From: Is it GERD; am I on the right treatment?
Date: 07 May 2002
Time: 18:09:56
Remote Name: 216.122.5.250
I have been recieving medical treatment for GERD for about 3 years, with very mixed results, and currently negative results. Currently I am taking 80mg of Prilosec and 40mg of Pepcid a day (apparently 20mg of prilosec is normal dose). I am sleeping on an 8-in incline. I have cut out all problem foods from my diet. I am still symptomatic every day, sometimes all day. It has been largely confined to my chest (generally under my sternum), but over the last several days I have started to feel it in my throat, ears, and sinuses. I too am perfectly open to the notion that this is merely driving me insane. Ironically, I often feel best WHEN I LIE DOWN! (Though in very bad episodes I require pretty severe pain relievers to sleep.)
In general I can detect no particular patterns for episodes. Lying, sitting, standing, eating, not eating, it doesn't seem to make any noticable difference. A lifestyle or medication change can sometime make a shortterm difference, but then things start right back again, sometimes worse than before. When I was first "diagnosed," I actually felt better than I do now. Then I was having frequent accute episodes, not continuous symtoms every day.
My specialist is getting close to reccomending surgery. I'm not opposed, if it will work, and if it is actually necessary. What other things should I be asking my doctors to look for? How can I be feeling an "acid burn" with 80mg of PPI and 40mg of H2 blocker in me (not to mention that a dose of Mylanta offers ZERO relief)? Is there any other type of of secretion or bacterial infection (or diffinciebcy) that could be causing my symptoms? If the medication is working so poorly, what are the chances the surgery will do any better?
I could really use some help, some answers, or at least the right questions.