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Anneof 5
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| Posted: Feb 01 2010 at 2:51pm | IP Logged
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I have had acid reflux for several years. I have also taken medication for it and have tried to get off without success. My last medication is no longer covered by my insurance and they switched me to prescription Prilosec, which helps with the reflux but left me with lower intestinal issues, achy muscles, fatique, etc. I quit taking it last week and have been trying to get past the symptoms that keep coming back to bother me. I take digestive enzymes and bifidus (probiotic). I also went gluten free about 4 years ago. Is there anything else on the natural side that I can try before I have to resort going back to the doctor for something else? I really don't want to do that!
TIA!
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Feb 01 2010 at 2:57pm | IP Logged
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from what I understand about it.. it's the section at the top of your stomach that's supposed to close to keep it from going up your throat that is the actual problem.. because it doesn't close well nothing you do will really fix it.
Is the medicine not covered by your insurance at all? or is it something that you may be able to get them to cover if nothing else works? Like I know some insurances won't pay for a higher cost med if you haven't used the lower cost alternatives first. Might be worth talking to your insurance about and seeing if there's anyway around that.
And I don't know anything else for treating symptoms naturally. Have you found any other foods that seem to trigger it? like tomato? or something?
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hylabrook1
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| Posted: Feb 01 2010 at 8:17pm | IP Logged
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One non-medicine thing that might help is to put blocks under the headboard of your bed to elevate it about 8 inches. Kind of like sleeping on a sliding board!  Not really so bad; I think our bed has been like this for a good 20 years. Also, don't eat for several hours before bedtime and especially avoid alcohol in the evening. Reflux is no fun. 
Peace,
Nancy
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4 lads mom
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| Posted: Feb 01 2010 at 9:22pm | IP Logged
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Anne, I just went in for an upper endoscopy a few weeks ago for the same thing. I have been on protonix on and off for years. My GERD was getting worse....my internist wanted me to have a scope. I did......I went to sleep with some versed and fentanyl, was only out for a few minutes while they did the scope....it was so easy. The reason I tell you this is because I had a narrowing in my esophagus that they were able to widen and I have had a much better time of it since!!! I haven’t had quite as much reflux, still on my meds, but I feel much better. I was to the point where drinking water was an issue  , it kept feeling like it was “coming back up”. That hasn’t happened since they dilated my esophagus. I know it doesn’t sound very savory to have to have a procedure done, but it was worth it. Plus, if you have had reflux for a while, (my internist said if it has been more than five years, you might need a scope), they like to make sure you don’t have changes in your esophagus, like Barrett’s esophagitis or eosinophillic esophagitis (if you have that, you might need to follow up with an allergist, to check for food allergies). I also have a hiatal hernia that they are keeping an eye on......not a biggie right now.
Anyway.....it might be something to look into if you are having a hard time. I feel better after having it done, and have more peace knowing my esophagus looks better than I thought it would after this much reflux!
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Gloria JMJ
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| Posted: Feb 02 2010 at 2:08am | IP Logged
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I just ran across this in a book and thought I'd mention it here. Spearamint tea is said to help with this. I'm sure it couldn't hurt, but it may take a week or two of drinking it daily for the effects to be realized.
I hope you find what works.
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Anneof 5
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| Posted: Feb 02 2010 at 9:34am | IP Logged
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Thanks ladies. I have had endoscopies in the past and have been on various meds over the years. My last one, Aciphex worked just fine until BCBS decided I needed to try Prilosec as it is cheaper. I stopped taking it due to the side effects and that is why the symptoms came back. I called BCBS yesterday and they said my doctor can petition to have it covered but it is up to BCBS to decide. So I am off to call the doctor's office and see if that will work.
Thanks again!
Anne
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4 lads mom
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| Posted: Feb 02 2010 at 10:02am | IP Logged
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Anne, I sure hope you can go back on your meds that work.....I know how miserable it can be!!
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4Real Forums : Our Lady of Good Remedy and Care
Topic: acid reflux help!
