Horrible Reflux and Abdominal Pain

Digestive health
1

August 6, 2018

I start feeling stomach sick. I do have bad acid reflux and have been on Dexilant for years. I’m a 46 year old male. I also have a hiatal hernia. The pain was in my upper abdomen on both sides and in my back, almost like someone was tightening a belt tight around my upper abdomen. I experiencing nausea and began having yellow diarrhea for over a week. I saw my primary care doc, he ordered blood work and an ultrasound. The blood work showed elevated ALT levels and the ultrasound indicated I had a fatty liver. I was seen by a stomach doc that ordered more blood work, a stool study, and a colonoscopy. The blood work and stool study were all fine, no signs of infection. The colonoscopy was also fine, all the biopsy’s were negative. They also removed a polyp which also was benign. The diarrhea lasted for about 4 weeks and then stopped on it’s own. The nausea and abdominal pain still continues. The doc switched me off of dexilant and started pantoprazole twice a day along with Zantac and gavisvon as needed. The unfortunate thing is anything I eat or drink causes me to feel nauseous. There has been a few sharp pains in my lower abdomen at times as well. All in all I feel completely horrible. I’ve lost almost 20 pounds which in my case is a good thing because I started at 290. I can not eat or drink with out feeling lousy. My appetite isn’t normal and the burning is almost intolerable at times. I have another follow up and possibly an endoscopy scheduled at the end of October. I’m not sure I can wait that long without some relief. Anyone have any suggestions??

2

Some things I would suggest to hold you

Over are Gaviscon Advance( which I think you already have )  try a teaspoon of baking soda in a 8 ounce glass of water and drink down quickly.  you can also try some high concentration aloe vera juice . I always ask my doctor for a prescription for Zofran for when I’m nauseous .The more weight you lose should probably help with your reflux. Good luck

3

I'm sorry to hear your going through such issues.  I have also gone through many of these in the past.  Because I no longer suffer from these issues, I believe I have many of the answers.  I had at least 5 major issues when my problems began about 7 years ago.  I decided to address them one at a time.  Acid reflux was the most bothersome.  I did some research on how the stomach works and how the esophageal sphincter works.  It is really amazing how complex they are.  I had tried almost every PPi drug out there.  They all have bad side effects.  The main one is stomach pain and damage.  When the pill or capsule dissolves, it makes a chemical burn on the stomach lining.  Some cause almost instant nausea and vomiting.  I think you would feel better to slowly wean off all PPi drugs. 

Now to deal with the acid reflux.  There are two main reasons for acid reflux.  1. Gas buildup in the small intestine pushes upward and forces acid up the esophagus.  2. A weak esophageal sphincter.  I will help you with these two for now. 

Probiotic yogurt is the most natural way to improve the bacteria balance in the intestines.  I recommend you eat only Organic yogurt.  Eat 1/2 cup first thing in the morning.  Then 1/2 cup 30 minutes before any meal.  No beef, chicken, or seafood for 1 week.  You can make a vegetable smoothie and drink it 4 times a day.  Get a high quality organic soybean protein powder, it will be your main protein source.  No pills or supplements for this first week. 

Now to address the weak esophageal sphincter.  I have a discussion on this forum," How I cured my acid reflux naturally".  It has helped a lot of sufferers.  But everyone is different.  You can try my method.

1. Buy 10 large bottles of carbonated water, unsweetened flavored is okay.

2. 5 times a day about 2 hours apart, drink 10 oz of the CW.

3.  After you drink it, sit down and concentrate on not burping.  It may be uncomfortable at first but that's because your esophageal sphincter is weak.  Perhaps damaged.  Let me know if no pressure develops, that could mean damage has been done. 

Start off holding down the burp for 5 minutes.  Then your done for that session.  Do that every 2 hours.  

After three days, go to 10 minute sessions.  Three days later for to 15 minute session, then 20 minutes.

As your esophageal sphincter gets stronger you will get less and less reflux.  The sphincter is designed to stay tightly closed all the time unless food or water is passing.  It can be retrained.

You should also incline your bed at least 8 inches, use old books or wood.  Keep me posted to your progress.  John

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/how-i-cured-my-acid-reflux-naturally--402930