I've had straightforward GERD on and off for years, but it has got a lot worse in the 12 months since I have become post-menopausal (I'm 53). And after any stress it flares up really badly. I get a horrible inflamed feeling in my throat, thick mucousy stuff I keep swallowing, terrible endless belching and low-grade nausea. I getjust a bit of heartburn, and only very rarely have any pain. I have tried Losec on and off, and it helped, but after a while I developed a sensitivity to it. I got a shocking chemical/metallic taste in my mouth and my face and lips started getting tingly and numb. So I was told not to take it and given Zantac (Ranitidine) instead. I started that a a low dose (150mg) and was OK till I increased to the recommended dose of 300mg a day. It gives me dizziness and nausea (different to the GERD nausea). I am thinking about just taking 150mg at night when (hopefully) I would be sleeping and not notice feeling like ****. I thought that might at least help for 12 hrs out of 24. Sometimes antacids help and sometimes they just make me feel sicker.

I don't vomit, appetite varies, no bleeding, no pain, no weight loss (altho have lost a little due to eating less and only eating bland food) . But doc says I need an "urgent" endoscopy because I have had symptoms for years (about 5) and need investigating.

I don't smoke, drink alcohol or coffee, eat any of the usual culprits like spicy food or tomatoes or fried food. I am a vegetarian and don't use dairy either. I am just a little overweight - about 8 pounds I guess. I sleep raised up. Eat small, bland meals and am living on white rice, crackers, bananas, boiled potato, green beans and pumpkin, oatmeal, poached eggs and a vitamin pill.

So it's really the peculiar throat, thick gluggy stuff (it's not coming from sinuses), excessive belching, slight but constant nausea, dry mouth etc that is bothering me, and the knowledge that my oesophagus is probably being eating away by acid, as I write! and maybe even turning into cancer!

A kind board member has sent me some links about using apple cider vinegar and other things and I am checking it all out. Does anyone else have this problem with symptoms like mine? It will probably be a while till I can get the endoscopy, so have to worry till then - which will make it all worse
Just had an ultrasound that says my uterine lining is "too thick" for a post-menopausal woman, at 6.3mm and I need a D&C. But doc says she is far more concerned about my reflux disease than my uterus!

I don't know which one to worry about more

I am so sorry about all of this. You must be so uncomfortable. The apple cider vinegar is supposed to help and aloe vera water too. Other than that, I have nothing to offer but support. I wish I could be more helpful. I just hope you can get the endo as soon as possible and really get to the bottom of it all.

Here is some info I posted last year of things I found helpful:

After a few trips to the ER and an emergency visit to a cardiologist, I discovered that I had GERD which was causing the symptoms. It scared me to death. I do not get the typical acid in the throat, but many people do not get that, which makes it harder to pinpoint what is causing the problem.

After many hours and days researching online, I found that that many people also found that palps were related to eating. The digestive system and the heart share the same main nerve--the vagus nerve--and it seems once the esophagus is inflamed and the lower esophageal sphincter has lost its tone and does not close properly, the reflux triggers the nerves that go to the heart.

I am an ER nurse and even though I saw SO many people come in with chest pain that turned out to be new onset GERD, somehow I still didn't make the connection because I never felt the acid come up and didn't think I had problems digesting food.

But here is what I did that seemed to get rid of it, and it should be done for several months to promote healing:

I find eating very small amounts of food at a time helps. Nothing
after supper (around 6 pm latest)

No caffeine, no chocolate :-( , no citrus, tomatoes, no carbonated
beverages. No alcohol. There are other 'no-no's' but it seems very
individual. What bothers one might not bother another.

Take digestive enzymes prior to eating. Use probiotics--very important. Be sure to get a high-quality one and double-dose it for a few weeks.

Also I found hydrochloric acid helpful, taken in the middle of a meal.
It helps digest the food and lessens the chance of gas and indigestion.
BUT, some people find it makes it worse. You will have to experiment.

I also used DGL chewable after meals and at bedtime. It coats the
esophagus and is soothing so that the stomach contents don't irritate it.

