I live in acid reflux heck....

Thank you Mahnot! I hadn't heard of this and it's going to save me a bundle as soon as it reaches PA. I can't believe it, $4!! That's cheaper than some cereals. They have began to open this program up across the nation because of customer demand...not waiting for 2007. It's now available in stores in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas and Vermont as well as Florida. This is listed on the walmartfacts page, along with a list of rxs. Sure beats my $8-$30 copay. I just might start calling them and asking when it's coming to my local store...calling daily, he he he!

Here's a few links that I found from doing a Google search for walmart prescription

http://www.walmartfacts.com/articles/4539.aspx
if that direct link doesn't work you can copy and paste this www.walmartfacts.com/articles/4539.aspx and it was found on this page www.walmartfacts.com

here's a yahoo article about all the hoopla before it began
http://biz.yahoo.com/seekingalpha/060921/17334_id.html?.v=1
biz.yahoo.com/seekingalpha/060921/17334_id.html?.v=1 to copy and paste if needed

That's great news. I have my new Rx at Target, since that's one of the participating pharmacies in our union coverage network. Not Walmart, which is non-union! I hope that's not why they can cut the prices.

Sorry about my links guys. I tried! =^)

I don't know if it's because they are non-union or not that they can offer these prices. They may just run some places out of business by doing this...especially the few Mom & Pop places that still exist.

However, Ranitidine is on the list. In both 150mg and 300mg doses. There are quite a few gastrointestinal meds on the list. I don't see any 'azole' drugs listed there though, and that's the generic for Nexium/Prevacid/Prilosec.

I just found that out that Nexium, ect. is an 'azole'. Strange, with what y'all were saying earlier about the H. paoiserernaslkdjf (whatever it is...the one you need a biopsy test for). I know that 'azoles' are used in treatments of fungus/bacteria...as y'all were saying...but it's used as the major treatment for ringworm on both humans and animals...also for athlete's foot. It's a different 'azole'...but an 'azole' all the same. I've not looked at those sites that were posted for fear of being totally grossed out, but now I'm just going to have to look. Anyone else squeemish and want a totally toned down report if I can manage it?? That's if I get through the sites.

Fire away! Too lazy to read it myself, we've been warned, Ha haha.

Well, I haven't gotten through all the sites yet, but so far it's really not that gross. There is a TON of info there and I really appreciate these links. I have called my SIL and told her to make certain Danielle has been tested for H. Pylori.

Some of the sites seem outdated, comparing the info from one site to the other...and since I haven't gotten through all of the sites yet I don't know what I have to learn yet...so I'll just post what I did learn.

First, the tests for the H. pylori can be a breath test, a blood test or a biopsy by endoscopy. When I first heard "biopsy" that scared me, but it doesn't seem to be as big of a deal as it sounds, if I've read things correctly. If I'm correct, it's not a surgical type thing at all. The doc's would be taking a biopsy of the stomach lining, a very small amount of tissue, and taking a few samples. There would be no incisions because it's done by an endoscopy. You just can't drive that day because they do sedate you. VERY, very worth it to get rid of all of the horrible symptoms! So, that's the tests, and yes, you're doc can order them, but don't assume that they have. Not all docs test for this. Ask, ask, ask to be tested. If you've had treatment for H. pylori in the past, even up to 3 years ago, the blood test may show a false positive because the antibodies can stay in your system for that long...so the breath test or biopsy would be needed. They are working on more sensitive tests and other types of tests for H. pylori...those good docs!!

Ok, what it is and what causes it. This is the part that may gross some folks out, if you're one of them go to the next bold print, that's where I'll be done gross-talking, lol! First of all, they are not 100% certain about what causes this, or how it spreads. Their pretty sure though that contaminated food and drink is the cause...and that it can spread by mouth to mouth contact (kissing). There is also some controversey that some folks (all folks??) are born with H. pylori. Anyway, the contaminated product that would be entering into the food/drink is...you guessed it...fecal matter. The same thing that's responsible for so many other sicknesses. One thing I'd just like to say is that I've heard a few stories about folks getting sick from their water supply, from NO FAULT of their own. That has happened to my brother...but the rest of his small town was fine because they had built up immunity...but DB and his family had recently moved there and got terribly sick. It was all traced to what was in the water. It doesn't mean that YOU are the one who caused the contamination, my DB and family are very, very clean folks.


Gross part is over now! Of course what happens is all of this causes a bacteria in our system. H. pylori takes up residence in the stomach lining. Now, because it's in the stomach lining our regular bacteria-fighting immunities can't fight it off because the stomach is such an acidic place that the good bacteria fighters get basically digested before they get to the H. pylori. So how can the H. pylori survive there? Because it actually builds a type of protective shield around itself. Talk about nasty stuff ensuring it's survival.

