GERD: What helps long term?

@littleonefmohio So sorry about your Gerd. But I raise my hand over here, cause I HAVE THE GERD FROM HELL.. Seriously Stabbing Dagger chest pains getting up in the morning. Now this is what works for me, so you need to see a GI Dr. to see if what I am prescribed works for you.

I have a prescription strength ordered by my Dr. for Omperazole DR 40 MG, 2 x a day, taken 30 minutes before I eat. This was the only thing that worked for me. And it took about 6 months before it actually started working, trying different anti acid medicines over 6 months too.. Some of them made me feel really nauseous and shaking that I tried before this worked.

Also, if you DO NOT CUT OUT Fried, Spicy, Fatty Foods it won't work. Cause I tried to still eat like there was nothing wrong, and it took longer to start working. Plus I have to sleep on a wedge pillow at night. If I lay flat, Jesus Mary and Joseph. I have tell ya, the Pain in the chest, is like I'm being attacked. It is actually paralyzing in the morning. Takes an hour to get out of bed.

Prior to taking the Omperazole, I ate Tums like a kid in a candy store.. at least 10 a day for several months
So far my brains are intact, at least I think so... LOL.. I been taking Omperazole now for 2 1/2 yrs and not eating tums like candy.
You really need to get an appointment with a GI Dr.

@littleonefmohio Bear in mind that each person is different and reacts differently to medications and diseases. I have taken prilosec, nexium, or other proton inhibitors since the early 1990s. I have short-term memory loss, but it is from other medical problems. The proton inhibitors seem to mess with the bones more on me. You can take too much calcium so have it checked ever once in a while. Have your vitamin d checked too. As travelgirl said the best way to help with GERD symptoms is diet. Each of us has different foods that trigger GERDS. It is just not the spicy foods. With me milk does, but cheese does not bother me. Sugar and very sweet foods triggered mine and greasy food are a no-no for me too.. especially since I had my gallbladder out. Cut out sodas and maybe juice, tea, and coffee.

Have you been to a gastroenterologist? Have you had swallow test, endoscopy and other test to check for a hiatal hernia and other causes of GERDs? My problem has been a paraesophageal (sliding hernia). It would bring my stomach into my chest and I would have pressure in my chest. I also have achalasia and Barrett's esophagus that can cause chest pain. For many people surgery can fix reflux. There is Nissen fundoplication wrap and Linx procedure.. there may be more depending on the cause of your GERDs. There may also be other medications to try depending on the cause of your GERDs.

Do you need all your teeth pulled? Are you allergic to pain medications.. the narcotics/opiates? They can be taken short-term after surgery or having your teeth pulled if you can tolerate them. Than can use a mild anesthesia while they pull your teeth. Take care if yiur teeth. Dental problems can cause heart problems.

I have problems with swallowing pills or they back up into my esophagus and when they hit my stomach it is like a double dose.. so far. Only wound up in ER once with it happening. I can tell now when it is not going into my stomach. After a little bit of shoulder surgery a few years back I had a IV pain pump for two days. It was enough and then I went to tylenol.. they have liquid at most drug stores and even Walmart.

I've suffered with GERD with dysplasia on and off sometimes with hi-grade dysplasia, but it is finally under control I believe. I have been on various Nexium type meds for well over 10 years, the last 5 years been taking 80 mg of Nexium/or its generic and one Zantac every day. No memory loss. Now, where was I going with this? Only kidding. In addition I take D3 which helps with the absorption of calcium since these doses can deplete your calcium uptake. Nocking on wood,my calcium levels have been fine In talking about food triggers with other people and my own observations,each persons triggers are different. For me chocolate is bad anytime but terrible at night, eating after 6:00 PM is bad so I eat my large meals more at lunch, & I don't ever lay down after eating. I have been going to Mayo 4x a year but now it's been moved to every 6 Mo. Hopefully my 6 Mo visit in June confirms that I can continue with twice a year or even better once a year. Good luck to you!

Hello @travelgirl @fourof5zs and @dandl48

You have all offered very good suggestions for keep GERD symptoms controlled. I am sure that @littleonefmohio has gained a lot of information from your collective experiences.

As you all have said, a good GI doctor is important in treating these symptoms as well as diet-management. As I have had three upper digestive tract surgeries I would also like to add that small, frequent meals work better than 3 larger meals and that I always stop eating before I feel full. Liquids are best used after meals with only sips during a meal and for many of us caffeine can be a serious trigger.

Wearing of restrictive clothing can also be a problem for me. Belts, stiff waist bands, etc. can all add to the symptoms of GERD.

@littleonefmohio, I hope that you begin to feel better! I look forward to hearing from you again. Let me know if any of these suggestions have helped you.

Teresa

@hopeful33250 @dandl48 @fourof5zs @travelgirl Thank you all for your advise. I do not eat fried food. I have been to a GI and had a endoscopy they did not find anything. I do drink coffee in the morning but only 2 cups. I quit pepsi but I replaced it with sweet tea. The sweet tea does not bother me but if I drink more than 2 cups of coffee it will bother me. I am if anything underweight and my meal portions are always small. No tight clothing except a sports bra I only wear when I go out of the house which is not much. As for my teeth, I have a upper denture and only 8 reg. on the bottom which needs to be pulled. I am not allergic to pain medicine it just causes the Gerd to act up. Maybe I will try the nexium again with a zantac. Never tried that before. I wish you all well. God Bless.

@littleonefmohio

I so appreciate your response. I wish you well as you seek out a plan that works for you.

I hope that you check in again and let me know how you are doing.

Teresa

Hello, My doctor gave me a prescription for Dexilant, after trying all the usual prescriptions. This has really worked for me, but I also have made some dietary changes to keep from irritating my throat, esophagus and stomach. I am pretty sure there are such dietary recommendations on the internet. Hope this helps.

Well let me throw a curveball. Have GERD and been nauseous almost all of the last 5 years. Went on vacation, ate and drank like no tomorrow...................no nausea!!!!! Back home and boom...................nausea after a week. Yes, I can go back on vacation ha ha, but seriously, any ideas why have nausea again? Thanks!

Have any one heard of taking BACLOFEN for burping

@paul0
I believe Tom’s and medication proscribed by doctor combine at night could help