posted
Twice now while on Azithromycin I have developed such severe heartburn that I had to go off abx. It was so bad it affected my breathing, irritation in airway I guess from GERD.
I have suffered from refulx (controlled with medication) for about 10 years and now have discovered a sliding hiatus hernia.
I have had such horrible pressure and am just miserable off and on for 3 days now. Getting better today but my question, if I can get any advice from someone is:
I take loads of vitamins, along with abx (never together). Has anyone had any experience with heartburn/indigestion from too many pills? or could it possibly be the Azithromycin?
I did stop all meds/abx and vitamins except those that I must take...
I see my LLMD in 2 weeks will bring it up with him but I guess I may need to call him for advice...
Something has irritated this and it has never happened to me before, I'm thinking abx? I've been on this abx for 2 months now.
Please any ideas, I'm a little desperate due to this being Sunday/no DR to call...
I still feel like I have lump in chest but at least it is not as bad as yesterday, I was almost to panic mode...
Thank you, Jane
PS I just did a little reserach and found out that one of the side effects of Azithromycin is heartburn/indigestion. I'm guessing that I could of possibly taken it too close to another supplement or med and it set it off.
Thanks for listening...going off all till heartburn gone...
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
feelfit
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12770
posted
When you say pressure, is it upper chest pressure? affecting the throat as well? Do you need to belch a lot, to try to to relieve the symptoms?
If so, I get this really bad. I am on very small meals now and very bland. Otherwise I am not able to function or sleep with the pressure....it lasts for 5 or more hours.
I don't think it is from my pills, Biaxin and Malarone. I find a worsening if I eat more than a small bowl of yogurt and fruit. Or a bowl of pureed squash and leek soup. Changing to these already soft foods has helped A LOT for me and my meds are not bothering me.
The pressure is extreme and feels like a heart attack? It is all gas in the upper chest pushing on everything.
Hope that this helps, Ff
Posts: 3975 | From usa | Registered: Aug 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I used to have horrid problems like that, I called them Alien Attacks, because it felt like an alien (like in the movie) was trying to get out of my chest. Really painful.
GOogle GERD and see what things you can do - like sleeping sitting up, don't lay on your right side, liquid Mylanta, etc.
Mine went away after a round of antibiotics, so I think it must have been H. pylori. Now I just get very mild acid sometimes.
Sorry you're having to deal with this - it sucks!
-------------------- dx: MS in 1998 2007 - Lyme suspected 2009 - Positive Lyme, MS worse. Now: Copaxone shots for MS gall bladder out 7/09 Ceftin, Zith, Septra LDN Acyclovir Monolaurin, DHEA, Pregnonelon, Curcumin Posts: 243 | From New Mexico | Registered: Feb 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I can tell its not my heart, it is for sure heartburn/indigestion. BEfore I was diagnoised with GERD, it was a burning pain that affected my breathing. After taking the prescribed meds it got better and has been undercontrol until now. Yes I am belching some but not alot, and it feels better for a while after that.
Meals never seemed to bother it large or small nor what I chose to eat. I do try to eat healthy.
What is strange is that I had to stop the abx for a herx and on the 4th day after beginning heartburn symptoms came for the first time. I went off for almost a week then began it last week and again on 4th day heartburn began again. It was all day yesterday until I downed about 4 tums then it was gone for the evening after about 3:30pm.
I am breathing much better today and am being very careful of what I eat. I could of possibly ate something that set it off (had mexican) but have always been able to eat mexican with no problems. (wow I just remembered the first time I had it I also had mexican!) (I guess it helps to talk this out)
Possibly that area is sensitive because of this abx and one of side effects could be heartburn.
I've been trying to figure this out so it doesn't happen again. I will not have mexican or spicy food anymore...
I may not be able to take this abx anymore? I'll check with LLMD tomorrow.
Thank you so much for your interest. Yes it is intense pressure and just miserable...
ARe you on any meds for your indigestion?
Thanks FF
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks for suggestions Denise, I am trying some of the internet suggestions.
Haven't tried Mylanta, but if it keeps up I will call my gastro and get suggestions of what I can take with the meds I take...
