Painkillers & Acid Reflux Symptoms: Unhealthy Relations

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Posted by Christine (Aurora, co) on 04/28/2007
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I'm completely floored about the info on ibuprofen causing reflux. I was using ib. several times a day because of back injuries from a car accident when my reflux started. I use it from time to time still but was put on Protonix (a proton pump inhibitor)for my reflux, and am figuring out that it is RUINING my health. I diddn't know that PPI's inhibit absorption of calcium, minerals, B-12, healthy digestion, etc. I gained 15lbs within the first 9 mos. of starting it --and i don't gain weight like that. Since then, I've had 2 babies & the weight doesn't come off; I only lost 10lbs after the last one in the 5 mos after birth --that is not normal. I'm almost positive my thyroid is off and I'm estrogen dominant --I have to take progesterone. I've tried getting off this PPI 5 times, and no luck --each time I fail the PPI becomes less effective and now I have breakthru reflux even though i'm taking the PPI. Has anyone had luck weaning themselves off of a PPI????

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Posted by Jim (Pittsburgh, PA) on 04/15/2007
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I just read your site today on acid reflux. My reflux developed when I started using an advair inhaler for my asthma. The reflux reduced quickly when I was switched to singular pills, but now I have to put up with a little more asthma. I tried the red wine vinegar and baking soda this morning, because that is what I had on hand. I added an artificial sweetener for taste. It is too soon to say, but it is soothing.

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Posted by Jamie (Bloomfield Hills, MI) on 04/13/2007
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Hi, I have been taking tylenol extra strenth the past couple of days for headaches... several hours later (usually 2-4) I will get severe regurgitation of acidic fluids.

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Posted by Randy (Golden, Colorado) on 04/09/2007
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I started getting acid reflux back in the early 90's ,the problem got so bad that I had to have an upper GI series with a scope , they found serious erosion in my esophagus and prescribed me prevacid , it worked for quite a while but then strangly enough started coming back even with the medication , I have been struggling with it ever since , I am only just now realizing what has been causing this problem , I have just become aware of this site after a friend told me about it , I have somewhat "abused" ibuprofen for years having arthritis in my neck from years of wearing heavy fire helmets and have ibuprofen almost daily for neck pain and discomfort as well as constant headaches. I am starting the apple cider vinegar and will stop taking ibuprofen unless absolutely necessary and will post back to let you know how it works for me.

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Posted by Jeet (London, UK) on 04/09/2007
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Hi, I didn't have any symptoms such as pains in chest etc just feeling of something in the throat when I swallowed for about 8 months. My GP said I have acid reflux and should steer clear of various foods. I tried food combining, taking liquid medicine such as gaviscon etc. Nothing changed. I started to do some research on the web and came across this site and comments about nurofen. I tend to get headaches two to three times a month and have taken nurofen for the past 8 maybe more years. I stopped taking them after reading the info on this site and I no longer have the feeling in my throat!! So, my thanks to whoever found out about this and posted it. I hope other people read the comments on this site and try cutting out nurofen or associated pills with the same ingredient. Good luck to you all.

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Posted by Connie (West Jordan, Utah) on 04/05/2007
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I'm responding to your question, "what pain medication do you take? I have fibromyalgia and take tramadol for pain. I also take blood pressure medicine plus hormone therapy and Previcid for the Reflux. I have an appointment with a Dr. but will cancel and try some of your suggestions (ACV/baking soda).

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Posted by Denise (Ely, u.k.) on 03/31/2007
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Re: Acid Reflux/Sinusitis: After struggling with acid refux doc took me off N S A I D's. I thought it was common knowledge that these cause acid reflux. I just hadn't made the link. However due to severe arthritis, now taking a lot of painkillers! [cocodamol] am now struggling with sinusitis, doc said no link, hence this internet search hope you are right, off to make tomato tea , fingers crossed it will work

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Posted by Cindy (Chester Springs, Pa) on 03/30/2007
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I have not tried a remedy. I am responding to let you know what pain killer I took as it relates to my having acid reflux. I never tied the two together but I have been taking ibuprofin twice a day for two years. I have a desmoid tumor (fibromatosis) on my shoulder and have succeeded in avoiding any treatment ( surgery, chemo or radiation) for two years in part I am told due to the ibuprofin but now I am suffering terribly from Gerd. I found your website in hopes of finding a solution. Thank You for the info..I was never into taking medicine but was willing to do the ibuprofin as it seemed the lesser of many evils. I have a lot to think about. Thanks

