Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: honeybun on May 08, 2015, 03:08:33 PM
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Just been given these to try. I was on Omeprazole but it wasn't working well.
Any thoughts ladies on how successful they are.
I did have an interesting conversation with my GP regarding an endoscope. She says that they rarely referr people for this anymore as all they can be prescribed are PPIs.
She prodded around my tummy and everything felt fine. She also told me to take Gaviscon at night if I needed to. I'm sure she said Gaviscon Advance but I couldn't find one called that. I got the pink double action one. Hope it's the right one.
Honeybun
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Thanks Sparkle.
I took a Zantac this morning. Should I wait until tomorrow before I start the new pills or would I be ok taking one at dinner.
What time of day do you take yours?. I remember being told years ago about the stomach producing more acid at night so take your meds before bed. But if I'm on just one pill a day it would make more sense to take in the morning.
Honeybun
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Gaviscon Advance works but it is like swallowing a goldfish and made me gag it tasted so nasty.
Good luck Honeybun x
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Yes Omeprazole made me bloat and very windy at times. It also made me feel a bit dizzy initially but that sort of passed.
Thanks for the advice on when to take in the morning. I usually go back to bed with a cuppa for a wee while before I have breakfast. I'm also going to start having a bowl of porridge again. It really seems to help. It's said it puts a lining on your tummy. I'm also off to buy some natural yogurt tomorrow too.
I'm going to beat this b***y thing. I have before and I will again. I'm in holiday at the end of June and it's our first family holiday for years and I'm so looking forward to spending the week with my grown up kids.....I'm amazed they wanted to come. This has to be under control by then.....fingers crossed anyway.
I've never swallowed a goldfish BJ but I will give it a go ;D
Honeybun
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honeybun - do look at my thread titled 'Endoscopy'. It's obviously quite comment to get these digestive problems at our age. I started having horrid burning across my diaphragm back in February that woke me every morning at around 3-4am and then started to continue all day. My GP prescribed Lansoprazole which didn't seem to work to start with so my brother-in-law (who is a gastroenterologist) suggested I double the dose (so twice a day) and after a week or so it did start to improve. I stopped taking them after 4 weeks when I thought everything was better and a couple of weeks later the pain started again, so my GP referred me for an endoscopy. I had this endoscopy yesterday and everything was clear and was told I may need to take Lansoprazole for the long term as I was clearly producing too much acid!!! It does seem to calm things down but I am trying to do without it at the moment - just using some Gaviscon and eating bananas between meals.
BTW you are meant to take Lansoprazole on an empty stomach between 30-60 mins before you eat - so I take it when I first wake up with a little water and have my cup of tea and toast about 30 mins later. Porridge is a good idea - semi skimmed milk neutralisers the acid. DG x
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It's so confusing when we get different advice from GP's. I was referred for endoscopy, as have been quite a few of my friends, to rule out any cancers but also to check for Barrett's Oesophagus which can lead to cancer if not treated. It's standard practice at our local surgery. A friend, in Wales, was not referred for heartburn and reflux and developed really unpleasant symptoms when a web grew across the top of her oesophagus. She had symptoms of it being increasingly difficult to swallow but just upped her indigestion and PPI stuff and then, when at a friend's for the weekend, the web (which she knew nothing about) stretched right across and she began to throw back everything she ate - not being sick just the food filling up as far as it could go and then regurgitating. She was referred for emergency endoscopy and the web was dislodged and her scarred oesophagus widened. She has to take medication for life. I'd never heard of it before. Very scary although, being much calmer than me, she took it all in her stride!! http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancers-in-general/cancer-questions/what-is-barretts-oesophagus
Taz x
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I have a hiatus hernia as well since I was pregnant 34 years ago! I have taken the old style anti ulcer tablets for over 20 years. I have tried the ppi's but I get severe side effect and cannot take them.
I also have found that for 3-4 days every month I get terrible heartburn that does not make any sense in that I haven't eaten anything I know causes it and I have to take alot of antacids then it suddenly goes away and realised when I still had periods that it was most likely hormonal so nice to know I as not alone. Since becoming post meno I now get this bad patch about 3-4 days every 6 weeks.
If you have had long standing heartburn then you should have a camera down to check for barratts oesphagus, my friend has this very badly and had to have camera every 3 months and biopsies and this is due to 20 years of untreated heartburn.
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I don't generally have heartburn, nothing coming up into the gullet. Just an uncomfortable stomach, occasional indigestion and at the moment the lump in the throat feeling. The GP knows I am very anxious about going into hospital for any kind of procedure. She did say that now they can prescribe PPIs, that settles most people's problems therefore hospital tests are becoming less necessary. We have a deal though. If it does not settle within a couple of months then she will book me in for an endoscopy and I will go....which I will.
