RE: ANTACIDS *CAREFUL* ;)

[Guest guest]

Interesting stuff about the long term use of antacids. A little off topic, but very informative as by b-in-law and first cousin just diagnosed with Barrett's Esop. - which by the way isn't cancer of the esophagus, but is indeed a marker to pay close attention as it represents tissue changes in cells (dysplasia) which can be a forerunner to these cells becoming cancerous. Intestinal cells cross over into the esophagus where they don't belong and cause quite a bit of trouble. It wasn't painful, when diagnosed, for either one of these men...... but for many years prior to their condtions finally becoming Barrett's, they both suffered from gross indigestion, pain when eating and the reflux problems. Finally it all setttled down and they both thought it was in the past - but during recent physicals (including endoscopy) both were found to have the disorder.

But, back on topic - I don't like progesterone either, but I will have endometrial cancer without it - as I have already had trouble with endometrial proliferation - also a 'forerunner' condition which can indicate a future cancer. So, I don't see where I have any choice but to take it - I mean it isn't like just because I hate taking the stuff, I don't have to is it? Is there a substitute for using the "P"? I've already had much trouble with breakthrough bleeding, spotting intermittently and endometrial proliferation and have had to have biopsy done of endometrium. I can't even use Estrace daily or even a few times a week - as it causes chocolate spotting.

Can I just tell the doc I don't like it and forget about the spotting and such?

Dusty

-----Original Message-----From: VulvarDisorders [mailto:VulvarDisorders ] On Behalf Of DeeTrollSent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 6:22 PMTo: VulvarDisorders Subject: ANTACIDS *CAREFUL*

.....and who would think that antacids might be the culprit"...

Indeed that stomach acid is 'very' important and needed for a reason. I had read that before of the risks with overdosing on antacids, or those PPI's (proton pump inhibitors) but seems to be another one of those things physicians don't even think of or to at least suggest with using antacids, esp. the more potent ones as a temporary thing and not living on them. I know mine never did at least.

They used to think that Gerd might be a cause of Barretts (cancer of the esophagus), today from what I've read recently on a CME test, contin. med. ed. class, it's not necessarily true at all in most cases and is suggested they be used 'on demand' as needed and intermittantly rather than continuously.

Also you guys know me *smile* here's just one more reason why I dislike progestins and progesterone...... a quick quote I have about Gerd & Progesterone and just adds to the list of why I dislike progesterone or progestins so much.

"Progesterone has been found to lower the pressure in the esophageal sphincter, leading to more reflux. In fact, it is probably the effect of progesterone early in pregnancy (before the uterus has enlarged enough to push up on the stomach) that accounts for the high frequency of GERD at this stage of pregnancy." From Dr. Ronen Arai, Dr. Arai is Senior Fellow in Gastroenterology at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida.

Since I was looking in my Gerd file *smile* here's another thing antacids do, they may decrease ones ability to absorb B12.... and the other thing that does that is Celiac..

Hugs Dee~

LOW B12 LEVELS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTACIDS

Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

A study from Idaho State University shows that drugs to reduce stomach acidity may decrease a person's ability to absorb vitamin B12.

Lack of vitamin B12 is common and can cause depression, loss of intelligence and nerve damage.

Vitamin B12 is found only in animals and is not found in the plant world. So complete vegans who eat no animal products can suffer from low levels unless they take vitamin B12 in supplements or fortified foods.

Lack of B12 is also caused by lack of intrinsic factor, a chemical produced by the stomach to facilitate absorption of B12; or by celiac disease, in which a person's intestines are damaged by glutin found in wheat, rye and barley.

Doctors often treat people who have belching or stomach burning with drugs to shut off stomach acidity. This study shows that 'lack' of stomach acid can also cause low B12 levels and resultant nerve damage.

*Increased vitamin B-12 requirement associated with chronic acid suppression therapy. ls of Pharmacotherapy, 2003, Vol 37, Iss 4, pp 490-493. RW Force, AD Meeker, PS Cady, VL Culbertson, WS Force, CM Kelley. Force WS, Idaho State Univ, Dept Family Med, Campus Box 8357, Pocatello,ID 83209 USA