Heartburn

debodun

debodun

SF VIP
Location
way upstate in New York, USA
I never remember a holiday season where I had so much heartburn. I especially feel it after I eat my own Chex party mix. I've made this other years an had no problem with it. I woke up the other night and it felt like I had sulfuric acid in the back of my throat and my esophagus was trying to push through my sternum. Now it hurts to swallow, especially warm beverages. I still feel it a little and it's worse if I lay down on my right side. I was to my gastroenterologist just a few months ago. He had me on Omeprazole for 90 days. I had gone off of it the second week in December, but now it's like I have rebound acid indigestion.
 

debodun said:
I never remember a holiday season where I had so much heartburn. I especially feel it after I eat my own Chex party mix. I've made this other years an had no problem with it. I woke up the other night and it felt like I had sulfuric acid in the back of my throat and my esophagus was trying to push through my sternum. Now it hurts to swallow, especially warm beverages. I still feel it a little and it's worse if I lay down on my right side. I was to my gastroenterologist just a few months ago. He had me on Omeprazole for 90 days. I had gone off of it the second week in December, but now it's like I have rebound acid indigestion.
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I was trying some natural remedies, but had to go with Prilosec. That is stomach acid, or bile which is suppose to be in your stomach to get the food ready to digest. Anyway, Prilosec works for me. But it shouldn't be taken long term I've read. But it's important you not let that acid come up like that because if not treated, you can harm your esophogus. Talk to your doc De;)
 

Be careful of the drugs used for heartburn. Those using PPI's (proton pump inhibitors) like Prilosec and Protonix etc) have recently been found to cause stroke and kidney problems.

Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/15/health/heartburn-medication-stroke-risk/


A popular group of antacids known as proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, used to reduce stomach acid and treat heartburn may increase the risk of ischemic stroke, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2016.
http://newsroom.heart.org/news/Xpopular-heartburn-medication-may-increase-ischemic-stroke-risk

also kidney problems-
https://www.drugwatch.com/proton-pump-inhibitors/
 
Good advice Rose, I try to avoid taking those types of pills too often, although I have some over the counter ones in my medicine chest for emergencies. I've been using 1/2 tsp of baking soda in a small amount of water if I start to get heartburn, especially at night. It will usually make you belch within five minutes and the heartburn will subside. Of course if you have an issue with salt or have high blood pressure, it might not be wise to use that.

I also take a small glass of Aloe Vera Juice (Lily of the Desert inner fillet), that helps with heartburn and soothes the esophagus, especially after an acid reflux event like Deb mentioned. I still take Tums now and then, but much less than I used to, calcium carbonate isn't good to take. I take a half cup of natural lemon water mixed with 1/3 tsp of baking soda each morning to make my body more alkaline and less acidic, and I think that's having a positive effect on my heartburn.
 
SB, what you said are exactly the alternatives I've read about; diluted lemon juice, baking soda in water (which I use once in a great while )and antacids like Tums, but everything in moderation. I have not read of the aloe vera however, thanks for the tip.

I forgot to add lansoprazole (Prevacid) and esomeprazole (Nexium) to the bad list:

Prilosec
Protonix
Prevacid
Nexium

Ask your doctor, but aside from other warnings, Famotidine aka Pepcid AC, doesn't seem to contain PPI's, at least I couldn't determine it did myself on the web.
 
RadishRose said:
Be careful of the drugs used for heartburn. Those using PPI's (proton pump inhibitors) like Prilosec and Protonix etc) have recently been found to cause stroke and kidney problems.

Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/15/health/heartburn-medication-stroke-risk/


A popular group of antacids known as proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, used to reduce stomach acid and treat heartburn may increase the risk of ischemic stroke, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2016.
http://newsroom.heart.org/news/Xpopular-heartburn-medication-may-increase-ischemic-stroke-risk

also kidney problems-
https://www.drugwatch.com/proton-pump-inhibitors/
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This is all true, but I had to do something. It was keeping me awake, and I was afraid of my esophagus being damaged so I took the prilosec. I had to learn about what the causes were so I could work on it.

I've worked on things to get my stomach acids back "in shape" so to speak. I try to eat foods that are recommended to increase our stomach acids so things work better. Age I guess, and genes differ. I hope not to need the Prilosec/omeprazole eventually as I am afraid of the side-effects (possible) as well.

Occasional heartburn is one thing, but it can be so bad you are sitting up all night every night, because you don't know what it is that is causing it.
 
Yes, I tried some alternatives which were soothing, milk helped a little, and if I used it before I ate, Apple Cider Vinegar. But it honestly didn't stop it. I had to learn what foods were making it worse, what time of day I was eating (can't eat late evening anymore). Tomatos are supposedly bad for it. There's more, but yes, I agree to do the research, explore your options, and hopefully have a wise doctor.
 
Denise, yes tomato-y things like pizza or spaghetti are bad at night, says my friend. Also donuts and other greasy things bother my son, especially donuts. Would you believe, if I eat a little ice cream and lie down, it bothers me later in the night.
I read alcohol does it, too.

Ask your doctor if Pepcid AC is safe for you (famotadine).
 
While on the subject of esophageal things of sorts, those of you drinking apple cider vinegar for various "cures", please never ever take it unless well diluted and not on an empty stomach!

I know a nurse whose son was banging down shots of the stuff and ended up in the hospital with burned esophagus and stomach lining, said it will take the better part of a year on a bland diet to heal these linings.
 
I agree you can over-due anything rr, over-use. I think the organic ACV tastes food enough not to dilute, but I wouldn't over use it;) We have to use our heads, do the research. I don't mean to ever tell anyone they "should" because I'm not a doctor. Just think that researching alternatives, but being open to conventional meds is good;)
 
All good advice above. I'd also suggest you turn off your TV and your computer for a day or two. And have a glass or three of Merlot.

I'm not a Doctor but I played one as a kid......:cool:
 
I agree, and also, throw in a walk, even around the block. The merlot is good for recovery;) I recommend no more than two glasses (and 5 ounces I'm talking) because otherwise, there is a really, strong chance of an ailment known as "sh_t-faced" but this usually only occurs in light-weight, non-seasoned, Merlot drinkers.
 
Denise1952 said:
I agree, and also, throw in a walk, even around the block. The merlot is good for recovery;) I recommend no more than two glasses (and 5 ounces I'm talking) because otherwise, there is a really, strong chance of an ailment known as "sh_t-faced" but this usually only occurs in light-weight, non-seasoned, Merlot drinkers.
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I have about 3 glasses from a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon when thoroughly fed up with everything from A to Z or just want to relax but then I'm not a light weight in any way! LOL
 
What my husband does is every evening before bed, he has one of those small lunchbox sized apples they sell in the supermarket, they can be either Pink Ladys, Granny Smith or other types. He noticed a long time ago that when he ate one late in the day like that, he didn't have any heartburn at night, so now he does it all the time. I'm not a big fruit eater, so I haven't wanted to try it. :eek:
 
SeaBreeze said:
What my husband does is every evening before bed, he has one of those small lunchbox sized apples they sell in the supermarket, they can be either Pink Ladys, Granny Smith or other types. He noticed a long time ago that when he ate one late in the day like that, he didn't have any heartburn at night, so now he does it all the time. I'm not a big fruit eater, so I haven't wanted to try it. :eek:
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I read about the apples amongst some other natural remedies, but I never tried them yet. I'm going down and buy some today Seabreeze. About how long before actually lying down does he eat them, and does he eat any other foods say, after 6 or dinner-time? It's hard not to eat a snack for me, but I won't if that's how he does it. And is he able to sleep flat on his bed, I mean without being inclined in anyway. Just want to be sure to do pretty much, exactly how he does it;)

Thanks much, I am so hoping it works because I do know all the warnings about the Prilosec. I do think short-term use is ok, but I've been on them since August.
 
Ruthanne said:
I have about 3 glasses from a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon when thoroughly fed up with everything from A to Z or just want to relax but then I'm not a light weight in any way! LOL
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;) I actually can't drink wine at all, or alcohol, because it made my GERDS worse. I hope debodun is doing better with her heartburn.
 
Denise1952 said:
I hope debodun is doing better with her heartburn.
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Had a bad night - even the oatmeal didn't work. I have a tendency to roll over on my stomach when I am asleep and that seems to trigger a bout. I wake up with acid in the back of my throat and burning feeling under the sternum. I tried liquid antacid, oatmeal and water to try to dilute it. Last night nothing worked. Each recurrence seems to take longer from which to recover.
 
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debodun said:
Had a bad night - even the oatmeal didn't work. I have a tendency to roll over on my stomach when I am asleep and they seems to trigger a bout. I wake up with acid in the back of my throat and burning feeling under the sternum. I tried liquid antacid, oatmeal and water to try to dilute it. Last night nothing worked. Each recurrence seems to take longer from which to recover.
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It's awful debodun, I can totally sympathize. Can you get to your doctor? I would do that if you are able.
 
Denise1952 said:
I read about the apples amongst some other natural remedies, but I never tried them yet. I'm going down and buy some today Seabreeze. About how long before actually lying down does he eat them, and does he eat any other foods say, after 6 or dinner-time? It's hard not to eat a snack for me, but I won't if that's how he does it. And is he able to sleep flat on his bed, I mean without being inclined in anyway. Just want to be sure to do pretty much, exactly how he does it;)

Thanks much, I am so hoping it works because I do know all the warnings about the Prilosec. I do think short-term use is ok, but I've been on them since August.
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He usually eats one anytime between dinner and bedtime, he says the sour apples work much better than the sweet ones. He does have other snacks at that time too, besides the apple. He does lie flat and we both agree that lying on the left side is better for heartburn than lying on the right side, neither of us sleep on our backs or stomach all night. No incline, he doesn't even like using two pillows. Not everything works for everybody, but good luck! Always wise to avoid the pills, either prescription or over the counter.
 

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