Acid Reflux / TMJ

[Gg1988]

Currently had Acid Reflux for 11 months....taken omeprazole and now on lanzaprazole...neither which seem to work. I have went gluten free as bread seemed to be a trigger but no luck in clearing symptoms.

I am getting a endoscopy in a few weeks as the specialist believes it may be a hiatal hernia.

Added to this I also have TMJ which appears to fight with my reflux to see if it can make me feel worse than I already do. Anxiety added to the mix can bring both on strong.

Currently on day 3 of a flare up on both issues and the tension headache around my eye is unbearable and causing insomnia. Started pain killers so will see how that goes.

Has anyone had a similar mix of issues? If so, how do they relieve these during a flare up? I am always eating small portions of basic food but doesn't seem to budge.

The struggle is real at the minute

[Mauser1905]

TMJ pain killers watch out for NSAIDS or triggers for further acid related issues.

Chances are harmonal imbalances if you are a female!

Also visit opa.org.uk for detailed information on Acid reflux and treatments et al

Different tactics to be sued for symptoms management on day to day basis (PPI, H2 blockers etc) to try and mitigate a trigger of reflux. Personally I do not advocate long term symptom managements and strongly suggest root cause fix.

Now when the trigger has set loose the reflux then no amount of PPI r H2 blockers is going to help you or any postural trick or anything. Depending upon the quantum of the fluids best is to thro up/out these acidic contents, dry/soak excess remaining inside stomach by having popcorn or nicely toasted bread or other similar food and soothe the oesophagus by using Gaviscon advance liquid. now after this the postural advice, lifestyle advice helps. but the disaster requires to be managed successfully first.

you need large portions of food when the acid is more than the food being digested.

There has to be consistent pattern on eating, drinking water and most importantly sleeping. Sleep deprivation, disruptive sleep pattern are main triggers for sensitive LES reflux issues.

[Gg1988 in reply to Mauser1905]

Thanks for your reply. I had an endoscopy during the week and no visible evidence of any issues, hopefully the biopsies find something.

I came off my ppi's for the endoscopy and haven't went back on as no visible difference.

Thankfully the tmj has calmed down following a change in meds for that.

Further bloods needed and a follow up with gp and consultant....

[swinter92 in reply to Gg1988]

How are you feeling now? I can’t sleep tonight thanks to acid flare up! The pain hits me in my back and it’s horrible!

Where do you get your pain during a flare up?

[Gg1988 in reply to swinter92]

Usually the esophageus and sometimes flank if i lay flat..and tension headaches / migraines usually folloe with Insomnia and sleep troubles.

I had an endoscopy a few days ago and now waiting the results but nothing was visible from a reflux pov.

Few things I have done to try break the cycle:

*change from painkilkers and ppi's to a mild antindepressant used for migraines. I take this at night and it helps settle my tmj/ anxiety around being unwell....and as a result reduce my acid.

*Try not eat after 2pm and avoid lots of food groups i.e. white bread, caffeine, spicy food.

*walk after eating

*hot baths when in the heat of worst symptoms....heat apparently opens your esophageus. And just try positive, as hard as it is

Here's hoping you feel better soon

[swinter92 in reply to Gg1988]

I hope you get some relief soon I know how horrible it can be.

Thank you for the advice I really appreciate it