I live in acid reflux heck....

Anyone have any good fixes for this that I'm not aware of?

I had a prescription, but my insurance wouldn't pay for it because there was a comparable medication over the counter... which I can't afford.

It's been particularly bad the last few days.... not sleeping well, drinking my lukewarm morning coffee is like drinking flaming whiskey in my throat.

The best fix I've found is disolving some baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in water and taking that down as a shot... mmm, saltwater :P. The next best thing is alka-seltzer (1912mg of the aforementioned)... mmm, lemony saltwater :P. I dont' want to do this too much anyway, as it will mess up the pH in my stomach and land me an ulcer... sheesh. So, I drank it down last night, and tried to fall asleep in the 20 minutes that it was effective. This is RIDICULOUS!

So, I'm open to new ideas... anyone?

Sarah

P.S. As people with acid reflux will know, this isn't normal "in the chest" heartburn".... it's up in my throat... I'm not sure it makes a difference, but I thought I'd mention it.

P.P. S. I had a funny thought yesterday: If I keep having this terrible crap long enough, won't the acid burns in my esophagus eventually cause enough nerve damage to those tissues that I won't feel it anymore?! Sheesh...

Sarah, you're probably doing this already. I had acid reflux in college and had to sleep with the head of my bed elevated by two bricks. The Dr. advised 8 mini meals/day and could only drink coffee after a mini meal. No more than 2-3 cups of caffeine a day. I remember the baking soda concoction as I did not get relief from the meds prescribed Also I could not eat or drink anything within 2 hrs before bed except water....Sarah...I feel your pain, I hope you find relief today!

Gosh, Sara.....I know how miserable that can be myself! Garden6's suggestion about raising your bed definately might help. I know that with babies....they suggest keeping them more upright to sleep and eat, so it only makes sense it would work with an adult.

And yes...it can cause damage. lol...I dont think being numb in that area is a good thing , tho! =)

Maybe try a free health clinic. I know they can be a pain to deal with, but what you're experiencing is a true health issue, not just the normal "heartburn" most have every once in a while. And it would be worth the hassle to get free medication or at least discounted.

Hope you are able to feel better soon, Sara!

https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php

Try this outfit. I couldn't believe it when that stuff went 'over the counter' and overnight, it cost twice as much. Luckily for me,I found that taking it for a few days stopped the problem for months.

My husband has bad reflux, which is controlled with Ranitadine, which you can get over the counter for quite cheap - his is a prescription that is double strength, but I've purchased it for me at half strength via drugstore.com, as I have enough episodes that require something on hand.

He also makes sure he eats three hours before he is going to bed, and before doing a lot of bending over (gives him lots of excuses why he can't help around with stuff! :-(

We used to have the bed raised, but it doesn't seem necessary any more. It's good for me, 'cause I kept sliding down and in the morning my feet up to my calves would be hanging over....

Prescription insurance is sure a pain! Good luck.

Having the same problem here. My doc switched my medications several times to slide it by insurance. The last time I went to pick up my script (more than a year ago), the copay was $30 for one weeks worth of pills. INSANITY!

I've had a hiatal hernia since my early 20s. My throat scope showed nothing. If I ever go for another, I'll eat jalapenos all night the night before! LOL It's not like you can make it act up when you feel like it. And it usually creeps ups when you don't need it at all!

There is no joy in walking around with bile in your throat, feeling like you will gag, almost up chucking in public.....

I live on 300mg of Ranitidine a day. I also carry Tums or Rolaids at all times. In a true emergency, I chug milk.

Ain't insurance grand??? Of course, we could all get to our idea weight, exercise an hour a day and never breath, drink or consume anything that could hurts us.....................mmmm hmmm.

sarahjo80: I, too, understand what you're dealing with. It can be very debilitating as it progresses, and, for me, surgery for the hhernia, has been the "cure". Unforturnately, nothing tried before surgery worked, but that's just the way it was in my case. Really hope you'll find an answer.
kiska
alaska

Sarah,

I sympothize with you, as i have acid reflux as well...there have been times when i woke up in a dead sleep gasping for air with my throat burning. It was a miricle that i survived the night. I do take nexium now for this and it seems to work wonders.
I just wanted to mention real quick to you that my dad has had acid reflux for years and years and years. I remember as a child him drinking baking soda water for it..well he finally went to the dr's about 5 yrs ago and got some horrid news that if he did not lose weight and get on acid reflux pills he would develop Esophagus Cancer. This is from the bitter stuff that comes up your throat and just tastes nasty, it also makes your throat burn for a hour or two afterwards. The acid reflus will start eating away your esophagus and will develop into cancer. So please if there is anyway you can see a dr to get on these pills please do so. I know insurance is outragous but life if more important.

