How have you treated acid reflux?

[SharonZ]

OP if you haven't had an endoscopy, you should have one done. I suffered from acid reflux my whole adult life (I'm 54), Protonix lessened the symptoms but it never really went away. I also developed asthma, and recurring bouts of bronchitis, which was all related to my reflux. I opted to have surgery (Nissen Fundoplication), and they also repaired a large sliding hernia. The operation basically is a repair done with part of you stomach used as a wrap around the bottom of the esophagus to tighten it up and prevent acid from coming back into your throat.

Following a GERD-type diet and eliminating alcohol, soda, chocolate, caffeine, acid foods, etc. should help. You can also try elevating your bed

 

[OhMari]

Mine have no symptoms either and I was shocked to know I had them. Like you, they were not there during my first two endoscopies. But I guess after years of PPI use, they finally showed up. I've been off Prilosec for 2 months now. It will be interesting to see if they shrink after a few years. I've heard they will go away.

I tried going off Nexium and it was brutal. I read this is a side effect of Nexium, that it is almost impossible. Plus if this medicine has not been around that many years, I feel the Dr.s really don't know yet, and we are the wait and see what happens.

 

[Christine]

I tried going off Nexium and it was brutal. I read this is a side effect of Nexium, that it is almost impossible. Plus if this medicine has not been around that many years, I feel the Dr.s really don't know yet, and we are the wait and see what happens.

Yes, you had the rebound which is worse than the original symptoms. I tried several times to get off Prilosec and couldn't do it. I *finally* did it this year. Started in January, along with my diet, and it went okay. The first three weeks were the worst since I was getting the rebound, but I supplemented with Pepcid AC whenever I needed it and I made it. Now I just use the Pepcid a few times a week when I've abused myself with food. Nexium has actually been out for quite some time and it's the inverse isomer(??) drug to Prilosec. My doctor explained that they just flip a few things in the structure of the drug and it sometimes makes it better (and allows them to get a new patent). So whatever Prilosec shows in long term side effects, Nexium will have too.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

I take 2tsp of organic Bragg's apple cider vinegar in a glass of water (through a straw) every morning to treat my acid reflux. Occasionally, I will have to have a second glass if I feel heartburn coming on, but it's worked for me for several years. I'm too afraid to take prescription anything to treat it because of all the class action lawsuits involving drugs that were previously touted as safe.

 

[loves to dive]

I developed it while taking the once monthly drug for Osteoporosis. Had to go off that and now can't take any other drugs for it so I'm having to kind of control that with exercise and supplemental calcium. I take OTC Nexium, 2 tablets at night just before I go to bed. I was taking the prescription Nexium but after we switched insurance at work it was costing $75/month. Even having to take 2 of the OTC it costs me less. At first I tried just taking 1 OTC and it almost killed me, even though the package says it's the same strength as my prescription, turns out it isn't. Thankfully, my then DIL is a pharmacist and she told me about a week in to start taking 2 and it solved it the problem. I eat pretty much anything I want, there are times I'll get a little heartburn and just take tums. I don't worry about not eating or drinking a hour before taking it but I've been on it for about 4 years now so I'm assuming there is enough in my system that it doesn't matter. Mine never manifested as any kind of heartburn. I actually would have these horrible lower back pains in the in middle of the night and after pacing all night, sitting up and throwing up, the doctor diagnosed it.

 

[AppleDumpling]

I tried going off Nexium and it was brutal. I read this is a side effect of Nexium, that it is almost impossible. Plus if this medicine has not been around that many years, I feel the Dr.s really don't know yet, and we are the wait and see what happens.

With any of the PPIs (Nexium, Prilosec, Aciphex, Dexilant, Prevacid, etc.), you should never quit cold turkey. You need to wean off of them gradually over 3 or 4 months. I started by skipping one day a week, then skip one every 6 days, then every 5, etc. down to taking one every other day, then every third day,etc. Once I got past the first couple of rough weeks, it wasn't too bad.

While doing this, you can supplement with an OTC H2 blocker (Zantac, Pepcid, etc.), antacids like Tums or Maalox, and any of the foods or natural remedies known to reduce reflux.

Another thing I had heard about was chewing sugarless gum after eating. I was never a gum chewer but now I always carry a pack of Trident in my purse and it can really help.

PPIs can be a miracle drug for some but were never intended to be used long-term because they alter your body's natural chemistry. Of course everyone's condition is different and you need to weigh the benefits vs. risks for yourself.