Hi Fruitylynn,
Welcome to Health Central!!
The symptoms you have described are classic GERD symptoms. You have probably already heard this, but it helps to read through the basics again and will help you when it's time to see your doctor, to ask all the right questions.
The overview here is really a good read for learning the terms that will help you understand what is going on with you and the GERD. If you have symptoms and want to check them to see if they might be GERD related, you can find those here. To learn more about the Protonix and other medicines that are prescribed by doctors for the treatment of GERD you can look at the drug database here.
As far as your tomato sauce issues, Jan Gambino has given you very good advice. Let your stomach and throat have a little break and give it time for the medicines to help you heal. Then when you are ready, you can try small amounts. To help lesson the acidity of the tomato sauce, you can add a little sugar to the recipe. That will help cut the acidity of the sauce. Nothing scientific, just my grandmother's handy tip! Also, there is a section where Dr Eisner said that papaya has papain in it and that tends to be soothing for acidic tummies. In this article he also recommends pineapple and chicory root tea.
I hope you find this information helpful!! Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!
Vicki M
Hello and welcome to our support community! I hope the new medication reduces your reflux symptoms. Many people with GERD also benefit from:
eating small meals
eating more frequently.
eating slowly
chewing well.
If a food seems to cause a flare up, it might be a good idea to avoid it.
Easy to digest foods are recommended: carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Fried and high fat foods may cause fullness and digest slowly, leading to discomfort.
Water is the best drink. Many adults with GERD find that soda and carbonated drinks and caffeine trigger reflux.
Good luck and happy (careful) eating.
Jan Gambino
Lynn,
I feel your pain! I enjoy all of the foods on your list too!
Here are a few more ideas:
First, give the medication some time to heal the esophagus. Maybe in a few weeks you will be able to eat a small amount of the high acid foods without the terrible pain. In a few weeks, you can experiement with a smaller amount of tomato sauce on your favorite or try some non tomato based pasta dishes.
Also, my refluxers are also severely lactose intolerant. The main symptoms are bloating, fullness and stomach aches. Your doctor can give you further information about this condition and whether a breath hydrogen test is needed.
My refluxers wade through the world of italian food with great care but they are able to enjoy some dishes.
Take care,
Jan Gambino
The Refluxmom
Hello!
You have really been through a lot of health issues. I am so sorry. It can be very frustrating and lonely too.
Do you have a primary care doctor to help you sort out the different health conditions, medications and treatments? A good primary care doctor will meet with you on a regular basis to look at the big picture. Sometimes a specialist will serve as the case manager/coordinator. That is fine too. You need someone to look at all of the symptoms and figure out the best course of action. While there may not be a "cure", you should insist on some good pain management.
Good luck,
Jan Gambino
The Refluxmom