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Alternatives to PPI's Part 2

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Posted 5/16/2014 5:56 PM (GMT -7)
Hi everyone I am just catching up on your posts. Javery that is amazing about the chili and Lily, good luck with the juicing. I hope it helps! I was going to do my food shopping today and buy some carrots to start the juicing as well but work was too busy and I am not feeling very well these last few days.

Pazshalom how are you doing? Angel, Alexandra, hope you guys are doing well and that everyone is improving.

My dermatologist's nurse called me this morning saying I had tested positive for the Epstein Barr virus but they could not tell if I still had it and if it contributed or is contributing to my symptoms. The dermatologist wants me to see my internist about these results and I already have an appointment for my annual physical with my internist this Monday so I'll see what he says.

My internist is very laid back though so I see him dismissing these results as EBV is a common virus. But I am still not feeling well and it has been almost 4 months. I wonder if I should see an infection disease doctor? I will wait and see what my internist says.
Posted 5/17/2014 2:46 AM (GMT -7)

angelcat said...
Hello guys! :)

An update for me. I was adviced to have a sputum test. It's been three days
since I am taking ambroxol and having nebulizer but still I don't have phlegm. Is it because I really don't have a problem with my lungs??

I am also continuing pantoprazole, which I think is the one who reduces my
shortness of breath. Guys, do you get awake at night because of cough or your breathing? I have always had very perfect sleeping. I have read that if the cough does not disrupt
your sleeping, it may be a habit cough. Still im not sure. I was also checking myself if I have health anxiety. Most of the symptoms have
happened to me.
1. Always checking on the internet about symptoms
2. Always thinking of illness or symptoms even how little or mild the symptom
is
3. Not assured even when the doctor and tests tell its normal and fine
4. Always worried that the symptoms might be serious
5. Going to different doctors
6. Always talking about the symptoms to other friends or family
7. Very sensitive when he/she sees or watched a film/news that's about dying
or illness And more! How about you guys?

 

Dear Angel,

How was your sputum test? I hope all came well.

 I wish all a goood day.

Posted 5/17/2014 2:51 AM (GMT -7)

Hayleybw2 said...
Hi everyone I am just catching up on your posts. Javery that is amazing about the chili and Lily, good luck with the juicing. I hope it helps! I was going to do my food shopping today and buy some carrots to start the juicing as well but work was too busy and I am not feeling very well these last few days.

Pazshalom how are you doing? Angel, Alexandra, hope you guys are doing well and that everyone is improving.

My dermatologist's nurse called me this morning saying I had tested positive for the Epstein Barr virus but they could not tell if I still had it and if it contributed or is contributing to my symptoms. The dermatologist wants me to see my internist about these results and I already have an appointment for my annual physical with my internist this Monday so I'll see what he says.

My internist is very laid back though so I see him dismissing these results as EBV is a common virus. But I am still not feeling well and it has been almost 4 months. I wonder if I should see an infection disease doctor? I will wait and see what my internist says.

 

Dear Hayley,

That virus is very common, I read. I hope and pray that all is well.

Keep us informed, please.

Big hug.

Posted 5/18/2014 5:30 AM (GMT -7)
Thank you pazshalom. (((Hugs))) back to you too!

Yes I think this will be another dead end in terms of clues as to what is causing my symptoms unfortunately but I am hoping tomorrow's appointment with my internist will bring some new ideas to light. I know there is something wrong and I just want to be able to figure it out so I can get better. It's been such a long 4 months...

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. The weather by us is lovely and we even went to the beach house for a day trip yesterday and had a lovely bike ride. My first of the 2014 year! I forgot about most of my discomfort (since I had new aches and pains being the first time on the bike since December LOL) and it was wonderful. :))
Posted 5/18/2014 9:23 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Hayley, I was glad to read you had a decent day yesterday and got to ride your bike. It does feel good doesn't it to feel almost 'Normal' and do 'normal' things. I hope your doctor can shed some light for you tomorrow. I had a bad allergy attack last night to add insult to injury. I am doing the 'cleans' today ready for my tests tomorrow. So, not a good day for me with a headache and sinus problems. It can only go up from here I hope.
Javery, when I purchased my juicer the other day with it came the video 'fat, sick and almost dead'. Very interesting so I am looking forward to getting to juice once I get over these tests tomorrow.
Posted 5/18/2014 11:37 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Hayley,

I am happy that you had a good day yesterday bicycling. There is nothing like nice fresh air and being outside.

