Acid Reflux

[Los Spurs]

Has anyone here ever suffered from persistent heartburn / acid reflux?

I just recently started having a sharp pain on my upper abdomen and real bad burning going up my chest, and let's not forget the belching. :oops

I tried over the counter stuff like Tums, Maalox, Rolaids you name it but it only takes the pain and discomfort for awhile and then it comes back :depressed

Does anyone know of any natural remedies for this?

Thank You

[desflood]

I had that a few years back. The doc gave me Prilosec and the cramps it caused were worse than the reflux! The only thing that really worked for me was one of those generic versions of Tums and Ritz crackers, eaten in small doses. It eventually went away by itself after I switched jobs. Stress plays a big part in that.

[BacktoBasics]

Its common to have massive heartburn when you find out your husband is bangin his old college flame.

[Los Spurs]

I had that a few years back. The doc gave me Prilosec and the cramps it caused were worse than the reflux! The only thing that really worked for me was one of those generic versions of Tums and Ritz crackers, eaten in small doses. It eventually went away by itself after I switched jobs. Stress plays a big part in that.


Thank You

[ATRAIN]

ask for prevacid.

[Shelly]

My son has GERD really bad and the only thing that worked for him is Nexium, and even that has been hit and miss, but more hit than miss. I don't like to say how he's doing because every time I do, I jinx him.

I feel for you as he would get that sharp pain badly.

[Shelly]

Oh, and stay away from acidic, spicy, fatty foods. Stress is also a factor like Desflood said. Lose weight (if you're overweight). Some medications can cause it also.

[Los Spurs]

My son has GERD really bad and the only thing that worked for him is Nexium, and even that has been hit and miss, but more hit than miss. I don't like to say how he's doing because every time I do, I jinx him.

I feel for you as he would get that sharp pain badly.

Thank you and I'm sorry that your son has this problem also.
The pain does tend to get real bad at times. I just feel very uncomfortable at work right now. :depressed

ATRAIN,
As for Prevacid, is that Doctor prescribed? I just wish there was something that can heal this pain FAST!

[mrsmaalox]

The Tums, etc. are just going to neutralize the acid. You need the prilosec, prevacid, nexium type medications that are going to control the production of acid. And once you and your doctor find the one that's right for you, you'll probably need life-long maintenance.

[ashbeeigh]

No joke, I had horrible heartburn for over two month, took everything under the sun, and then had a seizure and it went away. That was in 2004. (But I have a history of seizures so who knows what the correlation was).

Does anyone else in your family have really bad heartburn? When it happened to me they were all like 'Finally! You're getting sick to!" And they threw me pill after pill after pill. It didn't help one bit. If no one's medical suggestions work try keeping a food journal and write how it makes you feel afterward. I started doing that and saw it was really bad after I had my school's chicken fried steak. It'll help you notice any patterns too, and if you eventually go to the doctor the doctor may be interested in it.

[ATRAIN]

Thank you and I'm sorry that your son has this problem also.
The pain does tend to get real bad at times. I just feel very uncomfortable at work right now. :depressed

ATRAIN,
As for Prevacid, is that Doctor prescribed? I just wish there was something that can heal this pain FAST!

Yeah it is, but it works wonders. I had a bad case of acid reflux over a year ago after my 10 year high school reunion after I drank like a fish for 3 straight days. The next few days yeah I paid for it all that drinking but prevacid was my friend.

[Los Spurs]

It's just weird becauce I always heard people at work talk about how they couldn't sleep because of heartburn / acid reflux and I never knew what they meant until now.
At times it feels like you're having a heart attack.

[Los Spurs]

Yeah it is, but it works wonders. I had a bad case of acid reflux over a year ago after my 10 year high school reunion after I drank like a fish for 3 straight days. The next few days yeah I paid for it all that drinking but prevacid was my friend.

Thanks! By the way, I heard no drinking red wine for now or beer :depressed

[Shelly]

Thank you and I'm sorry that your son has this problem also.
The pain does tend to get real bad at times. I just feel very uncomfortable at work right now. :depressed

ATRAIN,
As for Prevacid, is that Doctor prescribed? I just wish there was something that can heal this pain FAST!

Prevacid is prescription. Protonix is another one they try. You can get Zantac over the counter now, so you could try that. However, the generic prescription is cheaper than the OTC drug.

