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After 7 years of reflux misery have found RELIEF

Posted , 20 users are following.

Dyezee
Dyezee

I just want to share this, it might help somebody. After 7 years of reflux problem, just the silent type then more lately, heartburn too sometimes, I have found sonething to bring total relief. My biggest problem was chronic coughing and throat clearing. It was irritating to me and everyone around me and totally exhausting. I was prescribed Lanzoprazole 30mg pet day and a Beconase spray twice a day. No tests first. Did not really help. After coming to this forum I started experimenting. I found that flat diet coke relieved heartburn. Strange, it is acidic, the opposite of the meds! I stopped the meds and found a little relief, now convinced the meds made me worse! I then decided to take some probiotics. I bought acidophilus and am taking two chewable tablets per day as per instructions on the bottle. Have been taking for just FOUR days and COUGHING NO LONGER. It feels like a miracle. I just feel so calm and well. Amazing. I will go see doc and tell him to remove the other meds from my prescription. Will only be taking BP meds from now on. If you have not tried taking probiotics I urge you to try.

9 likes, 35 replies

35 Replies

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  • lynne69494
    lynne69494 Dyezee

    Posted

    Really interesting, l used to get terrible heartburn and indagestion, but later pain attacks diagnosed as gall bladder inflammation, after it was removed the symptoms went.  But l was diagnosed with acid reflux by different consultant, and put on cimetidine, but l never felt heartburn on indagestion but wasnt sure if that was with taking cimetidine, then years later started with chronic nausea, fatigue, no appetite, lived off tiny plain snacks, lost weight, l know what you mean dyezee, it is like living under  a cloud, trying to function and do what you need to daily with will power and great effort, as with going shopping, socialising near stops, in your own world, then get down with it when it goes on and on, months years. Anyway finally got scope and diagnosis gastritus, ibs, put on omprazole instead of cimet, also taking duiretic bendor hbp, he prescribed 2 omprazole twice a day, chemist thought it too much, suggested starting on 2 or 3, after 2-3weeks still felt bad, been experimenting with diet, lactose free etc, but had run out of omprazole and easter hols, and today is best day for a while, it is like coming back to life, doing things, just feeling better in yourself, l had bought probiotics, only taken 2-3 so far,

    l saw gastro last week, he resented me asking questions, also said omp remove 95percent acid, also inferring its not normal to question things, we argued, in a civil way, he just touched a nerve, as l think sometimes some docs will tell you anything, l,d also mentioned achy throat and raw tongue as if hot, he just ignored it as not connected yet l,d read many post of others with same,  it had taken them years to diagnose me severe  intersticial cystitus, pain put down to gyny, then hormone, finally phycalogical, the gp at the time was hopeless but reluctant about referrals, and like most l trust him, so now more cynical, plus there is more knowledge through net and advice from others, so will be off omprazole for a few days, will take probiotics, might give the apple vinegar and coke a try. l didnt doubt the inflammation seen, but doubted about the acid, as l,d experienced that badly before gall bladder and not since.  Seems to me some docs dont examine listen or thing enough, and are more text book responses, l know how you feel dyzee as those years have gone, but it does feel brilliant to feel well without nausea, and have some energy and motivation, get things done,  it is a calmess or content after years frustration boredom anger and  upset. Now more hope.

  • shamuu32
    shamuu32 Dyezee

    Posted

    I have misery everyday,do your reflux make it hard to breathe at times???? I am taking nexium 40mg twice a day with no relief throat feel like t closing up stuffy nose sometimes I cann breathe thru my nose just strictly mouth breathing I don't have the classic heart burns just the fullness in my chest while and after eating my left arm sometimes hurt pains in my back when I get what I call a full attack in wen I can really hardly breathe light headed mess shaking can't real focus,oh jaw pain is constant after my attack I get this fatigue tiredness sleepy feeling while I am recovering from the attack,I had two stress test one back in June of 2014 and another in nov 2014 dr said my heart was good ,I am at my end of the rope I work in a physical environment and I dread cry before I go to work cause it's hard to work under these conditions sometimes walking a block or two gets me winded
  • Bibi42
    Bibi42 Dyezee

    Posted

    Hi Dyezee

    Thanks so much for taking the time to let us all know this miracle cure you've discovered. Constant coughing up phlegm or clearing my throat has driven me mad these past years and I didn't know it was connected with the acid problem. Would you mind telling me the brand of chewable acidopholous you are using and did you buy it in a store or online? 