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Posted by Gunda (Charlotte, NC) on 03/29/2007
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I started to have heave heartburn problems 2 years ago. Never had any stomach problems before. My doctors prescribed a strong dosage of ibuprofen (for female problems). I got so sick that I had to go twice to the emergency room. After the stomach problems started, my doctor recommended to take Tylenol instead of ibuprofen. It's much better now, but I still have problems from time to time.

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Posted by Helen (Oaklyn, NJ) on 03/25/2007
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I took benadryl for allergies and learned on their website that antihistamines relax the stomach sphincter, thus contributing to acid reflux.

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Posted by Tanya (Columbia, MD) on 03/19/2007
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For about the past 6 to 9 months I have been SUFFERING with what has now been diagnosed as GERD. I knew what GERD was but never thought I had it because I rarely had hearrburn as one of my symptoms, rather I had intense stomach and digestive issues. NO longer able to eat even a small salad without SEVERE gas, cramping, and nausea. Well, in the fall of 05-06 I had strep throat which had me bed-ridden for 3 days, primarly on my back. Once the strep was gone, I noticed an intense pain in my right hip area. I couldn't cross my legs or even lay on either said as time went on. I tried taking Advil, but this didn't really relieve my pain. Someone suggested that I try "BC Powder". Turn out, this worked very well at relieving the pain of what turned out to be a pinched sciatic nerve. At the height of the pain I was taking 3 BC packs a day. Physical therapy eventaully remedied nearly 95% of the pain of that. But now I am left with GERD. I was recently put on Prevacid, from Zantac which wasn't really helping. I'd like to find a natural remedy for GERD. I've been reading this site and it seems that they all involve a dairy product. Are theere any that don't involve consuming a dairy product?

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Posted by Virginia (Boise, US) on 03/15/2007
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I was surprised when I read that someone had just recently become aware of ibuprofen as a cause of her stomach problems. All nsaids (pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aleve, etc) create stomach problems, that is why people should use acetominophen (tylenol) which is less likely to create these issues. I have not found a natural solution for my acid reflux so will leave that aspect to others...thanks!

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Posted by Emily (Tacoma, WA) on 03/15/2007
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Because of your website, I realized that I have the same problem as "Rosemary from Trenton" I also was taking Ibuprofen daily and sometimes in larger doses. Because of it, I all of a sudden started having acid reflux. After talking with my nurse she told me that I probably had an ulcer, and it would not be dangerous if treated properly. She said to stop taking Ibuprofen (and in the future- if needed, to always take it with food) and take tylenol instead. She also told me to take pepcid complete (chewables) twice a day and that would cure my acidic problems! I haven't tried it yet, but she told me that always works for her patients in the hospital. Hope this helps.

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Posted by Pat (Drayton Valley, Alberta, Canada) on 03/15/2007
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I was taking Tylenol and switched over to Advil. I have had acid reflux for 10 years and been taking Ranitidine as a prescription. Is there a more natural solution?

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Posted by Marsha (Madison, WI) on 03/14/2007
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I've been reading all of these entries for the past half an hour and am amazed at what I'm learning. I had been taking Ibuprofen for years for headaches, etc. I was also being treated for asthma/coughing. I developed reflux/heartburn about a year ago, and an endoscopy revealed I had tiny ulcers in my stomach. I was told NO MORE IBUPROFEN and I was put on Prolosec. It totally helped the reflux and guess what? My asthma completely disappeared. The coughing was being caused by the acid reflux! However, I've been dealing with lots of arthritis and muscle pain since going on the Prilosec. I never related the two, but now I'm starting to wonder if the Prilosec is causing some of the pain? I've also heard that you should not be on Prilosec for more than 2 years because it can cause osteoporosis! Has anyone heard of this or is it a rumor? Regardless, I'm going to try the ACV and Baking Soda/water treatment and see how it goes. If my pain subsides as well as my reflux, I'll let you know.