Medications For GERD

[laurietrib]

Hi Everyone!

I have tried alot of the prescribed medications for Gerd: Nexium, Aciphex, Protonixs ect. They only seem to make my symptoms worse. I have also tried probiotics and apple cider vinegar ect.

My doctor has insisted that I try Nexium again. He is afraid if I don't use anything I will eventually get cancer of the esophagus. I'm on Nexium now but my throat is on fire and my chest hurts. Sometimes one side of my throat and ear will hurt. My shoulder and back hurt of and on during the day along with other symptoms to numerous to write. Nexium also gives me a daily headache.

I know this question has been asked before, but how long should I continue on Nexium. Has anyone found that after 60 day or more they are okay? I go to the doctor and they just seem to want to keep switching medications. I don't know maybe that is the only answer. But nothing seems to work.

I'm just tired of being in pain. It has been almost 2 years now and I don't feel any better. I feel stressed alot of the time. I'm constantly afraid I am having a heart attack. I do try to watch what I eat and drink in order to avoid making matters worse.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks, Laurie

[Answers10001]

Hi, it sounds like you have had GERD for quite a while, so I will pass this on to you...

[url]http://www.drharlanwright.com/qaarchive/acidreflux.htm[/url]

it may very well work in your situation...good luck

[cl84]

HI. I'm so sorry you're still suffering after all this time. I have been on Nexium for 4 weeks with no relief. I called my dr. a few days ago to ask if I should continue taking it. He said that I haven't given it enough time and that when he did a scope of my throat it was very red and swollen and it will take time for everything to heal. I am trying to be patient but there are days when I feel worse and since I started taking Nexium I feel like I have the flu. I have the ear pain on one side like you do and some days it's excruciating. Dr. says I have eustathian tube dysfunction and that's why it hurts so much. I have an appt. in 3 weeks with the ENT again. I hope by then I am feeling better. He told me that if I don't improve he'll try different treatment. Probably different meds, who knows!

I don't really have any advice or suggestions for you since I am in the same boat. Just wanted you to know you're not alone. Hang in there.

[laurietrib]

Thanks Answers 10001, I have not tried the DGL. Anything is worth a try .

Thanks cl84, It is always nice to have someone to listen to you. Sometimes that alone makes you feel better. I appreciate your response.

Laurie

[datgrlstef]

Since April, I've been on Prevacid at first, then Nexium, then Protonix, and now Aciphex. The gastrointerologist told me that I could try Zantag.. and I have heard people say that the only medication that helped them was Pepcid AC. I did try Tagamet years ago, when I had severe chest pains, but I didn't keep taking it because (way back when) I was not convinced my problem was heartburn.

Unfortunately, because I'm on heavy duty abx for Lyme (and probiotics while on those), as well as Iron for anemia, I will probably have to keep taking something (anything) until I stop the abx. I have no idea how long that will be..