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but now Prevacid is off the shelves, Im taking Prilosec and same thing it seems to take it down a bit but not where I want it! I think Ill be stuck with it forever and that answer is not good enough for me!! Not liking my doc very much but I have spent so much on all my medical issues I really dont know where to go or what to do these days, I feel stuck, tried so many things, so many meds...its driving me INSANE!!!! Maybe anti anxiety meds? But I hate feeling so not me.......helpView Thread
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Really helped with symptoms0% (0)
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Did nothing for symptoms0% (0)
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Recovery time was fairly easy and less then 4 weeks0% (0)
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Had to much pain afterward0% (0)
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Would not suggest having surgery0% (0)
Any help?View Thread
This is my first time posting here but after doing a lot of research on Nissen's, this forum seemed to be the most updated. I am 32 and have been suffering from GERDS since I was 18 when I was diagnosed with it after it put me in the hospital for trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. On the 3rd day the Dr's did an Endoscopy and located several ulcers in my esophagus and said I had GERDS.
My family doctor treated me for about 8 years but every new medicine that he would give me would last around 2 years and stop working. Finally, he referred me to a digestive disease doctor. He continued with medications and performed an Endoscopy on me every two years. Again, around that time the previous medicine would cease working. Eventually, I ended up taking the most recent medication, Dexilant (formerly Kapidex). I started off at 30mg, then 60 mg. Back in December it stopped working and he then put me on a cocktail of Dexilant, Pepcid, and Protonix. That cocktail worked for 3 weeks and quit working in January.
My GI Dr. said I was a great candidate for a Nissen and referred me to a surgeon trained in performing the procedure. I hesitated at first and decided against it, but the symptoms were getting worse. My last Bravo gave an above average reflux reading every 15 to 20 minutes with or without food. He told me that there were no more medications on the market so I went and saw 2 highly recommended surgeons in my area. After choosing the one I felt the most comfortable with, he scheduled me for the motility test (which by the way calling it hell would be an understatement) and then he also did a stomach emptying test on me.
I am scheduled for the surgery in June. I understand that sometimes the Internet can be the worst of enemies but it seems like for every 1 feel good story that I read, I am reading 9 horror stories. Needless to say I am not wanting to have the procedure done to simply stop taking medications, nor am I wanting to have it done because I have had reflux for only 6 months so I think after suffering from it for as long as I have, I would possibly have a more positive outcome then others who rushed into the surgery. But needless to say, after reading forum after forum, this procedure really has me scared. I had a ventral hernia repair done 4 years ago so I am well aware of the uncomfortable recovery that comes after a abdominal laproscopic procedure and I am prepared to handle that. But I just can't get past wondering if the side effects of a Nissen is better than living with GERDS which has just become a common part of my life?
The surgeon was very positive (of course). He did tell me the recovery would be long, that I would be on a liquid diet for 2 to 4 weeks, that I would not be able to burp or vomit, and that after 10 to 15 years the surgery MAY become ineffective so it wasn't like he blindsided me, but I am still very hesitant to have this done.
I am not sure if I am looking for support, reassurance, or just a reason to run but any comments would greatly help me either way.
Thanks everyone!!View Thread
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Acid reflux100% (2)
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ulcer0% (0)
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The next day I woke up with shortness of breath, tight chest, and constant need to yawn/burp. The burping wasn't nearly as bad as the night before. I decided to go to the gym to try and sweat it out. Did just fine, ran 2 miles in 17 minutes, moderate pace. Felt fine the rest of the day but was still having the same symptoms.
I'm not sure what's causing this and I've already ruled out asthma. I've been putting my body under a lot of stress at the gym, just jumped back in after taking a 3 week break. Just got back from the gym once again I felt fine while I was there, still had the symptoms there. I'm not in any kind of pain at all, this is just getting annoying.
I'm a 26 male, 5"11 185lbs, in pretty good shape. I do smoke but I've cut down drinking to around 2 times a week. If someone knows or heard of symptoms like this it would help out a lot. I'm currently registered to the VA Health department but its going to be another week before I can see a doctor.View Thread
Tonight I noticed his legs, shoulders, and arms showed darker pigmentation. He has also been scratching and itching his legs and feet all day. He has a runny nose, but no fever. Could this be Addison's disease?View Thread
I was recently taking Zantac 150mg twice a day. I have been suffering from lightheadedness/dizziness so one of my doctors (not my PCP) suggested I go back on a PPI. I hate to take the medicine if I could be harming my body more by taking it for so long. I decided to stop my medicine altogether for now and see how I do. There have been periods of time when I haven't needed to take anything.
Now that I have stopped taking the medicine I am having a burning sensation at the base of my neck (where the hole is between collar bones). It is uncomfortable, but not unbearable. I have also been having chest discomfort on the upper left next to my sternum. I have anxiety and the chest pain scares me because I am worried that it is my heart. I have been to my doc many times for chest pain and she assures me it is my GERD.
Sorry for rambling. I just wondered if anyone knows if taking PPI's for long periods of time is dangerous and if there are any other OTC options that don't have dizziness as a side effect (although I am not thinking it had anything to do with the medicine). Is taking OTC antacids like Zantac bad for long periods of time too?
Any help is appreciated!View Thread
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