Acid Reflux: Prescriptions not helping: What works for you?

I do a low-acid/low-fat diet as outlined by Dr. Aviv. There is a FB group that has recipes, Acid Watcher Diet Warriors. It's basically a whole foods diet. I also read the online advice of an ENT, https://jamiekoufman.com. She has a diet book too. Based on my reading, I take Gaviscon Advance aniseed as needed, sleep elevated (actually sleep sitting up for the first few hours), alkaline water mixed in with my tap water (gargling/nose drops), sugarless gum, giving myself at least one hour between eating and exercising (and using the Gaviscon before exercising and gum during exercising). I also made a cheap version of Iqoro, a European-approved device that supposedly exercises your muscles around the esophagus. It's not available in the US. I bought a $12 mouthguard with a strap and followed the exercise routine as outlined on the Iqoro site. I feel like I am making progress, tho I do backslide on the diet periodically and can feel it afterwards. Since I am doing a lot all at once, I have no idea which of these steps to credit. I also am experimenting with HCL capsules. I don't take them with every meal. So far I haven't felt any side effects like stomach pains from that. But HCL is controversial in the medical world, since a lot of doctors say it is very rare that too little acid is a problem. I had been on omeprazole 20 mgs daily for four years, but dropped it after I developed Chronic Kidney Disease state 3 and severe osteoporosis. There is no family history of either condition so I felt fairly sure it was the drug. I would say if people take PPIs long term, they should be monitored for the more severe possible side effects. My doctor never did even a CBC panel on me for the 15 years I saw them. My problems were uncovered only after I demanded a DEXA scan after losing 1 inch in height in a short amount of time.

Have you considered nissen fundoplication surgery?

No. The GI doctor curtly told me that if my way didn't work then he would do laproscopic surgery. I don't know what that means, nor do I want surgery. Tho I did read somewhere that you can get partial fundoplication that has good results but isn't as drastic. Why do you ask? Have you had the surgery?

Yes I did have surgery and even though I have a little side effects, it's a lot better now and it's important to avoid progression of barrets esophagus. I was very scared of esophageal cancer, but if you do consider surgery, try to to get a second opinion y go with the best surgeon in these types of surgeries not just a general surgeon.my meds were no longer working so I didn't have a choice. Good luck and God bless!

Yes I did have surgery and even though I have a little side effects, it's a lot better now and it's important to avoid progression of barrets esophagus. I was very scared of esophageal cancer, but if you do consider surgery, try to to get a second opinion y go with the best surgeon in these types of surgeries not just a general surgeon.my meds were no longer working so I didn't have a choice. Good luck and God bless!

Thanks for the reply! I would definitely get a second opinion and would not use any of the local GI doctors if I opted for surgery. They run their practice like a factory and are not good at talking and listening to patients. I have not been diagnosed with Barrett's and believe I have a cushion of time to try the natural route. I am very glad to hear that the surgery worked for you! I wish you well.

I would like to know who did your Nissen procedure ?