Advice needed - Acid Reflux / GERD Message Board

debbie2862 · 03-26-2006, 05:37 PM

I was diagnosed with GERD and mild esophagitis recently. When I took aciphex for 3 weeks, it actually made the reflux worse.
My doctor wants me to try Protonix now but I really want to try to get pregnant so I'm debating what I should do.
Since going off the Aciphex, my symptoms have gotten better. I still have some reflux but nothing like I was having before. I'm obeying the strict 'no acid' diet and abiding by the other GERD recommendations.
Do you think it will be really stupid to stop taking medication for up to a year right now? If my symptoms stay manageable, is it safe to assume that my esophagus won't get completely fried in that amount of time?

I've been reading some negative things about PPIs and I'm wondering if they are not overprescribed. I'm going to speak to the doctor about it but sometimes I don't think doctors ever give non-drug therapy a chance. This guy especially is very big on doing what 'the American Academy of Gastro doctors' (or whatever they are called - lol) recommends. But I don't want to waste the next 6 months trying every PPI out there, especially after reading how some of you can't find any relief anyway.

Any advice, personal experience, etc. will be greatly appreciated.

aswander · 03-27-2006, 09:16 AM

I'd continue to try the PPIs, until you've gone through each brand.

Though most doctors start you out at 1 PPI dose per day, many stubborn cases actually need treatment with 2 doses of a PPI per day. Don't abandon the PPIs until you've tried a higher dose. If the doctor objects, he needs to read up on acid reflux.

debbie2862 · 03-27-2006, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aswander

I'd continue to try the PPIs, until you've gone through each brand.

Though most doctors start you out at 1 PPI dose per day, many stubborn cases actually need treatment with 2 doses of a PPI per day. Don't abandon the PPIs until you've tried a higher dose. If the doctor objects, he needs to read up on acid reflux.

I did try Aciphex 2x a day and it really made my symptoms worse. What I really want to know is if I hold off on treatment for 9-12 months, how much damage will I do, assuming that my symptoms continue to be as mild as they are now and I stay on the dietary/lifestyle changes?

I want to get pregnant and don't want to wait another 6 months while I try every PPI out there, kwim?