I hope all goes well with the doctor.

I Imilly,
I will be praying for your endoscopy. Everything will be alright.
I wish everybody a good day.

Hugs! turn

 

Posted 5/18/2014 1:54 PM (GMT -7)
Hi everyone!

I found this. I think it is interesting. Specially this part:

You should NEVER stop taking proton pump inhibitors cold turkey. You have to wean yourself off them gradually or else you’ll experience a severe rebound of your symptoms, and the problem may end up being worse than before you started taking the medication.

Ideally, you’ll want to get a lower dose than you’re on now, and then gradually decrease your dose. Once you get down to the lowest dose of the proton pump inhibitor, you can start substituting with an over-the-counter H2 blocker like Tagamet, Cimetidine, Zantac, or Raniditine. Then gradually wean off the H2 blocker over the next several weeks.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/05/why-you-should-get-off-prescription-acid-reducing-drugs-asap.aspx

Here is a comment I found:

Dr. Mercola's advice here as usual is good for health in general but it doesn't address the main problem. Stress causes leaky gut which leads to an overgrowth of H pylori. Stress also weakens the esophageal sphincter.

Interesting...

I hope all have a great restful and peaceful night! turn

Post Edited (pazshalom) : 5/18/2014 4:21:03 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/18/2014 4:44 PM (GMT -7)
Hi Lily, have you tried taking anything for your allergies? I am on 180 mg Allegra every morning and it helps my symptoms. Perhaps it could help yours too. Good luck tomorrow with your endoscopy and I hope you are handling the prep OK...sending lots of good luck dust your way!!!

Pazshalom, how are you feeling? Thanks for all your kind words and encouragement and I hope you are doing well :)


Keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers and sending (((hugs))).
Posted 5/18/2014 8:00 PM (GMT -7)
Thank Pazshalom and Hayley, I am exhausted! It is 11pm and I want to go to bed but still having a bit of a dash.......if you know what I mean. Can't wait for it all to be over.
Posted 5/18/2014 11:02 PM (GMT -7)
Hello guys! How are you all?
My sputum result just came out today and it's negative! Thank God!!!!!
As for my symptoms, i still have cough. My breathing is ok, plus I always exercise it, I think it really helps!
The muscle tensions are on and off. I usually feel my symptoms if my stomach is empty, or if it is too full. I am still following a low acidic diet, and I am hopeful for it!
My anxiety is lesser. Last saturday I was in an event. I feel so anxious that time, I keep on thinking about my back pain and cough. Then I went out to get water, I coughed, then I suddenly Thought, "Why and how would i get a serious illness? Besides, I don't have blood in my phlegm. I could still walk, talk, and join in an event. I have no fever! All my tests came out negative. Why would I ruin my everyday into thinking that I had a bad illness???? It means I am OK and I am healthy! That's it! Whatever I'm feeling today, will soon be gone! It's just a mtter of patience and discipline!! I am ok!!"

-then when I get in the room, I felt relief. I started socializing and laughing! Everything went out normal--- which is perfect for me! It's the first day that i felt normal again!
Until now, im so happy that even when im feeling a little hard on coughing, i am still calm and relax! Not thinking too much about it! And it all goes away! My sleep also got better since yesterday!

So i realized, anxiety was the biggest problem for me. It made my symptoms worse and longer... And now i finally let every thoughts go! It goes on and off, but I manage to control it by thinking all the tests that came out negative, by looking at myself in the mirror (i still look healthy), by remembering the assurance of my doctors who said I am ok! They are more evident and accurate than my mind who says "what if i have a serious illness? What if my gerd becomes severe?"
I am not relying on my What ifs... I am relying on God and the instruments around me that tells me i am ok! :)

Sorry for the novel!
Posted 5/19/2014 3:06 AM (GMT -7)
Hi angelcat, I am so glad you are feeling better! Anxiety is difficult to overcome and keep up the positive feelings and keeping the anxiety at a minimal. I have the same daily struggle as you and I know it can be challenging but it's worth doing what you can to focus on the good and remain hopeful.

Lily, GOOD LUCK today!!!

