freeflir29 0 #26 February 4, 2005 I eat Tums like crazy. However.......I don't bother going to the Doc because I already know what causes it. Alcohol, hot food, caffeine, and not eating often enough. Maybe I'll stop doing all those things some day. Till then...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #27 February 4, 2005 Tums doesn't treat the problem. It just treats the symptom. Every time you get heartburn, you're damaging your esophagus and putting yourself at risk for esophageal cancer. If you're dead set against seeing your doc, try prilosec OTC, or just stop doing whatever it is that's triggering it. Tums are fine for a once in a while thing, but if you're "eating Tums like crazy" you should check into another solution. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindsey 0 #28 February 4, 2005 I'm heading out of town for the weekend, so I'm not going to get into any debate about this....that would also be hijacking the thread I think....but I there is a reason that doctors teach medicine.... linz-- A conservative is just a liberal who's been mugged. A liberal is just a conservative who's been to jail Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #29 February 4, 2005 I wasn't aware you were a doctor. I'm just going by what I've been told by 3 emergency room doctors, 1 primary care physician, and 2 gastroenterologists, plus my roommate and my father have both gone through it. My dad's barium swallow picked up his hiatal hernia, and my roomie had to have the scope after her barium swallow. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #30 February 4, 2005 Quoteummmm....it depends on what they expect to find. In her case, a barium swallow would really be pointless.... Agreed. I never had the barium swallow for my heartburn, just the endosopic procedure. And since you asked for pictures...here's mine. Cbain - I had terrible heartburn every day for about 2 years. My doc tried everything possible to treat it. After suffering for 2 years and not responding to any treatment, i had to have surgery for it. If left untreated it can really cause damage to your esophagus. Glad you're getting it taken care of. Please let me know what you find out. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Layton 0 #31 February 5, 2005 i thought i was having heartburn.turns out that i had 95% blockage in the 2 arteries on the front of my heart.one got cleared with a balloon and a stent was put in the othei had never had heartburn so i didnt know what it felt like.looking back i cant believe that i was that stupid.had the angioplasty changed my diet and am walking everyday.and i feel much better.go to the doc and do what they say. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cbain 0 #32 February 5, 2005 Cool Pic. I'll be sure to post how everything goes at the doc's. Thanks everyone, Christina Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cbain 0 #33 February 16, 2005 So, here's the synopsis of the visit to the doctor's office yesterday. Told him about everything going on and history and stuff. He seems to think it's most likely GERD (acid reflux). But he wants to do an endoscope to check for hiatial hernia or ulcers and damage to esphogus. He didn't think a barium swallow would give him enough info so went straight to the endoscope. He doesn't want me to take anything for it besides what I've already been doing because he wants to see what it "really" looks life first. Then prescribe something based on the results I guess. So, I'm scheduled for the endoscope for next Monday, the 21st. He also mentioned heavy sedation for the procedure. I'll let you know how the endoscope goes next Monday (or maybe Tuesday since I'll probably be pretty out of it on Monday). Christina Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cbain 0 #34 February 21, 2005 Just got back from the endoscope procedure. No ulcers, no hiatal hernia, a little damage to the esphogus but not bad. He gave me three different trial samples of PPI's and told me to tell him which one I like best and he'll give me a prescription. They gave me a pretty good sedative because I don't remember a thing after the nurse said, "ok. I'm putting the drugs in your IV now." Came home and have been sleeping ever since, just woke up and still feel a little woozy even. Just glad it's over. Thanks everyone for the kind words and encouragement. Christina Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #35 February 21, 2005 Great news, Christina....glad it wasn't serious!!!Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
