flowergirl2day ? - Acid Reflux / GERD Message Board

alex12 · 11-01-2007, 01:57 PM

Hi flowergirl
I saw your post and am so glad your SOB has gone away...was wondering if you could give me some tips as to waht helped you. I have been on PPI's non PPI acid reducers natural meds, you name it...I am willing to try anything!

Thank you so much
Alex

flowergirl2day · 11-02-2007, 12:42 AM

Hi Alex,

I was desperate to try anything to breathe normally again. You know how very bad it gets. My regular doctor (the GP) was no help to me at all. Told me to learn better breathing techniques. Another doctor I saw felt sorry for me and I was sent for pulmonary function tests.
The tests resulted in a diagnosis of asthma, which I was certain I did not have. My shortness of breath followed no pattern: it happened with any type of exertion, or without any; when sitting at the computer, when talking, eating..walking....it was pretty bad. There's no asthma that causes such symptoms.

After taking asthma medications for several weeks with no relief whatsoever, I stopped taking them.
I saw my specialist for a scheduled visit in early September. He revied my meds and added 40mg of Nexium daily (and made a couple of other changes, added a new type of beta blocker). I saw an immediate improvement after starting the Nexium. My breathing returned to normal over a period of about 4weeks, after many months of misery. I am now able to work again and live an almost normal life. (Gotta live with GERD and the side effects of my meds) I am careful not to overexert myself, fearing the SOB will come back if I do. I can feel myself getting somewhat out of breath after some exertion. I can't judge anymore what's normal breathlessness and what isn't.

I really have no advice to offer, other than to hang in there. I got better and so will you. I believe my SOB was caused by either the hiatal hernia or the GERD, or both. Somehow, the PPI alone, or in combination with the beta blocker and other drugs I am on, has fixed the problem. One of the posters on this board had to have her hernia repaired, because of the breathing difficulties it was causing her. Perhaps that's what you and I have.
I take the following supplements: Fish oil, CoQ10, vitamin E and C, Calcium, magnesium & vit. D, multivitamin, garlic, apple cider vinegar, flaxseed, cinnamon. I drink a lot of water and either green or black tea. Anything with antioxidants that will fight the free radicals. I also eat a lot of fruit & veggies. I probably shouldn't because of GERD.
I hope you will experience a positive change in your breathing, as I did. Have faith and don't lose hope. I almost did.

Good luck,

flowergirl

alex12 · 11-02-2007, 06:38 AM

Flower girl...Thank you so much for the reply. It gives me some hope. I am going to go to whole foods today and pick up some supplements.
Can I ask were you already on Beta Blockers, if so what for?

I go through periods where I just give up hope, I feel like noone can help me. I guess it's just finding the right Dr that can perscribe me the right cocktail.

Thanks again!
Alex

flowergirl2day · 11-02-2007, 10:16 AM

Alex,

I had the exact same feelings you've been having and felt my life was over. I could barely move, was unable to work or do anything around the house. Having to live like that is no picnic. I hated thinking of the future and would not allow myself to do that very often, as it always made me depressed. Try to keep the depression away by concentrating on getting well. Find little things to be grateful for or happy about. That's what got me through.

I had been on a megadose of alpha/beta blockers (and other meds) for months when I developed my breathing problems. It was believed that the beta blockers were the primary reason for the shortness of breath. I stopped them completely in May (with many difficulties from the witdrawal, I might add). My breathing improved for about a week and a half. Then, gradually, it grew worse again until it became almost intolerable. I could not walk up five steps into the clinic for my weekly appointment without having to stop and rest. By the time I'd made it up the five steps and arrived at the clinic, I had to stop again, completely out of breath. Not a good feeling with all the patients and staff watching you. Especially when I look young & healthy. They just could not comprehend how it was possible for me to stand there gasping for breath.
I was started on the beta blockers again at the beginning of September. This time I was given beta 1s, (not beta 2s) which affect mostly the heart and not the bronchial beta receptors. The dosage is fairly small. I have not had a problem with them, they do not cause me bronchoconstriction. A higher dose might, who knows. For this reason, I believe my breathing problems stem from my gastro issues.
Whether or not the supplements help with the actual breathing I am not sure. I believe though they help with everything else and thus contribute to my getting better indirectly. You should do some research before you start taking any. I am on many meds and the supplements help my body deal with the chemical imbalances the drugs cause.
I hope this helps. Wishing you the best of luck!

flowergirl

alex12 · 11-03-2007, 06:39 AM

Flowergirl2day

You have been a great help..Thank you for your qick reply's. I will keep trucking along until I find something...my kids are my drive. IF anything I have made a couple of friends after a year on these boards, and they have also been inspirations.

Have a great weekend!
Alex