Gerd Help!!!!!

[glassd18]

Hi Everyone!!

I have posted this before, but I'm getting desperate here... I am one of those unfortunate IC patients that can not take very many meds due to chemical sensitivity. I have terrible Acid Reflux, and can not find a med that doesn't flare me. I have tried:

Nexium
Protonix
Zantac
Pepcid
Tagamet
Zegerid

All I have left is Prevacid which looks like from the ingredient list would flare me, and aciphex (this one looks more promising).

Prevacid has a dissolve in your mouth pill now but that has strawberry flavoring, and sugar substitute.

I have taken Cytotec, but that has some side effects too, but it doesn't bother my bladder.

I'm really worried about my esophogus. There is cancer in my family, and I'm so scared I'm going to get esophageal cancer. Any advice would be appreciated.

I plan on going to my md to talk about this, but I'm afraid of what he will say. Last time I went in he said "what's wrong with you now"? I know he was probably joking, but this is no joking matter. I can't seem to take too many meds.

Thanks a bunch!!!

[dg2901]

Have you tried Prilosec?

[glassd18]

Ya I forgot to add that one to the list!! What a bummer!!! I don't understand why I can't take these as so many other ICers can. I am very chemical sensitive.

[SharonA]

Have you tried elevating the head of your bed a bit? I know someone who has done this with good results. You can put blocks of wood under the legs at the top of the bed. Try different depths to see which one works for you.

[glassd18]

I have a king size bed and it's very heavy so that doesn't sound like an easy task, but I'll try. I've seen some other past posts that had some info regarding GERD diet, and I think that maybe if I try removing a couple of things out of my diet it might help (not like I have much to remove being on the IC diet). Also I forgot to mention that I have a small hiatal hernia. Has anyone here tried Aciphex with success? Thanks for the ideas.

[SharonA]

You might want to enlist a couple of muscle guys to help. :lmao: You could also take the mattresses off and that might make it easier. I still think the muscle guys is a good idea. :lmao:

[glassd18]

Ah yes like Hans and Frans :) Hubby might oppose though!!! LOLOLOLOL

[jen74]

I also have terrible chemical sensitivites. I cannot tolerate most all meds due to side effects I get. I just tried taking ultram, only one pill a day( you can go up to 4 a day), and I still ended up with severe lower gut cramping and gas, and only with taking 1 pill a day. It really sucks having issues with taking meds or should I say not being able to take any.
For the gerd, has your doctor ever prescribed carafate to coat the stomach and esophagus? This worked ok for my heartburn, though I have not had to take it since getting IC, so I am not sure how it would effect the bladder, but it is suppose to help coat and protect the stomach. It is given to pregnant women, so it is safe. Maybe ask your doc about it. Good luck and hope you feel better.
Jen

[Mothergoose]

Hi I too have GERD and IBS/ IC/ PFD, I also have many sensativities to meds. Have you ever tried gaviscon it is OTC med that you chew up and swallow with water, I tried most other things and my gp sugested this it works better for me than anything else. It is not like tums or those sorts of thongs it form a coating on top of you stomach contents then they don't come back up your throat. I have had no problem with IC and them. I don't take them very often but they are a life saver.

Mothergoose