I am new to this board and am hoping for some help. I am desperate. In October, on the basis of very little symptoms, I was diagnosed with GERD and placed on Prevacid. I stayed on for 2 months as prescribed. When I came off the meds, I now had uncontrollable heartburn, whereas previously my only symptom had been throat clearing...I went back on the meds for a while, and then started to learn about rebound after the meds. Thinking maybe that was the problems, given I was so much worse, I went off the meds except for moderate use of Pepcid for 2 months. The 2 months were very difficult as heartburn was a daily issue. My heartburn is nearly constant, only absent when I first wake up before I eat. I also have a lot of throat clearing and throat symptoms. After the 2 months, I gave in, thinking rebound would be gone by now, and resumed the medicine. Only this time, it is not working. I then switched to Protonix: no response. I then switched to Aciphex: no response. Yesterday for instance, despite being on Prevacid twice a day, I ate an apple for breakfast and within a half hour had heartburn. It seems I can't eat anything. Last week I had similar bad heartburn after having only had a bowl of cereal. It then lasts all day, and does not respond to medicine. I have seen a GI doc who says people with the throat symptoms don' t repond as well to meds. He says the meds don't always work, and I would not be a good candidtae for surgery if I am not reposnding to the meds. He says he sees people like this and they just have to learn to live with it.

I have never heard of anyone with such bad symptoms, and no response to meds. Is there any precedent for this ? Please help. I am wondering if maybe it is not GERD at all. Judy

Judy,

The reason people have surgery is because the meds don't work! Get another doctor...

Hi Judy:wave: ..there are lots of things you can try...I have to say that I have really not had much luck with traditional medications either. You might try DGL Licorice..you disolve 2 in your mouth 20 minutes before you eat..don't love the taste, but it can be helpful. Also,probiotics and digestive enzymes have probably been the most helpful thing that I have done, other than lifestyle and diet changes. My diet and anxiety levels have had to be completely controlled. It really sucks!!! But I have to say that stress and anxiety really do contribute to my problem.
You might also consider that you might not have enough acid in your stomach, have you tried apple cider vinegar (Braggs Organic)...the symptoms are almost exactly the same but the remedy is a little different.
I sure hope that I have been helpful! I so understand what you are going through and it is not an easy road to travel. I have had lots of relapses and setbacks, but the thing that I have mentioned above have been the most helpful.
Take Care of you!!!
Crazy