Also, d-limonene from orange peel. (Don't take close to eating or you
will get an upset stomach):

http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c...502650&at=0

Acid-Ease has enzymes and soothing ingredients:

http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c...d=4952&at=0

Zinc and Vit A (not beta carotene--Carlson Vit A from fish liver oil, 10,000IU) are very healing as is Gamma Oryzanol

http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c...d=1245&at=0

Drink plenty of water.

Elevate the head of your bed so there's less chance of reflux.

This one product I ordered after hearing the Doctor on
a local radio show. It's called Betten-Aid and it's chewable. You
chew up 1-2 after meals. It contains probiotics and enzymes, and I
found it very helpful

http://www.homefirst.com/symptom.html

Hi Chico,

I also suffer from GERD but fortunately my symptoms are mostly under control with the help of prescription Prilosec. I did the barium swallow initially to determine that it was in fact GERD, that was 4 or 5 years ago. Last December I had an endoscopy just to check for any damage in the esophagus and stomach (all was clear, thank God). The doctor also checked the valve between the stomach and esophagus to make sure it is working properly. This is where the acid flows up and creates the GERD.
I have a girlfriend who suffers like you and PPI's did nothing for her after a while. She had the endoscopy and a 24 hour test done where they monitored this valve and how the acid moved between. It was determined that she needed that valve repaired. It was a minimally invasive surgery, in and out but how she is pretty much 100% and is so relieved and happy to be pain/symptom free.
So, you need the endoscopy and I'd try and get in as soon as possible. The faster you can determine what's going on in there, the faster you can start fixing it. And, it can be fixed.
If I am bad (drinking 100% caffeinated coffee instead of 1/2 decaf, too much dark chocolate or wine), my symptoms come back even with the PPI but mostly I am symptom free with them on board.
Good luck chasing this down, but your doctor appears to be on the right track with you.

Sorry, I wanted to ask you also if you've tried not taking your multi vitamin to see if that helps at all? There are a few things in there that can cause stomach upset like the vitamin Bs. I have problems taking some multi's for that reason.

protonix has worked for me.fosamax was causing my problem.changed to once a month actonal.protonox needs an rx.I have to take it even when I feel better.one everyday.really helps me immensely.feel better soon.libbyl

Can't take the reflux meds either. Changed to an almost nonexistant (fat ie- low/no fat diet) and found some relief. Prior to this still ate very low fat. Now only get fats from olives, tiny amount of hard cheese, olive oil. Anyway, finally found great relief from Ginger tea. (I like traditional medicine brand). Other brands I've tried has other flavors added. Or, I will make it myself by grating and simmering fresh ginger. - I also like to chill this concoction in the fridge and take a shot of it every morning.) Making my own ginger mixture is also much cheaper too. Also, ginger filled capsules are available at the stores. Cheaper at Walmart, Sams, etc. than a vitamin/supplement kind of shop. Regards, Jzz

Have you ever been tested for Celiac or gluten intolerance? Try eliminating gluten (wheat, oats, barley, rye) from your diet. It can take awhile to see major results if your intestinal linings are severely damaged... but I would think you would feel some results in a week or so.

I am not a celiac but I do have a gluten intolerance. I had to eliminate gluten from my diet 15 years ago. I am also sensitive to milk products but I'm OK with hard cheeses because it's the whey protein I can't have and that's removed in the cheese making process.

hope you feel better,
Happymom

Hi

I had gastritis a couple of years back. they put me on PPIs and I developed an allergic rash. So I resorted to ranitidine. That made me very bloated and as soon as I could I went down another notch and took Gaviscon. If you can get it over there, it is excellent stuff. It isn't absorbed by the body so over here they even give it to pregnant Mums! For it to work properly you have to take it after every meal and before bed religiously. It sits on top of the stomach acid and keeps it at bay. I also found acupuncture very helpful.

THANKS to every one of you for your thoughts and hints and the links. I have noted them all. Hopefully some of the things will help me and also that I will soon have my endoscopy. Looks like next week, at this stage.

