serious risks and contraindications.

I’m sure he told me to….  He did have me get an EKG first to verify that my QT level (whatever that is), was within normal limits. But I’m not sure I should do it although I’m having a pretty bad time with reflux and throat problems even at 60mg of Prevacid per day and pretty rigorous dietary controls, bed raised etc. He led me to believe that it is legal and accepted medical practice in most countries, save the US and Canada.  I know it’s available in Mexico but I’m wondering if anyone knows what other countries consider it safe.  How about western Europe for example? I’m not sure at all – but it’s very tempting and I don’t know who to trust. Louise —

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > My doctor has suggested I try to get ahold of some > > propulsid or cisapride, which next I travel, which I do > > quite regularly. > Are you sure?  Propulsid has some pretty serious risks and contraindications. > I’m sure he told me to….  He did have me get an EKG first > to verify that my QT level (whatever that is), was within > normal limits. > But I’m not sure I should do it although I’m having a > pretty bad time with reflux and throat problems even at > 60mg of Prevacid per day and pretty rigorous dietary > controls, bed raised etc. > He led me to believe that it is legal and accepted medical > practice in most countries, save the US and Canada.  I know > it’s available in Mexico but I’m wondering if anyone knows > what other countries consider it safe.  How about western > Europe for example? > I’m not sure at all – but it’s very tempting and I don’t > know who to trust.

Prokinetic agents like propulsid or metaclopramide (Reglan) aid in esophageal clearing of reflux. They are best used in conjunction with anti-secretory drugs like Nexium. The difference between Propulsid (which is off the market in the US) and Reglan are not that great in practical use. If Reglan doesn’t help you for whatever your problem is, then I doubt the Propulsid will either. At least not enough to justify the risk or go the hassle of importing it. HMc

Response:

> Prokinetic agents like propulsid or metaclopramide (Reglan) aid in > esophageal clearing of reflux. They are best used in conjunction with > anti-secretory drugs like Nexium. The difference between Propulsid (which is > off the market in the US) and Reglan are not that great in practical use. If > Reglan doesn’t help you for whatever your problem is, then I doubt the > Propulsid will either. At least not enough to justify the risk or go the > hassle of importing it. > HMc

Reglan does have some nasty psychological side-effects in some people though. My gastro sited that 15% of those who take reglan will develop side-effects from severe insomnia to extreme depression. It seems it also can cause parkinsons like symptoms… "Reglan is a neuroleptic medication used to treat gastrointestinal problems that have had many cases of Tardive Dyskinesia reported in response to it. Reglan is supposed to increase the stomach and small intestine contractions to help the passage of food. As every medication, Reglan has side effects associated to it and some of them are very serious. In February 1996, the FDA warned that Reglan causes an increased risk of Parkinsonism. Reglan can also cause people to have mild to severe depression, so patients that already suffer depression may want to consider an alternate treatment plan to Reglan. Tardive Dyskinesia has been most often linked to the use of antipsychotic drugs, but the potentially permanent muscle disorder has also been reported side effects of Reglan. Especially older Reglan patients should first consider the risks and benefits of Reglan since elders have a higher incidence of suffering Tardive Dyskinesia." http://www.tardive-dyskinesia.com/reglan/

Response:

> My doctor has suggested I try to get ahold of some > propulsid or cisapride, which next I travel, which I do > quite regularly. > In which countris is propulsid or cisapride legal to be > sold? > Thanks.

Does your doctor know that there is a limited access program for propulsid? The prescription medication PROPULSID

Aetna wants me to try protonix?

Question:

I’ve been on nexium .40 mg for 1 1/2 yrs now and its amazing.but now a new plan wants me to try a cheaper alternetive-protonix. Does anyone have experience with this?How similar/disimilar are they? Aetne wants to spend less, but will step me up only if protonix doesnt do a good job….thanks in advance…ED

Response:

> I’ve been on nexium .40 mg for 1 1/2 yrs now and its amazing.but now a > new plan wants me to try a cheaper alternetive-protonix. Does anyone > have experience with this?How similar/disimilar are they? > Aetne wants to spend less, but will step me up only if protonix doesnt > do a good job….thanks in advance…ED

It’s a common insurance company maneuver. All insurance companies negotiate deals with drug companies, and it sounds like Aetna just negotiated a better deal with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals than they had with Astra Zeneca. Protonix is fine. Different people respond to different medications differently. For some people, Nexium doesn’t work worth a damn and Protonix is their salvation. And the opposite is true too. Give the Protonix a try, see if it works ok for you. If not, your doctor will write a strongly worded letter to Aetna certifying that Protonix doesn’t work for you and you’ll get Nexium.   Probably. HMc

Response:

> I’ve been on nexium .40 mg for 1 1/2 yrs now and its amazing.but now a > new plan wants me to try a cheaper alternetive-protonix. Does anyone > have experience with this?How similar/disimilar are they?

