Dilations

Omeprazole is the same as Prilosec OTC Treats heartburn, stomach ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also helps heal a damaged esophagus. I had to go much stronger and have an Rx. First went to Pantoprazole (Protonix) then it helped but had to go to Dexilant 60mg and it took care of my problem. I have GURD fairly bad so I understand the burn and acid and bitter taste. I didn't really have "heartburn" just the acid when I sleep is worse. IF, you do not sleep with your head elevated, do not sleep on your LEFT side. When you sleep on your left side your stomach can drain the acid right to your throad, by gravity. Please sleep only on your right side if you do sleep on your side. It will help so much stopping the acid from draining to your throat.

Prilosec OTC in the states comes in 14 day packs. They recomend you only do it for 14 days. My doctor said it was ok for me to take it everyday to treat my GURD. It does have some side effects long term but the GURD and acid is much worse.

Hope this helps Jackie;

Bill

If you prefer a non-prescribe antacid I use a little Apple Cider Vinegar, I find it works faster and better in my case. Also it helps me in keeping the Mrs.Peggy clean   

Tim Hondo

First of all, it's good to hear how well you are doing! I've been taking Pantoprozole (Protonix), a similar, but stronger drug, for eight years because  of eosinophilic esophagitis. I had one dilation to open a stricture and have done well on this drug since. Have fun trying your favorite foods again!

My husband has several pills he has to crush or capsules he has to open and put in his PEG tube.  He puts them in water first to dissolve them and then puts them down his feeding tube without any problems.  

I hope yours dissolve quickly and go on down.

Wishing you the best -- Sharon

I have been on the Prilosec OTC for 10 years do to GERD and ulcers in my esophogus. I started on prescription strength in the 1990s. I had Gerd so bad I could feel the acid squirt in my throat just sitting at my desk. I was told by my doctor that I would have to be on it plus two other meds for life. I didn't want to do that so I changed to a vegetarian diet and within a month GERD was gone and I was 20 ponds lighter. I stayed that way for several years then slowly went back to my old eating ways. Now I am back on the Prilosec OTC and gained back the weight plus more. The stress of losing Jim didn't help. I do not know if you are interested in vegetarian but it helped Jin and myself a lot. I added calories to his smoothies and soups with protein powders or olive oil. Give it a try if you can go without meat.  Debbie

jackflash22 said:

Vegetarian

I  could easy give up beef, but I love roast lamb and chicken I guess I could give up meat as I also love pulses, pasta and fruit and veg. I'm not able to swallow meat yet only liquid type foods. My tube is 15mm french. My throat is 16mm so not very wide yet. I've been for four once a week dilations the next is on Wednesday. They can only do little dilations each time because the scar tissue isn't elastic like the rest. Thanks for all the advice you've given me. I did get the tube clear after a while. I now take my anti acid pill without the shell in a spoonful of yoghurt.

Ask your doctor and have them give you a 24 fr tube, that is what I live with. You can't get anything but water and milk into a 15fr tube. I am now 3 years living on a PEG tube, it has because a normal part of life, I eat 5 times a day and sometimes 6 to 7 if I feel hungry and eat at midnight. I don't want to get too fat.......

Tim Hondo

jackflash22 said:

mic key tube

can you get a mic-key tube in a 24 fr. I'm due a change next month and have asked for a mic-key tube to be fitted. Im not sure how long I'll be on a tube now they've managed to get through the scar tissue. I'm 16mm dilated now. I go again today for my 4th one. I have a dilation each week on a Wednesday.   They may go every second wednesday until they can't go any wider. I'm on liquid foods but I don't like swallowing it's alien to me and feels funny. Water is ok I have no probs with that but anything with a texture makes me gag. I know practice makes perfect so time will tell. I go next week to the dieticians they will watch me me eat different textures to see if I'm ok with it. I'll have more confidence with an expert sitting over me. I'm just scared of something choking me. I may never be able to eat as before but anything is better than nothing. Im combining tube feeding with mouth feeding as I want to keep my weight up and it's quicker by tube. For two days I've been sick and tummy achey but it may be the change of diet to real food, maybe I'm going to fast. I'm making super smoothies with coconut milk, honey, yoghurt,  nuts and fruit. I have some by mouth and some by tube. I did try blitzed lamb dinner but it was to greasy. Any tips what I should be trying at this early stage.

I'm sorry you are having these problems. I think we are all looking forward to the day you announce you ate a chicken dinner! Your throat has gotten weaker from lack of swallowing. Since the tongue is made of  muscle, it has probably weakened too. Perhaps you need to do swallowing exercises. Hopefully your specialist will have a plan to get you eating again.

Beth