Protonix (Pantoprazole) works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medication is known as a proton pump inhibitor. If you are having problems with PPI's perhaps you would do better with an H2 histamine blocker like Zantac (rinitidine.) The pains you are feeling in your stomach in chest could certainly be attributed to your not taking the medication. However the best thing to do is ask your doctor for sure. Online sites are wonderful resources for information to help you ask all the right questions, but they can not take the place of your doctor's solid medical advice. Only you and your doctor know what is the best treatment for you.

There are a couple of articles with handy tips for dealing with and preventing acid reflux online. You might find something helpful that will help you lessen the dosage or frequency of the protonix you take.

Dr Eisner answered some questions back in December and one of them asked about Papaya juice benefits for acid reflux. Here is his answer. Apparently Papaya juice has Papain in it which is beneficial for some folks suffering with acid reflux.  Pineapple also aids in digestion and chicory tea is soothing for Acid Refluxers.

This article gives you information about foods to avoid and lifestyle changes you can make. A user asked about avoiding acid reflux in foreign countries, and Krystle suggested this this blog about eating at work, and another about healthy lunches . 

There are some great tips here about how to deal with acid reflux. Also, try some of these ideas. 

Acid Reflux Diet

• First of all, try to eat small, frequent meals instead of three big meals a day. Small amounts of food each time would exert less workload on the stomach and therefore requires less acid secretion for digestion. Make sure to include foods that are high in complex carbohydrates in each meal. These foods, such as rice, breads and pasta, are able to tie up excess stomach acid and are often easy on the stomach.
• Avoid high-fat meals such as those from the fast food chains. High fat foods will remain in the stomach longer, thus causing the need for more stomach acid in order to digest them.
• But remember, don't overeat! Eating too much of any foods will stimulate the stomach to secret more acids for digestion.
• Avoid or limit alcohol
• Maintain upright position during and at least 45 minutes after eating

There is also a sharepost thread here started by a member named Ladyisis. You can read the entire post here, but Ladyisis was struggling with several conditions including acid reflux. She wanted a more natural way to cope. Some of the suggestions given to her are in this post as well as some of the things she found successful.

Hope this helps. Make sure you stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M