Ahh, welcome to modern prescription coverage.  Due to changing carriers I had to move from prevacid->prilosec->protonix->nexium. For the most part, they’re the same, although the latter three seemed to work a bit better than prevacid for me, but everyone is different. Chances are, Protonix will treat you similarly to Nexium, but if it doesn’t work out, like Howard says you can usually get your doctor to talk to the insurance company and okay Nexium (but be prepared for a larger copay). Note that it’s worth checking out the OTC availability, since sometimes the OTC stuff can be cheaper than the prescription copay, although this widely varies (for a while I was taking Zantac, and OTC generic Zantac (ranitidine) from Walmart was *way* cheaper than my $15 copay at the time), since at least one proton pump inhibitor is on the market now (Prilosec OTC).  But check with your doctor before doing any drastic changes… — Richard W Kaszeta http://www.kaszeta.org/rich

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve been on nexium .40 mg for 1 1/2 yrs now and its amazing.but now a > new plan wants me to try a cheaper alternetive-protonix. Does anyone > have experience with this?How similar/disimilar are they? > Aetne wants to spend less, but will step me up only if protonix doesnt > do a good job….thanks in advance…ED > It’s a common insurance company maneuver. All insurance companies negotiate > deals with drug companies, and it sounds like Aetna just negotiated a better > deal with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals than they had with Astra Zeneca. > Protonix is fine. Different people respond to different medications > differently. For some people, Nexium doesn’t work worth a damn and Protonix > is their salvation. And the opposite is true too. > Give the Protonix a try, see if it works ok for you. If not, your doctor > will write a strongly worded letter to Aetna certifying that Protonix > doesn’t work for you and you’ll get Nexium.   Probably. > HMc

Howard, I know that nexium and protonix are needed for alot of people. Isnt it some potent stuff though?

Response:

My prilosec seems to work fine for my acid but I still have stomach pain. Can’t wait for the endeoscopy. OH JOY!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve been on nexium .40 mg for 1 1/2 yrs now and its amazing.but now a > new plan wants me to try a cheaper alternetive-protonix. Does anyone > have experience with this?How similar/disimilar are they? > Ahh, welcome to modern prescription coverage.  Due to changing > carriers I had to move from prevacid->prilosec->protonix->nexium. > For the most part, they’re the same, although the latter three seemed > to work a bit better than prevacid for me, but everyone is different. > Chances are, Protonix will treat you similarly to Nexium, but if it > doesn’t work out, like Howard says you can usually get your doctor to > talk to the insurance company and okay Nexium (but be prepared for a > larger copay). > Note that it’s worth checking out the OTC availability, since > sometimes the OTC stuff can be cheaper than the prescription copay, > although this widely varies (for a while I was taking Zantac, and OTC > generic Zantac (ranitidine) from Walmart was *way* cheaper than my $15 > copay at the time), since at least one proton pump inhibitor is on the > market now (Prilosec OTC).  But check with your doctor before doing > any drastic changes… > — > Richard W Kaszeta > http://www.kaszeta.org/rich

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > I’ve been on nexium .40 mg for 1 1/2 yrs now and its amazing.but now a > > new plan wants me to try a cheaper alternetive-protonix. Does anyone > > have experience with this?How similar/disimilar are they? > > Aetne wants to spend less, but will step me up only if protonix doesnt > > do a good job….thanks in advance…ED > It’s a common insurance company maneuver. All insurance companies > negotiate > deals with drug companies, and it sounds like Aetna just negotiated a > better > deal with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals than they had with Astra Zeneca. > Protonix is fine. Different people respond to different medications > differently. For some people, Nexium doesn’t work worth a damn and > Protonix > is their salvation. And the opposite is true too. > Give the Protonix a try, see if it works ok for you. If not, your doctor > will write a strongly worded letter to Aetna certifying that Protonix > doesn’t work for you and you’ll get Nexium.   Probably. > HMc > Howard, I know that nexium and protonix are needed for alot of people. Isnt > it some potent stuff though?

