The Absolute Frustration Of Living With Chronic Acid Indigestion

Ever since I popped something in my chest, while changing my second RV tire on the same outing, six months ago, I've been dealing with heartburn and acid indigestion on a low to medium level.

As a vegan, I know how to eat a healthy diet, and as a science guy, I know how to research a low acid diet. My research is showing me, though, how so many websites are totally full of garbage! Even sites that seem to have all the right credentials give out absolutely wrong info! It's driving me goofy.

I am going to be assessed for a hiatal hernia in the next few weeks. My mom had one, and she did fine. I, however, am not willing to put up with this crap. No way!

If any of you have dealt, effectively, with acid reflux, hiatal hernia, esophogitis, etc., I'd really like to hear how you coped with the same.

I am taking ¼ tsp of baking soda in a quarter glass of water, twice a day. It helps, but does not completely get rid of my symptoms.

I've researched all the OTC's out there, and they're all terrible, to varying extents, as judged by this or that study.

If I have a hiatal hernia, and I'm pretty sure I do, I will get the surgery, no doubt about it. If I don't have the hernia, then I'll literally have to pick my poison, and take one of those OTC's. I can't go on dealing with such tight diet restrictions, even though as a vegan, I've been used to watching everything I eat, for decades.

 

TG, I've had heartburn for years. Never knew I had a hiatal hernia until I had a full-body scan during my cancer treatment last year. I've been taking generic omeprazole for years because it works. I putzed around with "natural cures" and nothing worked for me. Nothing. Until I found Prilosec and it was like a miracle. I know there are possible side effects to the medication, but there are equally bad side effects to excess acid in the esophagus. Plus... it just WORKS. Good luck to you; I know how miserable it is.

 

After the VA created a hiatal hernia during a test, I was prescribed Omeprazole and after maybe two weeks I quit taking it.
I still have a bottle handy just in case I experience any discomfort so in my book it works pretty well.
I’ve heard of Prilosec and even though I’ve heard some great reviews I have never really had the need to try it

 

Omeprazole is the generic for Prilosec.

 

That’s mighty nice to know Beth.
Might save me some footsteps down the line.

 

I was diagnosed with acid reflux many years ago and was prescribed Prilosec. It was a two-week treatment, and it work, got me acid free for about 6 months, with watching my diet and the occasional Tums. I repeated this and again it was a 6-month cure, I had to see a heart specialist I asked him about it he prescribed a 20mg Famotidine (Pepcid) tablet every morning. I haven't noticed any side effects from it, but I have noticed I haven't had an acid reflux attack since. For me it works. I take it with my other meds every morning.

 

I have acid reflux and have had for some 23 years. I get the same thing Bobby got from the VA (Omeprazole). I take one daily, when I get up. If I don't, I'll be chewing up Tums right and left.

 

Heard a doctor lecturing on the subject and his contention, as many others have said, that if a person is locked into continuous use of antacids on a daily basis then the natural chemistry our body is trying to regulate gets screwed up. The more antacids, the more the body tries to bring our acid levels back up by adding more acid.

He furthered his statements by saying that sometimes it is actually better to add a little acidic acid to our diet and take little to none of the antacids so as to make our body produce less hydrochloric acid.

Now, I no longer have any problems with acid levels but if I did I would think harder on the subject and maybe give it a try. Of course, I’d probably have a bottle of whatever sitting on the side but still, if I was in so much discomfort it would be a any port in a storm situation.

 

Since I'm taking an antacid everyday I went back to my regular diet with no problems. I can have my pasta, pizza, I do limit Fried Foods no problem. Maybe this was a way of balancing out my system who knows?
I did try stopping the daily famotidine, I got very sick.

 

So far we stick to baking soda and lemons, but I know that doesn't work for everyone, if it stops we will take whatever works.

 

Although lemons are acidic they turn alkaline in the stomach or that is what I'm told. So if I had heartburn I'll drink lemon juice before bed, I freeze lemons so I'll always have some and keep baking soda too.

 

I had heartburn bad until I stopped sugars/simple carbs (Keto). I also started using a wedge pillow at night. I do have a small hiatel hernia, showed up in an ultra-sound I think it was. I don't eat after 6 pm, and wait at least 3 hours before I lie down for bed. I've found a couple of little things I can eat with no issues though like boiled eggs or string-cheese. I don't need to take anything as long as I stick to the routine I developed over the last 15 months. I follow a lot of online information such as Dr. Benjamin Bikman, and Pub-med studies. I don't believe everything I read, and only try out what I feel safe in doing. If it works, great! If it doesn't I start reading and listening to something else

 

I also used a 4x4 about 5 in. high to raise head board, amazing how good that worked.

 

I love a lemon concoction I make with ACV, ginger, cinnamon, msm and Vit C (as calcium ascorbate) I make a pitch of it and drink one in a.m. before anything else, and one about 2 hours or less, before dinner.

That tonic comes from a guy that also does Keto and had bad heartburn. Way worse than mine. He's on Youtube if anyone is interested. Oops forgot to add I use an organic lemon juice made here in California.