I'm a pretty healthy 42 year old male. I do get heartburn once in a while. My doctor had prescribed Protonix which worked great. At first, I took one everyday per his order. Then after a couple of months, I felt alot better, however, I still got heartburn when I drank too much (a boys night out) or when eating heavy foods.

My doctor kept prescribing Protonix and told me to take it before going out for heavy food or drinking. All was wonderful and I ended up taking Protonix about once a week. This medication has solved all my heartburn problems.

I quit my job a year ago and started working for myself. No more company sponsered health insurance. I had a heck of a time getting insurance because of this hearburn issue on my records. I got denied coverage from many insurance companies. I couldn't believe it. I finally got coverage, but with a very high deductible and expensive monthly premiums.

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is there any other off-the counter type medication that does as good of a job as Protonix?

Any advice is appreciated.

hey just a suggestion.

i took protonix also and i get the same benefit from Prilosec OTC.... you can get it at any pharmacy and it will do the trick

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.....hope this helps...........................peace:angel:

Most likely what hurt your health records is why you needed Protonix ...for your drinking and eating habits...that does matter to your health, and therefore to the health insurance companies.

That's ridiculous that you would be turned down for GERD, there may be something else in your medical records that you may be unaware of. I had to get insurance through private companies and at the time I had endometriosis, GERD requring meds and endoscopies, a history of chronic pneumonia and hospitalizations..................and I was approved for all that I applied for. Get your medical records and make sure everything is accurate.

By the way, call the manufacturer of protonix. They often have programs for people without health insurance, some without regard to income. I hope this helps!

Butrfligirl, I was astonished myself that I was turned down for what I figured was a minor issue. I think the problem is that I got Protonix on a regular basis rather than a few months and be cured. My doctor (who was also my friend as we worked for the same HMO) told me to take Protonix as needed, not on a daily basis as he had prescribed for the first few months. He said some other off the counter medication may do the same, but Protonix would be cheaper as it's fully covered by our insurance. I never thought about having to get my own insurance someday and the potential affects.

I can write a book on the corrupt HMOs as I worked for one.

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