Hope everyone has a good day!
Posted 5/19/2014 5:51 AM (GMT -7)
I hope everyone is having a good start to their week. I did some research on pineapples a while ago and found that along with being a little acidic, they also have an enzyme that is good for protein. Because of this I decided to do a little experimenting. Yesterday all we had for lunch were hamburger patties as it was a late lunch and I didn't have time to prepare any vegetables. I've got it down to where I can cook hamburgers in 3 minutes. Anyways, I ate a few pieces of pineapple before I ate, then at 2 hamburger patties, then ate some pineapple after that. No heartburn or any symptoms whatsoever. I also had some pineapple before and after dinner and we had boneless bbq country style ribs in the slow cooker and some grilled vegetables. No heartburn or any symptoms from that either. So what I think I'll be doing is eating pineapple before and after lunch and dinner until my sprouts are ready. I used to not like pineapple, even a year ago, but now I really like it. Good thing too I guess. And because we buy 1-2 pineapples a week, we decided to buy a nice little tool that cores and cuts up the pineapple. Usually it takes about 5-10 minutes to cut it all up and everything. With the tool it literally takes 1-2 minutes to have the pineapple cut up and the tool washed. It's really nice. This is the tool we got. We bought it local and the place we bought it from even demoed it on a pineapple to show us how it worked.

The sprouts are doing really good so far. I ended up doing alfalfa sprouts that the sprouter came with and they should be ready to eat in another day or two. I've been getting inpatient and want them to be done now but just waiting. I think I may end up buying another sprouter as they are a bit smaller than I was expecting. I'll keep everyone updated on how things go with the sprouts. I'm hoping that once I start with them that I'll do it long term as they have a lot of nutrients and enzymes to help with everything. My oldest is excited about the sprouts too. She's been helping me with them and is excited to see them as they grow.

Lily,
I hope the juicing will help you. I don't think I would have gotten where I am today without juicing. I am now doing 3 kiwis and 4-6 carrots for my juices. I think it would be more beneficial to juice 2-3 times a day as well if you can afford it and your schedule allows it. I only juice once as that is what my schedule allows for. Juicing can get expensive as you go through a lot of fruits and vegetables, but I think it is well worth it for the benefits.
Posted 5/19/2014 9:53 AM (GMT -7)
I've been doing a bit more research on enzymes and I'm surprised at how much information is out there for treating GERD with enzymes but yet when you search on how to treat GERD naturally, enzymes are not that common. I've also been thinking a little about the pineapple and that since it contains bromelain which is an enzyme that helps break down proteins, I would think that even if you took an enzyme supplement that contained bromelain, that it would lower the amount of pepsin that the body produces which would potentially help with LPR as well since LPR seems to be linked to pepsin traveling into the esophagus.

I had some pineapple before and after lunch today and will do so again during dinner. So far things seem to be going good and it's been about an hour since I ate. I also noticed that yesterday I had less gas than normal and the same seems to be true for today as well. With less gas I tend to have less symptoms and no heartburn so that is even better. We ended up getting a variety of fresh fudges yesterday as well and I was a little iffy on trying them as I wasn't sure how much heartburn they would give me. I ended up eating some and to my surprise, I didn't get any heartburn at all. I almost didn't take a pepsin before bed last night as I didn't feel any heartburn at all, which I was prior nights, but didn't want to push my luck. I don't remember feeling any acid in my throat this morning either.

I guess you can say then that I am continuing to improve and have gotten back on track. I think with the additional things I have found out about that it will help me stay on track. Now it just seems to be a waiting game for these sprouts to be ready for eating. I'm wondering if I'll be able to keep up with growing enough to keep a supply that I won't run out of for a day or two. I think if I get a mixture of sprouting seeds that only takes 2-3 days then I should be able to work with that.

Here are a couple sites to check out with more information on enzymes. The information is interesting.
Digestive enzymes for gerd
Digestive Enzyme Supplements
Posted 5/19/2014 3:24 PM (GMT -7)
Good evening everyone, I pray all is well, sorry I haven't been on in the last week but after my lumpectomy last Tue I have been a little under the weather. My surgery went fine but the pathology report back was not what I was expecting to hear.:( I got the called that my mass is cancer, it is a early cancer and I am thankful for that, I have to have more test run to make sure there is no more hidden so I meet with my team of doctors on this Wed.