This is definatley me .. no burning ,, just the other symptoms ,, thanks ladies !! LPR

Symptoms of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux are:
Continual throat clearing
Chronic throat irritation
Chronic cough
Hoarseness
Excessive phlegm the throat
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Constant sensation of something in the throat
Swallowed food comes back up
Post nasal drainage
Weak voice
Cracking voice
Blockage of the breathing passage
Spasm of the larynx (voice box)
Wheezing
Heartburn

yes, didgens, every one of the things on that list!! And I'm down for endoscopy tomorrow and scared witless! Any other proceedure wouldn't worry me really, but I can't bear the thought of something being fed down my throat. I have an ?irrational? fear of choking or being unable to breath...or swallow or something. Aaaaaggggghhhhh!!!! I'm twitchy about my throat anyhow (maybe I was hung or strangled in a past life?!) Don't like polo necks, collars or necklaces.

Well I had the endoscopy on Thursday, chose to not have the sedative cos it was late in the day and I didn't want to hang around for the 2 hours afterwards, which is required if you have the sedation, as it's a 2 hour trip home. Anyhow, if went fine, not exactly pleasant, but not horrendous either. Kinda on the same level of horribleness as a major dental extraction! Result is esophagitis and duodenitis. Stomach is fine. Took biopsies of the inflammatory patches and test for H-pylori. They say I have "mild" disease as opposed to moderate and severe. Blimey, if this is how the mild version feels, I don't think I could survive the severe!

Worst part is horrible sore throat and the uvula thing at the back is sore and enlarged and bruised-looking. Not getting better so went to doc and got some antibiotics, in case a bug has got in, but I suppose i'ts just trauma. They must've snagged the uvula.

And then yesterday morning, the day after the endoscopy, I get a call to say I have an "urgent" appointment to see the gynaecologist. That tale of woe is in the postmenopause thread. I wonder, is there no respite from these endless health issues?

PS yes, got the LPR as well, the man said, so it's inflammatory all round. Forgot to add that have been prescribed yet another PPI as well as a motility drug that apparently speeds up your stomach so food doesn't hang around, consequently less acid production. Also it supposedly tightens the upper sphincter. It's a prokinetic drug, and I believe it's not licensed in the US. Not started taking it yet, till I get over this sore throat business.

Oh boy, you are being hit hard from all ends. I am so sorry you are not feeling well. And to get a call from the gyno that it's urgent on a friday no less, is really rough. So, what you sit all weekend and have to wait. That's not fair. Anyway, I hope that your throat gets better quick, and that you get relief there. Please keep us posted on how everything is going. We are here for you.

I have been having the terrible heartburn and stomach pain also. I never had it before I entered menopause, I am 2 years post. I am almost afraid to eat anything. My dr. prescribed Pepcid 20 mg 2 times a day and it takes the edge off but not completely. He said I will have to have the endoscopy test in 2 weeks if not better. I am scared to death to take this test but I will do anything at this point. Do you guys also get the terrible bloated feeling when you have acid reflux?. I feel so bloated and have terrible gas also.

I use something called "colon health" i bought it at the grocery store.. its like "Activia" in pill form ,, helps with the bloating and constipation. if you cant find that brand ask your pharmacist for a good acidopholis ,, they can find one for you

I was just about to post this on another thread, but since I really feel it is related to Acid Reflux and it in here...

Just over the past week or so, been getting the BURNING sensation in my mouth, especially on my lips. In the midst of trying to get a new doctor (oh joy); I am currently taking Zantac 75mg 2 twice a day; and also drink (Baking Soda 1/2 teaspoon w/glass of water). It will go away for awhile, then come back again. Almost taste like peppers... I also get that metalic taste in my mouth too...

Apparently this has to be acid reflux. Appreciate any feed back. And Siarah(sp) appreciate all that info... Hopefully will get me new doctor soon, but in the meantime, I hate this...

I was astonished when I did a search and saw that "burning in the mouth" symptom of peri-menopause, who would of thought.....

And yes, get serious bouts of belching, OMG, can almost be funny (rather look at the bright side); no so funny at work though...

I been drinking Dan-Active, now trying Activa, but surely going to look into the probiotics. I was recently finished a round of antibiotics, and I know that can also through off your stomach, think it made it worse...

Ahh.. I am coffee drinker, but I have cut WAY back, one cup on some mornings... FYI I switched to Organic Coffee, like it better...

I belch like a sailor now .. I looked around the first time and thought Was that REALLY ME !!!!

Thanks for making me laugh, I life cuz I hear ya (well not literally).... Friend of mine, who apparently aint go thru the change, LOL, looked at me one day, and saod good God Beck... I was like opps....

