Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

[AANGELZZZ]

Hi- I was diagnosed with Non Erosive Reflux disorder about 2 years ago, it means i have the symtoms of Ulcers and Reflux etc, without it tearing or wearing away at my lining. I have a fairly bad case of it, which needs to be controlled with meds.

I was initially taking Nexium to stop the acids in by body, but it was making me gain alot of weight, so I was prescribed with Somac, which has been alot better. I am meant to take 1 tablet a day along with a Zantac in the morning and 1 in the evening.

I am only 6 weeks pregnant and as soon as I discovered I was pregnant- about 3 weeks ago, I stopped taking the Somac on the instruction from my specialist (over the phone as my appointment isn't until Friday 31st).

In the mean time I also stopped the Zantac as I wasn't sure if this was safe.

What this has meant is that my stomach is absolutely ruined. My morning sickness kicked in about 2 days ago and with the vomiting, it is even worse, if that is possible....!

I feel as though my stomach lining is torn or something....

Anyway, just sharing my experience with this horrible feeling- cannot wait to meet with the specialist to see if he can recommend an alternative to me... I have also been told by my GP in the meantime, that it is OK to take Zantac, so I have started that again, but my stomach is beyond repair with Zantac right now...

Does anyone have any similar experience with NERD or GERD? Have you found ways to control this during your pregnancy?????

[Jill]

Hi I'm about 13 wks pergnant. I've been having this horrible relux which started from wk 6. I had been taking Nexium since 2006 but when I was pregnant at about 4 wks this year I stopped taking it. My ms kicked in around that time. I couldn't eat and threw up a lot, sometimes 3x in one night. That was when my reflux made its grand entrance and it's been bothering me ever since. My GP prescribed me with Ranitidine and Mylanta. I had to suffer a few more weeks before the medication worked. Now am hooked with my med. If for some silly reason I feel OK and stop taking the Mylanta (I stil take the Rani 2x a day, half tablet each), lo and behold am in agony again. Just like AANGELZZZ I can understand what she had to go through. Sometimes I feel like my stomach is beyond repair since I was without my medication for about a week or two when the ms kicked in. I just hope this won't be a permanent problem.

[MelBelle]

Hi folks

I had severe hyperemesis and GERD while pregnant with DS (he's now almost 7 years!) On the very rare occasion that could leave the house (due to vomiting) I carried a bottle of mylanta in my handbag!
I have since spent years on a high dosage of Nexium. In 2007 I had surgery to fix my GERD (Nissen Fundoplication) and it was THE BEST THING I"VE EVER DONE! I'm not suggesting everyone should run out and be operated on, but if there is anyone with this condition so severe that their Dr has suggested surgery - don't be afraid of it. GERD robbed me of my life, I couldn't run after my toddler, or change his nappy. No matter how bad GERD gets for you, it will not last forever, there is always something that can be done (just sometimes takes a while to sort out)

xx Mel