Jane
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
feelfit
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12770
posted
I take nexium Jane. I just started recently. I have taken it on and off for years as these pressure symptoms seem to come and go....I cannot tolerate onions, green peppers, or anything more than several light meals per day.
Good luck!
Posts: 3975 | From usa | Registered: Aug 2007
| IP: Logged |
Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
For the hiatial hernia (surgery is an absolute LAST RESORT and it doesn't always work to prevent heartburn).
Put blocks under legs of your bed at the head... so that you sleep at an angle....the head is raised, slightly.
posted
Thanks Marnie we will put something under our bed/mattress to raise it a few inches this evening.
Yes FF Nexium is what I take and it has always helped until now. No other pres med has helped me as well as nexium. THat is what was so scary yesterday because for the 2nd time in a month it didn't do the trick.
So I thought it was due to the abx, or many vitamin/supplements, now possibly what I ate and/or combination of all.
Thanks for all suggestions. I know surgery for this type of things is getting better than it was 10 years ago, but I don't intend on doing this unless it just never goes away.
I am still in beginning of this lyme treatment with more abx types to go so I am hoping for better results.
I keep hoping that the abx is what set it off and being off of abx for a few days the nexium will control it like it used to...
Thanks so much
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
please look up biaxin and stomach pain/discomfort. i had to stop biaxin because of gerd/heartburn and severe stomach pain.
there is a site called askapatient.com where you input the drug name and read all the patient's comments on that drug.
it's really a very helpful site.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
| IP: Logged |
GERD is a common problem with taking heaps of pills, even vitamins.
Make sure you don't lie down after taking your abx to keep the acid from sloshing up into your esophagus.
Years ago, when my first got GERD and it was really bad (coincidently after getting other symptoms after a 3 week hiking trip in the NE), my GI doubled my antacid meds. That worked.
You may need to increase your Nexxium, so talk to your DR.
I'm on Prevacid once a day, and I'm doing okay.
James
Posts: 872 | From New York City | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
James I may be on maximum nexium dose 40 mg 2 x day? I will check with my gastro I did make followup appt with him for 2 weeks from now. Also seeing LLMD in 2 weeks. I will have lots of help then. I do have mild asthma and the GERD upsets the airway.
I do stay in bed a lot sometimes, but I don't lie down all the way I'm always propped up to almost sitting. I think I need to cut back on some of them. I take multi and lots of extras.
I think you are right that it probably was the combo of all. I am much better today and the 4 tums I just took got rid of the remaining lump/gas feeling that was left over I guess from sleeping in laying down position.
I'm glad prevacid works for you. I have tried so many other meds and nexium was the best, but I'm sure I haven't tried them all. And maybe the Nexium dose can be increased I don't know. I wish I didn't have to take it at all, I know that natural things help some, but I think the effects of GERD for me require the pres to control it for now. Especially during lyme treatment.
Have you ever heard of Creon? I was supposed to take one with each meal?
My LLMD gave it to me in July but I never took it, I thought he wanted me to replace my nexium with it but I knew I couldn't. So I never really tried. I guess I'll discuss this with him also. Maybe this will help in addition to nexium, I'll need to followup about this.
Thank you again
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
What do you take to prevent yeastie beasties? A lot of them contribute to GERD.
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I take Nystatin and have been since July, don't eat things that cause yeast, no sugar, no bad carbs, etc. but did sneak a small glass red wine or two a few nights about 1 week ago or longer?
Won't do that again felt so guilty. May have contributed to this but it was a week ago or so?
Actually my irritation seems to have gotten worse since this early evening. I'm breathing fine it just feels like I'm not. Like my airway is irritated, I know this is from GERD symptoms. Just wish I knew what brought it back after being gone for 10 years!
Its miserable I have been off the Azithromycin for 4 days now. SO I'm hoping tomorrow will be bettter.
I'm going to call my gastro first thing in morning if not. May call him anyway. I hope he can suggest another med to go along with the nexium I take or increase the nexium or something to relieve this.
Since I have asthma this is what it feels like, a mild asthma attack. Actually the odd thing is I have been breathing better than ever since my lyme dx and now...
THanks guys so much.
THanks
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
beths
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18864
posted
I finally got mine under control..what helps the most is digestive enzymes..especially with my last meal. If I digest my food, it decreases the amount of stomach acid hanging around in there.
Posts: 1276 | From maryland | Registered: Jan 2009
| IP: Logged |
massman
Unregistered
posted
Most people have way too little acid, not too much.
But convincing almost everyone they have too much really helps sell drugs.
IP: Logged |
posted
Beth its so weird that you said that, My LLMD Dr. gave me Creon20 in July and I never took it not knowing what it was and all the other meds I was taking so I held off on it.
I looked it up and it is a digestive enzyme? Possibly that would be able to help me. I just need to call LLMD today and see if it interacts with Nexium. I don't want to make things worse.
Massman, I think I have acid reduced by Nexium because the closure that is supposed to hold it in my stomach doesn't so it comes up into my esophagus causing erosion and it effects me sort of like asthma? I don't know if its too little or too much, I'm assuming it was just normal until stomach closure got weak (probably due to prenancy back then) Since the nexium helped I just took it and forgot about it until now? Now I'm having lots of trouble I just want to fix it so I can breathe better!!! Whatever it takes!
I'm making lots of DR calls today, but like Beth, I believe possibly, hopefully the digestive enzyme will help...
Beth is yours prescription? the Creon20 is a prescription and I have it on hand but need to know if it will interact with meds, such as Nexium.
THanks you so much all, I'm starting out today ok just will small lump feeling in my throat probably from laying down for the night.
Jane
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have had this problem with doxy. Now since I have been off antibiotics I started taking vitamin C and now it is happening again. At least I know when I feel like I have something stuck in my throat all day to back off coffee, chocolate and spicy things and take my axid until it goes away. Last winter it was so bad I had an endoscopy and they found a moderate hiatel hernia. It is always something. Just pressing along it has to get better. mom of boys
Posts: 18 | From long island | Registered: Oct 2008
| IP: Logged |
gwb
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7273
posted
mom of boys, I suspect I have a hiatal hernia too. Will probably be getting a test to verify this in the next couple of weeks or so.
What did your doctor recommend to do about the hernia? I've read that it's best to avoid surgery if possible. Did your doctor recommend surgery?
posted
I've had GERD but just found hiatus hernia (sliding) I think this means it moves in and out of esophagus?
In April I had the endoscopy procedure and it was found at that time. Right now its creating my problems with GERD and breathing problems.
I always prayed when reading this site about folks that their breathing is affected with this disease and prayed and prayed I wouldn't get that symptom, and now I do. I'm so distraught and don't know which DR to turn to. LLMD or gastro. I know gastro will probably prescrip more med and I know long term its not good for you.
I've been on Nexium for 10 years and its has controlled this GERD until now. I think I will try this CREON 20 it seems safe and is a digestive enzyme, I don't know if this is my problem, if it will make it better or make it worse. I'm afraid to take it...
WIll keep you all posted, hope we find answers to this.
Jane
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
When taking abx stay upright for at least 1 hr. and take acidophilis at least 2 hrs after.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
posted
yes thank you for tips. I do follow that advice, I always stay upright after any mediction and abx. But I take the acidophilis/probiotic? I take with meal as says on bottle? Would it be better to take after?
What is reasoning behind so I can put it together in my research. GOt to find some relief...
THanks Treepatrol
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
massman
Unregistered
posted
The medical world has way oversimplified "acid reflux".
When you take the acid blockers you do get rid of the SYMPTOMS not the real problems.
Typical medicine tells us that when symptoms are gone, we are healthy !
When you take the acid blockers it physically stops digestion so you do feel better but the food then stays in your stomach and ROTS.
And the sliding hiatal hernia ? Certainly exists and there are simple ways to correct it in 30 to 60 seconds. Find a good chiropractor that has been taught to adjust it. And has been doing it for a while.
Simple test to see if you have too much or too little acid: 2 tablespoons baking soda 2 - 3 tablespoons organic apple cider vinegar 2 small cups 1 spoon
Put 1/2 cup of water in each cup. Pour vinegar in 1 cup, drink down, wait a few minutes.
