fiber anyone?

Diseases & Conditions GERD & Acid Reflux
1
I started taking fiber pills a couple of weeks ago.  I follow it with a huge glass of water but my bowel movements are more difficult and less frequent than before.  Has anyone tried fiber to get rid of the acid reflux?  Am I doing something wrong?
2
HI Hearty:
 
I just answered one of your other posts! I have severe Acid Reflux Disease and have never been told to try fiber to help relieve the pain. When I used fiber for constipation it was Citracil, recommended by my much loved Gastro. It helped. I also use Stool Softeners, which I prefer. I have Crohn's Disease so the Stool Softeners were more comfortable on my intestines.
 
If you have had an Endoscopy and Acid Reflux is severe, I don't know of anything other than prescription drugs that can help with the pain. And if it is severe it's most likely that you will have the problem for the rest of your life. One possibility is surgery but it's usually not recommended. After the surgery the acid reflux problem can actually get worse so unless the pain is constant and nothing helps, surgery is not the answer.
 
No one likes to think of themselves having to take medications forever but sometimes we have no choice. I'm someone who will always have medicines I need to take because there are no cures for my health problems. Not an easy thing to except but after so many years I've decided I'll take the meds over the pain any day. I'm a real whimp. I hate pain!

~~IF WE CAN'T LAUGH, WE CAN'T SURVIVE~~

3
I'm on Apple Cider Vinegar for the past 3 days . Seems t be ok.
Why not give that a try?
4
I consume a lot of fiber as a rule because I also have IBS. I take 1 fibercon/day and also eat a lot of legumes and grains (which is making my stab at a low carb diet painful). I don't know if it's helped my GERD. I would only know if I stopped all fiber.

Too much fiber will plug you up so drink more water!

~Niki
5
Hello Nikib5,
I read that you also have IBS-C as well as Gerd. So do I, plus I have Diverticlosis!
I was curious on what other daily "safe" foods you eat. I have been suffering alot, loud stomach rumblings,low pelvic cramping. I lost 50 lbs since August and I'm afraid to eat. I drink Silk Soy milk in the morning with fresh fruit in a blender along with (Shaklee) Protein powder. Maybe a Yoplait in the afternoon,which may be a bad thing, so having gerd like we do, our we supposed to cut out all the dairy altogether? Gluten free foods I'm trying out. Mostly all wheat products and pasta have gluten. And maybe a cup of long grain brown rice with lean turkey for dinner,but I don't like to eat at night before bed..that's a big no no. Take care
6

Hi UnhappyCramper! Your username says it all.

Actually, I have IBS-D, so that's maybe handled a little differently. I have that under control for the most part. It is the GERD that threw it out of wack for a while and brought it back. Caltrates got the diarrhea under control and I need a fiber supplement (fibercon). I'm lactose intolerant, so I haven't done milk in years.

You have diverticulitis? How were you treated for that?

As for safe foods, I'm trying to figure that out with the GERD. I know what I can't eat or at least can't eat much of. For breakfast, I usually have some cereal with soymilk. I just found one that is by South Beach diet that is low in carbs. We'll see how that goes. For lunch, I've been making salads. Not leafy ones, but like tabbouleh or ones made with grains (quinoa is a great one). They seem to be easy to digest for me. Dinner, I'm having a hard time figuring out. I love potatoes, but they don't seem to like me anymore. I'm also vegetarian, so I do stir frys and I like those meatless burgers. I'm finding that small meals are the ticket. I can't eat much either in the evening.

I hope you do better and find better foods. Unfortunately, it's trial and error.

~Niki