Hi Debs,
I was thinking about how long you've been suffering and how illogical it seems that anti acids don't work for you if acid is the problem. I was actually hoping I wouldn't end up suffering for so long! Anyway, as a result i've been on the internet searching for two days solid when I came accross another avenue for you and everyone else to explore if they haven't done so already.
It's a condition known as hypochloridia (i may have spelt that wrong, i'll rectify later) basically what it means is the stomach does not produce enough acid which conversely has the same symptoms as too much acid bloating, heartburn etc..... It is apparently thought that a vast majority of people suffering from acid over production are actually suffering from the complete opposite. When the stomach does not produce enough acid it cannot digest food effectively causing it to sit in your stomach (hence I guess the bloating). This food can then end up backing up the osepheagus along with acid and bile giving all the symptoms of too much acid, when the opposite is the case. And hence PPI's (or any form of acid suppression) do not work and actually make the situation worse. There is a case of a woman on this website who went to her doctors with a hoarse singing voice, got put on PPI's and is now ten times worse, I hope she reads this thread.
So, not sure if you, Debs, have explored this avenue but I thought I'd mention it. And also to all it's got to be worth investigating if the PPI's aren't working. I'm going to stay on PPI's a bit longer (i've only been on them a month) to rule that out before I switch to trying to get mors acid into my stomach.
Any questions or experiences relating to this would be beneficial to all!
Phil.
Thank you for the info,I will bear it in mind when I am in pain after all the Xmas festivities. I am not feeling 100% but I am a bit better than before.On Thursday I did an experiment where I didnt take my Nexium before embarking on a trip for the gym,I was breathless a lot quicker than when I do take it. I am also on anti-depressants to stop panic-attacks and to stop the feeling of lethargy that goes with the condition. The down-side to that is I feel tired at the most inconvieniant times like after I have taken the tablets in the morning and by 11:00 ( I start at 6am ) I feel very sleepy.
Wishing you better health,take care and have a great Xmas and New Year
Debs xxxx :D :D :D
I think you should definitely try to rule out under acid production, as everyone I think should. Tiredness is a major factor in it apparently. Actually it's one of the major causes of chronic fatigue syndrome. It's not just acid you need to feel well if you have the condition, it's pepsins aswell, also if you do not have enough acid your body can't absorb vitamin B12 which leads to depression and anxiety. All these symptoms can be relieved by taking hydrochloric acid (your stomach acid) supplements before meals, these supplements are usually infused with pepsins aswell. Also injections or B12 supplements are also needed, it's a very important \"well being\" vitamin. You may need these for the rest of your life but it's a small price to pay to feel well again, I think you'll agree. Remember if you've been taking PPI's for a long time it will take some time for your body to reset it's ph level, if indeed you have been suffering from under acid production the whole time.
I just hope this avenue might lead to some answers for long time sufferers who's lack of response to PPI's might suggest under acid production. Have a great christmas too Debs and hope the stomach doesn't play up too much!
Phil.
Thank you for your concern.I hope that you are not too ill over Xmas :D :D :D