HappyGrace Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 *Especially* if you had acid reflux for quite awhile (a couple months or so) before starting it? Did it take awhile to kick in, or is it something that starts immediately? I mean, would it take a week or so before it starts to improve? And are results gradual or quick? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 I thought they were supposed to help right away. Take 2, they're small. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 When I have bad acid reflux, I have to take it night and morning, and it takes about a week to kick in. Also, I take it prescription strength, which I think is twice as much as the OTC amount. If that doesn't work, which is rare, or if I eat very late or something extremely irritating (for some reason bacon seems to be in that category, even in fairly small amounts), it doesn't work and I have to take Prilosec. Now, that is dangerous stuff, so I try not to do it any more than I have to. My rec is to take it as a regimen for a little longer than you have symptoms, as your goal is to actually heal your stomach and esophagus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 When dd12 was five years old, she took it cor at least two monts with no results. The drs kept increasing her dosage and it never helped. I did my research and put her on a GERD diet, had her drink apple cider vinegar in water 3x daily, and gave her natural papaya digestize enzymes after each meal. She has been symptom free for 6 - 7 years now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 For an acute case of heart burn, it usually takes about 30 minutes, so take with TUMS. However, if your esophagus is inflamed from chronic abuse, and you have a full sensation, or nocturnal cough etc ... more GERD than heartburn, it can take 6 weeks at full dose to get better. If you have all that, OTC prilosec is a better bet. Once you are all better, "taper" to pepcid. If you are over 40 and have any of the "warning signs" that require endoscopy to make sure it isn't something awful, don't mess around....see someone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 For an acute case of heart burn, it usually takes about 30 minutes, so take with TUMS. However, if your esophagus is inflamed from chronic abuse, and you have a full sensation, or nocturnal cough etc ... more GERD than heartburn, it can take 6 weeks at full dose to get better. If you have all that, OTC prilosec is a better bet. Once you are all better, "taper" to pepcid. If you are over 40 and have any of the "warning signs" that require endoscopy to make sure it isn't something awful, don't mess around....see someone. I am really sorry........ BTDT and I have to disagree. I really am sorry, especially since I respect you so much. I disagree. :sad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiddenJewel Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 Also be aware that the signs of too much stomach acid can be true for not enough. So cutting off acid production can make the situation worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 *Especially* if you had acid reflux for quite awhile (a couple months or so) before starting it? Did it take awhile to kick in, or is it something that starts immediately? I mean, would it take a week or so before it starts to improve? And are results gradual or quick? My experience has been that it's fairly quick relief (30 minutes or so), but also temporary. I would take with Tums for quicker relief. Also be aware that it may wreck (and I mean WRECK) your digestive system for the next 12 hours or so. I've taken Pepcid and I've taken Prilosec, and for me, the Pepcid results in stomach-virus-like...um, results :tongue_smilie: For long-term relief, though, I'd try to get to the heart of what's causing the reflux and resolve that. In my case it's diet-related (gluten and caffeine), but there can be other root causes as well (gall bladder trouble, weight, etc.). Solve those and you won't need the meds at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 I am really sorry........ BTDT and I have to disagree. I really am sorry, especially since I respect you so much. So, if you are over 40 and have the warning signs, you should be checked out? ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyGrace Posted February 22, 2012 Author Share Posted February 22, 2012 Thanks-this is for dd12-we've tried a bunch of natural and other (Tums, Pepto, etc) stuff before trying this. Can't get in w/ ped GI for a couple more wks so just trying to keep her comfortable til then. (Obviously she can't use Prilosec.) Totally going on a guess that it may be acid reflux-pediatrician didn't think so, but she had no suggestions to try, and I think the symptoms sound like it and figured it can't hurt to try it til we can get in to doc. Dh and I both go by the low stomach acid theory, previously did Betaine Hcl (natural enzyme/acid) for our acid reflux and it cured it. Didn't work for dd. Tried aloe vera juice, probiotics, etc. She tried the ACV and absolutely could not deal w/ it, even w/ honey in it-and she is normally very compliant. (Dh and I drink it this way nearly daily.) I will look up the GERD diet, thanks! She's been taking the Pepsid (10 mg-1 pill every 12 hours) since Fri and only slight improvement. But there IS some improvement, so just wondered if it's something we just need to continue with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 Thanks-this is for dd12-we've tried a bunch of natural and other (Tums, Pepto, etc) stuff before trying this. Can't get in w/ ped GI for a couple more wks so just trying to keep her comfortable