Acid reflux

Anyone else have this? I took an upper GI series test and it was confirmed that i do have acid reflux, but my doctor isn't doing anything about it. I know it leads to damage to the esophagus and a higher risk of cancer long down the road. That being said, shouldn't I be treated for it, like take a pill or something. I'm not confortable with just ignoring it knowing that it can cause things down the road. If I wasn't going to be treated for it, then why did I have to have a test to check for it? Anyone else have any experience with this?

Re: Acid reflux

I too have acid reflux and I also used to work for a group of GI docs. I don't think they like to put people on long term meds unless its 100% necessary. The first thing to do is to try to change your diet if this is what is causing the problem. No soda, coffee, tea, orange juice, tomato sauce. Limit spicy foods, don't eat large meals split them up into smaller meals, and don't eat for 3 hours before lying down or going to bed for the night. If you smoke quit, and limit alcohol especially wine which is a culprit for a lot of people.

Re: Acid reflux

no coffee or tomato sauce... they might as well just kill me.... hahaha.... jk... thanks for the suggestions... do you know if dairy triggers it? like yogurt and stuff?

Re: Acid reflux

Hi! I actually just went today for and upper GI series with lower bowl study. Drinking that berium garbage was disgusting!! Question though-with your acid reflux, do you have chest pain and back pain...like pain in your chest on your left side by your heart and left back? I am so nervous with these pains I am feeling. I am also being told that I need to go for an echocardiogram and a stress test to make sure it is not my heart and is just acid reflux.

With that said, you should definitely be taking something for acid reflux as it causes erosion in your esophogus and could lead to other stomach issues. I take Nexium 2 times a day. Sometimes I take something called Dexilant. There are many prescriptions out there you can try. I think Nexium is the better options cause it helps to heal this erosion. It will also help you with any heartburn pain you have as a result from the reflux..

I hope I have helped in some way. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

TTYS,
Fran