acid reflux help

Hi Steve,

From what I have read, it's really imperative that you be careful with the condition you have. Stomach acid on the esophagus is thought to be the cause of Barrett's esophagus which is a precancerous condition. Not a good thing.

How are the PPi's working for you? Do you take them as well as the papaya enzymes?

Stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M

Hi Vicki,

Yes, apparently I was getting close to Barrett's. I haven't had a second endoscopy yet to see how well the Proton Pump inhibitors have worked although I've been on Protonix for close to two years now and I've felt quite a difference.

My doctor's concern right now is that he's read that prolonged use of PPi's and possibly Protonix specifically have been linked with a vitamin B12 deficiency as well as an increased susceptibility to pneumonia. Right now he's been trying to wean me off and put me on a daily Prilosec instead. That hasn't been working too well for me. There's a surgical procedure, but it may only last ten years and I'd never be able to belch or vomit again. Not that I enjoy those, but they feel somewhat necessary.

The other natural remedy I've been using aside from papaya (which I take whenever I've eaten something naughty; and the naughty list is unfortunately long) is I've switched from my morning coffee to a hot beverage with chicory and barley malt. Apparently the chicory is supposed to help with digestion as well. I also sleep on a wedge pillow as well which isn't bad. Although that's better for keeping the acid from getting into your throat and probably wouldn't do much for stomach polyps.

Hi Steve,

Sleeping elevated is good, but also I read a posting on this site that suggests sleeping on the right side is bad for sufferers of Acid Reflux. I am not sure why, but it makes sense that if you are flat on your back, the acids in your stomach find it easier to make their way up your esophagus. Best to ask your doctor for sure. Here is a link to one of the posts that suggests sleeping on the left is better. Apparently the shape of the stomach makes sleeping on the left more difficult for the acid to creep up on you.

Good luck and stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Oh by the way, do you ever experience water brash?

Vicki M

Water brash.  I suppose I do from time to time although I've never had a name for it.  It's not always noticebly acidic, but I do get it sometimes.

I usually try to sleep on my back as much as I can stand because I had it in my head that neither side was very good to me.  I guess if I have to roll over I'll roll to the left.

Thanks,

Steve 

Hi Steve,

Hope you are getting some sleep!! Stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M