Stomach Issues

[irish]

I have to add to the discussion that Carafate really does work well. There are some drugs that you can't take prior to or after the carafate  (couple of hours leeway) but otherwise it is really a great drug. We used it a lot many years ago before all the PPI came out. Now, they seem to think that the PPI's will take care of all the reflux issues and don't prescribe the carafate as much.

It settles my tummy quite a bit each time I take it and in a couple of days my GERD is much improved. It tastes like chalk though but no that bad. You just place the tablet in a tablespoon or so of water and let it dissolve and then drink it. This little concoction is referred to as a carafate "slurry". I don't know who comes up with all the descriptive names for the meds. Good luck. Irish

[Helene]

I was having terrible stomach problems for a couple of years. Diarrhea and pain. I thought I had parasites, then I thought I was lactose intolerant. My doctor recommended Pancreatin or pancreatic enzyme and I'm doing remarkably better.

[SjoGirl]

Forgot to mention -- for constipation try buckwheat -- it draws water into the intestines. I love it but had to stop eating it because it was causing my movements to be too loose.

Sunflower seeds help as well.

[Lesley_x]

I was having terrible stomach problems for a couple of years. Diarrhea and pain. I thought I had parasites, then I thought I was lactose intolerant. My doctor recommended Pancreatin or pancreatic enzyme and I'm doing remarkably better.

I have to say I have recently started pancreatic enzymes and they've been great. They have reduced my pain, diarrhoea, nausea and reflux markedly. I'm hoping to stay on them long term.

When I went to see a new GI he instantly said you have sjogren's, your pancreas is probably dry and put me on them. How I appreciate that he prescribed them!

[Dee]

Are the pancreatic enzymes you use prescription or can I find them at my favorite health food/supplement store?

[Helene]

Pancreatic enzymes are non prescription. I buy mine from Amazon and they are pretty cheap. They are a food supplement. My Rheumy suggested them and my pcp said that he recommends them too.

[Lesley_x]

The ones I use (creon) appear to be prescription only?? Maybe it's the differing strength as high doses can cause problems long term.

[Dee]

Thanks, I will try the otc first, it gives me a good reason to visit one of my favorite shops.   

[lori]

I use Jarro -Zymes Plus- couldnt live without them- had been on reglan for 10 yrs.  use one before every meal!! they are  strong so for a small snack id skip or sometimes i just use papaya chewables (after a snack.)

:0
lori