The entire class of drugs, proton pump inhibitors, is VERY effective at controlling stomach acid output. HMc

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > > I’ve been on nexium .40 mg for 1 1/2 yrs now and its amazing.but now a > > > new plan wants me to try a cheaper alternetive-protonix. Does anyone > > > have experience with this?How similar/disimilar are they? > > > Aetne wants to spend less, but will step me up only if protonix doesnt > > > do a good job….thanks in advance…ED > > It’s a common insurance company maneuver. All insurance companies > negotiate > > deals with drug companies, and it sounds like Aetna just negotiated a > better > > deal with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals than they had with Astra Zeneca. > > Protonix is fine. Different people respond to different medications > > differently. For some people, Nexium doesn’t work worth a damn and > Protonix > > is their salvation. And the opposite is true too. > > Give the Protonix a try, see if it works ok for you. If not, your doctor > > will write a strongly worded letter to Aetna certifying that Protonix > > doesn’t work for you and you’ll get Nexium.   Probably. > > HMc > Howard, I know that nexium and protonix are needed for alot of people. > Isnt > it some potent stuff though? > The entire class of drugs, proton pump inhibitors, is VERY effective at > controlling stomach acid output. > HMc

I bet but can it be good for long term use? Can it damage the system ever if used to long?

Response:

> The entire class of drugs, proton pump inhibitors, is VERY effective at > controlling stomach acid output. > HMc > I bet but can it be good for long term use? Can it damage the system ever if > used to long?

When the class first came out (Losec — now Prilosec), it was only FDA approved for short term use as there was speculation (and no long term data) that it would increase the risk of stomach cancer. It has long been known that no stomach acid would result in higher levels of circulating gastrin because it’s acid that determines gastrin output via negative feedback. In other words, gastrin stimulates acid output and acid controls gastrin levels. So, if there is too much acid, there is no gastrin, and if there is too little acid, there is lots of gastrin. If you take these anti-acid drugs, you will have high circulating levels of gastrin. Gastrin is a trophic hormone — it stimulates the stomach lining and the speculation was that that constant stimulation would increase the risk of stomach cancer. This has not  been shown to be the case, and the FDA has approved PPIs for long term use. I have seen multiple polyps in the stomach many times in patients who have been on long term proton pump inhibitors, but biopsies always show little or no malignant potential, as far as we know. It IS speculated that the use of anti acid medications such as H2 receptor antagonists and PPIs increases the risk of esophageal cancer. The use of these medications alkalinizes the stomach, changing  the pH and allowing bile salts to come out of solution. These bile salts are highly irritating to the lining of the lower esphagus, but don’t cause the severe symptoms that acid causes. So even though a person’s heartburn symptoms go away, their risk of esophageal cancer actually increases. The point is that these medications don’t do anything to stop the reflux, they only change the character of the refluxate, and although there are fewer symptoms, the esophageal changes of Barrett’s esophagus (and it’s attendant cancer risk) actually progress more rapidly. The incidence of esophageal cancer has been increasing rapidly over the last 35 years, and the graphs coincide exactly with the discovery and increasing use of anti-secretory medications. The use of these medications only stops the SYMPTOMS of GERD, but doesn’t actually stop the reflux. Managing the symptoms might be appropriate if there is no evidence of Barrett’s esophagus on EGD, but ongoing surveillance is important because of the increased risk of esophageal cancer. HMc

Response:

Two questions. 1 Are polyps caused by propton pump inhibitors lessening the acid content of the stomach? 2 "Stomach Pain" is listed as one of the side effects of proton pump inhibitors, how does a patient know if his pain is caused by the drug instead of his ulcer or other problem? Derek.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > The entire class of drugs, proton pump inhibitors, is VERY effective at > > controlling stomach acid output. > > HMc > I bet but can it be good for long term use? Can it damage the system ever > if > used to long? > When the class first came out (Losec — now Prilosec), it was only FDA > approved for short term use as there was speculation (and no long term data) > that it would increase the risk of stomach cancer. It has long been known > that no stomach acid would result in higher levels of circulating gastrin > because it’s acid that determines gastrin output via negative feedback. In > other words, gastrin stimulates acid output and acid controls gastrin > levels. So, if there is too much acid, there is no gastrin, and if there is > too little acid, there is lots of gastrin. If you take these anti-acid > drugs, you will have high circulating levels of gastrin. > Gastrin is a trophic hormone — it stimulates the stomach lining and the > speculation was that that constant stimulation would increase the risk of > stomach cancer. This has not  been shown to be the case, and the FDA has > approved PPIs for long term use. I have seen multiple polyps in the stomach > many times in patients who have been on long term proton pump inhibitors, > but biopsies always show little or no malignant potential, as far as we > know. > It IS speculated that the use of anti acid medications such as H2 receptor > antagonists and PPIs increases the risk of esophageal cancer. The use of > these medications alkalinizes the stomach, changing  the pH and allowing > bile salts to come out of solution. These bile salts are highly irritating > to the lining of the lower esphagus, but don’t cause the severe symptoms > that acid causes. So even though a person’s heartburn symptoms go away, > their risk of esophageal cancer actually increases. The point is that these > medications don’t do anything to stop the reflux, they only change the > character of the refluxate, and although there are fewer symptoms, the > esophageal changes of Barrett’s esophagus (and it’s attendant cancer risk) > actually progress more rapidly. The incidence of esophageal cancer has been > increasing rapidly over the last 35 years, and the graphs coincide exactly > with the discovery and increasing use of anti-secretory medications. > The use of these medications only stops the SYMPTOMS of GERD, but doesn’t > actually stop the reflux. Managing the symptoms might be appropriate if > there is no evidence of Barrett’s esophagus on EGD, but ongoing surveillance > is important because of the increased risk of esophageal cancer. > HMc

