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NEW TO GERD HELP

Posted , 3 users are following.

abbie49193
abbie49193

Hello,

My symptoms started about 2 weeks ago as far as I know. I had been sick with laryngitis and sinus issues for a while. Went on antibiotics and everything seemed to be clearing up. I had scheduled an appointment with my ENT during my time fighting sinus issues and almost cancelled the appointment because I seemed better. I went ahead and went and told him everything that had been going on. I told him my biggest complaint is that my voice still sounded a little raspy and I had a slight cough that was hanging on. He went a head and ran a scope in my throat for just a few seconds and said my esophagus was very red and irritated. He prescribed me Prilosec 40 mg and sent me on my way. I didn't take it because my throat was not hurting and I seemed fine, but over the next couple days my throat began to burn. I went ahead and started myself out on the Prilosec OTC 20 mg because 40 mg just seemed like a lot. Over the next few days I noticed a pattern that the reflux would start right before I ate lunch and of course at bedtime. This has went on every day for the last 2 weeks. On Friday I went to the doctor because my anxiety is through the roof. I'm having panic attacks and I didn't feel the medicine is working. He had me go ahead and take 20 mg in the morning and 20mg at night. After 9 days on this medicine total I'm not seeing any relief. At night is the worse. All the pain is in my throat mostly. The cough is there daily. Sometimes the pressure goes to my ears and sinuses. Antacids don't help. Not much does. Im losing weight from not eating very much. Everything tastes terrible and my mouth burns. Anyone else experience any of this? How long did it take for you to see improvement with medicine? I've changed my diet completely and I've been sleeping sitting up for the last 2 weeks. Nothing seems to help.

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Barretts
    Barretts abbie49193

    Posted

    You have symptoms of reflux. Note: Acid and Reflux are two separate, though frequently connected, entities.

    Your Prilosec (omeprazole) will reduce acid but not reflux - just making it less damaging. 40mg is a standard high dose usually prescribed for a few weeks whence it may be reduced to the 20mg maintenance dose. It can be prescribed at higher dose. I was on omeprazole for 15 years prior to having a fundoplication (anti-reflux surgery) , the last few of which were at 80mgs.

    You need to reduce your reflux by lifestyle modification - or failing that consider surgery.

    Lifestyle changes: lose weight if necessary, Eat small meals frequently (little and often) - 5 half sized meals spread through the day is better than 3 big meals. Eat slowly, chew well and keep upright. (It's not what we eat as how we eat that's important. ) Avoid exercise after food that compresses, shakes or tilts a full stomach. Avoid tight clothing. Leave at least 3 hours between last meal and bed.

    • abbie49193
      abbie49193 Barretts

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply. I'm actually very thin and have lost 6 pounds over the past 10 days. I think it's mostly my fault. I did way to much research over the internet and scared myself. I haven't been eating right because I was afraid of having a reflux episode. Each day seems different. Today I'm coughing a lot and my neck and face feels flushed. I've been on Prilosec for 10 days now. I've heard it can take 2 weeks to see real results, with people who suffer daily episodes. I hope this clears up soon. I saw my Gastro Doctor today. She wants to do an endoscopy. It's going to be about 2 and a half weeks before that's done. I worry about damage to my esophagus. I don't know how long this has been silent reflux before turning to this.

  • joyce_01483
    joyce_01483 abbie49193

    Posted

    I personally think you need to see a gastro specialist especially if the medication is not working, also these meds can have horrible side effects, so you need to make another appointment with your GP and ask for a referral to the gastro people. Good luck and hope you are feeling better soon.
    • abbie49193
      abbie49193 joyce_01483

      Posted

      I saw my Gastro today. She didn't want to change my medicine. She said it can take a couple weeks to help. I've been on it 10 days. I know my anxiety hasn't helped, but this has been so miserable. I hate when the reflux runs up into my sinuses. It burns and then my tongue is yucky. The only time I have real comfort is in the morning. I sleep sitting up but the reflux goes all night until around 3:00 a.m. I'm going to try taking gaviscon before bed tonight and see if that help. Antacids do nothing

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