Here is a helpful link http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/esophagealcancer.html

Go to your doc and tell him, ask him to find you something the insurance will cover. Or, tell him that particular med isn't working.

When I was having issues, Prilosec didn't work but Tagamet did.....etc.


No acid foods...stop the coffee, it's killer. No tomatos, pickles, citrus.

BTDT, I hope you find a way to get the insurance co to pay up. I hate HMOs.

My insurance stopped covering Nexium. I have seen commercials where they say they might offer assistance but I never went to the website and looked into it.

Short of hernias, ulcers, and some other stomach illnesses ..

Some folks go on for years, treating medical (stomach) illnesses with medicines that haven't cured .. and won't cure .. certain stomach problems/infections!

Research is on-going .. about being 'born' with it: just not 'manifesting', until much later in life. But, it can (and will) get progressively worse .. and has been linked to (& can develop into) cancer - if left untreated!!

No (conventional) stomach medications for heartburn, acid reflux, etc. (OTC or prescription) .. will rid your body of it! Some can actually aggravate the bacteria ...

It's called H-pylori infection (short version, for Helicobacter Pylori). Here's a few web-sites, to get ya started .. (just don't discount the very real possibilities).

* When you take a look at this: it may scare you a bit .. and/or make you think .. "Uggggh, I am a 'clean' human being! There's just no way!!" .. But it's very real and can keep you sick (and can be transferable far more easily than one would think)!

> http://www.helico.com/

> http://www.cdc.gov/ulcer/md.htm

> http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hpylori/index.htm

> http://vianet.net.au/~bjmrshll/uva_rlg1.htm

> http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/pdf/em12.pdf

- Magpye

This message was edited Feb 17, 2007 5:02 PM

My dad had GERD (gastro esophageal reflux dissease) and suffered for years. He was a physician and had access to all the freebie meds. He used Prilosec and liquid Maalox...for years. It was on his desk at work, on the kitchen table and by his bedside. We had to make sure he didn't have "Maalox Lips" before he went in to see a patient.

Anyway...when the study came out about Helicobacter pylori (Thanks Magpye) he saw his personal doctor and was treated for it...certain antibiotics I can't now recall. He never used Maalox or complained about the reflux again for the rest of his life. For him it was like a miracle and all it took was a course of antibiotics. It's worth looking into, that's for sure.

Thanks for all the advice. I think I'll call the doc tomorrow and see what he can do.

I remember learning about H. pylori in school last semester. I also remember being shocked at how easy it is to pick up stray bacteria in everyday life. I'm also one of those people who know and am not freaked out by the fact that we all have GOOD bacteria in us all the time, I don't fantasize about being squeakily clean. :)

Tums and rolaids: I've given up on these several times, always going back to try again... they work for about as long as it takes to swallow them. I (literally) ate a roll of Tums about 2 months ago, and had ZERO relief... no point wasting my money on chalky breath mints ;)

Other OTCs: My best friend is a pharmacist and she's been advising me on which OTCs to try and the appropriate dosages. We started out at Brand X, 75mg/day... a week later it was, "ok, well... try 150mg/day".... another week... let's go to the max dosage (equivalent to "extra strength" 'script version) of 300mg/day... it became clear that these medications are not offering me relief.

I drink 1 cup of coffee in the morning, and usually one soda in the afternoon.... a can, that's one serving, right? At worst it's 12oz. coffee and 12 oz. soda... 24 oz... still meeting the 3 cup limit for the day.