Response:

> Two questions. > 1 Are polyps caused by propton pump inhibitors lessening the acid content of > the stomach? > 2 "Stomach Pain" is listed as one of the side effects of proton pump > inhibitors, how does a patient know if his pain is caused by the drug > instead of his ulcer or other problem? > Derek.

1.  Yes. The decreased stomach acid results in higher circulating gastrin, which stimulates the polyp growth in stomach lining. 2.  It’s not classified as "stomach" pain, but as "abdominal" pain. Usually it is cramping in the small intestine or in the colon. One would sort it out by the nature of the pain, or ultimately by EGD if it could not be diagnosed clinically. HMc

Response:

> Two questions. > 1 Are polyps caused by propton pump inhibitors lessening the acid content > of > the stomach? > 2 "Stomach Pain" is listed as one of the side effects of proton pump > inhibitors, how does a patient know if his pain is caused by the drug > instead of his ulcer or other problem? > Derek. > 1.  Yes. The decreased stomach acid results in higher circulating gastrin, > which stimulates the polyp growth in stomach lining.

What is polyp growth? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> 2.  It’s not classified as "stomach" pain, but as "abdominal" pain. Usually > it is cramping in the small intestine or in the colon. One would sort it out > by the nature of the pain, or ultimately by EGD if it could not be diagnosed > clinically. > HMc

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Two questions. > > 1 Are polyps caused by propton pump inhibitors lessening the acid > content > of > > the stomach? > > 2 "Stomach Pain" is listed as one of the side effects of proton pump > > inhibitors, how does a patient know if his pain is caused by the drug > > instead of his ulcer or other problem? > > Derek. > 1.  Yes. The decreased stomach acid results in higher circulating gastrin, > which stimulates the polyp growth in stomach lining. > What is polyp growth?

Something that grows in dark, moist places and looks like a mushroom. Derek

Response:

> What is polyp growth?

Google. Or, look at http://www.endoskopischer-atlas.de/m18e.htm and at  http://tinyurl.com/rgcx . In fact, look at this guy’s whole site, it’s pretty good http://tinyurl.com/rgd1 HMc

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > The entire class of drugs, proton pump inhibitors, is VERY effective at > > controlling stomach acid output. > > HMc > I bet but can it be good for long term use? Can it damage the system ever >  if > used to long? > When the class first came out (Losec — now Prilosec), it was only FDA > approved for short term use as there was speculation (and no long term data) > that it would increase the risk of stomach cancer. It has long been known > that no stomach acid would result in higher levels of circulating gastrin > because it’s acid that determines gastrin output via negative feedback. In > other words, gastrin stimulates acid output and acid controls gastrin > levels. So, if there is too much acid, there is no gastrin, and if there is > too little acid, there is lots of gastrin. If you take these anti-acid > drugs, you will have high circulating levels of gastrin. > Gastrin is a trophic hormone — it stimulates the stomach lining and the > speculation was that that constant stimulation would increase the risk of > stomach cancer. This has not  been shown to be the case, and the FDA has > approved PPIs for long term use. I have seen multiple polyps in the stomach > many times in patients who have been on long term proton pump inhibitors, > but biopsies always show little or no malignant potential, as far as we > know. > It IS speculated that the use of anti acid medications such as H2 receptor > antagonists and PPIs increases the risk of esophageal cancer. The use of > these medications alkalinizes the stomach, changing  the pH and allowing > bile salts to come out of solution. These bile salts are highly irritating > to the lining of the lower esphagus, but don’t cause the severe symptoms > that acid causes. So even though a person’s heartburn symptoms go away, > their risk of esophageal cancer actually increases. The point is that these > medications don’t do anything to stop the reflux, they only change the > character of the refluxate, and although there are fewer symptoms, the > esophageal changes of Barrett’s esophagus (and it’s attendant cancer risk) > actually progress more rapidly. The incidence of esophageal cancer has been > increasing rapidly over the last 35 years, and the graphs coincide exactly > with the discovery and increasing use of anti-secretory medications. > The use of these medications only stops the SYMPTOMS of GERD, but doesn’t > actually stop the reflux. Managing the symptoms might be appropriate if > there is no evidence of Barrett’s esophagus on EGD, but ongoing surveillance > is important because of the increased risk of esophageal cancer. > HMc

