I take Pepcid Extra Strength one in the morning and one at night. I too have had no relief from the PPI's - and TOO MANY worse side effects.

It does not really help - still have my breathing issues - and when my heartburn is bad it does not help AT ALL (which it has been REALLY HORRID lately) - it will some times take the edge off if my heartburn is not too bad but does not help the breathing.

Even though it really does not help - I take it in the hopes that it will at least not let the erosion become super bad until I can figure out something else.

My reflux got so bad last weeked that I aspirated acid into my lungs and developed severe bronchitis. So as far as the breathing problems go for me - they continue to worsen :(

This is HORRIBLE.. I wish we could find some relief.

[QUOTE=flowergirl2day;3484130]Vanessa,



I hope you will seek help with your breathing problems. They are horrible and scary to live with. I have promised myself that if the acid starts getting into my lungs, I'll absolutely insist on seeing a specialist. I have yet to see a gastroenterologist and am waiting for a referral. From what I have read on this board, and ENT doc might be able to help more.
I had my first episode of food getting stuck in my throat just before serving dinner tonight. I was still able to breathe somewhat but kept gagging, trying to cough it up. Of course it stayed put and would not move. Hubby was panicking, unsure what to do. It was really scary. Luckily, I ended up vomiting. My throat is very irritated now. I would like to think this was just an isolated episode. :(

I hope you will feel better! Why is your reflux getting worse? Any ideas?
flowergirl
I take the Acid control generic for Pepcid AC/ it works pretty well no side affects that I am aware of. The neck problems for swollowing are the post surgery 18 yrs ago. My neck is in rough shape and food gets stuck, especially chicken. But scrambled eggs were like going down the wrong pipe felt like air way. I choked for 20 min. I am convinced it is a time thing only. Nothing I can do I had a gastro Dr do 2 tests one to chew food with barrium on it and xray as going down, 2nd had a camera (emg) down throat for stomach issues. I Have mild problem at the top of the linning but no Berretts. Berrets is the name of the condition that they look for in cancerous situations. That's why they do the test so often.

Hi Flower,

Thanks for you concern - it means a lot :)

I currently see a Pulmonoligst (for my breathing problems) and my regular Dr. I am in an HMO so getting tests and expensive medications (not the GENERICS that they cover) - is very difficult and takes a lot of time :(

My Pulm is convinced the breathing is related to the acid (perhaps some sort of allergy as well but we are fighting to get the allergy testing covered). My reg Dr. also thinks it is the acid - they are worried because I have so many BAD side effects from the PPI's (headaches, body aches, nausea, chest tightness) - that I cannot stay on them long enough to see if they make a difference..... They have no idea what treatment to give me.... So I take the Pepcid XS twice a day and have REALLY REALLY watched my eating the past 5 days and it has helped some... They are putting their heads together to try to figure out what is next. No Endo yet - because my HMO won't approve it yet :(

I also cannot accurately rate my breathing at the moment because of the Bronchitis which is making it extremely difficult to breath (in spite of Flovent, Ventolin, Musinex, Z-Pack, and Vicks Vapor Rub)...

Not sure why the reflux got so bad - my guess I had a NASTY bout of stomach flu that knocked me out for 4 days - it was awful. Since then my stomach has been just FULL of acid and I cannot get it to go back. Being on the meds for the bronchitis is not helping matters either....

I've NEVER EVER been bothered by heartburn like this - it is a constant knawing terrible burn and I can actually feel it coming up into the back of my throat and splashing over, making my chest spasm and burn - it is terrible..

Like Chalupa, I just want to feel good again... Sick of being sick :(

PS Flower: - That choking episode must have been terrifying. I too hope and pray for you that it was just an isolated incident.

Vanessa