As for foods... when it's acting up, it's acting up... anything will set it off. Yesterday, I dared to eat a half a turkey sandwich for lunch... bubbled right up for the rest of the afternoon/evening... sheesh.

I'll relay what I've done with the OTCs to the doc and ask him what he thinks I oughta try... sigh.

Off to read about this stomach bacteria. :)

Sarah

Sarah, I find that the OTCs work okay IF and only IF, I keep the dose at 300mg a day and do not miss a day. Sometimes I can miss a day or even two and be fine. Other times, if I miss even a dose or half dose, it's murder. It's especially bad on days when I bend over a lot to plant or dig and that's many of my days. LOL

*I* had to mention the H-pylori possibility, to my doctor - then, intently request the testing! She was compelled to research the subject further .. then contacted me a couple of hours later. Otherwise, she'd have probably continued prescribing medications for me, for years ...

She was truly shocked when the results came back positive! Treatment was started right away .. and continued for the few required weeks! And, now .. it's going on three years that I've been free of the indigestion, acid reflux, heartburn, etc.! I've not found anything that bothers my tummy anymore! Just as Floridian mentioned about her Dad - I too, feel like it's been a wonderful miracle.

.. Badseed ..
Please, read about the H-pylori ..

I strongly urge anyone continueing to suffer such stomach problems - to have it checked out ASAP!

- Magpye

This message was edited Sep 14, 2006 9:58 AM

I read it all Magpye! Every link was read and then some. We even talked about it in chat this morning. ;) THANK YOU!

Could I not just have these problems because I am overweight and possibly not leading a perfectly healthy lifestyle? LOL

I wonder, why don't doctors check for this more often?

Ohh, Badseed !! .. I'd long wondered the same thing, for many years .. and had quickly discounted things for sooooo long .. to it being excess weight, not the correct nutrition, the spicey foods, leaning over too quickly after a meal, eating too big a meal, etc. .. Even had a couple of drs. to tell me .. that it was all associated it "to having my babies shove up against my stomach while pregnant .. and that my digestive system will probably never be the same."

It is well worth the very simple test .. to check to see if the nasty bacteria has taken up residence in our stomach lining! And if it's determined, negative - then one essentially loses little, but a wee lil inconvenience of time and a doctor and lab fee.

* If anyone seeks testing & is diagnosed as positive * I can't stress enuff, how very imperative it is - to stick/stay with the 3-med regimen for the full duration of the treatment time!! Do NOT stop taking the medicine .. just because you think you're already feeling better: that you no longer need to continue. WRONG!!

- Magpye

I read all the links also and googled even further when i read that untreated h pylori can lead to cancer? egads and omg!!

I'm NOT going to freak out until I get the biopsy results!!

Have to check up on this issue. I am on Necium-doing OK. Have been on all kinds of similar stuff for about 30 years.
The Nexium "free help" program is great-just depends on your income level.
Many drug companies have had such programs-still active , although the new Medicare guidelines does make a difference.
Pays to check on the Patients Assistance programs.
Now I am going to check out the other info.
Yikes

My doctor checked me for H-Pylori about the first time I complained about the acid reflux.

I have hiatal hernia and had awful acid reflux. My doctor told me no caffine, no sodas, no spicy foods, low fat diet, no eating for three hours before bedtime and raise the head of the bed so we propped it up with out of season clothes and blankets under the mattress.

I take a prescription equivalent of Prilosec twice a day and finally can say I have relief.

SarahJo I hope you are getting some help from your doctor.
Hugs,
Lani

http://www.freemedicinefoundation.com/

Didn't read much about this but might want to check it out

I wish meds were helping me. You know it's bad when you start thinking any diagnosis at all (bacteria, parasites, diseases, blown gall bladder, anything!) would be better than just being told insurance won't cover your prescription, buy over the counter and good luck. I guess it's time to track down the doctor or start looking for one closer to home.

Well, this week was a complete loss for having a moment to call the doc. I'm also dealing with a foot issue right now and with school, and all Stella's goings on... I just didn't get to it. Fortunately, my stomach seems to have settled down a bit, and I'm hopeful for getting rolling on it next week. :) Thanks for all the advice! I'll let you know how it works out.

