Getting off of Medication

[Broadwaygirl03]

I've been on medication for GERD/Acid Refulx for about 4 years ago, since I was 13. I take Reglan, Prilosec and Zofran. The medicines work wonders for me, and I only take the zofran when I need it. I have cut back dramatically on my medication, two years ago I was taking 4 reglan and 3 prilosec a day. Now I'm working well with 1 1/2 reglan and 1 prilosec a day. The reasons I had to cut down btw is because of the side effects. Relgan made me very depressed and tired and prilosec gives me leg pains. Anyway you'd be amazed at how much happier and less tired I am with my small dose, the leg and knee pain I just deal with. The doctor diagnosed it as such btw after horrible, prolonged knee pain.

Anyway I was wondering, will I ever be able to totaly get off my medication? I'm 17, I am labled with "acid reflux" but the problem moreso is that bial backs up into my stomach and makes me very sick without my medication. My goal in life is to become a mother, I hope to have some kids in the next 10 years. Yet I worry about pregnancy. I mean, I get very sick without my meds yet I can't take meds while I'm pregnant. I won't be able to work, I'll be horribly sick for 9 months. I just want to know, has anyone with a similar sitiation ever gottan completley off their meds? I don't want to be on medication forever. I've, as I've said, over the years become less dependent on them. I just wonder if I'll ever be able to get off them.

I know I'm only 17 but this is a serious concern for me and my future. I love kids, I'm going to start college next year in the Early Childhood Education program, and it just makes me so worried that I may not be able to have any kids someday because I can't get off my medication, which would be dangerous to take during pregnancy.

:: phew :: I feel sort of stupid asking this, but I've been meaning to ask for a long time, feels good to finally get it out.

[This message has been edited by Broadwaygirl03 (edited 09-30-2002).]

[auntjudyg]

Sorry, don't know the answer, but you might get better response if you post your question in the "Digestive Disorders" board.

Good luck!

[Broadwaygirl03]

I don't really know where it belongs, I ment just medication in general but listed the meds so people would realize that they aren't major medications.

[mlgable]

After reading your post my first question to you is what tests did the doctors do originally to decide what you problem was and they wanted to treat it. Medical science has come along way recently and if you haven't seen the doc lately to ask if any new treatment exsists for you problem then that would be a first step. Also depending on what tests they did on you originally maybe more tests are indicated to help determine the cause of your problem. Check with your doc an these things and see if might be a better treatment or maybe surgery or whatever to help with your problem.

[Tree Frog]

Hi Broadwaygirl03I wonder what kind of doctor prescribed these and after what kind of tests.
Do you know if you have Gall Bladder problems?
Have you been seen by any specialists?

Have you ever told the doctor you want off the meds, or have seen a wholistic doctor?