Pros and Cons of Daily Medication for GERD

I am a long time user of Prilosec for GERD. The biggest problem with this drug (and related drugs) is not the cost, inconvenience, etc., but rather the difficulty in discontinuation of the drug--there is a huge problem with rebound symptoms of GERD. I have tried several times to stop the medication--with same result each time. It may or may not be a return of original symptoms--the argument against return of symptoms: studies I have read about that found a similar result with normal, non-GERD patients after a month or so of the drug. I would love to read more about this phenomena, and hope that JH will help here. I also would love to stop the drug--not at all a fan of long-term medication use, unless strictly necessary.

I'm a 68 year old male I remember well the difficulties at the beginning. At my most recent endoscopy the doc said "keep taking the daily Rx" At first we tried many drugs (10 yrs ago) then Nexium which I have taken for 7 years. I know it is name brand expensive but it's worth it. Of course I changed my diet, but it wasn't difficult as I don't drink, smoke, and am vegetarian. I feel great, have never stopped taking it because I remember the consequences and believe the doctor when he tells me the benefits he is seeing.

I am taking omeprazole (Prilozec) daily for GERD, and it seems to be generally effective in controlling reflux, although from time to time I have difficulty swallowing. But another symptom has popped up (after being on an antibiotic for 10 days for other reasons): Upon burping I get a slight pain in the central chest and oppositely located in the back. This has persisted, although perhaps less intensive, despite taking the medication for about three months. Question: Is this a common symptom, and of what? Note: This is uncorrelated with physical activity.

I cured myself of GERD: I had GERD for about 3 years and suffered a lot. I tried Nexium, Prilosec, Tagamet antacids galore and so on. Raised the head of my bed and everything else, but nothing worked, and my symptoms continued. I even had an esophageal endoscopy, which required going under with general anesthesia. They couldn't find my problem, but the symptoms continued.

Then I stumbled on the remedy for GERD, almost by accident. The acid reducers and other medications did not work, but instead create a negative digestive feedback loop between the small intestine and the stomach. Reducing the acid does not help or get rid of the problem. Once you understand that the problem is not stomach acid, but digestion, you are on your way to getting rid of GERD once and for all.

Here is how I did it: I used probiotics and aloe vera juice mainly to solve my problem. Specifically, I used Fast Balance GI and MegaProbiotics ND probiotics formulas, made by FoodScience of Vermont, along with Aloe Vera Juice to heal my irritated GI tract. For the first 2 months, I also used a natural antacid called "Alka Fizz", but after a few weeks, I got better finally and did not need to take the Aloe Vera Juice or AlkaFizz.

The key thing is the probiotics or friendly bacteria. I believe my GERD started when my doctor scripted me a 5 day Z pack (Zithromax) a super strong antibiotic also wiped out the good bacteria in my small and large intestine, impairing proper digestion. This created the negative digestive feedback loop between my small intestine and stomach, BECAUSE THE FOOD WAS NOT BREAKING DOWN PROPERLY. Once I resupplied my GI tract with healthy, friendly bacteria, I was able to stop using Nexium, Prilosec, Tagamet and all those products. At this point, I have been GERD free for about 2 or 3 years now.