He describes it as being punched in the stomach. The only thing that took the pain away was Donatal (prescription). He doesn't take it anymore, though. It was usually worse at night, so he sleeps on a wedge pillow. He's already had two endoscopies. Last year was a stressful year for him, so I'm sure that contributed to a lot of it.

He goes back to his GI doctor on Wed, so I'll find out how he's been doing lately since I won't ask for fear of the jinx :lol

[ATRAIN]

Thanks! By the way, I heard no drinking red wine for now or beer :depressed

Alcohol in general aggravates it, as well as carbonated drinks. One of my friends is very skinny and now all he can drink is water. Its fucked up how our bodies start to tell us hey enough abuse when we get older.

[ATRAIN]

It's just weird becauce I always heard people at work talk about how they couldn't sleep because of heartburn / acid reflux and I never knew what they meant until now.
At times it feels like you're having a heart attack.

just curious, have you had a heart attack?

[MoSpur]

I have had it for a year already off and on. I take Aciphex twice a day. My dad has it, but takes Prilosec. Mine comes and goes. Some days its worse than others, but stress does play a part in it. Try to exercise more. Work up a good sweat from time to time. That will help release endorphins, which will then help reduce stress.

Zantac is a good OTC med. I heard Nexium is realyl good, but my insurance does not cover it. I have a one year follow up tomorrow afternoon with my gastro doc.

[ploto]

Nexium is the best.

Avoid: caffeine, citrus, chocolate, fatty foods, milk and ice cream, peppermint, tomato, and alcohol.
Do not smoke.
Do not eat before bedtime.
Lose weight, if overweight.

[mavs>spurs2]

Go to the doctor and have him prescribe you aciphex or some other form of acid reducer. Aciphex worked for me. And what you eat also plays a big part, eat less spicy foods and cokes also aggravate it. For some reason things with tomato sauce mess my stomach up

[Los Spurs]

Prevacid is prescription. Protonix is another one they try. You can get Zantac over the counter now, so you could try that. However, the generic prescription is cheaper than the OTC drug.

He describes it as being punched in the stomach. The only thing that took the pain away was Donatal (prescription). He doesn't take it anymore, though. It was usually worse at night, so he sleeps on a wedge pillow. He's already had two endoscopies. Last year was a stressful year for him, so I'm sure that contributed to a lot of it.

He goes back to his GI doctor on Wed, so I'll find out how he's been doing lately since I won't ask for fear of the jinx :lol


I pray that everything goes well for him. And to everyone else, thank you for all the tips and advice.

[Shelly]

I have had it for a year already off and on. I take Aciphex twice a day. My dad has it, but takes Prilosec. Mine comes and goes. Some days its worse than others, but stress does play a part in it. Try to exercise more. Work up a good sweat from time to time. That will help release endorphins, which will then help reduce stress.

Zantac is a good OTC med. I heard Nexium is realyl good, but my insurance does not cover it. I have a one year follow up tomorrow afternoon with my gastro doc.

My insurance wouldn't cover Nexium, but I fought them and won because my son (who is 15) tried everything else. He started off once a day, but now he's on it twice a day. Still, with insurance, it's $50/month.

So if you think you need Nexium, fight the insurance company. Who are they to tell you what works for you and what doesn't.

[MrChug]

Everyone in my family occasionally has heartburn, but I've been living with acid reflux as long as I can remember. So painful in fact, that I'd practically be in tears into my 2nd bite of pizza or spicy food. It only really took on significance when I came of drinking age. So at the age of 11...j/k.

I know that the OTC version of Prilosec has been a life saver for me. As long as it's taken daily, I don't experience it no matter what I eat or drink.

The things you can avoid to keep from feeling it are most of the fun and tasty things in life. No alcohol, red sauces, spicy foods, butters, garlics, increase fruits and veg, and oh yah...lose weight if necessary.

You can go to a doc pay the money and get a procedure done to keep the acid from shooting back into your esophagus which causes the effect OR you can ask for a perscription (see which one works the best for you) OR you can try Prilosec OTC daily. The 3rd may or may not work but it did for me.

[I. Hustle]

My son's a NERD really bad and the only thing that worked for him is Gettinsum, and even that has been hit and miss, but more hit than miss. I don't like to say how he's doing because every time I do, I jinx him.

I feel for you as he would get that sharp pain badly.

/fixed

[Shelly]

Here's a message board devoted to acid reflux

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=144&order=desc

[Shelly]

/fixed

Don't be stupid.

