I was diagnosed five years ago with GERD and hiatal hernia. I've been treated with PPIs during this time, with little success. Having made all the lifestyle changes to diet, sleep habits, etc., and still no significant relief, I also developed symptoms of LPR -- trouble swallowing, lump in the throat, and hoarseness. My treating GI and a speech therapist counseled me and the GI upped my PPI dosage. Now, the LPR is only occasional, but the reflux symptoms at night have become chronic, even though I've eliminated all coffee and chocolate at night and do not eat after 6 pm. Recent tests show only low average acid levels and NO hiatal hernia. What's going on? A head and neck surgical specialist has recommended a throat biopsy to look for non-acidic reflux.

About 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with a large hiatal hernia after being hospitalized with dehydration because I couldn't keep anything in my stomach. When I recovered everything was fine with some occasional heartburn. The about 3-4 years ago I developed a chronic cough which I thought was due to post-nasal drip -- however the ENT doctor could find nothing with the sinuses, so when I told him of the hiatal hernia, be had me try Nexium. After two weeks, the cough was gone. He told me to try coming off the Nexium after about 8 weeks. I did and within 2 months the cough was back bad as ever. I went back on the Nexium, but this time it took about 1-1/2 months before it seemed to work. It's now usually enough to take Nexium in the morning 1/2 hour before meals - however, whenever I get a cold or allergy symptoms, it seems to aggravate the the ARD again and I'm coughing long after the cold is gone. Sometimes the addition of Gavison to my day starting with Nexium helps until the rekindled ARD is under control again. Sometimes it doesn't work - like now. I think I will try the gum chewing route/the ginger and see if that works.

I have been taking Zegerid for the past four months. I also have recently finished treatment for H. pylori. I have noticed less stomach pain and less vomiting/nausea since beginning treatment. The frequency of belching after meals has decreased, but I am still affected by certain foods. The abdominal gas has increased and is accompanied by alternating diarrhea and constipation.

I used Prilosec for about six months. My symptoms immediately improved; I was instructed to discontinue use. I was symptom-free for about three months, but then I began using Prilosec again for about 12 months with mixed results. I experienced painful nighttime heartburn episodes, which hadn't occurred in the past. I discontinued Prilosec and started 600 mg of Zantac, per my doctor. I've been on that for three years but am now experiencing hair loss, low libido, and profuse sweating.

I have been suffering from these problems for years. I have had all of the tests and the only thing that has shown up is a hiatal hernia. I have tried Protonix, Aciphex, Nexium and Zegerid. None have relieved the problem. Stress seems to set the really bad episodes into motion; although I seem to have at least one episode a week anyhow. The doctor just put me on Pepcid twice a day and it is having no effect. I am chewing Maalox continuously and trying to decide when to call her back. Sleeping is very difficult and requires a slanted pillow. Even still I wake up most nights nauseous and with dull pain in the middle of my stomach. I'm trying to change my diet as I know I drink too many diet sodas with caffeine. Maybe that will help.

Even with treatment of Pepcid Complete and Nexium, I still have uncomfortable burning in my throat. It's bright red and very sore.