Acid Reflux / GERD - Any Recommendations?

[CV355]

Long story short, I worked myself near to death over the past few years and developed some pretty nasty health issues along the way. (lesson here, work to live, not live to work!)

One of the prescriptions I was put on temporarily caused me to develop the worst case of acid reflux I've ever experienced. I can't even lay down for 5 minutes without feeling stomach acid jet up my throat. I used to eat the hottest peppers in the world like it was nothing- now I can't even look at a bell pepper without getting heartburn.

Last night at 1AM I woke up choking on blood and acid- was close to going to the ER but got it to subside after 15 minutes or so. I don't know how it got down my windpipe but damn. I almost passed out from coughing so hard.

My doctor said this should go away since I'm no longer on one of the prescriptions but it seems to be getting worse. I want to try the apple cider vinegar trick but I've read it either works great or makes the situation worse. I even made dietary changes to help with this but it seems hit/miss

Has anyone experienced anything like this? Any ideas/suggestions?

(and yes, I'm bringing this up to my doctor. I'm stubborn but not a complete idiot...)

 

[03Sssnake]

I tried prescription strength PPIs, didn't really help me much and longterm those can be bad, so I wanted a more permanent solution. Does your family have a history of it? My dad and brother both have it bad too.

My acid reflux was getting to the point where it was hard to work out, run etc. I have found skipping meals, fasting has helped me a lot, so I usually pass on breakfast and try to eat dinner earlier in the evening as well. I also try to limit the amount of dairy too. This so far has worked for me and I only occasionally take a Zantac/Ranitidine.

 

[MastaAce03]

Have you tired Omeprazole?


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[colin450]

I don't get it nearly that bad. If I drink a bunch of beer or eat fried food, the next day I have the feeling that I always need to be clearing my throat and/or coughing which is GERD. Prilosec works great for me which is just Omeprazole.

 

[Revvv]

It sounds like you have more than acid reflux. I'm pretty sure you have a nasty ulcer caused by the acid. Blood is never a good sign.

I am seriously advising you to go see your Dr. It would not hurt to have a few tests performed to ensure things are good. I promise that you do not want your stomach to become perforated due to an ulcer. You also do not want a ruptured blood vessel. Those are things that can kill you.

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[RDJ]

Get a second opinion. If you are coughing up blood and he has not sent you to a gastro doc to be checked out he may be risking your health. Find a gastroenterologist and go talk with them. If he is one get a second opinion.

 

[GNBRETT]

spends like an ulcer

 

[CV355]

I appreciate the feedback so far, guys.

I was also under the suspicion that it could be an ulcer... Damn.

 

[ZYBORG]

Go see a Gastro bro. Find a good one.

Keep in mind that Doctors are just as bad (if not worse) than mechanics. Too many of them out there just care about pumping numbers through their office and the almighty bucks.

 

[JimCSHO]

Get it checked again.

I take Omeprazole daily now. Years of untreated GERD caused me to develop Barrett's Esophagus, a precursor to esophageal cancer. I get scoped every 3 years now to keep an eye on it (was just in on Monday for the test, thankfully it hasn't progressed).

Watch the time you eat in the evening.

Your description with blood is not good and warrants more investigation and testing.

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[jk57]

I have the same thing gerd and acid reflux I’m on 40 mg x2 of nexium also I get it checked out like every 5 yrs


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[ssssnake]

My husband and I suffered from it for years. We tried everything - elevating the head of the bed, Prilosec, etc. I lost weight, and it stopped most of it. I limit eating or drinking after a certain time. My triggers were spicy food, ice cream or liquor. Now, it I wake up in the night with that burning sensation, I just go mix up some soda water - half a teaspoon of soda mixed with water in a short glass. Does the trick immediately. If you are bleeding, then I think you need a doctor's advice. I hope you make an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

 

[Recon]

Coming from a previous case of stomach ulcers and acid reflux I can say the apple cider vinegar helped a great deal. Due to my naturally nervous stomach and finding out later I was in fact allergic to apples, I couldn’t drink the vinegar by itself. The taste of it made me nearly throw it up, I’m sure being allergic to apples didn’t help the situation. After numerous experiments I found that mixing it with orange juice would mask the taste the most of any drink I tried.
I would also consider going to a gastroenterologist, as others have stated. You might be experiencing long term side effects of the medication you were on.


Pick your poison.

 

[Never_Enough]

Have you tired Omeprazole?


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This works for me. I have bad heartburn & shit too. If I go enough days without taking it, it's hell. Can't take Omep daily for too long though, it causes other health problems. I need to look into an OTC replacement.

 

[Mojo88]

Been there, done that, without the blood though. Gastro doc told me I had Eosinophilic Esophagitis, treatable but not curable. Anyway, I had to eliminate trigger foods (spicy, tomatoes, etc.). I also elevated head of bed. I used PPI's for short time, just to get over the hump, but modifying diet was the big thing for me. I am also trying to live with less stress, doing some meditation.

Anyway, go see doc, and good luck!

 

[NY03SonicConv.]

+1 on the omeprazole and seeing a gastro doc. You need to be scoped. After months working at the World Trade Center site I have several health issues and one is the gird. The endoscopy will let the doc check out your G.I. tract, the blood could be due to erosion, which is caused by excessive acid. A hiatal hernia will allow acid to back up into your throat.I spent many nights sleeping in a recliner until I got things under control. For now you can raise the head of your bed, I used 4" couplings from Hom Depo under the legs. Nexium is available over the counter and is good but takes a few doses to start to work.

 

[jshen]

Have you tired Omeprazole?


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You can get it over the counter but you have to double the dose....and it works like a champ! I've been taking it for 10 years (lawyers have stressful days)
+1 on the scope

 

[SID297]

Reduce caffeine intake.

 

[L8APEX]

It sounds like ulcers. I had pre-ulcers in my stomach and small intestine. Been on PPI since 6th grade but the doctor is making me stop because of the long term liver damage it can cause.
Get some chewy tums for acute heartburn, they work awesome. I've found that oddly enough a regular Dr. Pepper can help. Worked for me and a few others I've told and have tried it. Avoid Pepsi or Coke, Pepsi is based on peptic acid and coke will make things worse as well.
One of the companies I do IT work for sells supplements and have a product called "stops acid reflux" (apple cider vinegar,ginger, garlic juice). People will drive across Denver to get it at the Colorado stores. I have a bottle here in my office here in KS, I haven't used it yet, so I cannot say how well it works for me.

 

[Malern28us]

I know you will find this offensive but...
Coming to a car forum to ask about medical care is like asking a whore for investment advice.
There is a certain liability to even suggesting medications, even over the counter.
Your medical history, allergies and medications will affect how it is treated.
Generic advice like elevate your head and avoiding certain food items or drinks is the only thing I would go with until you see a physician.
Why don't you try going to a medical based site if you want treatment advice?
Acid Reflux is no joke. I had a patient that developed esophageal varices and tried to die on me while he continuously puked up clotted blood.
Don't play around with your life.