Becca,
Do you also get the feeling of a lump in your throat? If so, you may have LPR which is a reflux of stomach acid that comes up into the larynx and throat). I am on twice daily nexium to control it, eat small portions, eliminated all acid triggers, and focus on balancing acidic foods (chicken, fish, meat) with more alkaline foods so as not to reduce the acid in my stomach. There is no cure, but maintaining an acid-friendly diet and lifestyle do help. I also lost almost 30 lbs since this started in January, and I believe that helps too. It is worse when I am stressed for sure.

My gastro doctor believes that peri-m hormonal changes can impact the esophagus, causing the musculature to lose their strength, which allows for the acid to come up. The issue is with the upper esophageal sphincter.

I did try to control this with diet alone, as I use meds as a last resort, but that didn't work at all, and caused me a good deal of pain. The acid also causes a reaction from your sinuses, creating more mucous which is why folks with this tend to clear their throat often. Some of the sensation is actually swelling of the larnyx, which only becomes more inflammed when clearing ones throat.

You might also have allergies which are contributing the the mucous, so have that checked out.

There's a lot of information on LPR on the web. Many doctors aren;t aware of it as it is a fairly new diagnosis, however all of mine were. It was diagnosed by my ENT who had a specialist come in to administer a FEEST test, which observes your throat as food and liquid jello that has been died green is swallowed. It's far less unpleasant than a non-sedated endocopy, and also gives you a separate set of eyes (and a video to view afterward) to allay any fears about something more ominous.
Hope this information helps.
Sue

ok .. here are some crazy things my throat is doing


1. sometimes the muscles ache on the outside and I massage them some and it helps a little
2. somtimes I have a sore throat like Im catching a cold ,, I gargle with listerine or use my hydro pulse (like a netti pot) thinking its sinus'
3. sometimes I have like what feels like something in the back of my throat (so I stick my finger way back in there to feel it ,, making myself gag of course)
4. sometimes I have such drainage it makes me cough
5. and sometimes I feel horse

anybody else have all or some of these additional symptoms ?

Yes, all of the above.
Sue

Thanks sue... I get the lump some times, but hard to say if that's just anxiety issues at time... My major complaint is the burning sensation in my mouth, drives me nuts... I can see how some one would surely lose weight, you are almost afraid to eat....

I bought some Probiotics today, and some other stuff called STOMACH ACID Defense ( all herbs...)

Then of course the anxious part of my mind says, are you sure you should take this stuff... Man I love being a woman in here 40's, not....

Still trying to find a Dr, thought I found one today, but he does not take my insurance, so the search continues...

Thanks for the info...

Well, that's interesting reading from you ladies! What a DRAG all this is. As if meno isn't bad enough, now we can't even console ourselves with nice food. My endoscopy report was "mild" oesophagitis and duodenitis. Blimey, if this is the mild version, I'd hate to experience the severe version. And he had the cheek to describe my complaints as "excessive symptoms". Well, I thought it was a cheek anyhow, kinda minimising my suffering! I ain't taking the drugs from hell - one look at the side effects and long term effects and I thought no way am I taking that stuff for the rest of my life. So back on the bland diet. It's a bit tragic, but you get used to it. Small bland meals, drink lotsa water, take antacids when needed, reduce stress and the hundred other things you are meant to avoid with reflux. Still, the upside is I don't have anything sinister going on there and I don't have H-pylori either - yippee! Oh and there is another upside, have lost about 10 kilos (that's about 20 pounds) of ugly unhealthy fat since all this started, so that's gotta be good. Even meno crap can have a silver lining if you look hard enough...

Here is a link to an interesting article about GERD

http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-bin/MsmGo.ex...ERDTS%20gerd%20

Here is a link to a product they mention in the article called Natural Esophoguard (d-limonene)

http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-bin/MsmGo.ex...%20dlimonene%20

I think I may try this. Has anyone had any experience with this product?

You might want to check out Betaine HCL. My Dr. recommends it and you can Google it for more info.

I had a lengthy post last year detailing all I did to get rid of my GERD. D-Limonene was one of the many things I used. But in my experience, it wasn't the most helpful thing I did, but I'm sure it's very individual how things works for people.