Stomach OK = you are low in acid + need more Stomach worse after a minute or two > put baking soda in other cup with water, drink immediately.
This neutralizes the acid + stops the pain. IME about 10% of people have too much acid + the other 90% have too little.
I realize that this may be way too low tech for many people. Many MDs bow down to high tech but really know little about looking for + working with the true CAUSES of health problems.
IP: Logged |
posted
Questions for mMssman? Sorry don't want to PM you but do you have any ideas why the irritation persists if say I was one that made to little acid, which I'm sure I do due to the nexium I take. But I'm still having the symptoms?
What are your thoughts about what you posted...?
(I did take the Creon 20 that LLMD prescribed for breakfast) Also have calls into LLMD and gastro. I will let you all know what they say.
THanks so much for all of you help, I am very grateful.
Jane
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
My doc did not recommend surgery. I have no symptoms on a regular diet. Only when on antibiotics and now Vitamin C. It does take a while for the stomach to heal. I take axid and I also drink 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with the mother in it in h20 1-2 times a day. Once it heal I'm fine. I really do try to eat well. I also try not to drink reg milk. I drink light soy. You really do get used to it. I save dairy for the over whelming desire to have ice cream. It hits me hard sometimes after a bad day. When my stomach heals I'm good but give it time. Also licorice tea is good for stomach healing. Sometimes hard to find in reg supermarkets. Its so funny because before LD I never had any problems. Good Luck mom of boys
Posts: 18 | From long island | Registered: Oct 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yes thank you Massman, how strange, the first time this heartburn happened I was vising a chiropractor and it did indeed get better the heartburn. But at that time I had not developed the breathing irritation...
I plan on going back to him he was very good and I felt great when I left after adjustment. I had a herx type reaction from the electrical stimulation they use on muscles first to loosen them up. I had tremors for 3 weeks and stayed in bed. LLMD said he thinks the adjustments should be ok and will not hopefully cause that symptoms for me again.
I will ask him about the hernia, he seems pretty knowledgeable and really wanted me to get off the nexium eventually. I would love to but don't know how to do it without this happening?
I did try the apple cider vinegar but had no baking soda on hand it did seem to work. THen I tried it yesterday and it didn't seem to work. Not sure what to do... I put one tbs with small amount of water...
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Mom of boys are you on a prescription med for your gerd problem?
I'm so confused because I was doing fine with this until this past week.
I have the applecider with the mother but found a big hunk of mother that looks alive! I know it wasn't but it was so gross I thought it may have gone bad, so need to get another bottle.
Thank you Jane
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
My gastro won't be in until 2:00 so I'm sure I wont get a call from him until this evening. I'm sure he will prescribe another med? or change my med?
My LLMD nurse will probably call soon although it is Monday.
I don't understand how the Nexium just quit working. I was doing so well with this, but had to take a pretty large dose 40 mg 2 x da to get relief.
I guess right now I have irritation, I need to heal or take something to reduce the irritation.
I have been using the heck out of my asthma (albuterol)inhaler and it give some relief for a few hours but then comes right back.
I noticed that in the morning after I wake up my breathing is very good, its after I'm up and around that it seems to get bad and worse as the day goes on . I'm not really eating much because of it. Very little. DOn't know what to eat. Had small, very small bowl of organic oatmeal.
Lymetoo did you have this before your lyme treatment or did it develop after your treatment?
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I suppose it could but I'm only guessing. Does vinegar even have an expiration date on it? I've never actually looked.
I get the organic apple cider vinegar and it does look a little cloudier the longer it's in my cabinet. I usually end up using it anyway.
I'm sure the distilled white vinegar would last longer but that doesn't have the benefits the apple cider vinegar does.
Kefir is a probiotic drink. You can find it in many health food stores and even in some grocery stores in the healthy food section. Just make sure to get the kind with no sugar. Many on here make their own.
Just want to stress that the ICY cold water seems to make the difference for me. And drinking so much of it that I don't even put my glass down until I start feeling some relief.
Also, putting a pillow or folded blanket under your mattress at the head of your bed can help. This keeps your chest and head a bit higher when you sleep.
Again, hoping you find what works for you and that you get some relief. It's a horrible feeling.