The trouble is I have had all these tests before and nothing was ever found. I had the breath test a few months ago for the bug thingy ....can't remember it's name H....something or another and that was clear.
This is nothing new for me, it's been going on for years and years. I go through a bad period for a few months and then I get it under control and it can go for a year or more.
I will try the new pills and see how it goes. I may well have to have the tests, but at the moment I'm resisting. I may regret it in the future but I'm on the same pills as everyone else that have had the tests and that's the treatement anyway......so :-\
Honeybun
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I have been on Lansprazole for a long time Honeybun, after being found to have H.Pylori. Initially I was given a strong course of Antibiotics and then placed on Lansprazole 15mg as I was still getting a lot of Heartburn. It has worked fine for me but when I mentioned to my GP that I was still getting Heartburn occasionally he advised me to increase my dose and take another Lansprazole tablet when I needed to.
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DH took it without problems.
We gave the dog Buscopan ;)
Mazzy - if it was H/Pylori the ABs should have cleared it! However, stress can cause gut problems …..
What's wrong with good old Milk of Magnesia?
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Milk of Magnesia neutralises stomach acid but doesn't prevent it from being formed. Can't stomach(!) it myself - really upsets my bowel!!
Taz x
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OH has taken it, didn't get on well with it.
It seems he's allergic to it, caused very sore mouth and dry itchy patches on skin.
His GP who had originally said, "oh these don't cause problems", said yesterday, that another patient gets very agitated when taking it. Suggested that OH keep well away from it and not to try another PPI to give the damage chance to heal.
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Sitting up properly, eating at the table, sleeping upright can all ease symptoms. As can drinking milk :-X
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Milk is no longer recommended for heartburn
Drinking milk
Drinking a glass of milk was thought to ease the discomfort of heartburn, but recent research in the U.S. suggests it can worsen the problem by causing the stomach to produce more acid.
Honeybun
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Is that full fat milk though? All this reduced cream 'stuff' isn't allowed in our household, it's all or nothing and I don't even like milk ::) …….. how about goat milk, good for allergies in general. I don't see how milk would create more acid :-\ ….. any more than any other food product might.
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:thankyou: for years I could eat grapefruit but not oranges.
Is this Association medic-led? The gut can become un-settled for a many reasons as there are stars in the sky ::) bu…r it! and stress makes mine a lot worse.
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Sparkle and honeybun - this is very interesting. However, for me any of the onion family gives me terrible heartburn and citrus fruits makes my urethra burn when I pee. I am vegetarian and eat a lot of salad and vegetables but I have to be careful of too much greens as this gives me diarrhoea - cauliflower and chestnuts give me appalling wind and also speeds up me digestive tract. Maybe my system is very sensitive!!!!
I must be very strange as goats milk and cheese also gives me awful wind and cramps!!!!
I know red wine is supposed to be good for digestion but I can't even tolerate that at the moment.
I'm trying to eat small amounts and keep food simple and see how it goes. DG x
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It would be great if we could just find a way of eating that was fail safe.
Remember back to when we were young and could eat anything at all......did we appreciate it....did we heck ::)
Took my first pill this morning and it was fine. I'm a bit headachy today but I suspect I'm just tired. I've been doing far too much again and the next few days are going to be busy ones.
It will be interesting to see if this pill works any better than omeprazole or just the same.
Burning stomach has gone but the lump in the throat is still there.
Honeybun
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Anyone tried Apple cider vinegar.
A teaspoon in water is supposed to be very good.
I'm tempted to try but I'm a coward ::)
Honeybun
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Right, who is going to go first. ;D
Mind you I haven't got a clue where to get it from. Amazon I suppose.
Yes the lumpy throat is often caused by anxiety. The first time I had it I was convinced there was something seriously wrong. Then I discovered I could still swallow food quite easily and stopped panicking. It's a horrid feeling though.
Honeybun
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Honeybun, you can get Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in H and B. I'm too scared to try but my sister in law has had amazing success with it xx
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Hi Sparkle,
Only since she fell into peri. Had all sorts of digestive issues, acid, bloating, ibs etc. A work colleague suggested she try it and to be fair, apart from the very occasional blip, she hasn't looked back.
She started with a teaspoonful in water twice a day, once in morning and again at night. I think she has cut it down to once a day now but I'll have to check with her and report back.
I wish I could be brave and take the plunge but the thought of adding more acidity to my battered digestive system is worrying to say the least xxx
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Have you got a H & B near you Sparkle, if so you can go first ;D
It's supposed to be really good. Off to have a little Google.
Honeybun
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I have been getting this feeling of tightness in the throat - and a feeling like I have a lump. When I saw the osteopath for my back she noticed I was not breathing properly, probably because of my back pain. This was also making me short of breath at times. I started concentrating on expanding my ribcage when I breath to allow greater intakes of breath and this seems to release that tension and opens up the throat. When we are in pain, stressed or anxious we tend to take short breaths high up in the chest - it is amazing how breathing properly can make a difference.