As far as my GERD goes, things have been pretty good this pass week and my new adventure will not stop me from continuing to get off the ppi. I don't know if it was my mind being elsewhere or the pain meds I was on, but I had NO symptoms at all until yesterday and only a little burn to remind me that the GERD is still an issue. :)

It's good to see some new posters to this thread, I really look forward to posting with you, I need to go back and read all the post I missed so I can catch up on everyone, but in the mean time just know that I am wishing you all well in your journey with this awful disease. I may not be posting as much as I am trying to get a handle on my new situation and what that entails, but just know that you all are still in my daily prayers for all of us to be rid of this horrible reflux/heartburn. I'll check back in soon!!! :)
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!
Posted 5/20/2014 2:08 AM (GMT -7)
Mouche, I am so sorry your pathology report wasn't clear but I am glad it shows the cancer has been caught early and I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for an easy treatment and full recovery and sending lots of (((hugs))).

All the best,
Hayley
Posted 5/20/2014 2:13 AM (GMT -7)
Javery, thank you for those helpful links and your thoughts on digestive enzymes. I love pineapple but have been afraid to eat it because I thought it might be irritating to my esophagus etc. I think I will give it a try next time I go food shopping. I have been taking various digestive enzymes and not sure if it is helping or not but I just ordered some more because I am running low. I have been taking a few different brands rotating with each meal just to cover all bases.

I haven't started with the juicing yet though I did buy organic carrots. I am working extra hours this week to make up for all the time lost at doctors appointments so I am a bit delayed with getting this started but hopefully soon.
Posted 5/20/2014 4:01 AM (GMT -7)

Mouche said...
Good evening everyone, I pray all is well, sorry I haven't been on in the last week but after my lumpectomy last Tue I have been a little under the weather. My surgery went fine but the pathology report back was not what I was expecting to hear.:( I got the called that my mass is cancer, it is a early cancer and I am thankful for that, I have to have more test run to make sure there is no more hidden so I meet with my team of doctors on this Wed.

As far as my GERD goes, things have been pretty good this pass week and my new adventure will not stop me from continuing to get off the ppi. I don't know if it was my mind being elsewhere or the pain meds I was on, but I had NO symptoms at all until yesterday and only a little burn to remind me that the GERD is still an issue. :)

It's good to see some new posters to this thread, I really look forward to posting with you, I need to go back and read all the post I missed so I can catch up on everyone, but in the mean time just know that I am wishing you all well in your journey with this awful disease. I may not be posting as much as I am trying to get a handle on my new situation and what that entails, but just know that you all are still in my daily prayers for all of us to be rid of this horrible reflux/heartburn. I'll check back in soon!!! :)

 

My dear Mouche,

You are going to be alright my friend. Thank God it is an early one.

We will be in prayer. All is going to be OK.

Love you in the Lord.  I send you a great big hug.

Post Edited (pazshalom) : 5/20/2014 5:04:02 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/20/2014 5:28 AM (GMT -7)
Mouche,
Sorry to hear about the bad news but at least they caught it early so you have a better chance for recovery. Through my research I keep reading how vitamin C is believed to help prevent and fight cancer. Perhaps a boost in fruits with vitamin C may help along with whatever treatment you choose to do.
Posted 5/20/2014 9:53 AM (GMT -7)
Thanks to all of you for your advices. I was on PPI's for two months. I quit taking them and the burning and reflux has come back with a vengeance, a lot stronger than before taking the PPI's. Is this normal? Is it possible to get off PPI's? If you now how please, pass it on.
Posted 5/20/2014 11:08 AM (GMT -7)
Hello all, I have been out of action for a couple of days due to the endoscopy and colonoscopy. Not a lot of news on that front the only thing I got was 'some stomach inflammation, no ulcers and biopsies taken. Nothing about gerd or acid reflux. I was told to add more fiber to my diet. How odd because I have been eating lots of oatmeal and I am more of a fruit and veggie type of person rather than meats. I didn't see the doctor after the tests but maybe that was a good thing because I wouldn't have remembered anything he said. I will wait for the biopsy results to come in then make an appointment as I have lots of questions. I was reading up on stomach inflammation (gastritis) and one of the medicines recommended is acid reducers, the very thing I am trying to get off so that doesn't make sense to me. I have been taking acid reducers for years so how did I get stomach inflammation one might ask. I have had blood work done and that was all fine. It is going to be interesting.
Mouche , I am sorry you didn't get such good news after your surgery. I hope you will still try to stay positive, you can beat this. Keep on posting so we know how you are doing.
Javery how are your sprouts doing? It must have felt good to have some fudge for a treat on the week-end with no negative effects. Isn't pineapple very acidic? Or is it one of those fruits that turns alkaline once eaten. I have avoided pineapple for years so that is good news that you could have it without feeling bad.
Hi Salud, Yes once you stop the PPi the acid reflux can come back with a vengeance. It is better to wean off the PPI slowly.
Posted 5/20/2014 12:28 PM (GMT -7)
Hi Salud,

Here is my post related to your question:
Hi everyone!