OH MY! OH MY!  WHAT TO DO!  I am so confused.  I am taking Protonix so I don’t have acid reflux so I don’t get esophegeal cancer and long term use will likely CAUSE the cancer.  What do you suggest people with this chronic problem do exactly?  This is really perplexing.  I’d rather take no meds if given a choice.  Please tell me what to do here as I have been on Protonix for several years and am only 47.  I love my life and want to keep on livin it!  ( :  Is there anything that will actually stop the reflux…diet, etc.?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What is polyp growth? > Google. > Or, look at http://www.endoskopischer-atlas.de/m18e.htm > and at >  http://tinyurl.com/rgcx . In fact, look at this guy’s whole site, it’s > pretty good http://tinyurl.com/rgd1 > HMc

Yuck!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > > The entire class of drugs, proton pump inhibitors, is VERY effective at > > > controlling stomach acid output. > > > HMc > > I bet but can it be good for long term use? Can it damage the system ever >  if > > used to long? > When the class first came out (Losec — now Prilosec), it was only FDA > approved for short term use as there was speculation (and no long term data) > that it would increase the risk of stomach cancer. It has long been known > that no stomach acid would result in higher levels of circulating gastrin > because it’s acid that determines gastrin output via negative feedback. In > other words, gastrin stimulates acid output and acid controls gastrin > levels. So, if there is too much acid, there is no gastrin, and if there is > too little acid, there is lots of gastrin. If you take these anti-acid > drugs, you will have high circulating levels of gastrin. > Gastrin is a trophic hormone — it stimulates the stomach lining and the > speculation was that that constant stimulation would increase the risk of > stomach cancer. This has not  been shown to be the case, and the FDA has > approved PPIs for long term use. I have seen multiple polyps in the stomach > many times in patients who have been on long term proton pump inhibitors, > but biopsies always show little or no malignant potential, as far as we > know. > It IS speculated that the use of anti acid medications such as H2 receptor > antagonists and PPIs increases the risk of esophageal cancer. The use of > these medications alkalinizes the stomach, changing  the pH and allowing > bile salts to come out of solution. These bile salts are highly irritating > to the lining of the lower esphagus, but don’t cause the severe symptoms > that acid causes. So even though a person’s heartburn symptoms go away, > their risk of esophageal cancer actually increases. The point is that these > medications don’t do anything to stop the reflux, they only change the > character of the refluxate, and although there are fewer symptoms, the > esophageal changes of Barrett’s esophagus (and it’s attendant cancer risk) > actually progress more rapidly. The incidence of esophageal cancer has been > increasing rapidly over the last 35 years, and the graphs coincide exactly > with the discovery and increasing use of anti-secretory medications. > The use of these medications only stops the SYMPTOMS of GERD, but doesn’t > actually stop the reflux. Managing the symptoms might be appropriate if > there is no evidence of Barrett’s esophagus on EGD, but ongoing surveillance > is important because of the increased risk of esophageal cancer. > HMc > OH MY! OH MY!  WHAT TO DO!  I am so confused.  I am taking Protonix so > I don’t have acid reflux so I don’t get esophegeal cancer and long > term use will likely CAUSE the cancer.  What do you suggest people > with this chronic problem do exactly?  This is really perplexing.  I’d > rather take no meds if given a choice.  Please tell me what to do here > as I have been on Protonix for several years and am only 47.  I love > my life and want to keep on livin it!  ( :  Is there anything that > will actually stop the reflux…diet, etc.?

