Hi, Patty,
Yes, I suffer with the acid reflux which is caused from Sjogrens. Until you have this disease, you really don't know how saliva works in you body (aiding in digestion). At least I never gave it a second thought until I didn't have any being produced. What I have been doing to ease the problems is making sure I eat by 6 pm. I try not to snack after this time also. I usually get off work by 4 pm and can have something ready for dinner by 5 or 5:30. If I am having something that may cause the acid (spaghetti, pizza, chocolate, anything tomato based) I will eat a red delicious apple. A friend of mine had mentioned this to me to try and now I make sure I always have these in house. I eat this as a dessert which is helping in that department. I have been on Protonix 40 mg for about 5 years now. My GP would like me to get off of this but he doesn't understand the whole workings of Sjogrens. I am in the process now of looking for a Rheumatologist. I have a great one in Queen Creek, AZ but I moved to Pocatello, ID 5 yrs ago and am having a tough time finding one. The only one that my insurance would cover didn't seem too helpful. He said I had rheumatoid joints but unless I have any other issues I didn't need to come in. Now I don't need to have my hand held like a child over this but I knew that there would be other problems coming up that I would like to get some guidance on. Oops, I am babbling. Anyhow, Patty, try the red delicious apple and see how this will work for you. Just remember to eat it as soon as you can after a meal and to avoid anything that triggers your acid. In my case I have to watch milk, icecream, chocolate(ouch!) and if I do have a pop it has to be very early in the afternoon. Good luck in this Patty!
Cheryl