Relief from acid reflux?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
Relief from acid reflux?
12
Wed, 01-09-2008 - 4:54pm

This is my first time posting on this board. After searching online for other possible remedies, and mulitple calls to my GI doc, I still can't find relief for my acid reflux. After having major stomach pain for a while I had an appointment with a GI doc, who did an endoscopy and said I had erosion (or inflammation -- I can't remember the exact word) and acid reflux. He showed me pictures of red spots in my stomach and esophagus. He put me on Prilosec, which made me dizzy, then Nexium, which gave me headaches, then Prevacid which made me incredibly tired. I've had acid reflux in the past, and saw another GI doc who told me I was fine, but it seems to have come back, and this time I can't find a good remedy. I've also taken tums and zantac, which really don't do anything. Not to mention, all of these meds have made me gain lots of weight in just 6 weeks. I've also tried manuka honey, which my dad (who is a pharmacist) recommended. So far that hasn't done much either. I try to follow the diet and lifestyle that my doctor instructed me to do, but it isn't helping all that much. He told me that stress doesn't really cause acid reflux, but I wonder if anyone has heard differently. I don't cope well with stress at all, and lately it has been a big issue. Has anyone found anything that works with little side affects?


Thanks,
Christina 

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Wed, 01-09-2008 - 6:29pm

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Welcome Christina!


I am sorry you needed to find us, but am hopeful that you'll find some help here. Here is some information that you may find useful. Check it out and see if it answers any questions for you...in any case, please feel free to visit anytime!


http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease.html

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Wed, 01-09-2008 - 8:50pm

Welcome and you are correct, iVillage has many wonderful boards and they all are very supportive and helpful.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-13-2008
Sun, 01-13-2008 - 8:26pm
I just took my 21 year old son the the GI doc. He not only has acid reflux, but
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Sun, 01-13-2008 - 8:39pm

One thing I learned myself is that many products contain lactose that we don't even think about. When I was Rx'd a certain pain medication, I was in agony every time I took a pill, until it occurred to me to call and ask my pharmacy tech to check the ingredients. Sure enough, a lactose filler is used! She researched and was able to find one manufacturer that didn't use this filler, then proceeded to 'fight' my insurer, explaining why I needed this particular medication, versus what the insurer allowed.


Your son needs to read labels and ask about lactose in ANY form, with any product he is taking.

Teddy Love



Elise






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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-13-2008
Mon, 01-14-2008 - 7:08pm
Thanks for your advice. It took me about 2 1/2 hours to food shop Friday.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Mon, 01-14-2008 - 9:02pm

Sure, you can say that, especially when it is so relevant! LOL


Another thing for your son to keep handy is a bottle of lactose enzyme...the generic, store brand of a product like Lactaid works just as well and is much less expensive. It helps to break down the lactose in foods. Those of us that are lactose intolerant do not manufacture the enzyme that breaks lactose down.


Some folks have to stay away from any and all dairy products, others find only certain foods cause discomfort. Your son should begin a food journal and keep track of what foods trigger discomfort for him. For me, the absolute worst thing is Parmesan cheese, yet I can eat some others in moderation.

Teddy Love



Elise






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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-13-2008
Wed, 01-16-2008 - 8:54pm
Thanks again for the good advice.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Thu, 01-17-2008 - 8:04am

You're welcome! Please keep us updated on your son's progress and of course, feel free to visit anytime.

Teddy Love



Elise






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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-23-2008
Wed, 01-23-2008 - 1:45pm

I take Nexium and Pepcid everyday, but you mentioned you don't tolerate either of those very well.


I'd suggest Mylanta.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-14-2008
Mon, 02-11-2008 - 12:27pm

Hi Christina,
I know it can be really frustrating when the medicine doesn't work the way you hope it will and you still feel bad.



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