I found this. I think it is interesting. Specially this part:




You should NEVER stop taking proton pump inhibitors cold turkey. You have to wean yourself off them gradually or else you’ll experience a severe rebound of your symptoms, and the problem may end up being worse than before you started taking the medication.

Ideally, you’ll want to get a lower dose than you’re on now, and then gradually decrease your dose. Once you get down to the lowest dose of the proton pump inhibitor, you can start substituting with an over-the-counter H2 blocker like Tagamet, Cimetidine, Zantac, or Raniditine. Then gradually wean off the H2 blocker over the next several weeks.



http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/05/why-you-should-get-off-prescription-acid-reducing-drugs-asap.aspx



Here is a comment I found:

Dr. Mercola's advice here as usual is good for health in general but it doesn't address the main problem. Stress causes leaky gut which leads to an overgrowth of H pylori. Stress also weakens the esophageal sphincter.



Interesting...



I hope all have a great restful and peaceful night!
Posted 5/21/2014 5:09 AM (GMT -7)
My first batch of sprouts were harvested last night. Ate some of them with dinner and they don't taste bad at all. I've got another batch growing right now. These ones are a mixture of beans so I hope I like them as well. I think a mixture will be better as I'll get more of a variety of nutrients and enzymes that way. I think these other ones take less time to grow as well. Not sure if it was the help of the sprouts or I'm just still improving but no heartburn or symptoms last night even after ice cream and some fudge.
Posted 5/21/2014 7:06 AM (GMT -7)
Good morning everyone,

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers:)

@Lily, I'm so glad your test are over and you made it through, so you said they did a biopsy and all they could see was gastris? I have read that long term ppi use can cause that but also can treat it, it's all so crazy to me. So they did not confirm GERD? I also can't believe the dr didn't come out to talk to you, mind did and even though I was still a little loopy I did remember some of what he said.:) my husband had to fill in the blanks later. Lol!!! Well I pray you get good results on the biopsy and that you continue to feel better.

@javery, thanks for the recommend on the vitamin C, believe me I have been looking into all kinds of natural treatments for both conditions. I also love spouts, I may look into what you are doing, but I must say that the daily watermelon I eat has done WONDERS for me, by far the best thing that settles my symptoms down, I call it my miracle fruit.

@Haley, I pray you can find some answers to your situation really soon, it's hard to suffer with such symptoms and with no one knowing why or how to help. So glad you had a good day at the beach and a bike ride!!!

@Pazshalom, thank you so much for your concern, I got your email but just saw it, so forgive me for not replying. You have a really soothing spirit about you and I feel every heartfelt concern you have about people, and even though none of us here have ever met I feel this strongly about you and others here. This may not be the place to share this but oh well I felt compelled to. :)

@angiecat, the anxiety OMG the anxiety, I have been really trying to keep this under control lately, it really is tough sometimes. But I do find that doing some of my favorite things like gardening, walking and just staying in prayer really helps a lot. Just wanted to share that with you.

Well I woke up today and had a little burn, had my daily watermelon and I am better, I'm still on my 20mg of Nexium and will continue with that. I haven't had the headache or the queezy feeling so I guess my body is adjusting to the lower dose. I'm also thinking I may do another month of 20mg before reducing to the 10mg of the granulated packets, not sure though. So on that note I'm happy with how my reduced dosage is going and believing that the next step down will also go well.

Post Edited (Mouche) : 5/21/2014 8:12:11 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/21/2014 9:05 AM (GMT -7)
Love you Mouche

You have a great heart, I know that The Lord will heal you completley. We wil keep on praying.

I did not know about the watermelon, i will try it my dear friend.
Yes! We are friends forever!
I am so happy that you are adjusting so well with the PPIs reduction. I am in 20 Mg Prilosec OTC and 150 zantac a day.
I am doing OKish. But better than when I was on 40 mg Omeprazol ER twice a day. I am going to do the same as you are going to do, slowly.. Love you sister. I am also trying to relax.
Keep up the spirit. God loves you, and so do I.

Big Hug!

Post Edited (pazshalom) : 5/22/2014 4:55:00 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/22/2014 6:38 AM (GMT -7)
According to wiki answers we are out of luck...lol

What can a person eat when they have Acid Reflux?
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