Sarah

sarahjo, Do you drink Coca Cola? I don't mean soda in general, but Coca Cola. I had reflux so bad when I drank regular, not diet. When I finally stopped drinking it my reflux went away. I do drink soda, but I drink Diet Pepsi now, stay away from Coke products.

Also, it could be that it is not reflux at all; it could be your gallbladder and nothing to fool around with. Having said that, I was in the ER in April 2005 with a major gallbladder attack. I have no insurance, they wanted to take my GB out, but the ER bill is almost paid for now! It cost me almost $2000. I was scheduled to have a nuclear test on my gb and canceled it when I found out that was another $2000. So............

I keep mine at bay with samples from my doctor, Aciphex worked real good, and when I can't get them I do the 14 day Prilosec regime (which has been a life saver for me). You can get 3 14 day regimes at Sam's Club for $25.00, worth it in the long run.

I have pparx and together rx and they do not cover these types of drugs....and the most they usually take off of my script (I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth) is about $5.00.

Hope this helps,
Kathy

If I recall there was something about this on the frugal living forum, uses of vinegar. I'll see if I can find it again.

Nope, vinegar can be used for heartburn ...not gerd. sorry!

MistyMeadows:

Wow that is interesting news on Coca Cola! I'd never guessed! Another good reason to nix the soda.

The other thing that is really bad is greasy foods. I can't eat any gravy anymore. Only biscuits and milk gravy and then not all the time. Definitely no gravy at thanksgiving or with chicken anymore :( It wipes me everytime.

I would have never believed it that it could be one product, but there is something in Coca Cola that sets me sailing.

Sarah --- How are you now? Been following this thread as I had very similiar PROBLEMS and took prilosec as suggested. It took about four or five days but the symptoms disappeared. I take the prilosec OTC now and it saved me a fortune. Let us know how you are doing?

I just found this thread and am also wondering how you are doing?

I went through some similar problems brought on by extreme stress a few years back. I was blessed enough that the meds helped. I have a niece who has had GERD from a very young age (she's only 12 now), and the best thing that has happened to her is that she changed doctors...and the new doc took a completely different approach and changed her meds. She is showing great improvement. Sometimes I think it's necessary to change docs, to get a new perspective on the issues you're dealing with...then it's not just viewed as the same old complaints again, but an actual problem that needs addressed.

For both my niece and I, raising the head of the bed, staying away from caffeine, acid, greasy, and citrus foods/drinks was a necessity. That meant no soda, no coffee, no chocolate, no burgers, etc. The other thing I haven't seen anyone mention here is mint. I was told that mint would relax the (can't remember the name of it) muscle between the stomach and esophagus...and that's why it makes you burp, lol. But, relaxing that muscle will increase the GERD tremendously. Anyone with GERD or even heartburn shouldn't even chew mint gum, I was told. Anything else you know of that would make you burp in the same manner should be avoided.

I've had my problems come back on me, but only a time or two when I was under intense stress. My doc told me to use OTC meds and I have. Ranitidine is what worked for me, I've found it cheapest at my local dollar store.

I do hope and will be praying that you find relief. I still remember how horrible it was dealing with all of that. Also, please ask your doc how long it may take for the meds to work in an acute case like yours. Although they may seem to work almost immediately or in days for some of us, it may be possible it would take up to 2 weeks for them to kick in for such an exacerbated case as yours. I don't know that for a fact, but I'm really wondering if that's what's going on.

Also, worrying and stress create a lot of stomach acid...something you need to avoid! I know it's hard, but try to give yourself a bit of relaxing time each day, just to unwind and unload the pressures...it's unbelievable how much good that can do. A hot bath before bed, a project you can get lost in, your favorite TV show, anything that's for YOU alone...it's not selfish, it's for your health. I've learned that lesson well. It's impossible to be there for everyone else if you're not taking care of yourself.

Ok, I'm climbing down from my soapbox and shutting up now. =^) Hope you're feeling better.
Heather

So what is the test for H. pylori? I'm overweight (60 lbs.+), and was prescribed Nexium for "gastritis". I just had a CAT scan, it supposedly showed that my liver and spleen was normal, which is no comfort at all, since I had my spleen removed in 1974! (It can't grow back, can it?) I think I need a new doctor! The Nexium has helped a lot, I'll try elevating the head of the bed too. Cranapple juice now, not orange, plus cottage cheese seems to help. No tomatoes, or chocolate. That's all the good stuff (pizza, fudge)! *sigh*

PrarieGirl~ you can make your own pizza, the quick way using pillsbury reduced fat crescent rolls 1 can serves 2,; 2 cans for serving 3-4. Preheat oven 425. Coat baking stone or baking pan with olive oil. Toss 1 tsp yellow cornmeal over the pan. (Helps the pizza cook evenly) Spread out and stretch the crescent roll over the surface using your fingertips to make one pizza crust. With a fork punch holes all over the surface. Now layer your favorite veggies, to your hearts' content. Cover with shredded mozarella, or monterey or any of your favorite cheeses. Now liberally sprinkle pizza seasoning ( like McCormick's in the grater top in the spice section) Place in oven, and bake for 18 -25 mins depending on desired crispyness of the crust(. You can use turkey pepperoni, cooked and drained beef, etc if you want to add to your layers before baking). It's delicious, nutritous, no gease,no tomato sauce! If you're a bread maker, you can make your own homemade crust. Give it a try, my pumpkins love it! ;0)

PG, omgosh!! You had me ROTFLOL!! Which isn't good since I have incisions in my belly right now. I just did a Google search and found that spleens don't grow back, but some folks are born with two spleens. Normally one is much smaller than the other, but if the main spleen is removed the accessory spleen will grow larger and take over the functions as the main spleen. Maybe you're just a two-fer. If I were you I'd start asking questions till I got a good, clear answer.

Sometimes you can find certain choice food products like Garden6 is saying that will not bother you at all. My niece has found a tomato paste that my SIL can cook into nearly any type of sauce and she's fine with it. It took a long time of experimenting, but it was worth it for a 9 yr old (at the time) to have pasta and pizza. If anyone is interested I can find out the brand name if y'all think it may work for you too. Also, fresh vs. prepacked makes a HUGE difference. Danielle can't have store bought dill pickles...one of her faves...but if I can them fresh for her she can handle them...still not many at a time, but it's a big treat.

One other note about raising the head of the bed...I was told that propping yourself up with pillows, etc., just will not work. I was told to put a 2x4 under the frame of our bed at the head. Danielle's bed has a foam wedge under the mattress because she has a daybed (as our little princess should, lol!!) The foam is very sturdy, heavier than a couch cushion and doesn't give much under weight. I can't remember exactly why propping yourself up with pillows doesn't work, maybe because after a short time you sink into them. I wish I did remember, sorry. They have newer pillows made just for GERD now that they didn't have available at that time.

I do remember that at that time we had a waterbed w/ tubes in it, so I couldn't prop my bed up...all the water would have run to the foot of the bed, LOL!

Another thing that relaxes that muscle I can't remember the name of between the stomach and esophagus is smoking. I am a smoker, so I know how hard it is to lay down the ciggies when you get worked up. If it's possible to at least cut down on the smokes a few hours before bedtime it helps. Alcohol is also something that relaxes that muscle and pays us back in pain.


Something else I'd like to say is that these things that you have to give up aren't necessarily things that will be gone from your life for good!! If you can manage to cut as many as possible, or cut down to a minimum as many as possible, it gives the meds a much greater ability to work. One your stomach and system is under control you can begin to introduce new ("bad") foods/drinks again, one by one, and see how your body responds. Most times you'll also find that if you cut or minimize these foods they are asking you to you will also lose some of the weight they are asking you to, w/o any extra measures. Besides, you may just find that once you cut down on some of these things you feel so much better, just generally healthier, that you may not want to bring the most of them back into your diet. I know it sounds far fetched, but I've actually come to like the all-bran, twig cereal that I HAD to start eating...and I know I'm much healthier for it! Twigs...who knew???

garden6 and heathrjoy~Thanks for lighting up my day! I hope you're healing well heathrjoy, laughter is the best medicine! I will call the doctor tomorrow, ask about the spleen, that's wild. Medically, I'm kind of a wonderkind already, why am I not surprised? I quit smoking almost 6 years ago, and I'm not a drinker. I'm an emotional eater, what I need to do is push myself away from the table and get some exercise. Knowing and doing have not gone hand in hand yet, LOL.