I do agree that it seems impossible to get the diet absolutely right - lets face it, life is short and if we just eat all the things we should, it would be very boring. Chocolate may be bad for acid but it does release those positive endorphins and it so satisfying and delightful - rob me of my occasional indulgences and eating just those healthy things would make me dread every meal.
Interesting about Apple Cider - I've heard about this before somewhere - isn't it one of those good old fashioned remedies our grannies used to use? - you can usually get it in Waitrose and village stores where they sell local produce.
honeybun - I hope the Lansoprazole does the trick - I found they were OK to take and my digestive system did seem to settle on them quite well. My sister who has Crohns has recently been prescribed them and has found them very beneficial!!!! DG x
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Cider vinegar use is 100s of years old. My Mum uses it regularly. She had polymyalgia rheumatica many years ago and after the steroids were weaned off, she diluted cider vinegar regularly. Swears by it for easing aching joints.
I've never fancied it ……. ::)
More recently I've found that home grown purple sprouting broccoli affects my transit: exactly 5 hours after eating it I get gut pain and have to 'dash'. Don't feel ill but it gives my system a very good clear out :-X …….. I haven't eaten cauliflower for years as it gives me violent wind pains which I can't pass. I've been allergic to onions since age 12. Love 'em but they go through me so quickly I hallucinate :o - not the best way to 'trip' ……
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Cheap though CLKD ;D
You are so right DG, if you took away all treats then I would be miserable.
I have a few things that I would miss so much and I'm probably not doing myself any good eating.
My hubby says I am a tomatoaholic ;D. There are not many meals that I can't add them too. I have to restrain myself in the summer because I can eat them like sweets. I love summer fruits too. Well to be honest I like most veggies but have to be very careful and given the fact we grow a lot of our own it can be difficult. Hey ho they are good for you. Oh and I do like a glass of wine.
I'm not sure at the moment if my lumpy throat is due to anxiety or not because I'm anxious a lot of the time.
I've certainly had it before and it hangs around for weeks and then just suddenly disappears for years.
I try to breath from the tummy but to be honest I just forget.
Time to relax would be nice but it just doesn't seem to happen for me. Life is quite full on. My mother takes a lot of care now and that's only going to increase as time goes by.
I'm 13 years younger than my sister so am deemed to be able to just keep on going. Don't think that can happen for ever to be honest. It's taking its toll, but there are few other choices.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger......so I'm told ::)
Honeybun
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What rubbish :-X ::)
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Not at all sure it's rubbish at all.
There have been events in my life that I have struggled through and come out the other side a stronger person.
Guess it's all down to how you approach life..
Rubbish though.....nope.
Honeybun
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I approach with trepidation :-X
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"If it also helps with wind I'll be over the moon (not literally I hope!). "
:rofl:
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This might be interesting if you are trying to work out the link between poor breathing and ill health https://www.painscience.com/articles/respiration-connection.php it's a bit scientific but sort of makes sense.
Taz x
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My music teacher always told us that most people never breath correctly - we don't use the full lung capacity so singing or whistling is good for us!
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Well been taking these pills...one a day 30mg for one day short of a week now....and I really don't like them.
I have had a headache everyday....I'm not a headachy person....so that's new.
I'm also a bit light headed and very faintly dizzy.
I just don't feel right on them at all.....tired and lacking in energy...as if I'm coming down with something, only I'm not.
So...
I'm going to stop to see if these feelings go away and just try and manage on Gaviscon.
Just thought I would update.
Honeybun
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Oh heck, I hate sickness bugs....your poor daughter.
Hope you have the Dettox out ::)....if anyone in my house has a bug it's in my hand all the time.
Hope your daughter feels much better soon .....and you don't catch it.
Yes I could ask the GP for milder ones because these ones make me feel rubbish.
Honeybun
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HB I think the lansoprazole come in 15mg.
OH was thinking of asking for them as he wasn't getting on with the 30mg.
As it happens, he's not taking anything now.
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I'm going to call on Monday for the lower strength ones Limpy.
This is the first day for a week I haven't had a headache so it's definitely the pills.
I used to take ones called Nexium that worked well but I think they are the most expensive ones so not much chance in getting them prescribed.
Not sure if you can buy them....I'm sure I saw them in a chemist recently.
Honeybun
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Perhaps when you see the GP, start off by asking for Nexium, if that's a no go, then request 15mg Lansoprazole.......
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I will call on Monday and request the Nexium. They can only say no ::)
The side effects of the Lansoprazole have been strange. I also have dry sore lips and wonder if it was those that caused it. I have felt off all week with them. They just didn't suit at all. I'm sure I took them years ago though and was fine.
Honeybun
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Did you ring to find out?