[I. Hustle]

Don't be stupid.

:downspin:

[duncan228]

I had a bad ulcer several years ago and my only symptoms were heartburn and losing lots of weight even though I was eating normally. I didn't have pain, but the doctors were shocked I didn't when they found the size of the ulcer. It was the severe weight loss that drove me to see a doctor, not the heartburn.

Protonix healed the ulcer and they've kept me on it ever since. I only get heartburn if I miss a couple of days.

If the over-the-counter stuff isn't working, go see your doctor. You don't want to miss something.

Good luck, I hope you feel better.

[TwAnKiEs]

I use Nexium and they work wonders on me... I take one pill and its gone for a week or 2.

[Slydragon]

I would wake up with it bad, so I put books under my bed so my head is at a higher angle, that and over the counter meds seem to help me pretty good.

[hater]

Has anyone here ever suffered from persistent heartburn / acid reflux?

I just recently started having a sharp pain on my upper abdomen and real bad burning going up my chest, and let's not forget the belching. :oops

I tried over the counter stuff like Tums, Maalox, Rolaids you name it but it only takes the pain and discomfort for awhile and then it comes back :depressed

Does anyone know of any natural remedies for this?

Thank You


yup I got all that already. I blame it on the alcohol and spicy food. There is no way in hell I'm giving that up.

You get used to it. and as long as you live healty 5 days a week you'll be aight.

For example, me I don't drink during the week and "try" to eat healthier too. On the weekends, I go crazy with the alcohol and spicy food. So mondays are the worst, but by wednesday, I am ok. Then normal on friday just in time for happy hour :)

[IronMexican]

I got this pain too. I stopped drinking coke, and temporarily not drinking beer because of it.

[tlongII]

Pepcid works best for me as far as OTC products go.

[ChuckD]

I use Costco's generic of Zantac 150s. I take one every morning before my 4 shot Latte, and one in the evenings as dictated by what I eat for dinner, maybe 4-5 times a month.

[Heath Ledger]

A table spoon of apple cider vinegar will do it, it tastes like shit and burns a little going down but this basicly cures most peoples acid reflux. Contrary to what else has been posted its a lack of acid not an excess and you don't need to stay on medication all of your life that info if spewed for the uninformed so the pharmaceutical companies can make more profits.

There is no money in healing people only in treating and maintaining peoples illnesses.

[Heath Ledger]

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/acid_reflux.html

[mrsmaalox]

A table spoon of apple cider vinegar will do it, it tastes like shit and burns a little going down but this basicly cures most peoples acid reflux. Contrary to what else has been posted its a lack of acid not an excess and you don't need to stay on medication all of your life that info if spewed for the uninformed so the pharmaceutical companies can make more profits.

There is no money in healing people only in treating and maintaining peoples illnesses.

You're correct about hypochlorhydria being one cause of acid reflux. But it is most commonly caused by a reflux of gastric contents due to a failure of the angle (Angle of His) that connects the esophagus to the stomach. I didn't say there was an excess production of acid, but it is helpful to control the amt that is produced. And unfortunately, acid reflux (GERD) is a chronic condition usually requiring a lifetime of treatment.

http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_gerd/article.htm

[tsb2000]

I've had all of these symptoms for a long time, to the point where i've got to take 2x the normal Nexium dose as I mull getting surgery to fix the problems I have. First, you need to get to a GI specialist; there can be a lot of things that cause this, and the different medicines folks have mentioned treat heartburn caused by different things. If it's that bad, you'll need to get an upper endoscopy, and the doc will be able to diagnose you from there. In the meantime, eat small meals, don't eat before bed, and stay away from: spicy, greasy, caffeine, and alcohol.

I know, what else is there? :spin

[polandprzem]

Try to avoid heavy food, eat lightly nad small portions
Do not drink milk or soda (coke, 7up etc.)
And the most important - do not drink while you are eating.

[Los Spurs]

Good morning and thanks to everyone who gave their kind thoughts on acid reflux. I just got back from the Doctor and she prescribed me Prevacid for 10 days. She did tell me that with patience and changing my diet for these next couple of days I should be feeling better in no time, but not to expect a quick relief until probably the 3rd or 4th day.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

a protein shot will take care of that

[remingtonbo2001]

Los Spurs,

You might want to research Alkaline Diets. There are also alkaline drops you can purchase online, and possibily from a local nutrtional supplement provider, that would assist in alkalinizing your body.