Posts: 423 | From Upstate NY | Registered: May 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I got the acid reflux AFTER beginning lyme treatment. (I've had Lyme forever.) So it's the meds that caused it for me.
I think for me (now) it's the Cortef causing it.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
feelfit
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12770
posted
Jane,
My breathing is related to my digestive issues as well. The pressure in my upper chest feels like it is pressing on my lungs and heart. My heart beats faster and I can't get a full breath until I am able to let out a gargantuan burp then I can breathe. But! then it all builds up again....
I went through this for hours in the middle of last nights sleep (or non-sleep).
Is your brething like this? I also have air hunger not related to food. It feels totally different.
Thinking of you, Ff
Posts: 3975 | From usa | Registered: Aug 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
Wow I can't believe how many of us have this problem. DO we think it is from treatment aggrivating or causing.
My vinegar does have an expiration date of 2013! So I guess it is still good but looks creepy...
My breathing is sometimes pressure related but I am still trying to figure it out since I just began having trouble 3-4 days ago. It seems more like asthma like breathing. Breathing is or seems more difficult due to airway irritation or narrowing. I have breathing apparatus to show how much I am getting in and out of my lungs and it registers good.
But it is still so uncomfortable and scarey not being able to get a deep breath.
I read to eat pineapple, just did and It has given me some relief. Is it the acid? Would pineapple work the same as vinegar?
Oh man I can't wait to figure this out. I will post whatever works and doesn't work also when I hear from any of my DR. I was thinking abx caused this but I have been off of it since last Wednesday and still having trouble.
Thank you so much everyone...my spelling isn't that bad my keyboard sticks sometimes.
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I keep my vinegar in the fridge. Axid is perscription. Its mild but the stronger stuff makes me so tired. mom of boys
Posts: 18 | From long island | Registered: Oct 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I guess I will pick up some new and keep in my fridge also.
I have just heard from gastro and his suggestion is to add Mylanta or Maylox before bed and to rais the head of bed, which we will do this evening.
This has been a very bad day for me with this symptom. My LLMD nurse called and will call in morning first thing with suggestion from him.
For now I guess its all I can do...
Things seem to have settled down at the moment hope they stay that way for the rest of evening...
Whas is Axid is it like Creon a digestive enzyme?
Thanks mom of boys, do you think regular Milk upsets your system? I always thought regular milk helped sooth the stomach and esophaguse but I don't drink it because of Lyme diet?
I have had soy milk and can drink it if I need to, my son only drinks soy.
I'm glad you never had symptoms before lyme, I have had this before lyme. So I guess it is helping me dx what it is otherwise I would think it was asthma. (It feels like it)
Jane
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
canefan17
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 22149
posted
I saw a nutritionist and she "popped" my hernia.
Posts: 5394 | From Houston, Tx | Registered: Aug 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Is popping a hernia a bad thing? How did it happen?
Just an update; both DR's LLMD and Gastro told me to elevate my bed, and take mylanta before bedtime.
It worked pretty good to get rid of the indigestion enough to ease the irritation in my airway. Breathing was much better yesterday as well as so far today.
OMG what a relief, I notice other post today of those with heartburn hope they read this...
Also LLMD think I may not be able to take oral abx, what does that mean. I am off of Azithromycin again for a week now. This is my 3rd break due to reactions in 2 months on this abx...(Its as the first of 3 abx that seemed to be working)
I have my first followup with LLMD next week and have lots too talk to him about. I don't know how I'm going to take the abx? SHots? IV's (I don't really want IV) but I hear you get well quicker. I've had Lyme since 8/09 with tick bite, so haven't had too long, but feels like it!) I don't know what his plan is to get abx into my system...
My esophagus is still so irritated it feels like the meds I need to take just hang out there and don't go down. I drink lots of water and also try to eat a little something to push them down. I don't have any trouble swallowing or getting food down, actually feel better with a little food in tummy.
I know the meds are going down, I think they are just causing irritation on the way down. I guess it will get better in time as long as I do not irritate it again.
THanks for all of your helpful comments, I just wanted to up this with update...
Jane
Posts: 44 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic