GERD?

[davide.h 26]

I might need new medication for GERD (acid reflux). I am trying to set up a virtual appointment. I've been on the same medication and it doesn't seem to be that effective anymore. When I first got treated I worried I had a stomach tumor..now I'm reliving those fears. I just need someone to speak with, cause I'm in isolation and nobody is around. 

[MARC 431]

I have had GERD for years. I also have a hiatal hernia that was diagnosed by an EGD back in 2005. I also had a very painful esophageal ulcer which was also diagnosed by an EGD in 2005. For GERD, my GI physician said to try to stay away from alcohol, chocolate, to not eat before bed and to try to keep your weight normal. I take OTC Prilosec, which is not great to take long term. I have had around 9 EGDs since I had the ulcer. 

[davide.h 26]

I drink coffee later in the day than I should, I no longer drink alcohol though. Not for a few months. I was given a months supply of a new medication, but will have to go for an in-person appointment after that. I'm frustrated because they can't keep straight when I'm supposed to take it. Sometimes mornings, sometimes evenings, sometimes on an empty stomach, sometimes a full stomach, sometimes before meals sometimes after. Maybe I just need a new place entirely. 

[Stephanie 60]

Hang in there. Highly doubt it’s anything to worry about. Lots of folks have to change medications from time to time. 
How are you feeling? I know you mentioned you may have covid 19 in a different thread. So I just wondered if you tested positive and how you’re doing in terms of that? 

[MARC 431]

My GI physician told me to take the Prilosec on an empty stomach and to wait an hour before I eat anything after taking it.

[MARC 431]

You could also try a good probiotic and prebiotic and maybe a high quality yogurt, which are high in probiotics. My GI physician, who is the chief at a large medical center here is Baltimore, told me to take a probiotic.

[davide.h 26]

7 hours ago, Stephanie said:

Hang in there. Highly doubt it’s anything to worry about. Lots of folks have to change medications from time to time. 
How are you feeling? I know you mentioned you may have covid 19 in a different thread. So I just wondered if you tested positive and how you’re doing in terms of that? 

I'm not going to be tested. I feel tired all the time but otherwise I don't feel much different. Thanks for the concern. 

[davide.h 26]

What foods can fight GERD? Anyone? 😕 

[MARC 431]

Oatmeal, bananas and leafy greens. 

[BrightPhoenix 78]

Late reply but I also have GERD!  What medication are you taking to control it?  My GI gave me Omeprazole XL (it lasts the entire day so I don't have to take it twice).

To "fight" GERD there is a list of foods you should *avoid*, but I don't have it on me.  Certain foods seem to aggravate GERD.

Does any of the OTCs help?  If you take Prilosec like I do (it's called Omeprazole as a generic) maybe you'd do better with Nexium?

Stuff like Pepcid AC, Mylanta, etc. are H2 inhibitors may not be as effective at treating GERD.  You may need PPIs - which are available OTC as either Prilosec or Nexium.  There's prescription-only PPIs as well, I'm assuming you're on one of those?

[davide.h 26]

On 7/6/2020 at 9:48 PM, BrightPhoenix said:

Late reply but I also have GERD!  What medication are you taking to control it?  My GI gave me Omeprazole XL (it lasts the entire day so I don't have to take it twice).

To "fight" GERD there is a list of foods you should *avoid*, but I don't have it on me.  Certain foods seem to aggravate GERD.

Does any of the OTCs help?  If you take Prilosec like I do (it's called Omeprazole as a generic) maybe you'd do better with Nexium?

Stuff like Pepcid AC, Mylanta, etc. are H2 inhibitors may not be as effective at treating GERD.  You may need PPIs - which are available OTC as either Prilosec or Nexium.  There's prescription-only PPIs as well, I'm assuming you're on one of those?

Thanks for sharing, I saw an ENT a few days ago and they recommended me to another doctor. I really hope they don't find anything seriously wrong with me. 

[BrightPhoenix 78]

On 9/26/2020 at 8:24 AM, davide.h said:

Thanks for sharing, I saw an ENT a few days ago and they recommended me to another doctor. I really hope they don't find anything seriously wrong with me. 

GERD isn't a scary life threatening condition.  It's an irritating condition that can be easily managed with medication and diet changes.
 
My ENT couldn't diagnose me for GERD, I had to go to a gastro and they did an endoscopy.  The procedure is really quick!  What kinda medications are you getting?

[davide.h 26]

23 hours ago, BrightPhoenix said:

GERD isn't a scary life threatening condition.  It's an irritating condition that can be easily managed with medication and diet changes.
 
My ENT couldn't diagnose me for GERD, I had to go to a gastro and they did an endoscopy.  The procedure is really quick!  What kinda medications are you getting?

They didn't look down my throat like they normally do, so I have to go to someone who can look deeper. I'm scared of what they'll find. It's called Dexalin or something and before work I didn't take it because it had fallen behind a dresser and I didn't see it. It flared up again today while at work.

[davide.h 26]

I set up an appointment for next week. Will try not to get too nervous until then. 😧

[davide.h 26]

Have any of you have the issue with coffee I mentioned above? 

[davide.h 26]

I've also noticed, since I'm working from home, I spend long periods of time seated or on my bed and don't cough during that time and then when I get up I start coughing again. I don't know what that means if anything.

[davide.h 26]

Also scared of being put under anesthesia. The last time I did so was for a dental issue and I stuck a waiver in front of me saying they weren't responsible in the event of my own death. I am not sure if they put you under at the GI but if so, I don't think I can last another week of worrying about it. I'm gonna go crazy. 

[MARC 431]

I have had 8 colonoscopy's and 9 EGD's and have never had any issues. The anesthesia they use today is quite effective and with low risk. It is the best sleep I have ever had. The last 2 EGD's I had, my GI physician asked me if I wanted to participate in a study, whereby they go deeper and take a few more samples and I signed off and said yes. I would not worry at all!!!!!!!!!

[davide.h 26]

I can't help but worry. I am new to this medication but took awhile to get into the routine of taking it each morning. The older I get the more things I have to remember before leaving the house. It seems like some things make it flare up no matter what. Coffee always makes it worse. I'm just scared there's permanent damage or something. I called my doctor today but haven't heard back yet. 

[davide.h 26]

I'm seeing my primary physician tomorrow. I've been more diligent in taking my meds and I stick to foods that cause the least flare ups. Right now I have a mild sensation. Not terrible, but feels like something in my chest. Trying hard to to be scared but I am. 

[MARC 431]

I had an ulcer in my lower esophagus around 15 years ago and every time I ate food, I felt like my back was on fire. It was uncovered by an EGD, which is the gold standard of testing. My ulcer was caused by GERD, by drinking a glass or 2 of wine a day and a hiatal hernia, according to my GI physician. I was put on Prilosec, which got rid of the ulcer. My GI physician told me to stay away from alcohol, caffeine, don't eat 2-3 hours before bed and drink plenty of fluids. 

[davide.h 26]

What's an EGD? Was is scary? I'm worried I may have permanent damage. 

[MARC 431]

An EGD is an upper endoscopy, which looks into your esophagus, stomach and the duodenum. I was sedated at an outpatient facility and the EGD was performed by my GI physician. It is a piece of cake. 

[davide.h 26]

Well like I said earlier, I don't like being anesthitized.

 

[MARC 431]

No one likes to be put under anesthesia, but sometimes you have no choice.