til then. (Obviously she can't use Prilosec.) Totally going on a guess that it may be acid reflux-pediatrician didn't think so, but she had no suggestions to try, and I think the symptoms sound like it and figured it can't hurt to try it til we can get in to doc. Dh and I both go by the low stomach acid theory, previously did Betaine Hcl (natural enzyme/acid) for our acid reflux and it cured it. Didn't work for dd. Tried aloe vera juice, probiotics, etc. She tried the ACV and absolutely could not deal w/ it, even w/ honey in it-and she is normally very compliant. (Dh and I drink it this way nearly daily.) I will look up the GERD diet, thanks! She's been taking the Pepsid (10 mg-1 pill every 12 hours) since Fri and only slight improvement. But there IS some improvement, so just wondered if it's something we just need to continue with. Aw, poor kid! I forgot this was about your DD. I thought you guys were already in to the GI doc by now :( FWIW, I feel better relief from Prilosec than from Pepcid (but that may be because of the general digestive distress I associate with Pepcid now). And kids are regularly prescribed Zantac (the OTC dosage) from the store for reflux, so you could also try that. It does sound, though, like the wrong trail. It just stinks that they can't see a child in obvious distress sooner :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyGrace Posted February 22, 2012 Author Share Posted February 22, 2012 (edited) Yes, not til 3/7. We are on the cancellation list. Actually, now I am getting encouraged-I wrote today's earlier post before I talked to dd this morn, and she said she feels about a "7" today!! (1 being excruciating discomfort, 10 being normal). For awhile there (several wks while we were trying to work out insurance issues w/ only GI doc in area not taking our insurance) she was about a 2-3 daily (not constantly, but when it would be flared up at various parts of the day). Yesterday was around 5 (was around 3-5 for a few days), so to go to that from 2-3 and NOW to 7 today is really great improvement! I was encouraged here to read that it may take awhile for the Pepsid to work-perhaps it is starting to kick in! This is such an answer to prayer! I'm glad I went with my gut and tried the Pepsid although the ped said it prbly wouldn't help. Of course we would keep our GI appt, even if she somehow got back to totally normal by then-we want to look for underlying causes, etc. Edited February 22, 2012 by HappyGrace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 Yes, not til 3/7. We are on the cancellation list. Actually, now I am getting encouraged-I wrote today's earlier post before I talked to dd this morn, and she said she feels about a "7" today!! (1 being excruciating discomfort, 10 being normal). For awhile there (several wks while we were trying to work out insurance issues w/ only GI doc in area not taking our insurance) she was about a 2-3 daily (not constantly, but when it would be flared up at various parts of the day). Yesterday was around 5 (was around 3-5 for a few days), so to go to that from 2-3 and NOW to 7 today is really great improvement! I was encouraged here to read that it may take awhile for the Pepsid to work-perhaps it is starting to kick in! This is such an answer to prayer! I'm glad I went with my gut and tried the Pepsid although the ped said it prbly wouldn't help. Of course we would keep our GI appt, even if she somehow got back to totally normal by then-we want to look for underlying causes, etc. Well, that is really good news! I hope the overall issue is easily resolved! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 My experience has been that it's fairly quick relief (30 minutes or so), but also temporary. I would take with Tums for quicker relief. Also be aware that it may wreck (and I mean WRECK) your digestive system for the next 12 hours or so. I've taken Pepcid and I've taken Prilosec, and for me, the Pepcid results in stomach-virus-like...um, results :tongue_smilie: . I initially gave my ds Pepcid when he started having some reflux problems and he had the same unpleasant reaction to it. When he saw the dr. she recommended Prevacid, once daily, for 2-4 weeks and then check in with her. Have you tried eliminating the common trigger foods like citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyGrace Posted February 22, 2012 Author Share Posted February 22, 2012 I initially gave my ds Pepcid when he started having some reflux problems and he had the same unpleasant reaction to it. When he saw the dr. she recommended Prevacid, once daily, for 2-4 weeks and then check in with her. Have you tried eliminating the common trigger foods like citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine? So far she has thankfully not had any problem w/ the Pepcid. That being said, I'm not big on medicines long-term so I hope she won't have to be on it very long. She instinctively has been avoiding oranges and chocolate-one of the clues that led me to suspect acid reflux. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 Personally I have not had any problems with the Pepcid. Prilosec makes my skin break out, into wrinkled red splotches that are very difficult to clear. But, it's the only thing that stops the damage when it's severe. Now that I understand it all, I try not to ever get that bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 So, if you are over 40 and have the warning signs, you should be checked out? ;) Oh, this was for dd12 when she was 5. This was not for me. The drs kept increasing the meds and they werent helping, which is why I treated her naturally. I do agree with getting checked out, but I think natural treatment, in this case, is better. It healed dd. Won't one be on meds for years, even forever? There are people who can NOT tolerate ACV thou. Don't know if OP is one of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 Thanks-this is for dd12-we've tried a bunch of natural and other (Tums, Pepto, etc) stuff before trying this. Can't get in w/ ped GI for a couple more wks so just trying to keep her comfortable til then. (Obviously she can't use Prilosec.) Totally going on a guess that it may be acid reflux-pediatrician didn't think so, but she had no suggestions to try, and I think the symptoms sound like it and figured it can't hurt to try it til we can get in to doc. Dh and I both go by the low stomach acid theory, previously did Betaine Hcl (natural enzyme/acid) for our acid reflux and it cured it. Didn't work for dd. Tried aloe vera juice, probiotics, etc. She tried the ACV and absolutely could not deal w/ it, even w/ honey in it-and she is normally very compliant. (Dh and I drink it this way nearly daily.) I will look up the GERD diet, thanks! She's been taking the Pepsid (10 mg-1 pill every 12 hours) since Fri and only slight improvement. But there IS some improvement, so just wondered if it's something we just need to continue with. How much ACV were you putting in her glass? I think I did tsp to 8 - 10 oz water. It really needs to be watered down. Did you try natural papaya digestive enzymes? I notice that if I have to take an occasional Tums for anything, these natural enzymes work for me. I have stopped taking Tums now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 Yes, not til 3/7. We are on the cancellation list. Actually, now I am getting encouraged-I wrote today's earlier post before I talked to dd this morn, and she said she feels about a "7" today!! (1 being excruciating discomfort, 10 being normal). For awhile there (several wks while we were trying to work out insurance issues w/ only GI doc in area not taking our insurance) she was about a 2-3 daily (not constantly, but when it would be flared up at various parts of the day). Yesterday was around 5 (was around 3-5 for a few days), so to go to that from 2-3 and NOW to 7 today is really great improvement! I was encouraged here to read that it may take awhile for the Pepsid to work-perhaps it is starting to kick in! This is such an answer to prayer! I'm glad I went with my gut and tried the Pepsid although the ped said it prbly wouldn't help. Of course we would keep our GI appt, even if she somehow got back to totally normal by then-we want to look for underlying causes, etc. I am glad your dd is feeling better and that the meds ARE working for her. My dd got no relief from them and she was on them for months, with having the meds increased several times. We tried Pepcid and Prilosec, and before we got in to see the specialist, we tried otc Zantac. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 I do agree with getting checked out, but I think natural treatment, in this case, is better. It healed dd. Won't one be on meds for years, even forever? Not necessarily. I don't take them all the time, and it's because I don't need them all the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyGrace Posted February 22, 2012 Author Share Posted February 22, 2012 That is what I am wondering-I don't want her on these indefinitely! It will be interesting to see what the doc says. We will need to know if this was caused by an underlying problem, etc. If she continues to do well and we see the doc and there is no underlying prob, I hope to get her off them asap. Then I'll try the ACV more diluted-thanks! The weird thing was-it actually made her stomach worse that day! Perhaps it was so aggravated by then that everything bothered it (that's my theory). It would be good if she gets better to do the ACV as a preventative--it is harmless and like I said, dh and I take it every day for general health. Definitely going to get the papaya enzymes too, for the whole family for general stomach upset, etc-thanks! We always try to do natural whenever possible, but there are times when medication helps. I just hated seeing her in so much distress! I think that different times God directs us to what we need-natural or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiddenJewel Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 That is what I am wondering-I don't want her on these indefinitely! It will be interesting to see what the doc says. We will need to know if this was caused by an underlying problem, etc. If she continues to do well and we see the doc and there is no underlying prob, I hope to get her off them asap. Then I'll try the ACV more diluted-thanks! The weird thing was-it actually made her stomach worse that day! Perhaps it was so aggravated by then that everything bothered it (that's my theory). It would be good if she gets better to do the ACV as a preventative--it is harmless and like I said, dh and I take it every day for general health. Definitely going to get the papaya enzymes too, for the whole family for general stomach upset, etc-thanks! We always try to do natural whenever possible, but there are times when medication helps. I just hated seeing her in so much distress! I think that different times God directs us to what we need-natural or not. My understanding has always been that if someone has too much stomach acid, ACV will agitate that even further. So that might be why she had problems. Have you looked into the Blood Type diet? Just throwing it out there because some people have great success with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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