Acid reflux unresolved

Hi Karen thanks for that I have been talking to few ppl today and the advice and suggestions have been great. I will try anything and everything. Definitely give that a go. I rly don't like taking meds. Thing is how do u tell the difference between GERD and LRP silent reflux 🤔 It's mainly my throat that's irritating. Feeling as if something is just sitting there 😔

Hi lisa, when i had these problems i felt the same like i had something stuck in my throat this feeling soon went when i used the mastika , the doc said you get the feeling of food stuck when its GERD                                                     good luck hope something works                                                                        take care        karen x

It doesn't feel stuck as such just like a slight restriction and I wheeze at times 😔 How much fun do I need to take? x

Sorry that was meant to say gum lol

Hi Karen. I got the mastika gum today. I was just wondering whether u knew whether u can take it with PPI. I am currently in lansopramole ? Thanku

Hi Karen. I know we spoke about this before but how r u getting on with mastika gum. Are u still taking it? Went doc today after finishing lansopramole and guess what the acid reflux is back! Sore throat all the time I have brought some mastika gum. Just wanted to check is it safe to take. He said I may have to take them long term and rly don't want to rely on PPIs

Hi guys. Following this thread only after a week of taking mastika gum I have felt no relief. I don't know whether I am expecting too much too soon. Also I found that only one day of stopping lansopramole I had the constant sore throat again and the restriction feeling in my throat. I don't know if I'm being too impatient but felt that uncomfortable had to restart the PPIs. Doctor said because it came back so quick it is possible I will need to take long term and I'm really concerned as I have heard awful things about long term effects with them. I really don't know what to do. I have never had an endoscopy and wondered whether it's worth requesting one to see to what extent the acid reflux is? The last thing I want is to stay on these long term. The PPI did help eventually I must admit but I know they can also make the acid worse 🙀

Firstly, most of the scare stories you'll hear about PPIs are exagerated. Many people have to take them long term but it's important you do this with the supervision of a doctor to ensure the minimum effective dose for the minimum effective time. (For some that's life.)

Much recent research has shown they probably have a chemo-protective effect so managing them may actually do more good than harm. Not everyone develops hypochlorhydria and mineral malabsorption.

And PPIs don't make acid worse, they reduce the acid produced by the stomach. Suddenly stopping can cause a rebound effect where more acid is produced for a few days.

It is worth asking for an endoscopy to ensure there's been no permanent damage.

If your symptoms are mainly reflux rather than acid and you don't wish to take acid suppressants continually, you may wish to discuss the possibility of  reflux reduction surgery instead.

Thankyou Barrett's. I've heard that also. How long would I have to wait for it to settle after coming off them? I've had it for a week now. Doctor said just take one a day as opposed to two. Sometimes my ears hurt as well. A big like sore throat and ear infection which made me think should I c ent doc but GPs don't seem to want to investigate these days. Just give u prescription after prescription! I was diagnosed with non ulcer dyspepsia about 7 years ago but main symptom is the sore throat??

Throat and ears can be indicative of extra-oesophageal reflux (commonly called LPR).

See the chapter on extra-oesophageal reflux in the Down With Acid book.

Visit www DownWithAcid org uk and scroll down the contents (home page) to find the chapter link.

PPIs aregood at reducing acid but not so good at reducing reflux.

i think it's more acid than teflux. Do u know if mastika gum is good for acid and if so could u take the two together at different times?

Mastic gum is made from tree resin. It can act as a demulcent, like applying cream to a burn and may produce more mucous that is the oesophagus's only protection against acid attack, and it has some antibacterial properties. There is no evidence nor explanation why it would reduce acid production.

As far as I am aware there should be no adverse interaction with PPIs so could probably be taken at the same time. (Check with doctor or pharmacist.)

Chewing gum (made from mastic) is often used to induce extra saliva to aid digestion.

Thank you for this advice. I only have a few left so I will finish them and just take the ppi's until I feel better and try and reduce the dose as doctor suggested. I will also look at the link u sent me. I just want to be referred so I know exactly what I'm dealing with as doctors just seem to give out meds without investigating!

I need to know like u said if there has been any damage. Thank you for all your advice. I will not give up with this until I have firm answers.

It might seem a funny question but how can you tell acid from reflux, I thought reflux was acid and they were one and the same acidic component.

Thanku for your help as always.

G.

Reflux is the passage of any material from the stomach up the oesophagus. If it is acid, it can cause erosive damage but even non-erosive reflux (NER) can casue damage if aspirated into the respiratory system.

As an appendix to Down With Acid, I compiled a list of possible symptoms and whether they may be from reflux or acid. Go to www DownWithAcid org uk and scroll right down to the bottom of th epage to find the link to Symptom Checker under Appendices.

Thank you both. Doctors never seem to explain properly. They just prescribe PPIs without a thorough investigation. I am definitely going to be asked to be referred to specialist as you say how do u know how much damage has occurred? And would PPI alone repair it? My sister has a hiatus hernia and is permanently on lansopramole. Why don't doctors keep a check on these things as in follow up testing and are the PPIs working to heal it or is it worse?!

Hi Barrett's Thanku for the link it was really interesting. However for the last few days trying to wean myself off the PPIs have had to go back on them. I find that my sore throat is on and off but can really feel the acid especially early in the day. I am a bit concerned as I feel like this just only having breakfast! I avoid the foods u shouldn't eat so why am I still getting this horrible feeling? I am scared that it's because I've already got damage to my insides and the PPIs haven't worked as well this time round but have only been taking for a week again so far.

Do u have any advice. Shall I request for an endoscopy maybe? Although that frightens the life out of me 🙀 Thanks Lisa

I have started Mastika and I must say its only been a week but my throat does not hurt as much.  Also the pain in my chest and back is much improved.  H & B have it.

 

well done gwen for trying the mastika it has been a godsend for me i have been on it for 2 years now and it has changed my life i can even eat choclate at times with  no pain good luck with this it does help x karen