Guest guest Posted October 30, 2003 Report Share Posted October 30, 2003 , the presence of acid in the esophagus on a regular basis is what is called GERD (or GORD for those in the UK) -- Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. If acid is constantly in the esophagus, it will eat away at the tissues in the esophagus (the stomach is made of a different type of tissue that is able to withstand the acid, but the esophagus is not.) This can contribute to the development of cancer. If the Nexium combined with the alterations to your doctor is not able to control your acid level, then you need to look into other ways to reduce the acid in your stomach. Have you tried any of the other PPI drugs (PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitor)? I take Prevacid because of a duodenal ulcer, and it did a great job for me (my ulcer healed up, and no new ulcers.) There are others on the market that you can take, too, or maybe a higher dosage of Nexium. The timing of your Nexium may make a difference, too -- Nexium is NOT to treat a heartburn attack, but rather to prevent one from happening in the first place (to help a heartburn attack that's already in progress, use an antacid (Mylanta, Tums, Rolaids, etc.) to neutralize the acid that is present.) Ask your pharmacist when the "peak" time is for Nexium (which is when your blood has the highest concentration of the drug), and then try to time when you take the medicine to make the peak time coincide with when you're most likely to get a heartburn attack. Example (these are made-up numbers -- get the real peak time from your pharmacist, and use your own "typical heartburn time" to figure the best time to take the meds): If the peak time is 8 hours from when you took the dose, and you usually get heartburn around 8pm, you would want to take the meds around noontime (eight hours before a typical attack) so that they can be working the hardest right around the time you're most likely to have the highest stomach-acid levels. Your doctor may also want to do a 24-hr pH study on you -- they put a measuring device down your esophagus and measure acid levels for an entire day, then download the information into a computer and figure out how much acid you have and when. HTH!Debbi This has been asked over and over But I am worried Can "Heart burn" over along period Cause ulcers then Cancer ???? I get Heart burn big time I take Nexuim Am on a diet take Tums after lunch and dinner And still get heart burn I have an appointment with the GI Doctor nov 18th I made this appointment 3 mos ago I told you he said If I need him Go to the ER Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2003 Report Share Posted October 30, 2003 Thanks -- Re: heart burn , the presence of acid in the esophagus on a regular basis is what is called GERD (or GORD for those in the UK) -- Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. If acid is constantly in the esophagus, it will eat away at the tissues in the esophagus (the stomach is made of a different type of tissue that is able to withstand the acid, but the esophagus is not.) This can contribute to the development of cancer. If the Nexium combined with the alterations to your doctor is not able to control your acid level, then you need to look into other ways to reduce the acid in your stomach. Have you tried any of the other PPI drugs (PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitor)? I take Prevacid because of a duodenal ulcer, and it did a great job for me (my ulcer healed up, and no new ulcers.) There are others on the market that you can take, too, or maybe a higher dosage of Nexium. The timing of your Nexium may make a difference, too -- Nexium is NOT to treat a heartburn attack, but rather to prevent one from happening in the first place (to help a heartburn attack that's already in progress, use an antacid (Mylanta, Tums, Rolaids, etc.) to neutralize the acid that is present.) Ask your pharmacist when the "peak" time is for Nexium (which is when your blood has the highest concentration of the drug), and then try to time when you take the medicine to make the peak time coincide with when you're most likely to get a heartburn attack. Example (these are made-up numbers -- get the real peak time from your pharmacist, and use your own "typical heartburn time" to figure the best time to take the meds): If the peak time is 8 hours from when you took the dose, and you usually get heartburn around 8pm, you would want to take the meds around noontime (eight hours before a typical attack) so that they can be working the hardest right around the time you're most likely to have the highest stomach-acid levels. Your doctor may also want to do a 24-hr pH study on you -- they put a measuring device down your esophagus and measure acid levels for an entire day, then download the information into a computer and figure out how much acid you have and when. HTH!Debbi This has been asked over and over But I am worried Can "Heart burn" over along period Cause ulcers then Cancer ???? I get Heart burn big time I take Nexuim Am on a diet take Tums after lunch and dinner And still get heart burn I have an appointment with the GI Doctor nov 18th I made this appointment 3 mos ago I told you he said If I need him Go to the ER Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2003 Report Share Posted October 30, 2003 wrote: >... Can " Heart burn " over along period Cause ulcers then Cancer ???? ... Acid in the esophagus is not our friend. Not only can it cause erosions/ulcers, but they can cause scarring. Over time that scarring can cause a stricture. We don't need that. And yes, long term acid reflux (GERD) is a risk factor for esophageal cancer. However, the risk is very low. Generally, before cancer a person would get Barrett's esophagus. One study fallowed 143 patients with BE for over four years and only one developed cancer. You can read about all this and more at: UC Health System Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Heartburn http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/ucdhs/health/a-z/85Gastroesophageal/doc85.html or http://makeashorterlink.com/?K32023366 There is also a little on the page about NERD (Non-Erosive Esophageal Reflux Disease). There is a pain with NERD that reminds me of what we call spasms. " NERD, patients have no signs of inflammation or erosion in the esophagus, but they experience certain symptoms of GERD, such as burning sensations behind the breastbone for at least three months. Researchers suggest that nerves lying near the surface of the lining become exposed to acid that has penetrated the layers. The nerves then trigger prolonged and painful symptoms in response. " I take that to mean that the pain can last long after the acid is gone. You could take tums until there is no acid and the pain will not go away. Note though that the explanation is only a suggest one, so I guess they really don't know what cause that pain either. notan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 26, 2004 Report Share Posted April 26, 2004 If Nexium is not working you may have some other problem, such as ulcers or Gastritis. I hope your doctor can help determine the problem. Boston Pete -----Original Message-----From: Bartolino [mailto:jfbartolino@...]Sent: Friday, April 23, 2004 10:47 AMachalasia; smilingachalasia Subject: " heart burn" I have been on Nexuim It's not helping any more I took one every morning 20 minutes before breakfast I also had to take an ant- acid after every meal and maybe before bed I do watch my diet No spices etc etc I am making and an appointment with the Dr Any suggestions on what to ask for ????? Thanks I am off to have a tooth pulled Lucky me ____________________________________________________ IncrediMail - Email has finally evolved - Click Here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 26, 2004 Report Share Posted April 26, 2004 , I was wondering if the 'lactic acid' which is said to form from the decomposing food in the lower oesophagus is not what causes this "heartburn". I have been on Lanzor for a couple of months and its worked well, but the last few days I have had renewed problems with acid - not as bad as before, but definitely an acid which wells up to irritate. I have been careful not to let food build up, but that is not always possible and I wonder of this could not be the problem. What to do about it is another story. Joan Johannesburg South Africajpearse@... RE: " heart burn" If Nexium is not working you may have some other problem, such as ulcers or Gastritis. I hope your doctor can help determine the problem. Boston Pete -----Original Message-----From: Bartolino [mailto:jfbartolino@...]Sent: Friday, April 23, 2004 10:47 AMachalasia; smilingachalasia Subject: " heart burn" I have been on Nexuim It's not helping any more I took one every morning 20 minutes before breakfast I also had to take an ant- acid after every meal and maybe before bed I do watch my diet No spices etc etc I am making and an appointment with the Dr Any suggestions on what to ask for ????? Thanks I am off to have a tooth pulled Lucky me ____________________________________________________ IncrediMail - Email has finally evolved - Click Here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 26, 2004 Report Share Posted April 26, 2004 Joan, Lanzor, lansoprazole, is a specific proton pump inhibitor of the gastric parietal cell. Chemically it is almost the same as Nexium or Prilosec. Which are esomeprazole, and omeprazole. They should all work relatively the same. The effect of the drug is in proportion to the dose. More will work sometimes when the smaller dose does not. Sometimes a higher dose will do the trick if it is stomach acid which is the problem. If it is not stomach acid, then you would want a doctor to determine if there are other conditions. The more time I hear people speaking of their condition on the forum, the more I am convinced there is a condition occurring that I would call "Esophageal Fermentation." But since you are lactose intolerant (Am I correct) It is not lactic acid build up! But rather fermentation creating fatty acid, acetic acid, methane, carbon dioxide, and water. If fermentation is occurring, then you would be burping very often, and would have an acid forming in your esophagus. If you are not burping often then I am wrong. Fermentation will occur with microorganisms, food, water, and heat. Fermentation will create carboxylic acids rather than alcohol when oxygen is allowed contact with the reagents. I believe esophageal fermentation may be the main cause for heartburn in Achalasia patients. Boston Pete -----Original Message-----From: Joan Pearse [mailto:jpearse@...]Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 2:10 PMachalasia Subject: Re: " heart burn" , I was wondering if the 'lactic acid' which is said to form from the decomposing food in the lower oesophagus is not what causes this "heartburn". I have been on Lanzor for a couple of months and its worked well, but the last few days I have had renewed problems with acid - not as bad as before, but definitely an acid which wells up to irritate. I have been careful not to let food build up, but that is not always possible and I wonder of this could not be the problem. What to do about it is another story. Joan Johannesburg South Africajpearse@... RE: " heart burn" If Nexium is not working you may have some other problem, such as ulcers or Gastritis. I hope your doctor can help determine the problem. Boston Pete -----Original Message-----From: Bartolino [mailto:jfbartolino@...]Sent: Friday, April 23, 2004 10:47 AMachalasia; smilingachalasia Subject: " heart burn" I have been on Nexuim It's not helping any more I took one every morning 20 minutes before breakfast I also had to take an ant- acid after every meal and maybe before bed I do watch my diet No spices etc etc I am making and an appointment with the Dr Any suggestions on what to ask for ????? Thanks I am off to have a tooth pulled Lucky me ____________________________________________________ IncrediMail - Email has finally evolved - Click Here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 26, 2004 Report Share Posted April 26, 2004 If fermentation is occurring, then you would be burping very often, and would have an acid forming in your esophagus. If you are not burping often then I am wrong. Pete, This sounds like a dumb question, but would one be burping from the esophagus or the stomach? Sometimes I really can’t tell, and I do burp a lot. It makes me wonder if Dr. Rice was right about my having reflux. Sandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2004 Report Share Posted April 27, 2004 Sandi, If you haven't been eating for a while, then your stomach is probably empty. If you are burping on an empty stomach I would guess it was from esophageal fermentation gases. Pete RE: " heart burn " If fermentation is occurring, then you would be burping very often, and would have an acid forming in your esophagus. If you are not burping often then I am wrong. Pete, This sounds like a dumb question, but would one be burping from the esophagus or the stomach? Sometimes I really can't tell, and I do burp a lot. It makes me wonder if Dr. Rice was right about my having reflux. Sandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2004 Report Share Posted April 27, 2004 Thanks Pete! You have summarised it well. I do burp and this is what I expected the cause of that was as well. So much for all the liquid food that is supposed to go down and not linger ! I am taking 30mg of Lanzor at night and 15 mg in the morning and if I remember correctly that is the maximum dosage. One thing though which none of the pharmacists or the doctor tells you, and you only find out reading the package insert, is that it must ge taken at least 30 minutes before a meal. That I find difficult and often forget so perhaps I do not always get maximum benefit. I am not just lactose intolerant but allergic to all milk components therefore it simply does not feature in my diet and yes, lactic acid would not be formed, but carboxylic acids ! I have been thinking along those lines but lacked the scientific knowledge to explain it so nicely. Many of those with myotomies have had fundoplication as well and in theory at least that is supposed to stop stomach acid from refluxing into the oesophagus, but they still have "heartburn". I will find out tomorrow if I have had a fundoplication - I was not told at the time. What one does about this ? I am not able to regurgitate and empty my Oesophagus at will as before - so it is not very full - I suspect some gunk is lurking in the folds [small diverticuli] which do not empty easily. I try and drink water to dilute the acid but that is only temporary - I eat Rennies by the handful - they don't work for long. I have tried having food every 2 hours - something for the acid to chew - obviously not a great idea. An aluminium hydroxide with chlorpromazine [i think- it is an antispasmodic] helps for a while because the aluminium hydroxide coats the oesophagus - however I am on thyroxin and may not take that within two hours before or after aluminium hydroxide. If I wasn't such an arthritic cripple I suppose standing on my head might help get it out, but then I might drown!!! Joan Johannesburg South Africajpearse@... RE: " heart burn" If Nexium is not working you may have some other problem, such as ulcers or Gastritis. I hope your doctor can help determine the problem. Boston Pete -----Original Message-----From: Bartolino [mailto:jfbartolino@...]Sent: Friday, April 23, 2004 10:47 AMachalasia; smilingachalasia Subject: " heart burn" I have been on Nexuim It's not helping any more I took one every morning 20 minutes before breakfast I also had to take an ant- acid after every meal and maybe before bed I do watch my diet No spices etc etc I am making and an appointment with the Dr Any suggestions on what to ask for ????? Thanks I am off to have a tooth pulled Lucky me ____________________________________________________ IncrediMail - Email has finally evolved - Click Here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2004 Report Share Posted April 27, 2004 Joan - despite all of your physical limitations, you always are so positive!!!!!! Keep it up, I am sure it is what keeps you going oftentimes!!! Cindi ____________________________________________________ IncrediMail - Email has finally evolved - Click Here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 23, 2009 Report Share Posted August 23, 2009 Just wondered if I have been having heartburn every day for the last couple months or so but am not losing weight etc what might be causing this? I have been too tight before so I dont think its that but it does not seem to be getting any better and sometimes worse and I am not losing weight and have not for several months. Just wondered if this could be common. I might get it checked out this week but I live 3 1/2 hours from the Everett office. Thanks for any input given. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 23, 2009 Report Share Posted August 23, 2009 I did the same thing going months with reflux. Don't let it continue. You are too tight and the possiblity of aspiration pneumonia from the reflux will lay you up and cost you more if you like me end up in hospital for three days. That was followed by 6 mo of having little energy. Please, take the time to go get help asap! I am 5 1/2 hrs from NWWLS or at least 2 hrs from twice monthly fill clinics in Yakima. Nothing will stop me from an unfill again if I need it. Kathy R in Walla Walla From: SPreuninge@... <SPreuninge@...> Subject: heart burn Date: Saturday, August 22, 2009, 11:12 PM Just wondered if I have been having heartburn every day for the last couple months or so but am not losing weight etc what might be causing this? I have been too tight before so I dont think its that but it does not seem to be getting any better and sometimes worse and I am not losing weight and have not for several months. Just wondered if this could be common. I might get it checked out this week but I live 3 1/2 hours from the Everett office. Thanks for any input given. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2011 Report Share Posted July 17, 2011 I had heartburn since the moment I got pregnant the first time...that was 1961! I think I supported the Tums factory. When I had my Hellers in 2009, he did a Dors Fundipliction and I have not experienced heartburn at all since. Still have Achalasia problems (dont we all) but no GERD was a blessing. So if you have GERD and are going for a myotomy....ask about a fundiplication. Best to all! What a family we have here. in Santa Barbara In a message dated 7/17/2011 8:33:01 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, grneyegrrl@... writes: Hi Priti- My son has to take prevacid twice a day every day since his HM. if he doesn't he too suffers from heartburn which has caused him in the past to develop esophagitis. Did his doctor prescribe an antacid? Glad to hear he's doing well under the circumstances! Sent from my iPhone On Jul 17, 2011, at 9:07 AM, Preeti Mahajan <_priti19.mahajan@..._ (mailto:priti19.mahajan@...) > wrote: > Hi, > > My son experienced a really bad heartburn last night for the 1st time after his surgery. I was feeling really helpless. > I have read many posts on this and trying to learn as much as I can through them. > I tried to give him cold water, that did not work... milk was tasting bad as it may have spoiled, I need to check then he eat some french vanilla yogurt and that did not give him relief either. I am in tears and feeling so bad. Finally I gave him the Tylenol codeine pain killer and then some warm water to drink that helped him to sleep. I am not sure why these come? Is it due to the type of food he ate/drank? Does it mean the surgery was not very successful? Is this one of the mystery like achlasia? > > I am wondering how will he cope with this when school starts..a little worried about that too. > > Any suggestions/comments welcome > > Thanks, > Priti > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2011 Report Share Posted July 17, 2011 I have a glass of wAter w 1/2 tsp of baking soda in it. I do a small glasss bc I don't like taste real well. But it really helps with the acid factor. For me the prescriptioneds for heart burn caused me to have MORE hot acid than I did to begin with!! Ofcourse, I sleep well reclined. I don't eat after 7 if I can help it. And for some reason water makes it all worse!! ~ On Jul 17, 2011, at 12:28 PM, julieok@... wrote: > I had heartburn since the moment I got pregnant the first > time...that was > 1961! I think I supported the Tums factory. When I had my Hellers in > 2009, > he did a Dors Fundipliction and I have not experienced heartburn at > all > since. Still have Achalasia problems (dont we all) but no GERD was a > blessing. > So if you have GERD and are going for a myotomy....ask about a > fundiplication. > > Best to all! What a family we have here. > > in Santa Barbara > > In a message dated 7/17/2011 8:33:01 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, > grneyegrrl@... writes: > > Hi Priti- > > My son has to take prevacid twice a day every day since his HM. if he > doesn't he too suffers from heartburn which has caused him in the > past to > develop esophagitis. Did his doctor prescribe an antacid? Glad to > hear he's > doing well under the circumstances! > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Jul 17, 2011, at 9:07 AM, Preeti Mahajan <_priti19.mahajan@... > _ > (mailto:priti19.mahajan@...) > wrote: > > > Hi, > > > > My son experienced a really bad heartburn last night for the 1st > time > after his surgery. I was feeling really helpless. > > I have read many posts on this and trying to learn as much as I can > through them. > > I tried to give him cold water, that did not work... milk was > tasting > bad as it may have spoiled, I need to check then he eat some french > vanilla > yogurt and that did not give him relief either. I am in tears and > feeling so > bad. Finally I gave him the Tylenol codeine pain killer and then > some warm > water to drink that helped him to sleep. I am not sure why these > come? Is > it due to the type of food he ate/drank? Does it mean the surgery > was not > very successful? Is this one of the mystery like achlasia? > > > > I am wondering how will he cope with this when school starts..a > little > worried about that too. > > > > Any suggestions/comments welcome > > > > Thanks, > > Priti > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2011 Report Share Posted July 17, 2011 Yes. My son can take Tums if needed when the prevacid isn't enough. If he's still getting heartburn after trying both of those though I would call the doc. Did they do a dor fundoplication or wrap ? Sent from my iPhone On Jul 17, 2011, at 2:24 PM, Preeti Mahajan <priti19.mahajan@...> wrote: > Maybe forgetting one dose of acid capusule is the reason as yesterday he forgot his morning prevacid and only had the evening one. Let me keep an eye and see if he has it again. Today morning he is doing good and happy to have oatmeal in the morning and mashed potatoes for lunch. Just wondering if he has 2 dose of prevacid as prescribed by the doctor and if he still gets acid heartburn, can he still take tums or it will be too much antiacid medicine in his system. > > Thanks everyone for sharing what works for you all. > > I will keep you posted > > Priti > > > > > Hi, > > > > > > My son experienced a really bad heartburn last night for the 1st time after his surgery. I was feeling really helpless. > > > I have read many posts on this and trying to learn as much as I can through them. > > > I tried to give him cold water, that did not work... milk was tasting bad as it may have spoiled, I need to check then he eat some french vanilla yogurt and that did not give him relief either. I am in tears and feeling so bad. Finally I gave him the Tylenol codeine pain killer and then some warm water to drink that helped him to sleep. I am not sure why these come? Is it due to the type of food he ate/drank? Does it mean the surgery was not very successful? Is this one of the mystery like achlasia? > > > > > > I am wondering how will he cope with this when school starts..a little worried about that too. > > > > > > Any suggestions/comments welcome > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Priti > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 18, 2011 Report Share Posted July 18, 2011 Hi.. Getting heart burns accompanied with restlessness is more or less a regular feature in the initial few weeks post myotomy... I remember getting those, post my myotomy in jan 2009. A capsule of antacid and ice cool water (make sure it is swallowed in small sips) could provide me the comfort...But at work these things were not possible immediately...So had to live with agonizing pain for some time... But these things more or less subside with time...The only thing that need to be religiously and stringently followed that one must NOT lie down flat for at least 2 hours after having breakfast / lunch / dinner / snacks, etc etc... Ater more than couple of years after surgery I can say that " For an EX achalasian, lifestyle has to be seriously compromised " .. This is unfortunately the truth.   Enjoy & Cheers...  Sanjiv ... from Mumbai....   > Hi, > > My son experienced a really bad heartburn last night for the 1st time after his surgery. I was feeling really helpless. > I have read many posts on this and trying to learn as much as I can through them. > I tried to give him cold water, that did not work... milk was tasting bad as it may have spoiled, I need to check then he eat some french vanilla yogurt and that did not give him relief either. I am in tears and feeling so bad. Finally I gave him the Tylenol codeine pain killer and then some warm water to drink that helped him to sleep. I am not sure why these come? Is it due to the type of food he ate/drank? Does it mean the surgery was not very successful? Is this one of the mystery like achlasia? > > I am wondering how will he cope with this when school starts..a little worried about that too. > > Any suggestions/comments welcome > > Thanks, > Priti > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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