Secondly, due to stress, or other factors, many people get in the habit of breathing incorrectly. Try diaphragmatic breathing (breathing through the belly, rising through the chest)

These two suggestions would be beneficial in the long-term scheme.

[gay abc]

i've been on omeprazole (once a day) for almost 5 years and no problems at all - and it's cheap, $2.79 for a month's rx

when i lived in san antonio, i was seeing dr. richard otero - nice guy and great doctor

[I. Hustle]

a protein shot will take care of that

Fresh

[Fat Bones]

Pepcid and Zantac worked for me...well that, and finalizing the divorce.

[Heath Ledger]

Papaya tablets also can cure acid reflux in many cases i think its called Papain or something like that.

[angel_luv]

Papaya tablets also can cure acid reflux in many cases i think its called Papain or something like that.

+1

Papaya Enzymes are incredibily good for indigestion issues.

I've heard of people not responding to prescription medicaton, but immediately responded to papaya enzymes.

Good call Heath, I forgot to mention that in my previous post


-Bo

[I. Hustle]

In Cuba Papaya is slang for vagina. Just thought I would throw that out there.

[mexicanjunior]

I had Acid Reflux for years and took Zantac, Pepcid and Pepto pretty much after every meal to avoid getting heartburn and avoid puking up my meals from feeling gassy and not being able to burp. I saw the doctor and he put me on Nexium. I take one a day and it has worked wonders ever since, the heartburn is pretty much all gone. Also, I use Beanos with heavy meals to avoid the gassiness problems and they seem to be working ok. I used to take Papaya pills but I don't recall if they really helped all that much. I may give them another try.

[Los Spurs]

I just started taking Prevacid and I thought this pain would go away right away, but boy was I wrong. Last night I had the pain in my upper abdomen again so I called the pharmacy. The pharmacist told me that any treatments for acid reflux disease take some time to heal depending on the gravity of the problem. When I go back to the Doctor I'm going to ask about Nexium since everyone I talk to say it works wonders.

And I'm also going to try the Papaya Enzymes Angel is talking about.

I just want this terrible pain to go away :depressed

[ATRAIN]

I just started taking Prevacid and I thought this pain would go away right away, but boy was I wrong. Last night I had the pain in my upper abdomen again so I called the pharmacy. The pharmacist told me that any treatments for acid reflux disease take some time to heal depending on the gravity of the problem. When I go back to the Doctor I'm going to ask about Nexium since everyone I talk to say it works wonders.

And I'm also going to try the Papaya Enzymes Angel is talking about.

I just want this terrible pain to go away :depressed

Yeah it does take a while, it took me a week after my binge drinking. Papaya enzymes do work well, but not as good as the prescription stuff.

[polandprzem]

I had it many many many years

Now I have no problem with reflux now


I just changed my diet

[BacktoBasics]

Here's a message board devoted to acid reflux

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=144&order=desc
Loading up my trolls as we speak.

[ATRAIN]

I had it many many many years

Now I have no problem with reflux now


I just changed my diet

Yeah same here, well that and I work out like crazy. It does act up when I have multiple days of eating bad and drinking (in a row). I can drink soda, juice, even drink and im fine. I can even eat things you shouldnt if its a problem, it just takes a lifestyle change. I still have my prevacid waiting in my medicine cabinet just in case but I dont ever need them.

[remingtonbo2001]

I had it many many many years

Now I have no problem with reflux now


I just changed my diet


+1 Change in diet is the best remedy.

[ATRAIN]

+1 Change in diet is the best remedy.

Dont forget exercise.

[dimsah]

A few years back I developed a stomach ache that I thought was just gas.
I tried pretty much any over the counter medication from pepto to zantac to pepcid, tums, etc.

After about 10 days I went to the doctor. He didn't actually diagnose an ulcer but gave me some sample prevacids.

A few hours after taking the first prevacid, the pain was gone. I had about 3 weeks worth of pills so I finished them and haven't needed anything since.

[Southwest Texas Fan]

Has anyone here ever suffered from persistent heartburn / acid reflux?

I just recently started having a sharp pain on my upper abdomen and real bad burning going up my chest, and let's not forget the belching. :oops

I tried over the counter stuff like Tums, Maalox, Rolaids you name it but it only takes the pain and discomfort for awhile and then it comes back :depressed

Does anyone know of any natural remedies for this?

