I hurt and I'm freaked out

[dawn4511]

I'm 4 weeks out now but the drinking isn't getting any easier. It really hurts to swallow. I've tinkered with some of the soft foods but it was worse.

I was having an issue with acid burning my throat so started prepcid ac.

So I'm freaked out because my mind keeps going to it's another leak. Probably not logical but hey that's how I roll lol. I have a scope on 9/16 and then followup on 9/22 to see what's going on.

When someone says a revision is different and much harder they are not kidding.

[newyorkbitch]

Why are you not taking a PPI ?

[OnMyWay2Thin]

Hi Dawn,

Too new myself to know a heck of a lot, but I wanted to let you know at four weeks I was posting a similar concern to you regarding getting in water and protein. All of a sudden it changed and I feel good about my intake. Glad you have some tests scheduled but hoping all turns out just fine.

Feel better,
Kelly

[Joanne]

When you say it hurts to drink, what kind of pain is it causing? Do you mean your throat hurts / burns? Or does it hurt your stomach like your stomach is too full?

I would have discomfort in my stomach early out if I drank too much, too fast, but it sounds like your pain might be your throat? Acid indigestion is definitely a post op issue that for most people gets better in time. But it can be pretty bad for awhile, you definitely need to be on an acid reducer - not just for the symptoms, but a regular daily (or more) one to prevent it.

[dawn4511]

It hurts from my chest to my stomach when I swallow. I feel it go all the way down.

What does PPI stand for?

[dawn4511]

Thank you Kelly for the reassurance.

[newyorkbitch]

It stands for protein pump inhibitor.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton-pump_inhibitor

My suggestion would be to buy prilosec OTC (or just generic omeprazole) and take 20mg in the morning and 20mg in the evening.

It is always shocking to me when surgeons do not send DS patients home with these instructions.

If you do a search here on this board, you will find many discussions about PPIs.

[west4thavenue]

I second what nyb has said. You need a PPI to protect your stomach for AT LEAST 6 months following this surgery. It makes a big difference.

Four weeks is still very early post op. This is NOT an easy surgery. Take the PPI.

[dawn4511]

I will have to do some more research and see if I can get a prescription because none of the otc are sold in Canada at least otc, maybe by prescription.

[Joanne]

Sept 8, 2014 19:08:33 GMT -5 dawn4511 said:

It hurts from my chest to my stomach when I swallow. I feel it go all the way down.

What does PPI stand for?

PPI stands for Proton Pump Inhibitor. They are basically acid reducers.

I found this online, which shows you some common names in the US and Canada

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) work by lowering the amount of acid in the stomach. PPIs
treat conditions caused by too much stomach acid. Some of these conditions are heartburn or
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers. These are the PPIs available in the U.S. and
Canada (“*” indicates product available in U.S. only):
• Omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC, Losec) • Rabeprazole (Aciphex, Pariet)
• Omeprazole/Sodium Bicarb (Zegerid, Zegerid OTC)* • Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid, Prevacid 24HR) • Esomeprazole (Nexium)
• Pantoprazole (Protonix, Pantoloc, Tecta) • Esomeprazole/Naproxen (Vimovo)
(Prilosec OTC, Prevacid 24HR, and Zegerid OTC can be bought over-the-counter in the U.S. All others
need a prescription.)

[newyorkbitch]

Are you sure omperazole is not available OTC in Canada?

[bboop]

I take protonic and swear by it. It's a script. Now I only take one a day and I'm fine, but you may need two to begin with.

Please let us know how you are doing once you start taking the PPI.

Feel better soon.

[goodkel]

Sept 8, 2014 19:08:33 GMT -5 dawn4511 said:

It hurts from my chest to my stomach when I swallow. I feel it go all the way down.

What does PPI stand for?

Are you still taking small sips?

I had the same feeling when I was trying to swallow too much liquid at once.

A PPI works by reducing the amount of acid that your stomach produces. Because it is systemic, it won't provide immediate relief like a Zantac or Pepcid would--those meds work on the acid that is currently in your stomach. They are like putting out a fire. The PPI is fire prevention and safer for you because you can have reflux without feeling it. Reflux is very damaging to your esophagus and a major risk of esophageal cancer.

[dawn4511]

I called my DR this morning omeprazole are only available by prescription in Ont. So they called in one for me.

[dawn4511]

This is the prescription they gave me

[newyorkbitch]

Good. That's 20mg omeprazole. Take one in the am and one in the pm.

[lisa813]

How are you feeling Dawn? My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm hoping the PPI helps you and you start to feel
Better


Lisa