GERD?

I think GERD might be my middle name. 

Depending on your omeprazole dose, you might double up on it temporarily. Take one dose in the morning and one at night. That's what my gastroenterologist recommends, but you should ask yours.

You might want to post this question on one of the chemo forums here or here. Or, start a new topic called something like "FEC and GERD" in the Chemo forum.

rabbit -- the links weren't working for me either but I think I fixed them. One is a topic called "FEC-D Experiences" and the other is called "FEC chemo." You could try searching for those, too.

I find that Maxeran works better  for the first 2-3 days after chemo. It does have antacid properties along with controlling nausea and  vomiting. Also have taken Nexium daily  with Ranitidine for breakthrough along with the Maxeran.

Hi Rabbit....I also had the WORST heart-burn, & had an appointment to have the upper GI....But when I got to work, one of my friends said, "Oh just go get a bottle of Aloe Vera, and you won't have any more problems".....

On my way home, I did that....drank it with juice,  or tea, or even made a smoothie! 

 It all cleared up!  I too can get that awful crippling pain in my chest, but I don't think that is heart-burn, or Gerd...Maybe it is a Hiatal Hernia? 

 But Aloe Vera juice at Walmart, is only $7.84 I think....for about a gallon!  And just mix it with anything you like.  It is even VERY good for ulcers! 

Now, 10 years later, I still have some on hand, but  Ranitidine is all I take now, only when I have problems...And that's only about once a week!  Good luck!

Hey Rabbit, I have GERd and it was horrible during my first chemo but I was prescribed Protonix and it worked for me. I still take it now and have abbolutely no problems with it...

Just a head's up for you ladies taking Prevacid (omeprazole), Protonix, Aceiphex or any other drugs in that class.  Because of the increase stomach pH (less acid) which is the effect of these drugs, the various B vitamins are not absorbed in the stomach.  Eventually, you will end up with a vitamin B deficiency and will need to talk to your doctor about how to increase your vitamin B uptake.

 I learned this the hard way by being on Prevacid for 5 years because of GERD.

Hi Rabbit,

I know how you are feeling.  I've had GERD since radiation treatment 17 years ago and have been taking prevacid or lansoprazole since that time.  I also had an irritation of my esophagus (where I was radiated).

My doctor increased my dose during my FEC treatments because my GERD symptoms got significantly worse.  It took time to work but I'm feeling much better.  One of my doctors told me that I could quadruple the dosage for a couple of weeks if my symptoms got unbearable.

I'm now on a course of Taxotere and the symptoms have eased, in part, due to the increase in prevacid dosage.

It's important to get the treatment you need for your symptoms so that you protect your esophagus and stomach from further damage.

I hope you become symptom free soon.

Hi rabbit!  If you DO try the Alo Vera juice/drink again, mix it in a smoothie, or even in tea, and do it about 3 or 4 times a day.  The first drink I had of it, I "started" to get that pain, but it didn't come on like it used to!  Then, everytime I drank it, I never got that pain again.

The GOOD thing about it  is,  it is  natural healing and has so many benefits!  But the main one, is of course gastro-intestinal problems....and the healing effect it has on that.  Let us know what helps you!

Rabbit, I also highly recommend an apple a day.  But I cut mine up (with the peel - it's important) and put it in the microwave for 3 minutes in a handful of oatmeal and water.  This is my regular breakfast (unless I'm having blueberry pancakes).  I've had less hiatal hernia (sp?) pain since I started this about a year ago.  And it keeps you regular, if you know what I mean

Rabbit, try it raw first, if your digestion can tolerate it.  Mine won't so I cut it up and either microwave it for a bit (not till it's a watery mess though).  Boiling in a tablespoon of water til it's slightly soft also works.