Acid reflux/heartburn

[Dorset22]

I suffered with odd bouts of Acid Reflux about ten years ago and took antacids and Nexium after a heavy evening meal. I believe I have had silent reflux for the past few years. About 6 weeks ago I had a terrible episode of a burning sensation in the middle of my chest and acid reflux and since then I have had digestive issues including flatulence after eating and sitting down and heartburn at night. I took Omeprazole for two weeks but it made me unwell. I phoned GP and he prescribed Famotidine. Have taken this for over a month and still have symptoms. Also take Gaviscon. I had to sit up to sleep last night because of discomfort in my chest. The reflux has changed to heartburn. I also find I have to drink milk or yoghurt between meals because I get discomfort and feel hungry. Have changed my diet to exclude caffeine and certain foods etc. I believe my mother suffered from this and my sisters have it too. Will I ever get rid of it. Next I suppose will be GP visit and hospital check up.

[ParkSchool5]

Hello, so sorry to hear about your symptoms. I have been suffering from similar problems for several years. I can only drink tea, water or milk and have to sleep sitting up, I find nightime is worse for the acid reflux burning up into my throat despite Omeprazole and Gaviscon. You could try Gaviscon Advance which was suggested by my ENT consultant, it works better than normal Gaviscon. You may have developed a Hiatus Hernia, which can only really be diagnosed by Endoscopy or Barium swallow. Good luck, hope you get it sorted out soon.

[Dorset22 in reply to ParkSchool5]

Thank you. I am taking Gaviscon Advance. Hope to get some answers soon.

[Smithie49]

I have been trying Famotidine with no luck. I also feel extremely tired but don't know if that is the cause.

[Dorset22 in reply to Smithie49]

I think it is very debilitating because you continually have to monitor what you are consuming. I am now taking Lansoprazole and so far it is controlling my reflux and nausea. Hope it continues as I know some people don’t get on with it. Have also been referred for Endoscopy which is a bit scary but I want to try and get an answer.

[Smithie49 in reply to Dorset22]

If it's of any help, I found the endoscopy no problem other than the embarrassment of opening my mouth wide when in fact he put the camera through my nose!!! There was no pain or gagging as he'd sprayed anaesthetic into the back of my throat. Afterwards I couldn't swallow for a while which was unpleasant but wore off quite quickly. I'm finding taking medication for both PMR and reflux is causing me confusion as I don't know what's causing what!!!!! I'm going to have to give up wine altogether for a while as that definitely upsets my stomach and coffee, even decaf is aggravating it.

I'm pretty sure stress caused a lot of these issues and old age isn't helping. However, I'm off for an overnight camping trip today and will scrape up the energy somehow.

😁

[Dorset22 in reply to Smithie49]

Thank you for the advice. I know what you mean about getting older. You seem to get lots of problems. A friend said that the body lets you down and she was right. I think this is genetic because I remember my mother having problems but was unaware of why. My sisters suffer with acid reflux too. I am having a few days away and now will have to eat and drink sparingly. Having decaf tea and coffee and missing wine. I go to bed at night hoping I will not feel ill.