I confess that the relationship of long term anti-secretory medication to esophageal cancer is a little controversial in the medical world, but the mounting evidence is compelling. The situation is not dissimilar to the relationship of smoking to lung cancer. Many physicians fought the concept that those two things might be related for many years. The base reasons are the same — chronic irritation of the bronchial tree and chronic irritation of the lower esophagus. Personally, I think the evidence supporting the relationship of anti-secretory medication to Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer is compelling as do the majority of physicians that deal with these issues on a daily basis. You may remember an advertising campaign by RJ Reynolds Tobacco in the 50s that featured TV and print ads focused on doctors smoking cigarrettes while relaxing. You are unlikely to see those ads again anytime soon. If your symptoms are under good control ie. medication, lifestyle changes, and watching your diet are controlling your reflux symptoms to your satisfaction, then nothing needs to be done UNLESS your EGD shows evidence of esophageal damage from the reflux. If you have an EGD which shows inflammation, stricture, or Barrett’s esophagus, then it is time to consider surgical intervention. Chronic relux sufferers need to have periodic EGD to evaluate the lower esophagus. Every 2-4 years depending on findings. If you haven’t had one, you need one. Medication and lifestyle changes only control the SYMPTOMS of reflux. Those things do nothing to address the CAUSE of the relux, that being dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter. The only way reflux can be stopped is with surgery. State-of-the-art in that regard is either a Nissen laparoscopic gastric fundoplication (look at http://tinyurl.com/rkvi ) or the Stretta procedure (look at http://tinyurl.com/rkvn ). Both are, or can be, effective anti-reflux treatments that can CURE acid reflux, not just manage the symptoms. HMc

Response:

howard!  you are such a wealth of knowledge and so wonderful to give of your time so freely here.  i would love your take on this situation.  by the way i am waiting for my appointment with a gastro….can’t get in until nov. 25th.  i know it’s a long wait but my internist and i agree that there is no crisis here and he is the one i want to see.  i have been on protonix off and on for a couple of years and have never treated my reflux very seriously until recently. it seems that when my diet gets crazy i start thinking the protonix isn’t working and have twice tried other drugs.  i had the same result with nexium and prilosec.  after a couple days i was elated.  it seemed that i could have my margaritas and mexican food and get by with no acid reflux.  i felt like a criminal getting by with the crime.  well, within about 7-10 days i would feel like there was a big lump in my diaphram and that i couldn’t belch to save my life.  it was like there was no digestion going on whatsoever.  the feeling was worse to me than the actual acid reflux and pain/pressure i had experienced in the past.  once i would stop the new drug, that problem would resolve within a couple of days and i would get back on the protonix.  i am now diligently keeping a food diary and being very good about my diet.  i am losing weight because i am eating smaller portions.  i have also elevated my bed.  things are soooo much better now.  i am just curious if you have heard of others having that experience with those meds?  thanks again for sharing your time and knowledge with all of us here….guess we are all a mess!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > > > The entire class of drugs, proton pump inhibitors, is VERY effective > at > > > > controlling stomach acid output. > > > > HMc > > > I bet but can it be good for long term use? Can it damage the system > ever > >  if > > > used to long? > > When the class first came out (Losec — now Prilosec), it was only FDA > > approved for short term use as there was speculation (and no long term > data) > > that it would increase the risk of stomach cancer. It has long been > known > > that no stomach acid would result in higher levels of circulating > gastrin > > because it’s acid that determines gastrin output via negative feedback. > In > > other words, gastrin stimulates acid output and acid controls gastrin > > levels. So, if there is too much acid, there is no gastrin, and if there > is > > too little acid, there is lots of gastrin. If you take these anti-acid > > drugs, you will have high circulating levels of gastrin. > > Gastrin is a trophic hormone — it stimulates the stomach lining and the > > speculation was that that constant stimulation would increase the risk > of > > stomach cancer. This has not  been shown to be the case, and the FDA has > > approved PPIs for long term use. I have seen multiple polyps in the > stomach > > many times in patients who have been on long term proton pump > inhibitors, > > but biopsies always show little or no malignant potential, as far as we > > know. > > It IS speculated that the use of anti acid medications such as H2 > receptor > > antagonists and PPIs increases the risk of esophageal cancer. The use of > > these medications alkalinizes the stomach, changing  the pH and allowing > > bile salts to come out of solution. These bile salts are highly > irritating > > to the lining of the lower esphagus, but don’t cause the severe symptoms > > that acid causes. So even though a person’s heartburn symptoms go away, > > their risk of esophageal cancer actually increases. The point is that > these > > medications don’t do anything to stop the reflux, they only change the > > character of the refluxate, and although there are fewer symptoms, the > > esophageal changes of Barrett’s esophagus (and it’s attendant cancer > risk) > > actually progress more rapidly. The incidence of esophageal cancer has > been > > increasing rapidly over the last 35 years, and the graphs coincide > exactly > > with the discovery and increasing use of anti-secretory medications. > > The use of these medications only stops the SYMPTOMS of GERD, but > doesn’t > > actually stop the reflux. Managing the symptoms might be appropriate if > > there is no evidence of Barrett’s esophagus on EGD, but ongoing > surveillance > > is important because of the increased risk of esophageal cancer. > > HMc > OH MY! OH MY!  WHAT TO DO!  I am so confused.  I am taking Protonix so > I don’t have acid reflux so I don’t get esophegeal cancer and long > term use will likely CAUSE the cancer.  What do you suggest people > with this chronic problem do exactly?  This is really perplexing.  I’d > rather take no meds if given a choice.  Please tell me what to do here > as I have been on Protonix for several years and am only 47.  I love > my life and want to keep on livin it!  ( :  Is there anything that > will actually stop the reflux…diet, etc.? > I confess that the relationship of long term anti-secretory medication to > esophageal cancer is a little controversial in the medical world, but the > mounting evidence is compelling. The situation is not dissimilar to the > relationship of smoking to lung cancer. Many physicians fought the concept > that those two things might be related for many years. The base reasons are > the same — chronic irritation of the bronchial tree and chronic irritation > of the lower esophagus. Personally, I think the evidence supporting the > relationship of anti-secretory medication to Barrett’s esophagus and > esophageal cancer is compelling as do the majority of physicians that deal > with these issues on a daily basis. You may remember an advertising campaign > by RJ Reynolds Tobacco in the 50s that featured TV and print ads focused on > doctors smoking cigarrettes while relaxing. You are unlikely to see those > ads again anytime soon. > If your symptoms are under good control ie. medication, lifestyle changes, > and watching your diet are controlling your reflux symptoms to your > satisfaction, then nothing needs to be done UNLESS your EGD shows evidence > of esophageal damage from the reflux. If you have an EGD which shows > inflammation, stricture, or Barrett’s esophagus, then it is time to consider > surgical intervention. > Chronic relux sufferers need to have periodic EGD to evaluate the lower > esophagus. Every 2-4 years depending on findings. If you haven’t had one, > you need one. > Medication and lifestyle changes only control the SYMPTOMS of reflux. Those > things do nothing to address the CAUSE of the relux, that being dysfunction > of the lower esophageal sphincter. The only way reflux can be stopped is > with surgery. State-of-the-art in that regard is either a Nissen > laparoscopic gastric fundoplication (look at http://tinyurl.com/rkvi ) or > the Stretta procedure (look at http://tinyurl.com/rkvn ). Both are, or can > be, effective anti-reflux treatments that can CURE acid reflux, not just > manage the symptoms. > HMc