    I learned long long ago that acid reflux is more often than not due to not enough acid in the stomach so I take vegan HCl (hydrochloric acid) that I get from the Finchley Clinic in London (online) if I remember to. This might be better for you than the flat coke which I'm sure has all kinds of chemicals in it. 😀

    • Dyezee
      Dyezee Bibi42

      Posted

      Acidophilus, Holland & Barretts own brand
    • mark43974
      mark43974 Bibi42

      Posted

      Hi

      I find that the HCI with Pepsin works best. I take 2 with each main meal and havent had a single bout of reflux since I started taking them 3 months ago after suffering daily for over 20 years

       

    • Bibi42
      Bibi42 mark43974

      Posted

      Hi Mark

      Yes, the HCl that I take contains pepsin too.  I've just re-read something I heard about a long time ago - a way to check how much HCl to supplement with. I see that you are up to two, although this is probably enough for you if it has stopped the problem. It says to take one initially before your meal. If you notice a burning sensation in your gut then you do not need any extra acid. If no burning is experienced, then the next day you'll need to take two, and the next day three etc. On the day that you notice a burning sensation it indicates you have reached the maximum your body needs. At this point, you must drop back one capsule and stick to that level - the one you were at the day before the burning sensation. The body can learn to produce its own acid again, apparently, so it isn't always necessary to continue supplementing with it. 

      I'm writing this mainly for others to read, although there is plenty online about it. Poor you suffering with it so badly and for so long! 

    • mark43974
      mark43974 Bibi42

      Posted

      Hi Bibi

      Thanks for your post ... i havent really tried the dose increasing routine yet because the results have been so dramatic on taking just two caps in terms of starting to digest food properly.

      Think I will keep that in reserve in case theres a relapse!

       

  • Bibi42
    Bibi42 Dyezee

    Posted

    Many thanks Dyezeethanks. I'll be there as soon as they open tomorrow! 

    Enjoy what's left of Easter!

    • Dyezee
      Dyezee Bibi42

      Posted

      Thank you Bibi, let me know how you get on and a Happy Easter to you.
  • mark43974
    mark43974 Dyezee

    Posted

    Hi

    Re the too much/too little acid debate, I have lived with acid reflux for most of my life. I had been on Omeprazole for about 15 years during which time the reflux morphed into acid regurgitation ... awake most of the night belching back acid flavoured undigested food 12 hours after I had eaten it!

    Things came to ahead on Boxing Day 2014 at which point I decided to do some research online in a desperate attempt to change things. As a result of this I read and bought into the idea promoted mostly on amercian sites that the problem with reflux is that you dont produce enough acid and this puts pressure on the valve at the bottom of the oesphagus. The arguement was that the medical profession just treat the symptoms not the cause (which if you believe this theory actually makes taking PPI's worse!). 

    Since this time I have been taken 2 Hydrochloric Acid with Pepsin tablets with every meal (except breakfast) along with Digestive Enzymes. I havent had a single bout of reflux or regurgitation since doing this and mostly have an overwhelming sense that the food is being efficiently digested.

    I still have discomfort because I believe that my oesophagus has become damaged over the years ... i'm working on this ( I think a strict diet is the answer) but do find that Slippery Elm helps to soothe.

