Any advice on the management of acid reflux -my oesophagus would be really grateful.

[FlippertyGibbert]

My GP has diagnosed me with acid reflux - I have had heartburn on and off for years- but the last few weeks symptoms are worse. Lots of burping, salivating, horrible taste in my mouth, liquid sometimes effortlessly regurgitates back into my mouth, feels like there is a lump in my chest. GP - prescribed me omeprazole - I have rarely had side effects to medication but I couldnt tolerate it - I've tried twice now. So I have decided to stop and am taking OTC ranitidine - I will go back to gp - but it will be a w eek before iget an appointment - tips advice self medicate help would be really helpful x

[MerryInthechelseahotel]

Apparently caffeine (or maybe just coffee?) is really bad for causing these symptoms and I find eating cake/biscuits bad also doesn't stop me though

[Aquelven]

I find cold milk helps.

[Primrose123]

Cold milk for me too, and dry cream crackers.

My DD makes lovely cakes, but I can't eat them after about 5pm or I get heartburn. I'm not sure why, could it be the flour perhaps? I try not to eat anything too heavy in the evenings.

[FlippertyGibbert]

All the things I love are bad for me! Appreciate advice - everyone -Korma do you think it's worth having 2 x 75 mg ranitidine till gp appointment?

[TapirsCaperWithReindeers]

If you can't take the side effects of omeprazole, there are quite a few other PPI (proton pump inhibitors) that you can try - Lansoprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole.

[Nocomet]

My Dr. gave me some lansoprazole when I was living on ibuprofen for siatica.

Not only did it stop the ibuprofen making me feel sick, it cured the heartburn I'd had since DD2 was born several years earlier.

[AngryFeet]

www.healthline.com/health/gerd/foods-to-avoid

Don't smoke. Eat more small meals. Don't eat in the 3 hours before bed. Prop the top end of your bed up 6 inches by putting books under the legs. Don't wear tight clothes.

Try keeping a food diary to see what makes it worse.

[FlippertyGibbert]

Thanks peeps - have done all the general advice which has helped a little - I don't smoke anyway - and have been bra less tonight which has unsettled my husband lol!
I am hoping Tapers - that Gp will prescribe an alternative PPI - was thinking of doubling the OTC ranitidine (until appointment ) combined with a swig of Gaviscon Advanced ?

[bigwellylittlewelly]

I developed severe acid reflux in my mid twenties due to stress, I ended up on a cocktail of drugs and was really quite il. Eventually radically adjusting my diet and exercise fixed it although I still have bouts.

I cut out all alcohol, citrus and acidic drinks, drank water or black tea and ensured I drank enough.

I cut out all sugar including fruits.

I stopped eating red meat and ate only lean white meat or fish and reduced saturated fats.

I halved my portion sizes, never ate within three hpurs ofnbed and slept on a raised pillow.

within six months most symptoms had gone, although I probably now have a slightly sensitive gut.

[FlippertyGibbert]

Bigwelly - I fear I am heading very quickly into these very strict restrictions - it's been miserable the last few days- and I have had difficulty eating - I thought I might just stick to fluids tomorrow to give my gut a rest and wonder if that might help

[Badvoc]

Cut out dairy and wheat and see how you feel.
Also, raise the head of your bed

[FlippertyGibbert]

Very little sleep with the reflux - think I need emergency appointment today !

[watfordmummy]

Hi I'm just recovering from surgery to help my chronic acid reflux, agree with all the advice, but would recommend being referred to a specialist who should be able to help.

It is unusual to have to have the surgery but you need to be aware that there is an option.

I also cut out fizzy liquids which did help,

I also couldn't take omaprasalone (sp)!!! Came out in a lovely rash all over body and before op was on a cocktail of 6 different drugs a day!!

Good luck it is miserable xx

[BillyBanter]

Has your doctor tested you for heliobacter pylori?

[FlippertyGibbert]

Watfordmummy - hope you are feeling better- what surgery did they do for you in the end?


Billy- will ask them to test me today- I believe it can be done by stool sample. Yuck.

[somersethouse]

Agree with Billy, has the doctor tested you for the bacteria?

I have just been diagnosed like you, have cut out alcohol, fizzy drinks and am drinking loads of wáter but that is about the only changes I have made. I don't eat meat anyway.

Am on omeparazole 20mg a day for 6 weeks, it seems to be working.
I still drink coffee, they didn't tell me not to, I was told to follow a 'bland' diet, no alcohol or fizzy drinks or smoking (afraid I am still smoking but have cut down massively). I am in Spain, so this is Spanish advice. I had a tube into my stomach with a camera on the end and they found a hiatus hernia which is connected totally to the Acid Reflux.

I hope you feel better soon.

[MoaningMingeWhingesAgain]

I third getting tested for H Pylori
Very likely underlying cause.
and ranitidine is usually prescribed at 150mg whereas the otc ones are 75mg.

[TapirsCaperWithReindeers]

It is entirely possible that your GP will prescribe a different PPI for you - if you mention that you've been taking OTC ranitidine, you may get a prescription for that too. Whilst you're waiting for your appointment, I'd say to stick with what you're taking at the moment, but take one ranitidine in the morning, and one at night - plenty of milk or water, and cut down on fizzy juice.

A H pylori test can be done during a standard blood test - how did you get on today?

[Summerdaydreams]

Similar to what everyone else has said re diet. But just to say, and by no means to worry you, but do keep a close eye and if symptoms persist, Consider requesting a endoscopy. I am not sure your age?

[watfordmummy]

Flipperty I had my stomach wrapped around my oesophagus in a 360 mesh!! Drastic but appears to have worked!! Reflux is miserable xx

[FlippertyGibbert]

Hi everyone thanks for all advice - I ended up in hospital Thursday night - dripped and nil by mouth- came home Saturday. I am to have an endoscopy and a barium swallow as an outpatient- no medication prescribed! So - although rehydrated - I am still in the same position! Sticking to fluids and very bland soft diet which I seem to be managing - hope these appointments come quickly ! Lots of bloods done -in hospital my discharge letter mentions fbc platelets of 480 - I don't know if that's any significance- I feel my dehydration was treated - but not the cause- wait and see following these tests - just hope they come quickly x x

[FlippertyGibbert]

Watfordmummu - that does sound drastic! But if it's worked - the relief must be amazing x x

[somersethouse]

Poor Flipperty

Don't worry about the endoscopy, I put off going and wish I had done it earlier, it is a little uncomfortable but over in minutes and they will see immediately what is wrong.

Hope the tests come through very soon. Agree, they have treated the symptoms but not the cause.

Try and enjoy the rest of you weekend x

[charlieandlola]

My dh suffered with this for years - after elimination diet we worked out he is lactose intolerant . Now in lacto free diet but symptom free . It's your body's way of saying something isn't right, but it's trial and error to find it. Good luck !