I would like to add to this Howard with your aproval. A healthy diet itself can decrease chances of cancer with the right amount of antioxidents and greens as well correct?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> howard!  you are such a wealth of knowledge and so wonderful to give > of your time so freely here.  i would love your take on this > situation.  by the way i am waiting for my appointment with a > gastro….can’t get in until nov. 25th.  i know it’s a long wait but > my internist and i agree that there is no crisis here and he is the > one i want to see.  i have been on protonix off and on for a couple of > years and have never treated my reflux very seriously until recently. > it seems that when my diet gets crazy i start thinking the protonix > isn’t working and have twice tried other drugs.  i had the same result > with nexium and prilosec.  after a couple days i was elated.  it > seemed that i could have my margaritas and mexican food and get by > with no acid reflux.  i felt like a criminal getting by with the > crime.  well, within about 7-10 days i would feel like there was a big > lump in my diaphram and that i couldn’t belch to save my life.  it was > like there was no digestion going on whatsoever.  the feeling was > worse to me than the actual acid reflux and pain/pressure i had > experienced in the past.  once i would stop the new drug, that problem > would resolve within a couple of days and i would get back on the > protonix.  i am now diligently keeping a food diary and being very > good about my diet.  i am losing weight because i am eating smaller > portions.  i have also elevated my bed.  things are soooo much better > now.  i am just curious if you have heard of others having that > experience with those meds?  thanks again for sharing your time and > knowledge with all of us here….guess we are all a mess!

