chrispdixon@hotmail.com

I am looking for some additional medical opinions. I have GERD and
have had an endoscopy twice. My Gasteroenterologist (sp?) pretty much
downplays it and originally said it was just stress. I've had a bit
of a hard time getting info from him when I've seen him. My Primary
Care doctor gave me more info about medications, but I've read
conflicting things. My symptoms are constant (pretty much every day)
and mostly consist of sore throat or "lump in the throat" feeling. I
also get heartburn a few times a week, but it is not that bad. The
throat is the most annoying symptom since it often hurts at night and
in the morning. If not sore, it might be itchy (dry cough) or raw.

If I am on Nexium, it pretty much takes care of the symptoms but I was
told by both doctors that I can't stay on Nexium indefinitely and that
I should only be on that to clear up esophagitis or when it gets
particularly bad. Zantac and Gaviscon help but don't do away with it
completely. My main question is this: assuming that I can't be on
Nexium for the long term, is it safe to take (generic) Zantac every
day? I usually take 75mg once before dinner. Also, I take Gaviscon a
few times a week too, and I'm not crazy about putting Aluminum and
Magnesium in my system. I know that I'm probably being paranoid, but
I don't like medication of any kind, and I want to be sure that the
above habits will not cause long-term effects (especially if the
symptoms get worse and I have to take more).

Thanks in advance,
Chris

mike fuchida

I'm on AcipHex right now, which has worked wonders where Prevacid and Pepcid
failed. Unfortunately, it's not recommended for long-term treatment either,
but it may give you something to go to for a while if/when the time comes
that you need to stop taking the Nexium.

As for OTC solutions, Maalox Max does a pretty good job. If you keep it in
the fridge, the cold is nice too. If you *really* want to avoid medications
though, tonic water can provide some relief. Look for quinine in the
ingredients list.

Hope this helps.
Mike