Now, the reason it's not being tested for more often...and this is a shame. The new belief is that H. pylori is resposible for peptic ulcers. That does NOT mean that everyone with HP will develop an ulcer, some folks never do, some do very quickly. If you get a peptic ulcer you should be tested right away though. Anyway, the med community has always believed that stress, spicy food, etc. has caused peptic ulcers. Now this guy, Dr. Barry Marshall, comes along in 1982 and tells them that is all wrong and it's this new bacteria he's discovered...that lives in one of the most unhospitable places in the body...and that everyone should change everything they are doing and how they think and what has seemed to work for the last 100 years. Seriously. I don't think it's that docs don't believe HP exists, I think it's that there's not enough research and studying to prove it's linked to ulcers and GERD and etc. yet. So, ask, ask, ask to be tested, don't quit till you're tested and then treated if needed!!

If you would test positive and anyone else in the family has even slight symptoms they should be tested too, since it's likely that this can spread from person to person...and since the docs aren't positive of how it spreads. After antibiotic treatment you'll have to be tested by breath or biopsy to see if the bacteria is gone.

If left untreated, HP is really very terrible. You will have GERD, ulcers, etc., that continue to get worse and the regular meds that are prescribed for them won't work because they aren't addressing the correct problem. If left untreated HP can cause stomach cancer...as was stated earlier in this thread. It is most definately nothing to mess with, but the GREAT news is that there are easy tests (even inexpensive ones if you're not covered by insurance) to check for it...and it's even easier to treat and get rid of. I don't know the exact antibiotics they use to treat HP, but hopefully they are on the $4 list at Wal-Mart for those of us who need that option.

Ok, that's my report. I hope I didn't leave anything out. Again, sorry so long.
Heather

Thanks Heather! You rock!

What!! The fecal 'sample' is no longer the first test for diagnosis!?! .. LOL


Welllllllll, thank heavens, the Good Lord, the easter bunny and santa claus for small miracles !!!! (LOL)

And .. Bravo, to you .. heathrjoy .. multiple super-BRAVO's!!!

Certainly warrants even more crucial reasons to waRsh our hands, and keep at our children about the same! (* and our hubbys and/or significant others)!

Diaper changes, and the handling of the dirty diapers, etc. .. and little people hands that we adults (moms, grandymaws, aunts, etc.) don't usually give a second thought to kissin' luvingly!

* Another worthy note to consider: think about where so many folks keep the family toothbrushes. (In the open, exposed with the bristle heads up to easily catch any germs that ARE distributed into the air during a flush)!!

Just leave no stone unturned, nor touch any empty tiolet tissue roll when disposing .. without washing your hands well, afterwards either!

((huggs))

- Magpye

This message was edited Oct 25, 2006 7:56 PM

Yes, yes, yes! Scrubbing those hands is good, and don't forget between the fingers and under the nails, he he. DH always did make fun of me because of all the suds I leave in the sink after washing my hands, but at least I think they are clean.

Another thing that was pointed out on the sites is animals. Pet kisses and kissing your pets in particular. I know some folks think that is just down right gross, but I can't go a day w/o puppy kisses. Animals can have their own strain of H. pylori, from what I gather...and it is transferrable to humans...but that's true with other things too.

Clorox wipes are probably a handy thing for all surfaces in the bathroom and nursery and kitchen.

You know, those of us who use manure as fertilizer need to be more mindful also. Magpye makes excellent points. I think it's just in the day to day things you get so used to doing, and doing in such a hurry...that they aren't big deals anymore. After changing 1,200 diapers you don't get your hands dirty anymore....or at least you don't think you do, so you just clean your hands w/ the wipes. I don't have kids, but I've seen so many folks do that, and I've never thought anything of it. This makes it a big deal though.

I'm just soooooo thankful that all this info has been brought up! Thank you, ty, ty!!

One little note that can help us all....I read today. Chew your food extra extra well. There are potent enzymes in saliva that are supposefd to start the digestion process. Also because we don't eat enough raw foods and don't chew our food well enough, the food lies like a slug in the stomach and that kicks in excess acid to try to save the day.

Aha, lightbulb moment! That's why, once your tummy (and lower) get used to it, a summer diet of raw fruits and veggies makes us feel so good. thanks Indy. I need to go to the library, and check out that Suzanne Sommers book again, about the whole foods diet. I chickened out, but it had recipes and everything.