I just recently found out that I have Acid Reflux Disease and was put on Protolac which is Protonix in the States. For 4 weeks I felt great but being 29 years old I didnt seem safe to me to continue to take such the drug for a longer period of time. I'm so worried that taking a certain type of drug may do considerable damage to me before I hit 60 years of age.

I guess what I want to ask you all is whether their is a fairly safe alternative that over the counter drugs that may do alot of damage to me. I hardly know any 29 year olds that have GERD so I don't no about how to protect myself internally. Any advice would be more than great. My wife and I have our first baby due in January and I really want to be a part of his life far beyond just raising him. The way it feels now it seems like I couldnt possibly live long enough to do so.

[This message has been edited by jspears (edited 10-20-2003).]

it's totally normal. I've had GERD, an ulcer and a hiatal hernia since I was 10 years old. It came backa few years ago, so I've been on protonix for about 3 years now. Every single day. I think the only long term affect of protonix is liver complications. That is something you may want to look out for. You can always try the magnesium and herbal remedy that people talk about on here. that may work for you and be a safer bet if you are worried.

Yea a lot of the time long term side effects for drugs are liver problems from chemicals, if you get worried ask the doctor for a blood test.