Gastroscopy/heartburn...how to cope with it

[Shotokan-kez]

Hey guys. I just had a dreadful experience at the hospital yesterday. I had to undergo a gastroscopy (camera down the throat). This was because for about a year i have been suffering with very severe heartburn. I have been taking prescribed tablets for it but my Gp decided enough was enough and it was needing investigating. Oh the procedure itself was awful, i thought i was choking and gagging, so they had to sedate me.

Anyways my worst fears was cancer, ulcers or a hernia. Luckily for me the test came back clear, i was so relieved but now i'm frustrated because i'm back on the meds. How do you control heartburn? (if you have it). It's always worse when i train too which is awful because it rises up from my stomach, in to my chest and up my throat. I can't particulary tell what foods cause it either because i suffer after every meal.

I have been discharged from the hospital no because all my tests came back clear, they said it's all self help from now on...so any idea's guys?

[BDPulver]

A coworker of mine drinks buttermilk. He says its only thing he can find that coats his throat and relieves the pain.

My wife pretty much drinks flavored sparklin' water and she insists that helps her.

So I guess what I'm gonna say is it depends on the person and what will alleviate the discomfort.

Good to hear its not cancer though.

[bushido_man96]

Yes, I agree.

I was having some bouts with heartburn a while back as well, but it was partially caused by some medicine I was taking. I got some pills to counter it, but it seemed like they kept me from burbing, so I felt kind of bloated at times.

I have been good for a while now, though. The pills worked, but I didn't care for them.

I hope your's gets better, Kez. You could try some Pepto Bismol. That might coat your stomach, too.

[G95champ]

Stay away from the Philly Cheese Steak. lol

[Rateh]

I've been on heartburn meds for a year now. I don't see a problem with taking them regularly, if I don't I get heartburn at least once a day. I had that same test done but they sedated me automatically, apparently they sedate everyone for it, didn't feel a thing. My only suggestion is to keep on your meds, and maybe try and avoid some of the classic heartburn causing foods (though if you're like me pretty much everything causes heartburn) Also it is suggested that you don't eat within 1-2 hours of sleeping or exersizing.

[Shotokan-kez]

Cheers for all the advice guys...health shop shopping spree is in order Yes Rate everything causes my heartburn too. I'm actually taking Omeprazole at the moment and it's like a god send, not one tiny bit of heartburn, but as i say i don't want to rely on them. Once again thanks a lot will give your suggestions a try.

P.S Whats Philly Steak?

[bushido_man96]

I was taking Omeprazole as well. Now that I am off my prednisone, though, I find I don't need to take it. It did work well, but I was supposed to take it a half hour before eating; the only problem with that is a lot of the times I didn't know exactly when I would be eating.

[Shotokan-kez]

Ahh yeah i see where you coming from Brian, i just take mine in the morning on an empty stomach.

[white owl]

I can get heartburn just from drinking water, so I know what you mean.

I suffer from acid reflux, my Dr. tryed several different meds. with me, the one that worked best for me was Nexium. I had to swich to Prilosec OTC my Dr. says they are the same thing but I think Nexium works better. I think the staying away form soda is the biggest thing in my case.

A Philly Cheese Steak is a sandwich, it is big thing in the North East U.S.A.

[Shotokan-kez]

Thanks for that info whiteowl lol.

It's mad i also get it just from drinking water. I also heard that omeprazole an d other prescribed meds for the stomach can cause bugs in your body.