    There is an excellent link that I could provide for people relating to acid reflux but for some reason this site chose to delete my post when I replied to someone else on here, however they are quite easy to find because in the US reflux is approaching epidemic proportions

    Hope this helps

    • Dyezee
      Dyezee mark43974

      Posted

      I take acidophilus but could have bought that with pepsin included (I didn't). Would the one with pectin included be better do you think? I think I have a slow digestive system as I rarely feel REAL hunger. Most days I am fasting between 5 or 6pm and 7 to 9am the next day.
    • mark43974
      mark43974 Dyezee

      Posted

      Hi Dyezee

      The reason I take the HCL with Pepsin is because my reflux seemed to be caused by not digestinig food properly. Apparently the stomach needs to produce a certain amount of acid to digest particularly protein (I dont take the tablets if i'm not eating protein). My philosophy is simple if theres little to undigested then theres little to reflux.

      All I can say is that the results since taking the supplement have been remarkable, no reflux and an overwhelming sense that the food has moved from the upper stomach to the lower stomach in the 3 hours or so that it should take (not the 10 hours plus that it was!).

      The advice to take HCL with pepsin comes from research online (the advice is that it is more effective with pepsin, not sure why)

      You can get both of these on Amazon and there are some further interesting testimonials on there as well.

      I will try the Acidophilus because I still have a certain amount of discomfort in the oesophagus region and i suffer from nasal drip but its certainly nowhere near as bad as it was.

      I also take Digestive Enzymes to help the digestive process. these are also available online.

      Because we are all different I think its a question of trying different things until you find out what works for you.

      Good luck!

      Mark

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  • ann66647
    ann66647 Dyezee

    Posted

    Have just joined the forum.  Having sufered with acid reflux for many years, have just been informed that I have a small segment of Barretts!  I will certainly try the probiotics you recommend.  How do we find out if we have too much acid or not enough?
    • mark43974
      mark43974 ann66647

      Posted

      Hi 

      There is a test for stomach acid called the Heidelberg Stomach Acid Test which involves fasting etc.

      Alternatively there is a quicker, but possible less reliable Bicarbonate of Soda test that you could try

      This test works by drinking baking soda and creating a chemical reaction in your stomach between the baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and hydrochloric acid (HCL). The result is carbon dioxide gas that causes burping. Ingesting baking soda is an old school natural home remedy for upset stomachs. 

      Here’s the Quick, at Home Way to See if You Have Low Stomach Acid

      Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 4-6 ounces of cold water first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything.

      Drink the baking soda solution.

      Time how long it takes you to belch. Time up to five minutes.

      If you have not belched within five minutes stop timing.

      In theory, if your stomach is producing adequate amounts of stomach acid you’ll likely belch within two to three minutes. Early and repeated belching may be due to excessive stomach acid (but don’t confuse these burps with small little burps from swallowing air when drinking the solution). Any belching after 3 minutes indicates a low acid level.

      Because the time frames can vary person-to-person, as well as how they drink the solution, this test is only a good indicator that you might want to do more testing to determine your stomach acid.

      Hope it helps

  • joseph20778
    joseph20778 Dyezee

    Posted

    Hi Dyezee

    Thanks for your post. I've suffered reflux issues for about 8 years as well and for quite some time was using some antiacids but my situation got worse as from last year. I've been on PPI's (Nexium) as from last year. I wonder how long it took for probiotics and acidophillus to work for you. I took them for about two months and I didnt see any effect so I stopped taking them. Guess i should have given it some time

    • Dyezee
      Dyezee joseph20778

      Posted

      I am soooo glad I ditched the Lanzoprazole as I do not believe I have, or ever had, too much acid. My problem is I digest food very slowly. I had a flare up yesterday, after lunch, and started coughing. I was mortified and a bit upset but then I sat down with a can of zero coke and drank it slowly (over the space of an hour), belched with virtually every mouthful and then went and had a lie down (which always helps) and within half an hour I was fine. Am sticking with probiotics and coke for now. When I was initially given the PPI's actually what I needed was something to give me more digestive acid, not less. Everyone is different but for me this is working.
    • joseph20778
      joseph20778 Dyezee

      Posted

      thanks

      guess am gonna give diet coke a try too, At the stores where i bought my probiotics and acidophillus i was told that i need to take this for some time for me to see some effect,,,,,,,guess i just got impatient.....though i thought two months was enough time giving these a try....

      I agree with you that everyone is different......am gonna give it another try

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