I have seen people respond and not respond to virtually all of the anti-secretory medications on the market. Some of those medications work great for some people and not for others. Some people who have had such meds work well for years stop responding. The reasons for this are variable and speculative. They appear to relate to changing function of the lower esophageal sphincter. As I said previously, anti-secretory medication doesn’t affect the LES, only the amount of acid available for reflux. And this can vary during the course of a day. Prilosec blood levels can change during the day and if you take it once in the morning as typically recommended, the blood levels may be low in the evening. Nexium is basically the same drug as Prilosec, but with different absorption and release so it supposedly maintains higher blood levels over a 24 hour period. I have seen this to be *generally* true, but certainly not *universally* for example. The key point is that medication and lifestyle changes are the way to go as long as they are controlling your symptoms to your satisfaction AND as long as their is no progression of damage to the lower esophagus (esophagitis, stricture, Barrett’s). If lifestyle changes and medications AREN’T controlling your symptoms to the point where you can live with it, or if there IS evidence on EGD of esophagitis, stricture, Barrett’s, then it’s time to consider surgery. Surgery for GERD is remarkably effective, but like all surgery should only be done if there is no other way to address the issue safely and effectively. I cannot emphasize enough that long term GERD patients need a screening EGD to evaluate for reflux damage because of the very well-defined relationship of esophageal cancer to reflux. Barrett’s esophagus is readily discernable on EGD. HMc

Response:

> I would like to add to this Howard with your aproval. A healthy diet itself > can decrease chances of cancer with the right amount of antioxidents and > greens as well correct?

Doug, there is no question that a healthy diet is an important aspect of long term health, but there are huge variations within that "healthy diet" label. The theory of anti-oxidants and free-radical scavenging relative to cancer and heart disease is very interesting and is borne of some interesting lab work. However, it has never been shown in practice in randomized double-blind studies to be significant. One problem is the bioavaliability of the various anti-oxidants. These things are not closely monitored by the FDA as prescription drugs and there is a huge variability in quality, ranging from good bioavailability to outright scam. I believe that the key to many human ailments lays in free-radical scavenging, but we aren’t there yet. So far, there has been nothing in the anti-oxidant arena that has been shown to be effective, even though the science behind the theory is interesting, and may hold some promise. Just my opinion…. HMc

Response:

increasingly worse gastric reflux

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

Question:

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

Diabetic diet and GERD

Question:

I have been told that I am in the ‘borderline’ diabetic range after I received the last few blood tests.  My doctor had me go to diabetic counseling and she told me to stay on the diabetic diet for 3 months and then retest my blood.  I am very willing, but I also have GERD, am on Prevacid each day, and the diet frequently is very irritating to my system.  I find it difficult to eat so much at dinner without having extreme heartburn all night.  Previously, I had a very small, high carb dinner and ate nothing at all after 7:00 pm.  I definitely cannot have the recommened PM snack without being sick all night.  By the way, I am 50 years old, very thin, in extremely good physical shape(lot of exercise), and eat a very healthy diet.  I just cannot manage to spread the calories out during day without becoming extremely ill. My digestive system works a lot better when I eat more of my calories earlier in the day.  When I talked to the dietician about my problem, all she could say was that I should spread my calories evenly throughout the day. Does anyone else have a similar problem?  I’m so discouraged.  After 2 years of  barely being able to eat, I finally figured out how to control my GERD.  And now it’s back with a vengeance.  Len

Response:

You might also try posting your message on the www.heartburn-help.com web site. Just click on the blue button marked New Message Board. Hawk

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have been told that I am in the ‘borderline’ diabetic range after I > received the last few blood tests.  My doctor had me go to diabetic > counseling and she told me to stay on the diabetic diet for 3 months and > then retest my blood.  I am very willing, but I also have GERD, am on > Prevacid each day, and the diet frequently is very irritating to my > system.  I find it difficult to eat so much at dinner without having > extreme heartburn all night.  Previously, I had a very small, high carb > dinner and ate nothing at all after 7:00 pm.  I definitely cannot have > the recommened PM snack without being sick all night.  By the way, I am > 50 years old, very thin, in extremely good physical shape(lot of > exercise), and eat a very healthy diet.  I just cannot manage to spread > the calories out during day without becoming extremely ill. My digestive > system works a lot better when I eat more of my calories > earlier in the day.  When I talked to the dietician about my problem, > all she could say was that I should spread my calories evenly throughout > the day. > Does anyone else have a similar problem?  I’m so discouraged.  After 2 > years of  barely being able to eat, I finally figured out how to control > my GERD.  And now it’s back with a vengeance.  Len

Response: