Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Jane50 on November 14, 2020, 07:17:07 PM

Title: Reflux
Post by: Jane50 on November 14, 2020, 07:17:07 PM
Hi all,

Just a quick question regarding heartburn and reflux. Is it ok to take Gaviscon regularly? Has anyone consulted GP re reflux and been advised it's ok to take it on an ongoing basis? Don't want to have needless investigations when I'm pretty sure it's hormonal.

X
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: CherrySG on November 14, 2020, 07:21:02 PM
I'm pretty sure it's OK to take Gaviscon every day.

Slippery Elm capsules are also really good for reflux and harmless as far as I know.

I'm trying to get off PPIs and I've taken both for years!
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Joaniepat on November 14, 2020, 07:52:21 PM
I've taken Gaviscon Advance for a few years and it is on my repeat prescriptions. You can take it up to four times a day, although now I usually only need it before bed. Ask the pharmacist for Gaviscon Advance in preference to the one off the shelf.
JP x
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Jane50 on November 14, 2020, 07:54:37 PM
Thank you so much. Will try the Advance .

X
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: CLKD on November 14, 2020, 08:47:37 PM
I managed with 'Rennies' or 'milk of magnesia' for years, then developed an irritating clearing-throat cough .......... so GP gave me omeprazalol.  Which helps, 1 capsule at night and occasionally a 2nd mid-day if the cough is a nuisance.

Warning: 'gaviscon' is like drinking wall paper paste  ;D  :-X

Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Jane50 on November 14, 2020, 08:54:54 PM
Thanks all  :)

I actually quite like the aniseed gaviscon. Blame that on my hormones too...!

Have had Rennies before bed for a few months now but feel the gaviscon helps more.  Will ask to have it added to my ever growing list of hormonally related prescription things...will need a trolley to pick them up from the chemist soon!
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: CLKD on November 14, 2020, 09:54:33 PM
'gaviscon' layers the gullet I think to ease any possible burning from acid reflux. 
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Julia Dizzy on November 15, 2020, 04:42:27 PM
Hi, my ENT consultant prescribed Omeprazole and Gaviscon advance for reflux and voice loss issues...but when I got my prescription from GP they has changed it to Peptac, which I have been told is the same???

Obviously at a lower cost to the NHS than Gaviscon advance so will just buy my own >:(
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Jane50 on November 15, 2020, 05:11:06 PM
Thanks for all the help everyone!  :)
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: bluebird68 on November 16, 2020, 09:53:39 PM
Gaviscon advance is the best, and I was advised by ENT to take 3 to 4 times a day after meals.its expensive so if you can get  gp to prescribe a big.bottle that will.save money if u pay.  PPIs also to get symptobs under control and prove its reflux. Hope things settle soon.
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Jane50 on November 16, 2020, 10:22:49 PM
Thanks bluebird68,

GP confirmed that he won't prescribe Gaviscon Advance as it's an over the counter medicine so will have to ask for some for Christmas I think!
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Wragmop on November 17, 2020, 08:48:38 AM
So reflux is a meno thing too?? Newly diagnosed with it at 47. Never made the connection.
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Taz2 on November 17, 2020, 12:35:02 PM
Hi all,

Just a quick question regarding heartburn and reflux. Is it ok to take Gaviscon regularly? Has anyone consulted GP re reflux and been advised it's ok to take it on an ongoing basis? Don't want to have needless investigations when I'm pretty sure it's hormonal.

X

Have you had any investigations as to why you have reflux? I just wondered what the GP has said about ongoing treatment. 

Taz x
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: CLKD on November 17, 2020, 01:10:59 PM
It lasts for ages Jane  ;D especially if you don't like it  :-X  :D

I am using omeprazolol with some success. 
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: NicolaJ on November 17, 2020, 01:23:21 PM
I’ve been using chai and licorice tea from Holland and Barrett. This coats the gut lining. You have to be careful and not have too many in a day, read the guidance carefully. I leave the bag in for three minutes to brew then discard as the after taste was too much. I also add a little honey or sugar. It has helped my heartburn and reflux enormously
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Jane50 on November 17, 2020, 02:04:45 PM
Hi Taz2, the GP said to get back in touch if the Gaviscon Advance doesn't work but as the reflux has started at the same time as a myriad of other meno issues I can only presume that it's another joyous symptom!

CLKD - I am now in receipt of a giant 600ml bottle of Gaviscon. Yum! I guess Omeprozol will be the next step if this doesn't work..

NicolaJ and CherrySG - thanks will order some chai and liquorice tea and also some slippery elm

What a wonderful support you all are - thank you! x
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: CLKD on November 17, 2020, 02:22:00 PM
Don't use it all at once  :o or you won't know what is working and think of the bowels  ;D
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Jane50 on November 17, 2020, 02:30:17 PM
I won't use it all at once CLKD, got to save something to look forward to  ;D
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: CLKD on November 17, 2020, 03:05:54 PM
U know how to live  ;D
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Cat71 on November 17, 2020, 08:11:05 PM
I used to have terrible heartburn / gas / acid for years. I started a NOOM healthy eating programme 7 weeks ago and it’s all practically gone. I’ve lost nearly a stone in weight and am eating much healthier foods! X
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Cat71 on November 17, 2020, 08:15:09 PM
Ps - I used to have omeprazole but it seriously upset my digestive system and caused different symptoms. It reduces the acid so much that the bad bacteria take over. I had awful flatulence for 3 months afterwards. I don’t know if it does this to everyone though. Antibiotics don’t do my digestive system any good either, even the gastro resistant ones. All kills the good bacteria. I stuck to Gavison after that. My acid practically went after 2 weeks of starting Noom. Highly recommend it ❤️
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: CLKD on November 17, 2020, 08:48:16 PM
What's NOOM ?

Many medications may well work differently for different people which is why it can be such tiring Trial and Error  :-\
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Jane50 on November 17, 2020, 09:03:07 PM
Not sure how I can eat much more healthily but always open to any suggestions. I don't drink alcohol, only have decaf green tea, no refined sugars and loads of veggies. I'm avoiding any strong spices and avoiding tomato based foods.  I really hope the Gaviscon helps! Will research the NOOM diet.
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Taz2 on November 17, 2020, 10:12:51 PM
I'm on omeprazole for my reflux and can eat or drink anything with no discomfort but mine is caused by a hiatus hernia which was only discovered by endoscopy. I don't like taking them long term due to the association with possible stomach cancer but without them I risk oesophageal cancer. Rock and a hard place!

Taz x  :-\
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: Cat71 on November 17, 2020, 11:09:56 PM
Noom has been advertised on the TV and social media lately. It’s a healthy eating programme where you log your meals and it teaches you food groups - green, yellow and red. It works on psychology and completely changes how you think about food / how you cook it / healthier alternatives to bad fats etc etc. You get a personal coach and a group coach too. You also log your daily step count etc. You can eat what you want as long as you stay within your entire calorie budget and do your best to stay within the yellow and red food groups budgets. They give you an analysis of your foods as you log them. It’s the only thing that’s shifted the weight for me during menopause. Already 13.5 pounds off in 7 weeks. I won’t be going back to how I used to eat 😀
Title: Re: Reflux
Post by: CLKD on October 08, 2021, 06:35:12 PM
I saw an idea yesterday: "Aptimal" - powder formation which eases heartburn and reflux  :o

Should we give it go? 

Now owned by Danone:

Inspired by over 120 years of NUTRICIA's expertise in early life science, and 40 years of pioneering research, our team had developed Aptamil® (r) Anti-Reflux; nutritionally complete* and combining our blend of ingredients with our unique process to develop a formulation specifically designed for babies with frequent reflux and regurgitation. If you think your baby has frequent reflux and regurgitation speak to your healthcare professional for advice.


How it works

Aptamil® Anti-Reflux is formulated with carob bean gum, which thickens the formula, helping the feed