PrarieGirl~ you're welcome. Now ..IF I could come up with a delectable, nutritous substitute for fudge that didn't taste like chalk.... well ..I would invite all my DG friends on an exclusive cruise CUZ I would be richer than rich! LOL! ;0)

No, there is no substitute! LOL

Have y'all tried the carob substitutions? I've not had them myself, but Danielle assures me they are as good as chocolate. From making dog treats, LOL, I know there's chips that can be melted down just like regular chocolate. You can also order them on line if you can't find them locally. I usually find that once things make their way to the boonies around here they've long been on the shelves everywhere else....and they have arrived here.

I've also been an emotional eater, it's really not that hard to find better things to cozy up with. Try oatmeal. It never sounds good, but it does do the trick...and is also quick and easy. Steamed apples with some crunchy bran cereal and a bit of plain yogurt is a great comfort food...and more of a dessert than anything, but it's very good for you so there's no guilt. I still use artificial sweeteners, but there's raw sugar or Splenda. I'm just hooked on that super sweet taste now...that's just talking about the weight issue.

Air popped pop corn is yummy too, and often much, much cheaper than all the fancy, schmanchy stuff we often buy. If you haven't tried a rice cake recently you really should! I know what everyone thinks of when they think of rice cakes, but they really aren't bad! There are a lot of flavors to choose from, they are very low cal, and they definitely satisfy that appetite for crunch...rather than having greasy chips.

Water is another big thing I do daily. I always have a glass of water beside me and I sip it all day long. After a short time it just becomes a habit, and your body DOES get used to it and the trips to the restroom become less and less, lol. There are just too many benefits to drinking water not to do it. Once you begin you'll see and feel the differences...from clearer, brighter skin to better sleep. I also had a doc tell me once not to drink ICY cold water, so I try to keep most things room temp, but I doubt most folks will go that far. It's easier on our digestive system if things are room temp. Drinking only room temp things makes it much easier not to drink soda, lol. Another great thing about drinking water is that it keeps your stomach full throughout the day, you don't feel as hungry as often.

The smaller meal plan is also great for losing weight. If you eat slower you will also eat less. It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to register w/ your brain that it is full. I know how much I can woof down in 10 minutes...then 10 minutes later feel like I can't move! Over the last 14 months I've lost 40+ lbs. by eating less...by eating slower and eating better foods. Every diet I tried failed, I'd lose weight then gain it back plus more. Simply eating slower, allowing myself to feel when I was full and quit eating then worked. Making a few easy changes in my diet also worked, bran cereal instead of sugar cereal, whole grain whenever possible, water like I said, just little things like that. I hate to cook, I'm often alone for dinner and won't cook for myself, I'd rather just grab a donut. Now instead of that I grab a can of micro soup, much more comfy, nutritious and filling...plus DH doesn't nag at me when he comes home. I don't live on a strict diet, I've found that when I try that I end up eating the whole box of cookies, so it's pointless. It's much better to have a couple cookies, mixed with more healthful foods throughout the day. There's also some foods I've found that just cannot be replaced, like Ranch Dressing...still looking and still haven't found a good low cal, so it's regular for me, but sooo worth it! Just have to remember to dip the veggies, not drown the salad. Oh, to be a kid again, and fill our tummies with sweets and treats...and the word "calorie" had no meaning!

Please forgive me for all of my ramblings here. I'm not trying to sound like a know it all or something like that, it's just that if I think of something that may help someone I'd like for y'all to know it.

Very good Heartjoy, the voice crying out and beckoning us to a healthier lifestyle and eating habits! Bouquets to you!

Yeah, but how do I get my dog to lose weight??? ROTFLOL

Have you heard that Wal-Mart will be charging only $4 per prescription
of generic drugs, for a 30 day supply, beginning in many states in 2007?

Also, Target has said that they will match the price.

If you check on Google, you will find the various reports about this.