Thank You

I’ve been suffering from GERD for years now. I take two Nexium and I am still having issues with it. I recommend you go see a good Gastro/ENT doctor. He can prescribe the best treatment for your symptoms as well as perform certain examinations to ensure that your esophagus and throat have not suffered any serious damage. He/she can perform an endoscopy, Barium X-ray, esophageal manometry to test the LES, 48 PH tests (Bravo) and other tests deemed necessary. You should look into this because years of wear and tear on your esophagus lining can cause inflammation and cause Esophageal narrowing stricture which can lead to ulcers and possibly Barrett’s Esophagus. Barrett’s Esophagus can lead to Esophageal Cancer. Now I’m not trying to scare you because some of these things are worst case scenarios but it is important to get checked especially by someone who knows. Your doctor may prescribe different PPI’s or have you lose weight or change your diet to exclude fatty foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits etc….. But whatever you do get checked. If you need the name of a good Doctor just PM me.

[spurster]

It appears that posting on Spurstalk is a cause of heartburn.

[Shelly]

I’ve been suffering from GERD for years now. I take two Nexium and I am still having issues with it. I recommend you go see a good Gastro/ENT doctor. He can prescribe the best treatment for your symptoms as well as perform certain examinations to ensure that your esophagus and throat have not suffered any serious damage. He/she can perform an endoscopy, Barium X-ray, esophageal manometry to test the LES, 48 PH tests (Bravo) and other tests deemed necessary. You should look into this because years of wear and tear on your esophagus lining can cause inflammation and cause Esophageal narrowing stricture which can lead to ulcers and possibly Barrett’s Esophagus. Barrett’s Esophagus can lead to Esophageal Cancer. Now I’m not trying to scare you because some of these things are worst case scenarios but it is important to get checked especially by someone who knows. Your doctor may prescribe different PPI’s or have you lose weight or change your diet to exclude fatty foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits etc….. But whatever you do get checked. If you need the name of a good Doctor just PM me.

You sound like my son. While Nexium works the best (he takes two also), he still has issues with it. Outside of GERD, he also had/has Gastritis (don't know if that goes away ever). He's had two endoscopys, the barium x-ray, as well as a colonoscopy. They were seeing if he had inflammatory bowel disease, which he doesn't and I didn't think he did as he had none of the symptoms. He also had the blood test for H.pylori.

Last year was horrible and a very stressful year for him. It was really hard to see him suffer. This year, school is a lot less stressful, so he seems to be doing better.

He can drink carbonated drinks with no problem and even eat some spicy foods. I guess it's just trial and error. We tried Papaya enzymes and the didn't help at all. He has hardly any bodyfat at all, so losing weight won't help him.

[Southwest Texas Fan]

You sound like my son. While Nexium works the best (he takes two also), he still has issues with it. Outside of GERD, he also had/has Gastritis (don't know if that goes away ever). He's had two endoscopys, the barium x-ray, as well as a colonoscopy. They were seeing if he had inflammatory bowel disease, which he doesn't and I didn't think he did as he had none of the symptoms. He also had the blood test for H.pylori.

Last year was horrible and a very stressful year for him. It was really hard to see him suffer. This year, school is a lot less stressful, so he seems to be doing better.

He can drink carbonated drinks with no problem and even eat some spicy foods. I guess it's just trial and error. We tried Papaya enzymes and the didn't help at all. He has hardly any bodyfat at all, so losing weight won't help him.

I just recently started taking Nexium twice a day but so far things still seem the same. My doctor advised me that I am a good candidate for surgery but he wants to try a few things before that. I hope your son gets better.

[Shelly]

I just recently started taking Nexium twice a day but so far things still seem the same. My doctor advised me that I am a good candidate for surgery but he wants to try a few things before that. I hope your son gets better.

Thanks. My son is only 15, so we're hoping he may grow out of this. He goes in for a follow up this afternoon, so we'll see how it goes.

Good luck to you!

[ballhog]

My insurance wouldn't cover Nexium, but I fought them and won because my son (who is 15) tried everything else. He started off once a day, but now he's on it twice a day. Still, with insurance, it's $50/month.

So if you think you need Nexium, fight the insurance company. Who are they to tell you what works for you and what doesn't.

Tell the insurance company you're thinking about surgery......which one would they rather pay for???

[Shelly]

Tell the insurance company you're thinking about surgery......which one would they rather pay for???

???

Perhaps you misread. I did fight them and it's $50/mo.