Thursday, June 4, 2009

how do you spell relief?

This post is not for the weak stomach-ed.  And, to clear things up.  I'm NOT pregnant.

So, for about the last 6-9 months I've been suffering from severe heartburn.  Not that whole time straight, mind you.  Its very sporadic, not connected to any specific foods, and always at night.  About a month ago, I had my a$$ handed to me one evening when it was severe enough to having me throwing up.  That was not a fun night.  So, I made an appointment with my doctor and he asked me "have you tried prilosec?"  actually, I hadn't.  Even though it is over the counter now, I had kind of felt like 'if antacids don't take care of it, and it's bad enough that I'm throwing up, I think I should go see the doctor.  I'm only 29 for cryin' out loud."  So, he wrote me a prescription for prilosec (its cheaper that way) and sent me on my way.  

Now, being one to always try to save money, I didn't actually take it every day, I just waited for the next night when it set in, and then got up and took it.  And that kinda' worked.  Instead of being up for 3 hours waiting for an antacid to kick in, I was only up for an hour.  Cool.  Or not.  

About a week ago, I woke up with that twinge in my stomach, went and took my medicine, and nothing happened.  In fact, it got worse.  And I threw up.  Again, and again, and again.  I couldn't keep the medicine, or antacids, or water down.  For about 4 hours straight this went on, and I was beyond miserable.  Words just can't describe how I was feeling.  I pretty much wanted to reach into my chest and pull my heart out.  I did finally manage to force myself to curl up in a ball, take the medicine, and pretty much will myself not to throw up anymore.  

The next morning at work my coworkers chastised me on and on for not taking the medicine EVERY DAY, so I've been doing that.  And now, here I am.  It's 2:30 in the morning and I've been awake since 1:00.  I've taken antacids twice now, and I don't know what to do.  Should I go back to my doctor?  Should I start researching super bland grandma diets?  Should I seek the help of someone who does alternative healing?  

Has anyone out there in bloggy land ever had anything like this?  I'm desperate.  I kinda need sleep for all of that functioning throughout the day business that I'm expected to do.  

Sigh.

3 comments:

  1. I think you need a second opinion. Have you thought about seeing a gastroenterologist?

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  2. Gastric reflux is a serious condition that can cause a myriad of other problems. Causes are not always known but often a hiatal hernia is the culprit (an outpouching of the stomach through the diaphragm). The "door" between the stomach and esophagus, the cardiac sphincter, can be weakened, and certain foods can cause this "door" to open, such as chocolate or spicy foods. Mainly, you need a good exam by a gastroenterologist, and stick with the regimen given. Doctors tend to give up on you when you try your own spin on things. Cut back on coffee or other caffiene products, chocolates, and real spicy stuff, try not to eat in the evening before bed, and get a referral from your doc for a GI guy. Sometimes this takes a few different med tries until the right one starts to work. Finally, Mylanta, and lots of it, seems to work best in a pinch. Good luck!

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  3. Please, get your gallbladder checked out. Two months after I had my baby I had a horrible all night vomiting spell. It went away and the next week I had pain so bad I thought I was having a heart attack and went to the ER. I had an ultrasound that revealed multiple gall stones and had it removed a month later after more attacks. The surgeon told me the report showed long term inflammation and this was after 2-3 years of prilosec, pepcid, tums, etc. So please, go get it checked. I haven't had one ounce of trouble since it was removed.

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