Just a little advice.

[excited2lose 0]

Do not stop using your antacid. DO NOT STOP USING IT EVEN IF YOU FEEL OKAY!

I will admit it-I hate taking pills. This has been my downfall after the surgery. I even hate taking my multi Vitamin every day. I do it, but I hate it. I don't even know why.

Anyway, I have not had any problems with indigestion or heartburn since the surgery. So, stupid enough, I stopped taking my antacid last week. Well, I think it has been about 10 days since I took it.

Well, I am miserable. Everything hurts going down-it burns. I can hardly eat anything right now. :smile: I can drink (and that still hurts, but not like food does). Obviously it is because I haven't had my antacid. :smile: I went to the doctor today and he said I better start taking it again. If it isn't better in another 10 days, he is going to scope me. But he really felt like it was the lack of antacid causing me the pain. (and I do too...)

Take it from me, take your meds as directed!

[Tiffykins 673]

Ohhh I'm so sorry that you are hurting. This type of experience is the exact reason I haven't even attempted to wean myself off the Prilosec. I struggled way too long to feel good, and I'm not willing to risk acid giving me issues this far out.

I hope your meds kick in soon, and you are feel better.

[Mary Gordon 3]

thanks for the advice, for all those newbies out there. i hope they all read it and follow it.:smile:

[MidwestGirl 8]

I'm a little over 3 months out, and have been taking my antacid (prescription) about a month and a half now. I forgot to take it yesterday, and woke up choking on stomach acid again. At my 3-month appt. last week, my surgeon told me to wean off the antacid and definitely not take it more than three months.:sad0: What are you taking, excited2lose? I was just wondering if you're on prescription antacid or over the counter. I know I can only do another month and a half of my prescription antacid, so I'm going to have to find an over-the-counter product eventually.

[educationrulz 18]

Do we have to take an antacid forever, like the Vitamins?

[pnw218 14]

Do not stop using your antacid. DO NOT STOP USING IT EVEN IF YOU FEEL OKAY!

Take it from me, take your meds as directed!

Were you reading my mind???? I have been feeling so good that I was just thinking that I might try to wean off my omeprazole (prilosec). I only take one per day; prior to surgery I would take two if needed, usually because I ate something spicy or citrus.

Fine. I will keep taking it. Thanks for the info .... sorry you are miserable tho! :sad0:

[excited2lose 0]

I take otc Prevacid. I started on prilosec, but switched to prevacid and it works well....if you continue to take it. I can't believe I did this to myself. :sad0: I am so miserable.

I am just sitting here with burning pain in my chest. It feels like it is bubbling into the back of my throat. Bleh. I am a dummy!

[pnw218 14]

have you tried a glass of milk? it often will put out fires in my stomach. bread might do it also, but carbs, etc.

or how about an ice pack? sounds strange but it works : )

[excited2lose 0]

I don't drink milk. I have some (i have two little ones that love it) so if I get miserable enough, I may just go for it.

I would eat a piece of bread if it would help. I have introduced some carbs into my diet lately because I work out so much and I am still losing. I don't recommend it though! I work out more than I should. (Just being honest!)

[pnw218 14]

No problem with over doing the workout! LOL I still have very strict restrictions - no bending, lifting or twisting. Can't carry anything over 5-10 lbs. I have been doing physical therapy for 3 weeks and am doing better. I am just hoping I can coach next fall. For now, I am allowed to walk and do a few specific exercises from PT.

How about alot of cold Water?? Drown out the burn??

[excited2lose 0]

I am drinking lots of cold water-hoping it will help. Not yet, but time will tell! I pm'd tiffy to see if I could take some tums. Anyone know if that is okay?

[excited2lose 0]

Ok, went downstairs to get some bread (I'd rather have bread than milk....milk just skeeves me out...i know, I am strange) and we didn't have any. (My husband eats low carb also) I did find some saltines and I ate a few of those and it seemed to help. I am going to try to get some sleep. Hopefully this resolves tomorrow. Thanks for all the help!

[Tiffykins 673]

Do we have to take an antacid forever, like the Vitamins?

Some patients find they need to take it forever. I've read a few patients over on OH that can take an OTC prilosec or prevacid every 2-3 days without having a constant acid issue, but they have to watch what they eat on the days that they don't take it. Nothing too acidic, nothing too spicy.

Some patients can completely go off of it without having acid problems again. I think it's pretty individualized from all the veterans that are 2-5 years out. I also read that one patient was able to wean off at about 6 months. She got pregnant around 18 months post-op, and had to go back on a PPI. She had the baby, and the reflux remained.

I just not willing to risk feeling horrible or have the false hunger to wean off the Prilosec prescription I have. I see my surgeon late May or early June for my 12 month follow up, and I'm going to ask him to give me more refills for the RX. I get my RX for free (as long as I fill them on base) so there is no reason for me to pay OTC prices.

[LAN2k 18]

I just had a follow up appointment with my surgeon, originally scheduled for the6 month mark, anyway he told me that I can stop taking the prescribed antacid I take daily, (Aciphex 30mg)! He said to see how I feel and if I experience reflux then take it. I have not stopped yet though since my PCP, (who I love) thinks I should stay on it for a year. As well as breaking down food, stomach acid kills off bad bacteria like H-Pylori... I wish I could be sure about what to do... I'm confused.

[excited2lose 0]

I think I would stay on it for a year (at least). Now that I think back, I think a lot of my discomfort has been from not taking the antacid regularly. I will take it for quite a while, I am sure.