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My mother suffered from acid reflux for several years, and about a year ago she had the Stretta procedure done, which uses radiowaves to create thermal lesions on the LES, which creates some thick scar tissue and keeps the stomach acid where it belongs. She was pretty miserable for about 6 weeks, during the healing process, but since then, she's been able to go off all her meds, and has a happier quality of life.
I did have an upper GI done; thats how they found the reflux. I also had an ultra sound done. The dr. said she would send me to a GI specialist, but hasn't actually done it.
I'm supposed to go to Thailand in a couple of months. I'm afraid that if I don't get it fixed, I'm going to have trouble over there, what with different food, water and all.
I'm just so sick of the pushing and poking, with no answers! Its so painful!!
Thanks for listening!
~Emery
Trouble swallowing could be from scar tissue building up in the espophagus. I've had acid reflux for more than two years. If you're still having trouble on Zantac, you need a stronger medication. Zantac doesn't do diddly-squat for me. In fact, I may have to have the fundo...whatever operation to correct the problem.
Go see a gastroenterologist. I was in so much pain before I saw one, I ended up in the ER one night and they gave me a shot of demerol. As soon as I started taking aciphex, a medication that stops acid production, I felt better that day.
You may also want to try taking Gaviscon, an over-the-counter medication until you see the gastro dr.
Feel better, and make sure you go before you leave for Thailand!!!
Emery
63 Posts
I was told that I have acid reflux in August 2002. I was put on Zantac 75, 150mg 3 times a day. Recently, I have started having trouble swallowing....does this mean anything? My dr. isn't doing anything for me. What are the long term effects and how can you fix acid reflux?
Sorry, I know this isn't ask-a-nurse, but I can't seem to get answers anywhere else!
~Emery