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Yes I rang and requested the 15mg ones. The receptionist didn't think it would be a problem. I will find out tomorrow if I'm getting them.
Hope so as they work quite well.
Honeybun
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Hi there I have been on Lanzoprazole for some time now and I don't really get heartburn. I had to come off it for a week and it came back. The problem I have is difficulty swallowing sometimes. I have to regurgitate. I have like a mucus build up. This comes and goes. Worse when I eat meat with bread. I really recommend Lanzoprazole. Good luck! :bighug:
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I read somewhere yesterday, that a 'web' can form across the gullet (may have been on here :-\ )
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I read somewhere yesterday, that a 'web' can form across the gullet (may have been on here :-\ )
Not certain but I think I remember something about Taz having a friend in North Wales who had a problem of this type. Can't remember the exact details but I do remember the North Wales bit, as that's where I live
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:thankyou:
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Just out of interest, have any of you with heartburn symptoms had pressure put on you to make really major changes to your diet in preference to taking Gaviscon or the PPI drugs? The foods to cut out include alcohol, chocolate, cheese, tea, coffee and tomatoes as well as all fried foods and pastry.
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I haven't even had diet mentioned but this week I have been trying to change my diet myself.
It's a bit restricted. Porridge for breakfast, red bush tea instead of the ordinary stuff. Chicken roll and the Greek yogurt for lunch. Cup of red bush in the afternoon then it's been chicken for the past two nights with either a baked potato or rice for dinner. Tonight it was baked cod and potatoes for dinner. A few ginger nuts if I'm peckish or I feel my stomach getting empty.
This is my attempt to get things to feel better.
They certainly don't feel any worse that's for sure, but better...not yet. I live in hope though.
Have not got a clue what to eat for dinner tomorrow though.
Honeybun
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hb i know everyone is different but jacket potatoes always give me acid ,especially if i eat all the skin, just a thought :)
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I love the skins but I know it's not a great idea so I didn't eat it.
I could get very tired of this diet very quickly.
I meant to ask. What makes Gaviscon Advance better than the standard stuff.
I have bought some, heck it's not cheap ::)
Honeybun
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not really sure hb, but its the only one works for me kerrie
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I'm going to take some before bed...yuk I just hate gloopy stuff.
Honeybun
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oh no not the liquid, i have the tablets, just chew them and take a glass of water
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Nope the gloopy liquid. Two big spoonfuls. Can't wait ::)
Honeybun
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when thats gone try the tablets :)
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:beaurk: ………
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HB the liquid is disgusting but I prefer it to the tablets - at least the liquid is gone quick! I take lansaprazole - and gaviscon advance when needed.
I've got longstanding reflux problems. I was referred to a ent consultant last year because of a constant cough and sore throat - turned out it was LPR. Gaviscon advance is the only thing that helps me for that, or sleeping upright - which I never could do but my hip replacement op last year forced me to! Still hate it though :) x
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When I had indigestion last night I thought of you - have symptoms improved Honeybun? :-\
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You've just reminded me CLKD
On Thursday, there was something in the paper (the i) saying that Lansoprazole is linked to 20% increased risk of heart attacks (along with other PPis). The article did go on to say that the study only showed correlation and had no proof of causation. Also, it said that PPis are only recommended for short term use.
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No medication should be prescribed for long-term until other possible diseases are ruled out. I take Rennies as necessary ……. it takes several days for the gut to settle after though, I can feel background burning as I type ::)
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I think it is. Certainly once I find an AD for example which works for me I stick with it! That way Life improves ;) and there's always the scenario that the bus might get me before the medication might!
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When OH was having palpitations which needed a cardiac ablation, his consultant was very keen that he took Lasanprozole after the procedure to keep things calm. Speaking to him, later he said there was a close link between "indigestion" type problems and the heart. The reason being close physical proximity between the gullet the heart. I thought it sounded strange at the time but I could see the logic.
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When I get indigestion it affects the back of my throat inside; the cheeks; down my neck and jaw; behind the breast bone and DH has to rub my shoulder blades. I can't burp which might help ::) if I do it makes us both jump :D. He can feel the wind moving around which is how we know it's indigestion and not heart. But every time I do think 'how long before I go to A&E?' ……. I know what does it and it's usually at the same time of evening.
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It's not unusual for severe indigestion to be mistaken for a heart attack......and vice versa.
I think to be on the safe side anything out of the norm should be investigated.
Honeybun
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It's within normal limits for me. Usually happens after I have eaten quickly when hungry or when I swallow my evening meds then try to sleep.
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Probably a silly observation but I wonder if that's why it's called 'heartburn'.
Now you mention it Sparkle ;D
It makes perfect sense - Not silly at all
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Sparkle the daft thing is I'd vaguely got the proximity to the heart.........
But, not the "heartburn" - sheeesh ::)
It's been a long year ;D
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:thankyou: