Question:

Rose, How long have you been taking the Prevacid and Fosamax?

I have been taking prevacid for several years now. I don’t think the prevacid is covering the problem, but is instead inhibiting the acid from forming to a degree. The reflux seems to be no worse on the fosamax days than on any other. I used to cry sometimes the acid problem was so difficult. Perhaps it helps with the fosamax that I drink a full tumbler of water (2 cups). I have been on fosamax for almost two years. Before that I took Didrocal, which is didronel in the States. I found that more difficult because the bone forming part is taken daily for about two weeks and then you take a very large calcium tablet. I think acid was more of a problem with that. Rose

Response:

Thank you Rose. Gives me more info. when I see my Dr. on Friday. Kate – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Rose, How long have you been taking the Prevacid and Fosamax? I have been taking prevacid for several years now. I don’t think the prevacid is covering the problem, but is instead inhibiting the acid from forming to a degree. The reflux seems to be no worse on the fosamax days than on any other. I used to cry sometimes the acid problem was so difficult. Perhaps it helps with the fosamax that I drink a full tumbler of water (2 cups). I have been on fosamax for almost two years. Before that I took Didrocal, which is didronel in the States. I found that more difficult because the bone forming part is taken daily for about two weeks and then you take a very large calcium tablet. I think acid was more of a problem with that. Rose

Response:

Just wanted to check in and say I am one of those people who take Fosamax once weekly and have had no side effects yet. I say yet because I am so very bad at taking it the same day every week and I have been known to miss weeks altogether. I take so many meds I just forget. I am trying very hard to leave myself notes and what not. I am even considering going back to taking it  the old way. I rememberd better then. I actually had no idea so many people had such bad reactions. Going to the ER, that scared me. If anyone would care to elaborate on what the reactions are I would appreciate it. Thanks Lorraine

Response:

thanks paul. that was both helpful and interesting. diane

Response:

 anyone here with reflux and or celebrex taking the once a week fosamax?

Me. I take my two 40 mg pills at the same time once each week. I take it with lots of water, and then just relax after. I usually wait longer than the 30 mins recommended before taking my prevacid. I take mine Sunday morning so that I can relax and not worry about going anywhere right away. I still have reflux even with the prevacid every day, and do not feel that the fosamax is making the gastric problems any worse. Actually I started with didrocal before taking the fosamax, and that was worse. Rose

Response:

Diane, I think you should trust your gastroenterologist.  Do what he says and take the pill.  Then go to the internet and look up drug interactions.  If you find anything about the two together, then call your doc or even ask the pharmacist I do not know anything about celebrex, but a lot about Fosamax.  Are you afraid of the Fosamax or the two together?  I took fosamax for 2-3 years and when I switched to the 1 a week and after taking it for 3 months, I had a reaction bad enough that I had to go to the ER.  The doc thought I perhaps should have stayed on the daily.  But he took me off and now I am on actenol instead. I was afraid to start the actenol too.  My RD gave me the one weekly samples and a presp. for it also.  I did what you did–too afraid to start. then  when I saw my PCP I told him, and he started me on the one a day of 5 mg (actenol). The next time I saw him he wanted to up the dose to 10mg., but I asked if I could wait until after I have my bone density in May. There are so many thousands of people that take fosamax and have done so without any problem that I think unless there is some celebrex thing that you would do just fine.  I happened to be one of those people that have a lot of drug reactions with many drugs.  My sister in law has taken fosamax for Paget’s disease for 10 plus years–the daily one. Shirlawn

Response:

Rose, How long have you been taking the Prevacid and Fosamax?  My dr. took me off the 70mg Fosamax two weeks ago, after being on it for two years.  I almost had to go to the ER I was so sick.  I go back to the Dr. for all of my test results (I had lots of testing done) Friday, and I am on Protonix right now. I know I have to be on something for my bone situation, but I refuse to take Fosamax again.  I have never had abdominal/chest pains like this before, and this was scary. It seems to me that if one is on Fosamax and Prevacid, that the Prevacid is just covering up a problem – like a bandaid.  I did get a weight lifting bench, and hope this helps. Thanks. Kate – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  anyone here with reflux and or celebrex taking the once a week fosamax? Me. I take my two 40 mg pills at the same time once each week. I take it with lots of water, and then just relax after. I usually wait longer than the 30 mins recommended before taking my prevacid. I take mine Sunday morning so that I can relax and not worry about going anywhere right away. I still have reflux even with the prevacid every day, and do not feel that the fosamax is making the gastric problems any worse. Actually I started with didrocal before taking the fosamax, and that was worse. Rose

Response:

Hi Diane, Take a look at the RxList FAQ, it has pretty good info on drug interaction and side effects – may ease your mind some. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/alendron_ad.htm I suspect that the celebrex caustion has to do with general nsaid gastro/reflux issues, but here is the FAQ: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/coxib_ad.htm Has your gastro dr seen both? Be Well Paul – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i am being a big baby. i have had my once a week fosamax pills for about 4 months now, but i’m afraid to take them. i have gastric motility disorder (sort of like major reflux). my gastroenterologist said i can take fosamax, but recommended taking a piece of banana after taking the bill to ensure it goes down (i know this is against the rules when taking fosamax, but he claims as long as it’s just a bit of food and is not a diary product, it should be ok). i also take celebrex, and although i don’t know the reasoning, have heard recently that you shouldn’t take fosomax with it. i am irrationally or rationally afraid of taking it. every night i say, ok tomorrow i’ll take it, and then i chicken out. meanwhile, i have osteopenia. anyone here with reflux and or celebrex taking the once a week fosamax? diane

Response:

Hi Diane, From one who has Osteoporosis, you don’t want to let the osteopenia get worse.  I’ve taken Fosomax for a few years now, and the only time I had a problem was when I was taking it on a daily basis and got lazy and half reclined instead of sitting up after taking it.  Just be sure you swallow plenty of water with it and stand or sit up straight for 30 minutes.  The pill seems to go down easily when you take it with 6-8 ounces of water.  I don’t think once a week will hurt.  I’ve never heard about not taking it with Celebrex.  Maybe you should check with your doctor about that. Linda

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i am being a big baby. i have had my once a week fosamax pills for about 4 months now, but i’m afraid to take them. i have gastric motility disorder (sort of like major reflux). my gastroenterologist said i can take fosamax, but recommended taking a piece of banana after taking the bill to ensure it goes down (i know this is against the rules when taking fosamax, but he claims as long as it’s just a bit of food and is not a diary product, it should be ok). i also take celebrex, and although i don’t know the reasoning, have heard recently that you shouldn’t take fosomax with it. i am irrationally or rationally afraid of taking it. every night i say, ok tomorrow i’ll take it, and then i chicken out. meanwhile, i have osteopenia. anyone here with reflux and or celebrex taking the once a week fosamax? diane

Response:

i am being a big baby. i have had my once a week fosamax pills for about 4 months now, but i’m afraid to take them. i have gastric motility disorder (sort of like major reflux). my gastroenterologist said i can take fosamax, but recommended taking a piece of banana after taking the bill to ensure it goes down (i know this is against the rules when taking fosamax, but he claims as long as it’s just a bit of food and is not a diary product, it should be ok). i also take celebrex, and although i don’t know the reasoning, have heard recently that you shouldn’t take fosomax with it. i am irrationally or rationally afraid of taking it. every night i say, ok tomorrow i’ll take it, and then i chicken out. meanwhile, i have osteopenia. anyone here with reflux and or celebrex taking the once a week fosamax? diane

Response:

Question:

{{{{{kim}}}}}   Sarah L "Friends are those people who know the words to the song in your heart and sing them back to you when you have forgotten the words."  (unattributed)

Response:

Kim, I am sorry for the pain you are going through.  I was thinking today that I would like to post and ask anyone else if they get tired of hurting or just plain ole feeling bad every single day?  Thanks for answering my question. I hope you and I both feel better soon! debbie m. http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/angels1/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – my back surgery is scheduled for March 4th. And now several cysts have been found on my left ovary.  I have dull pain and pressure low in my abdomen. I go to my family doc tomorrow to follow up on the findings from the pelvic ultrasound. I just dont know how much more I can take. mentally, emotionally or physically. And I am on such strong pain med now for spinal stenosis and ddd – I cant hardly function- and post stupid stuff to this ng. i also have ra, oa, and several other dxs. and I imagine I have started menopause cause i am hotflashing like crazy. I cant hardly walk anymore- this ddd /stenosis is progressing fast. tks kim

Response:

Debbie, I know how you feel, as does most of the group. The rare days that I feel comfortable are STRANGE until I realize that I don’t hurt as bad, etc. What a indescrible feeling to enjoy those times of ease. And you will feel them too….soon we pray. donnah – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Kim, I am sorry for the pain you are going through.  I was thinking today that I would like to post and ask anyone else if they get tired of hurting or just plain ole feeling bad every single day?  Thanks for answering my question. I hope you and I both feel better soon! debbie m. http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/angels1/

Response:

Thank you so much – I’m so glad all of you are here. Here’s a big hug back! kim )

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Kim, grasp the hands that are reaching out to keep you hanging on—here’s the first one… ck with your doc as some pain meds can cause depression and he may be able to substitute something else…another side effect can be sweating..please ck with your doc…you need some medical help NOW. And give me the guilt you have about nothing….posting on this ng can take many forms when we are hurting. I hold the record for attempts at humor when high on pain pills. I’ll put your guilt in the garbage with mine….I have a 100 gallon can so that should be big enough. Peace and Hope coming your way soon! Donnah my back surgery is scheduled for March 4th. And now several cysts have been found on my left ovary.  I have dull pain and pressure low in my abdomen. I go to my family doc tomorrow to follow up on the findings from the pelvic ultrasound. I just dont know how much more I can take. mentally, emotionally or physically. And I am on such strong pain med now for spinal stenosis and ddd – I cant hardly function- and post stupid stuff to this ng. i also have ra, oa, and several other dxs. and I imagine I have started menopause cause i am hotflashing like crazy. I cant hardly walk anymore- this ddd /stenosis is progressing fast. tks kim

Response:

Kim, grasp the hands that are reaching out to keep you hanging on—here’s the first one… ck with your doc as some pain meds can cause depression and he may be able to substitute something else…another side effect can be sweating..please ck with your doc…you need some medical help NOW. And give me the guilt you have about nothing….posting on this ng can take many forms when we are hurting. I hold the record for attempts at humor when high on pain pills. I’ll put your guilt in the garbage with mine….I have a 100 gallon can so that should be big enough. Peace and Hope coming your way soon! Donnah   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – my back surgery is scheduled for March 4th. And now several cysts have been found on my left ovary.  I have dull pain and pressure low in my abdomen. I go to my family doc tomorrow to follow up on the findings from the pelvic ultrasound. I just dont know how much more I can take. mentally, emotionally or physically. And I am on such strong pain med now for spinal stenosis and ddd – I cant hardly function- and post stupid stuff to this ng. i also have ra, oa, and several other dxs. and I imagine I have started menopause cause i am hotflashing like crazy. I cant hardly walk anymore- this ddd /stenosis is progressing fast. tks kim

Response:

my back surgery is scheduled for March 4th. And now several cysts have been found on my left ovary.  I have dull pain and pressure low in my abdomen. I go to my family doc tomorrow to follow up on the findings from the pelvic ultrasound. I just dont know how much more I can take. mentally, emotionally or physically. And I am on such strong pain med now for spinal stenosis and ddd – I cant hardly function- and post stupid stuff to this ng. i also have ra, oa, and several other dxs. and I imagine I have started menopause cause i am hotflashing like crazy. I cant hardly walk anymore- this ddd /stenosis is progressing fast. tks kim

Response:

I know where you’re coming from on this nonsense. I sure hope we both find some relief soon. DeeTee DeeTee and Bob Taggart http://home.earthlink.net/~bdtaggart/DC/DC.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – my back surgery is scheduled for March 4th. And now several cysts have been found on my left ovary.  I have dull pain and pressure low in my abdomen. I go to my family doc tomorrow to follow up on the findings from the pelvic ultrasound. I just dont know how much more I can take. mentally, emotionally or physically. And I am on such strong pain med now for spinal stenosis and ddd – I cant hardly function- and post stupid stuff to this ng. i also have ra, oa, and several other dxs. and I imagine I have started menopause cause i am hotflashing like crazy. I cant hardly walk anymore- this ddd /stenosis is progressing fast. tks kim

Response:

Hi DT, Thanks for the hugs!  I sure could use some. I started on Ultram- then Darvocet- next Vicodin, graduated  up to Hydrocodone – and it too quit working, and now I believe I am on a form of the infamous Oxycontin – I’m taking oxycodone.  The pain’s better and I dont need quite so much med  -  I was popping those Hydrocodones like candy ! But these pain meds are killing my stomach. I only want bland foods (potatoes mainly). And I take some TUMS and prevacid. I wish my back surgery was tomorrow. I am ready to get it over with! Love you guys! tks so much kim p.s. went to doc today and she calmed me down about the ovarian cyst- it is – I forget the name. NOt a simple one but oh yes, a "Complex " one. BUt she said not too worry that it would be very rare to be cancer. I get  a repeat pevlic ultra sound in a couple months.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – morning. I know where you’re coming from on this nonsense. I sure hope we both find some relief soon. DeeTee DeeTee and Bob Taggart http://home.earthlink.net/~bdtaggart/DC/DC.html my back surgery is scheduled for March 4th. And now several cysts have been found on my left ovary.  I have dull pain and pressure low in my abdomen. I go to my family doc tomorrow to follow up on the findings from the pelvic ultrasound. I just dont know how much more I can take. mentally, emotionally or physically. And I am on such strong pain med now for spinal stenosis and ddd – I cant hardly function- and post stupid stuff to this ng. i also have ra, oa, and several other dxs. and I imagine I have started menopause cause i am hotflashing like crazy. I cant hardly walk anymore- this ddd /stenosis is progressing fast. tks kim

Response:

Question:

My husband had this problem due to pinched nerves and inflammation on the nerves.  It still comes back though.   UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Noella, And what did your GI say about the coming and going of these symptoms?  mgbio I know, I’ve never heard of it either. As I said, it is just a guess. This is not one of the registered side-effects of pentasa. But I’ve come to think this numbness in my arms and legs might have something to do with me taking pentasa, because I had it for the 3 years I took pentasa. When I stopped taking this drug (because it didn’t have any positive effect on my CD) the numbness flares slowly became less frequent and finally disappeared. This symptom was pretty scary. At first it felt just strange, and a bit worrying, but after I saw a neurologist, did all the tests, and nothing came out of it, I became quite scared. I thought it might be multiple sclerosis as the dx can take a long time. Fortunately it did stop as it came, and I have not had to worry about it for the last 3 years. It might have been caused by the pentasa, but it might be something totally different, I think I’ll never know. It also stopped shortly after I started chinese medicine, a strict diet, and taking supplements. Noella Noella, I have not heard this theory from my GI for similar symptoms and nothing I’ve read about Pentasa indicates this side-effect is present.  mgbio It might be an unregistered side effect of the 5-asa molecule, because I had it when I was taking pentasa, and it disappeared when I stopped taking this med. you’re taking asacol which is the same molecule. This is just a guess of course. Noella Thanks for writing.  Any information is truly appreciated.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  If you have any additional information, please write.    Have a good day,       Teresa i just talked with my boss, her daughter has an autoimmune dx….something about platelets and she had her spline removed, but anyway, she is on viox (cox 2 inhibitor) for sore joints and her finger tips are going numb. you on any meds? jeff, cd class of o1, michigan, usa chapter (and is going broke) I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

Noella, And what did your GI say about the coming and going of these symptoms?  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know, I’ve never heard of it either. As I said, it is just a guess. This is not one of the registered side-effects of pentasa. But I’ve come to think this numbness in my arms and legs might have something to do with me taking pentasa, because I had it for the 3 years I took pentasa. When I stopped taking this drug (because it didn’t have any positive effect on my CD) the numbness flares slowly became less frequent and finally disappeared. This symptom was pretty scary. At first it felt just strange, and a bit worrying, but after I saw a neurologist, did all the tests, and nothing came out of it, I became quite scared. I thought it might be multiple sclerosis as the dx can take a long time. Fortunately it did stop as it came, and I have not had to worry about it for the last 3 years. It might have been caused by the pentasa, but it might be something totally different, I think I’ll never know. It also stopped shortly after I started chinese medicine, a strict diet, and taking supplements. Noella Noella, I have not heard this theory from my GI for similar symptoms and nothing I’ve read about Pentasa indicates this side-effect is present.  mgbio It might be an unregistered side effect of the 5-asa molecule, because I had it when I was taking pentasa, and it disappeared when I stopped taking this med. you’re taking asacol which is the same molecule. This is just a guess of course. Noella Thanks for writing.  Any information is truly appreciated.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  If you have any additional information, please write.    Have a good day,       Teresa i just talked with my boss, her daughter has an autoimmune dx….something about platelets and she had her spline removed, but anyway, she is on viox (cox 2 inhibitor) for sore joints and her finger tips are going numb. you on any meds? jeff, cd class of o1, michigan, usa chapter (and is going broke) I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

Well, it was walking to dinner and back last night, probably a mile total.  Then walking to shul, to my friends’ for lunch, and back home, well over a mile circuit.  It is either walk or be alone, something I prefer to avoid.  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How far away is your temple? Debs Thanks Deb.  I just wish lessening meant less pain.  Today was a rough day w/ all the walking.  mgbio Mgbio, glad to hear that your symptoms are lessening!! At least that’s some progress, right? Less pain is always a plus! Debs Man, that really sucks Teresa!  My MRI is this Sunday.  I have a follow-up appointment on Feb 11, about 2 weeks later.  I am being treated symptomatically and it is helping.  mgbio I am currently seeing a neurologist and he did diagnose it as neuropathy but he is trying to find the cause.  On Wednesday I had an MRI of the neck and spine and neck x-rays but have not heard from these tests.  So far they are not treating my symptoms.  It is a very strange feeling and somewhat disabling at times.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  Take care and let me know the outcome of your MRI.    Have a good day,      Teresa Teresa, Have you been on flagyl?  These are classic symptoms of neuropathy. Have you been evaluated by a neurologist?  What tests have they run? Are they treating your symptoms? I had similar symptoms, though just in my feet.  I stopped flagyl immediately and my GI had me consult a neurologist.  He doesn’t think it is neuropathy and is investigating other possibilities.  Sunday I go for a neck MRI to start ruling out other possibilities. Good luck!  mgbio I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

I know, I’ve never heard of it either. As I said, it is just a guess. This is not one of the registered side-effects of pentasa. But I’ve come to think this numbness in my arms and legs might have something to do with me taking pentasa, because I had it for the 3 years I took pentasa. When I stopped taking this drug (because it didn’t have any positive effect on my CD) the numbness flares slowly became less frequent and finally disappeared. This symptom was pretty scary. At first it felt just strange, and a bit worrying, but after I saw a neurologist, did all the tests, and nothing came out of it, I became quite scared. I thought it might be multiple sclerosis as the dx can take a long time. Fortunately it did stop as it came, and I have not had to worry about it for the last 3 years. It might have been caused by the pentasa, but it might be something totally different, I think I’ll never know. It also stopped shortly after I started chinese medicine, a strict diet, and taking supplements. Noella – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Noella, I have not heard this theory from my GI for similar symptoms and nothing I’ve read about Pentasa indicates this side-effect is present.  mgbio It might be an unregistered side effect of the 5-asa molecule, because I had it when I was taking pentasa, and it disappeared when I stopped taking this med. you’re taking asacol which is the same molecule. This is just a guess of course. Noella Thanks for writing.  Any information is truly appreciated.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  If you have any additional information, please write.    Have a good day,       Teresa i just talked with my boss, her daughter has an autoimmune dx….something about platelets and she had her spline removed, but anyway, she is on viox (cox 2 inhibitor) for sore joints and her finger tips are going numb. you on any meds? jeff, cd class of o1, michigan, usa chapter (and is going broke) I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

How far away is your temple? Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Deb.  I just wish lessening meant less pain.  Today was a rough day w/ all the walking.  mgbio Mgbio, glad to hear that your symptoms are lessening!! At least that’s some progress, right? Less pain is always a plus! Debs Man, that really sucks Teresa!  My MRI is this Sunday.  I have a follow-up appointment on Feb 11, about 2 weeks later.  I am being treated symptomatically and it is helping.  mgbio I am currently seeing a neurologist and he did diagnose it as neuropathy but he is trying to find the cause.  On Wednesday I had an MRI of the neck and spine and neck x-rays but have not heard from these tests.  So far they are not treating my symptoms.  It is a very strange feeling and somewhat disabling at times.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  Take care and let me know the outcome of your MRI.    Have a good day,      Teresa Teresa, Have you been on flagyl?  These are classic symptoms of neuropathy. Have you been evaluated by a neurologist?  What tests have they run? Are they treating your symptoms? I had similar symptoms, though just in my feet.  I stopped flagyl immediately and my GI had me consult a neurologist.  He doesn’t think it is neuropathy and is investigating other possibilities.  Sunday I go for a neck MRI to start ruling out other possibilities. Good luck!  mgbio I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

Noella, I have not heard this theory from my GI for similar symptoms and nothing I’ve read about Pentasa indicates this side-effect is present.  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It might be an unregistered side effect of the 5-asa molecule, because I had it when I was taking pentasa, and it disappeared when I stopped taking this med. you’re taking asacol which is the same molecule. This is just a guess of course. Noella Thanks for writing.  Any information is truly appreciated.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  If you have any additional information, please write.    Have a good day,       Teresa i just talked with my boss, her daughter has an autoimmune dx….something about platelets and she had her spline removed, but anyway, she is on viox (cox 2 inhibitor) for sore joints and her finger tips are going numb. you on any meds? jeff, cd class of o1, michigan, usa chapter (and is going broke) I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

Thanks Sherry.  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good luck with the MRI mgbio.  I hope you get some good results.  : ) — Take Care, Sherry  :o) Man, that really sucks Teresa!  My MRI is this Sunday.  I have a follow-up appointment on Feb 11, about 2 weeks later.  I am being treated symptomatically and it is helping.  mgbio I am currently seeing a neurologist and he did diagnose it as neuropathy but he is trying to find the cause.  On Wednesday I had an MRI of the neck and spine and neck x-rays but have not heard from these tests.  So far they are not treating my symptoms.  It is a very strange feeling and somewhat disabling at times.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  Take care and let me know the outcome of your MRI.    Have a good day,      Teresa Teresa, Have you been on flagyl?  These are classic symptoms of neuropathy. Have you been evaluated by a neurologist?  What tests have they run? Are they treating your symptoms? I had similar symptoms, though just in my feet.  I stopped flagyl immediately and my GI had me consult a neurologist.  He doesn’t think it is neuropathy and is investigating other possibilities.  Sunday I go for a neck MRI to start ruling out other possibilities. Good luck!  mgbio I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

Thanks Deb.  I just wish lessening meant less pain.  Today was a rough day w/ all the walking.  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mgbio, glad to hear that your symptoms are lessening!! At least that’s some progress, right? Less pain is always a plus! Debs Man, that really sucks Teresa!  My MRI is this Sunday.  I have a follow-up appointment on Feb 11, about 2 weeks later.  I am being treated symptomatically and it is helping.  mgbio I am currently seeing a neurologist and he did diagnose it as neuropathy but he is trying to find the cause.  On Wednesday I had an MRI of the neck and spine and neck x-rays but have not heard from these tests.  So far they are not treating my symptoms.  It is a very strange feeling and somewhat disabling at times.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  Take care and let me know the outcome of your MRI.    Have a good day,      Teresa Teresa, Have you been on flagyl?  These are classic symptoms of neuropathy. Have you been evaluated by a neurologist?  What tests have they run? Are they treating your symptoms? I had similar symptoms, though just in my feet.  I stopped flagyl immediately and my GI had me consult a neurologist.  He doesn’t think it is neuropathy and is investigating other possibilities.  Sunday I go for a neck MRI to start ruling out other possibilities. Good luck!  mgbio I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

God i hate those "unregistered" one’s~~Shame on THEM!!!~~  i have enough trouble with registered one’s, now there is UNregistered one’s????  oh, man! jeff, cd class of o1, michigan, usa chapter

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It might be an unregistered side effect of the 5-asa molecule, because I had it when I was taking pentasa, and it disappeared when I stopped taking this med. you’re taking asacol which is the same molecule. This is just a guess of course. Noella Thanks for writing.  Any information is truly appreciated.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  If you have any additional information, please write.    Have a good day,       Teresa i just talked with my boss, her daughter has an autoimmune dx….something about platelets and she had her spline removed, but anyway, she is on viox (cox 2 inhibitor) for sore joints and her finger tips are going numb. you on any meds? jeff, cd class of o1, michigan, usa chapter (and is going broke) I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

Please let us know what they find, mgbio.  : ) Ceresse

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Man, that really sucks Teresa!  My MRI is this Sunday.  I have a follow-up appointment on Feb 11, about 2 weeks later.  I am being treated symptomatically and it is helping.  mgbio

Response:

Good luck with the MRI mgbio.  I hope you get some good results.  : ) — Take Care, Sherry  :o)

Man, that really sucks Teresa!  My MRI is this Sunday.  I have a follow-up appointment on Feb 11, about 2 weeks later.  I am being treated symptomatically and it is helping.  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently seeing a neurologist and he did diagnose it as neuropathy but he is trying to find the cause.  On Wednesday I had an MRI of the neck and spine and neck x-rays but have not heard from these tests.  So far they are not treating my symptoms.  It is a very strange feeling and somewhat disabling at times.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  Take care and let me know the outcome of your MRI.    Have a good day,      Teresa Teresa, Have you been on flagyl?  These are classic symptoms of neuropathy. Have you been evaluated by a neurologist?  What tests have they run? Are they treating your symptoms? I had similar symptoms, though just in my feet.  I stopped flagyl immediately and my GI had me consult a neurologist.  He doesn’t think it is neuropathy and is investigating other possibilities.  Sunday I go for a neck MRI to start ruling out other possibilities. Good luck!  mgbio I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

…sorry, meant "spleen", not spline…….lol jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for writing.  Any information is truly appreciated.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  If you have any additional information, please write.    Have a good day,       Teresa i just talked with my boss, her daughter has an autoimmune dx….something about platelets and she had her spline removed, but anyway, she is on viox (cox 2 inhibitor) for sore joints and her finger tips are going numb. you on any meds? jeff, cd class of o1, michigan, usa chapter (and is going broke)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

It might be an unregistered side effect of the 5-asa molecule, because I had it when I was taking pentasa, and it disappeared when I stopped taking this med. you’re taking asacol which is the same molecule. This is just a guess of course. Noella – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for writing.  Any information is truly appreciated.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  If you have any additional information, please write.    Have a good day,       Teresa i just talked with my boss, her daughter has an autoimmune dx….something about platelets and she had her spline removed, but anyway, she is on viox (cox 2 inhibitor) for sore joints and her finger tips are going numb. you on any meds? jeff, cd class of o1, michigan, usa chapter (and is going broke)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

Thanks for writing.  Any information is truly appreciated.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  If you have any additional information, please write.    Have a good day,       Teresa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i just talked with my boss, her daughter has an autoimmune dx….something about platelets and she had her spline removed, but anyway, she is on viox (cox 2 inhibitor) for sore joints and her finger tips are going numb.  you on any meds? jeff, cd class of o1, michigan, usa chapter (and is going broke) I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

Man, that really sucks Teresa!  My MRI is this Sunday.  I have a follow-up appointment on Feb 11, about 2 weeks later.  I am being treated symptomatically and it is helping.  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently seeing a neurologist and he did diagnose it as neuropathy but he is trying to find the cause.  On Wednesday I had an MRI of the neck and spine and neck x-rays but have not heard from these tests.  So far they are not treating my symptoms.  It is a very strange feeling and somewhat disabling at times.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  Take care and let me know the outcome of your MRI.    Have a good day,      Teresa Teresa, Have you been on flagyl?  These are classic symptoms of neuropathy. Have you been evaluated by a neurologist?  What tests have they run? Are they treating your symptoms? I had similar symptoms, though just in my feet.  I stopped flagyl immediately and my GI had me consult a neurologist.  He doesn’t think it is neuropathy and is investigating other possibilities.  Sunday I go for a neck MRI to start ruling out other possibilities. Good luck!  mgbio I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

Mgbio, glad to hear that your symptoms are lessening!! At least that’s some progress, right? Less pain is always a plus! Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Man, that really sucks Teresa!  My MRI is this Sunday.  I have a follow-up appointment on Feb 11, about 2 weeks later.  I am being treated symptomatically and it is helping.  mgbio I am currently seeing a neurologist and he did diagnose it as neuropathy but he is trying to find the cause.  On Wednesday I had an MRI of the neck and spine and neck x-rays but have not heard from these tests.  So far they are not treating my symptoms.  It is a very strange feeling and somewhat disabling at times.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  Take care and let me know the outcome of your MRI.    Have a good day,      Teresa Teresa, Have you been on flagyl?  These are classic symptoms of neuropathy. Have you been evaluated by a neurologist?  What tests have they run? Are they treating your symptoms? I had similar symptoms, though just in my feet.  I stopped flagyl immediately and my GI had me consult a neurologist.  He doesn’t think it is neuropathy and is investigating other possibilities.  Sunday I go for a neck MRI to start ruling out other possibilities. Good luck!  mgbio I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

I am currently seeing a neurologist and he did diagnose it as neuropathy but he is trying to find the cause.  On Wednesday I had an MRI of the neck and spine and neck x-rays but have not heard from these tests.  So far they are not treating my symptoms.  It is a very strange feeling and somewhat disabling at times.  I am currently taking Asacol and Prevacid and several supplements.  Take care and let me know the outcome of your MRI.    Have a good day,      Teresa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Teresa, Have you been on flagyl?  These are classic symptoms of neuropathy. Have you been evaluated by a neurologist?  What tests have they run? Are they treating your symptoms? I had similar symptoms, though just in my feet.  I stopped flagyl immediately and my GI had me consult a neurologist.  He doesn’t think it is neuropathy and is investigating other possibilities.  Sunday I go for a neck MRI to start ruling out other possibilities. Good luck!  mgbio I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

i just talked with my boss, her daughter has an autoimmune dx….something about platelets and she had her spline removed, but anyway, she is on viox (cox 2 inhibitor) for sore joints and her finger tips are going numb.  you on any meds? jeff, cd class of o1, michigan, usa chapter (and is going broke) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

I had this problem the first 3 years of having Crohn. I went to a neurologist, but he didn’t find anything. The only medication I was on when it started was pentasa. It disappeared when I stopped all conventionnal medicine and started chinese medicine and a dairy free and sugar free diet. I don’t know if the cause is the pentasa, the diet or if the chinese medicine made it go away. The good point is that it did go away and never came back (it stopped 3 years ago) Take care Noella – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

Teresa, Have you been on flagyl?  These are classic symptoms of neuropathy. Have you been evaluated by a neurologist?  What tests have they run? Are they treating your symptoms?   I had similar symptoms, though just in my feet.  I stopped flagyl immediately and my GI had me consult a neurologist.  He doesn’t think it is neuropathy and is investigating other possibilities.  Sunday I go for a neck MRI to start ruling out other possibilities. Good luck!  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

Hi Teresa, My 7 year old daughter also has Crohns Disease and occasionally has numbness in her hands and feet.  We did mention this to her doctor but, we do not know the cause.  She was recently started on Flagyl but, she had this problem before she was on Flagyl.  Would love to know the cause. Patty – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

Chances are that your seeing a reaction to the medications. I’ve had these and many other types of side-effects, that took me a great deal of trial and error experiences to resolve. I’ve often had this problem with my 6-MP with increased dosage and found that the reactions vary from person to person. Different metabolisms react differently, that’s why there are always precautions to taking medications. (IE: I can’t take any calcium supplements for an hour or more after my other meds, because it seems to prevent my body from absorbing any of the benefits from the others that I’m taking) Everyone has had one experience or another with ‘meds’ and these diseases, that we can compare notes on. I just wish that the medical profession would keep better notes of our side effect complaints and concerns. Michael – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.   Have a good day,      Teresa

Response:

I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

Are you taking flagyl?? Common side-effect. I would look at all the side-effects of all the drugs you are currently taking. Just an idea! Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.    Have a good day,       Teresa

Response:

Its probably more likely that your getting the tingling and numbness as a side effect from a med your on, rather than your Crohns itself. I had really bad numbness in my hands when I was on  flagyl a few years back. Recently started getting it again to a much lesser degree but I’m not sure from what …gonna have to check if immuran causes it as well. John Connor – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have Crohns Disease and for several months I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.  Has anyone experienced this that has Crohns Disease?  If so, do you know the cause?  I have been to several doctors and they are still trying to determine the cause of this numbness and tingling. Thanks for any information you can provide.   Have a good day,      Teresa

Response:

Question:

Wow, no. I guess I shouldn’t complain about just bad stomach pain (kind of like really bad acid reflux). I could have an elephant standing on me . david

Response:

Hey, does this pain feel like your stomach and back are  growing together or like a elephant standing on your stomach and pressing it to your back.

Response:

Is the pain by any chance the rectal spasms? (tenesmus).  Levsin, an antispasmatic, a hot tub for about 30 minutes and a pain pill – for me, usually a tylennol 4 seems to get the job done in the middle of the night

Response:

Well that’s a plus! I hope it was just a CD oddity. Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Deb, who knows.  I’m sure it was CD related.  At least I haven’t have any other flare type symptoms.  mgbio I hope it wasn’t your CD acting up mgbio! Debs David, I woke up w/ extreme pain twice last week.  I’m not sure why and for me it seemed to be isolated so I haven’t sought any professional input.  I think it may have been gas or just CD acting up. I hope you find something to help you soon.  mgbio Hi everyone, Well, the combination of colazal and strict adherence to the SCD diet over the last two months has left me in pretty good shape, (I know I’m lucky). I’m still having a symptom though and it has mystified my doctor. so, I turn to the ultimate authority … this group The pain during the day is gone, but almost every night, I am awakened by pain. At first the doctors thought it was stomach pain and prescribed Prilosac and prevacid, but they had no effect. So now I’ve got a prescription for an antispasmodic. My questions are, does anyone else have this (pain coming specifically in the night)? If so, any ideas why it comes in the night. And the big question what (if anything) are you doing for it? As always, any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, David (CD diagnosed last November)

Response:

Thanks Deb, who knows.  I’m sure it was CD related.  At least I haven’t have any other flare type symptoms.  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope it wasn’t your CD acting up mgbio! Debs David, I woke up w/ extreme pain twice last week.  I’m not sure why and for me it seemed to be isolated so I haven’t sought any professional input.  I think it may have been gas or just CD acting up. I hope you find something to help you soon.  mgbio Hi everyone, Well, the combination of colazal and strict adherence to the SCD diet over the last two months has left me in pretty good shape, (I know I’m lucky). I’m still having a symptom though and it has mystified my doctor. so, I turn to the ultimate authority … this group The pain during the day is gone, but almost every night, I am awakened by pain. At first the doctors thought it was stomach pain and prescribed Prilosac and prevacid, but they had no effect. So now I’ve got a prescription for an antispasmodic. My questions are, does anyone else have this (pain coming specifically in the night)? If so, any ideas why it comes in the night. And the big question what (if anything) are you doing for it? As always, any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, David (CD diagnosed last November)

Response:

I hope it wasn’t your CD acting up mgbio! Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – David, I woke up w/ extreme pain twice last week.  I’m not sure why and for me it seemed to be isolated so I haven’t sought any professional input.  I think it may have been gas or just CD acting up. I hope you find something to help you soon.  mgbio Hi everyone, Well, the combination of colazal and strict adherence to the SCD diet over the last two months has left me in pretty good shape, (I know I’m lucky). I’m still having a symptom though and it has mystified my doctor. so, I turn to the ultimate authority … this group The pain during the day is gone, but almost every night, I am awakened by pain. At first the doctors thought it was stomach pain and prescribed Prilosac and prevacid, but they had no effect. So now I’ve got a prescription for an antispasmodic. My questions are, does anyone else have this (pain coming specifically in the night)? If so, any ideas why it comes in the night. And the big question what (if anything) are you doing for it? As always, any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, David (CD diagnosed last November)

Response:

David, I woke up w/ extreme pain twice last week.  I’m not sure why and for me it seemed to be isolated so I haven’t sought any professional input.  I think it may have been gas or just CD acting up.   I hope you find something to help you soon.  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone, Well, the combination of colazal and strict adherence to the SCD diet over the last two months has left me in pretty good shape, (I know I’m lucky). I’m still having a symptom though and it has mystified my doctor. so, I turn to the ultimate authority … this group The pain during the day is gone, but almost every night, I am awakened by pain. At first the doctors thought it was stomach pain and prescribed Prilosac and prevacid, but they had no effect. So now I’ve got a prescription for an antispasmodic. My questions are, does anyone else have this (pain coming specifically in the night)? If so, any ideas why it comes in the night. And the big question what (if anything) are you doing for it? As always, any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, David (CD diagnosed last November)

Response:

Yes pain at night when sleeping is common for me.  What I try to do is not eat anything to heavy in the late evening.  With me it is spasms in the lower right that can radiate anywhere and gas and scar tissues.  I take Levbid three times a day along with Benytl and if I awake at night I can take one more Bentyl to help. I also take a sleep med to help with relaxing everything.  I hope this helps.  UM MOM Susan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone, Well, the combination of colazal and strict adherence to the SCD diet over the last two months has left me in pretty good shape, (I know I’m lucky). I’m still having a symptom though and it has mystified my doctor. so, I turn to the ultimate authority … this group The pain during the day is gone, but almost every night, I am awakened by pain. At first the doctors thought it was stomach pain and prescribed Prilosac and prevacid, but they had no effect. So now I’ve got a prescription for an antispasmodic. My questions are, does anyone else have this (pain coming specifically in the night)? If so, any ideas why it comes in the night. And the big question what (if anything) are you doing for it? As always, any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, David (CD diagnosed last November)

Response:

Hi everyone, Well, the combination of colazal and strict adherence to the SCD diet over the last two months has left me in pretty good shape, (I know I’m lucky). I’m still having a symptom though and it has mystified my doctor. so, I turn to the ultimate authority … this group The pain during the day is gone, but almost every night, I am awakened by pain. At first the doctors thought it was stomach pain and prescribed Prilosac and prevacid, but they had no effect. So now I’ve got a prescription for an antispasmodic. My questions are, does anyone else have this (pain coming specifically in the night)? If so, any ideas why it comes in the night. And the big question what (if anything) are you doing for it? As always, any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, David (CD diagnosed last November)

Response:

Question:

Before I call the doctor, has anybody had the "lump in the throat " feeling? Sort of like I swallowed a pill or something similar and it didn’t go down completely. Doesn’t hurt exactly, just feels like there is something there……and there really isn’t. Thanks… barbtoo — barbtoo east tennessee

Response:

Barb, I have that alot.  Doc told me that it had to do with my esophageal dysmotility. which in lay terms is   sluggish esophagus and sometimes it feels like my throat is swollen and have a sore throat. BUT to be safe check your temp, if you can.   Does your ears hurt too? Call the doc, and tell him.  He may just want to check it out.  YOU never know what it could be so calling a doc is what you NEED to do? And believe me it is not stupid to do that.  It is necessary…even if it is nothing.  Better safe than sorry. janers

Response:

Hi Barbara, I have had that for two different reason. I have autoimmune thyroid disease. Before it was diagnosed I often had that lump in the throat feeling. Every time I am in a flare I get it too. It is a little different in that it is a feeling of constant pressure on the side of my neck that seems to interfer with smallowing. I also get a build up of fluid that is visible. That, I think, is called lymphodema. It is probably a good idea to get it checked out. It could be that you have some kind of infection. I guess there could be a number of possibilities. Regards, BJ "Barbara Petty" <bwpe…@worldnet.att.net

wrote in message

news:kZeU7.303974$W8.10837559@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Before I call the doctor, has anybody had the "lump in the throat " feeling? Sort of like I swallowed a pill or something similar and it didn’t go down completely. Doesn’t hurt exactly, just feels like there is something there……and there really isn’t. Thanks… barbtoo — barbtoo east tennessee

Response:

I have had that type of feeling on and off for years.  Had it checked with an ENT specialist 3-4 years ago and was told it was probably due to allergies.  Possible.  I take Zyrtec year round and at times (typically this time of year) the Zyrtec does not prevent all symptoms.  Wish I could make it go away and stay away, though!  Seems to bother me most in the evenings and night.  Sometimes I wake up coughing with a choking feeling.

Response:

Wouldn’t ya know it….my doctor is taking a few days off. I left a message for the nurse, however. She will probably call me in the morning. Maybe I can see one of the partners if they think I need to be seen. I just figured this was related to the sjogrens or one of the other numerous "cousin" diseases that I have. LOL Thanks for your input. barbtoo

Response:

I often get that choking feeling if I’m upset. Something to do with muscle constriction. Then the little dry hacky cough sets in. Bev "CSP" <csper…@juno.com

wrote in message

news:9zyU7.435$EB2.159@nwrddc01.gnilink.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I have had that type of feeling on and off for years.  Had it checked with an ENT specialist 3-4 years ago and was told it was probably due to allergies.  Possible.  I take Zyrtec year round and at times (typically

this

time of year) the Zyrtec does not prevent all symptoms.  Wish I could make it go away and stay away, though!  Seems to bother me most in the evenings and night.  Sometimes I wake up coughing with a choking feeling.

Response:

On Thu, 20 Dec 2001 05:49:04 GMT, "Barbara Petty" <bwpe…@worldnet.att.net

 wrote: Before I call the doctor, has anybody had the "lump in the throat " feeling?

lots.  My esophagus actually closes off at these times usually – not always tho.  And for me it can be very painful.  As someone else said it is "dysmotility" (the muscles are not working as they should and are basically spasming.)  My SIL (<wink

to Andy) has the same

problem.   this problem is common in Sjogren’s or any condition that slows mucous/saliva production.  it can also be a stress response.  Mine usually happens when I’m trying to eat and out in public. that first bite hits the esophagus and it slams shut.  I won’t go into details on how I get past it. it’s worth asking the doc about when you can – especially if it is interferring with your life (eating/drinking) and as someone else said, thyroid problems might cause a similar sensation.   If you are on any kind of med that "dries you out" (anti-histamine, anti-anxiety, some muscle relaxants) these can make it more problematic.   OR, in some, the anti-anxiety route can calm you enough that it won’t happen but you’ll need to be drinking plenty of fluids. I suppose some docs treat this with drugs like Prilosec and Prevacid as it can sometimes be caused by reflux.

Response:

Subject: Question: lump in the throat feeling

I’ve had that I figured I was fighting a sore throat?  Did you go to the doctor?  what did the doc say?

Response:

Have that  did barium swallow and showed my esophagus is weak at bottom barely moves food down have to drink lotsa water all the time Lupus is the problem Cindy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -JAPrince1643 wrote:

Subject: Question: lump in the throat feeling I’ve had that I figured I was fighting a sore throat?  Did you go to the doctor?  what did the doc say?

Response:

Question:

I have my doc appointment on Tuesday providing my insurance gets it’s shit straightened out. I requested several referrals over a month ago, one of them TWO months ago, when I went in for an office visit about my moles and the doc wanted me to see a dermatologist to have them analyzed. Anyhow, I called the office AGAIN today (this is about the 15th call, and about 10 faxes) and they told me that the insurance denied EVERY ONE OF THE REFERRALS! I couldn’t BELIEVE IT! I have some serious problems going on, and they deny the referrals that a DOCTOR ordered? Anyhow, then I called the insurance, and they said that they have no record of anything being denied, and that all the doc’s office needs to do is call them and tell them what I need (they have been faxing, but I guess that didn’t work too well). What I was pissed off at was the fact that I have called there over a dozen times, left my name and phone number because the referral coordinator was busy, and NOONE CALLED ME BACK! Even when I told them that no one has been calling me back, STILL, no one called. I was so pissed. I have this appointment on Tuesday that I NEED to go to (I am having severe problems with shaking and tremors…I was put on a med that seemed to work, but doesn’t anymore. Also, I am severely Hyperthyroid, and have other things going on. Not to mention that my Rheumatologist does my pain management), and I cant afford to pay the $50 if I don’t have a referral. I am just so pissed at my doctors office…I mean, I put in for those referrals 5-6 weeks ago, and the other one for the Dermatologist 2 MONTHS ago (my office visit was May 15th and that’s when he ordered the referral for the Dermatologist). Why didn’t ANYONE call me and tell me that there was a problem? Instead, I sent faxes, and called, and no one ever called me back to let me know what was going on. Then I call the insurance to find out that they have no record of any denials? WTF is going on? I told Rich that if something happens to me, to sue both the doctor’s office for negligence and the insurance company as well since they take FOREVER to issue referrals…I could freakin’ die of a heart attack because they didn’t authorize the cardiologist referral in a timely manner. Most referrals are ready within 72 hours, and look how long I have been waiting. It’s because they have to get authorization from the insurance company, but still, it should NOT take WEEKS! I have also had to fight them for medications that they don’t cover. One month they covered one of my meds, and the next month they didn’t. At my last Rheumy visit, he wrote a prescription for Toprol XL (and extended release beta-blocker, to slow my heartbeat down and help with the shaking). Well, I was waiting at the pharmacy, and the stupid insurance company wouldn’t cover it because it’s a long acting medication! I ended up having to get the regular release of the med. Also, they didn’t want to cover my Arthrotec (a med for inflammation), and after a battle with them, they authorized it. And, I had the same problem with my Prilosec…they wanted me to try OTC Zantac or Pepcid AC! I have tried them all, and I have severe reflux disease with erosion of the esophagus, so bad that I have to take the Prilosec twice a day, instead of the usual once a day (there is a new medicine that can help the erosion called Nexium, but I KNOW my insurance won’t cover it) Of course, they balked at my having to take the Prilosec twice a day, and at times, three times a day, and wanted a letter from my doctor stating WHY I needed the medication, and why I needed to take it more than once a day. I get so mad at this…my doc writes a prescription…that to me is authorization enough. I just worry that they aren’t going to cover my pain patches…it seems that when something I get is too expensive in their eyes (and the patches are about $600-$700 for 15 of them), they remove it from their formulary. I don’t want to have to fight for that. I just cant believe this crap about the referrals. It seems that no one knows what’s going on, and they aren’t even TRYING to figure it out! I am seriously ill and it seems these people don’t give a crap. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my primary care doctor, but it’s the STAFF the bugs the shit out of me. I need my Rheumy referral by Tuesday (this happened last time too..they faxed me the referral the morning of my appointment). I make sure to call in the referrals WELL before I need them (like if I have 1 visit left on a referral, I will call in for another one…plus, this STUPID insurance only gives 2 visits at a time, and the docs office has to fax them to get authorization. With my last insurance, the referral coordinator just wrote out the referral and that was it). The thing is, I cant even EAT solid food now because of the strictures on my esophagus. It needs to be dilated, but when I told this to the last GI doctor I was sent to, (my other one wasn’t covered under the new plan) he wanted a barium swallow, even though I told him that I need my esophagus dilated and biopsied every year. I told him I cannot tolerate barium and that I would not be able to swallow it without getting sick. I even told him to go talk to my former GI doctor across the hall, and to talk to the GI doctor I had before that (whom I loved, but he isn’t covered either). What is the point of doing a barium swallow when an Endoscopy will need to be done anyway? I mean, I also have erosive gastritis, where my stomach lining literally bleeds (I have the Endoscopy pic if anyone wants to see…LOL) and that cant be shown with a barium swallow. I KNOW what needs to be done, and I am NOT doing a barium swallow. So, I requested a referral to a new GI doctor, 6 weeks ago, and haven’t gotten the referral yet. Meanwhile, I am losing weight like crazy (I am just a bit overweight..had gained 70lbs due to an endocrine problem, and have lost almost 50 of that in 7 months. My clothes are falling off of me, and people are commenting now). I am so pissed with this insurance…they are supposed to be working FOR me, not AGAINST me. Same thing with my primary care doc’s office. I am tired of doing the legwork, calling the insurance, then calling the doctor’s office again to tell them what the insurance said. All I know is that if they DID deny ALL those referrals, I am getting a lawyer. I am sick of this crap. I NEED to see my cardiologist..my heart is even more erratic, and I get chest pains. I could drop dead of a freakin’ heart attack, all because the damn referral either was denied or not ready. I don’t get it. I am so stressed about this. I can’t afford to pay $50 if the referral for my Rheumy doesn’t come through…I don’t even HAVE $50! I need my meds and I need to talk to him about the increase in tremors, chest pain (pleurisy), and other things. And stress isn’t good for someone with my medical conditions. Shit, it isn’t good for anyone! Anyhow, I did call a woman that works for the insurance…she helped me before to find a reproductive endocrinologist for my mysterious endocrine problems, and then helped me again to change the date on that referral as it was going to expire before my appointment (that’s another thing…the referrals usually only have a 2-3 month time span in which it is valid. If an appointment runs past that date, then I have to get another referral, and they only authorize 2 visits at a time, meaning that every other month, I need a NEW referral to see my Rheumy. The other insurance I had issued them for 12 visits or one year. Unfortunately, I had to change insurance companies because the one I had wasn’t serving this county anymore). So, I hope that the woman I called can help me get this mess straighten out. I did have a case worker at one time, but she wasn’t any help…all she wanted to do was question me about my medical conditions, my meds, and she also wanted to talk to my doctors about why I was on certain meds. When I found this out, I faxed all my doctors letters stating NOT to give ANY of my medical information out to this woman. She wasn’t helping in the way I needed, she was just nosey. OK, I am done rambling. I have to go lay down. I didn’t type this all at once, some of it is pasted for an email, but only the beginning. Sorry about that guys, but I just cant sit here. But then again, I cant sleep because of the pain. Crap, I need a laptop (out of the question though! LOL) Hugs to all, and hopes for a pain free day tomorrow Nikki "… lost in the darkness of my own circumstance, criticizing echoes leaving me awake in the night… the barrier and blockades that keep me safe and in control while I pretend that I am okay… "

Response:

Nikki I just wanted to speak to you about the barium swallow. I also have strictures of the oesophagus & oesophagitis. I had a nissen fundoplication years ago to stop the reflux & it did work for a while but I think the wrap is getting a little ‘loose’ now as I am now able to vomit easily & the reflux is back…..I’m undecided whether I’ll let them redo the wrap. Anyway my gastro would NEVER order barium for me. They use gastrograffin on me which is actually water soluble & where barium is supposed to constipate you gastrograffin works the opposite way. Gastrograffin is quite expensive but maybe you could ask for that… Also I have had perforated intestines more than once & barium is contra-indicated if they think there is the chance of a perforation. My gastro always orders a swallow before the endo & he does this to get an idea what shape my oesophagus is in. I’m lucky cos I can have the gastrograffin swallow, drain it out my Gtube & then go for my endo an hour or so later. Also my gastro has told me that some people can have strictures & they are asymptomatic….I guess by doing the swallow first they can see just how much of a problem the strictures are. Anyway like I said, if you are worried about the barium see if you could get the gastrograffin. It isn’t a nice taste at all (well I don’t think it is) but it is the consistency of water so should be much easier to go down. Son

Response:

Nikki I’m so sorry you are having such crappy luck with your insurance.  Have you tried calling Member Services?  Member Services should get all your referrals done right away. As for Nexium, your insurance may pay for it since it’s the generic for Prilosec.  Prilosec’s patent is up and they’ve come out with Nexium.  I take Protonix (a proton pump inhibitor like Prisolec) and it’s cheaper than Prilosec.  There’s also Prevacid (another PPI).  I take the Protonix and 300 mg Zantac a day. Good luck fighting with the insurance!!!  Start filing complaints! Nicole

Response:

And, I had the same problem with my Prilosec…they wanted me to try OTC Zantac or Pepcid AC! I have tried them all, and I have severe reflux disease with erosion of the esophagus, so bad that I have to take the Prilosec twice a day, instead of the usual once a day (there is a new medicine that can help the erosion called Nexium, but I KNOW my insurance won’t cover it)

Nikki, I can’t help you with the other stuff, but don’t waste any time trying to get Nexium.  It’s only chemically slightly different than Prilosec and does no better job of treating esophageal erosion than Prilosec does.  The deal is, the patent is about to come off of Prilosec and generics will come out.  So the mfr. changed an isomer, thought up a new name, and put three gold stripes on the same purple pill.  Voila!  New patent, new license to print money. Best, mary

Response:

You probably already know,but just in case,Your hyperthyroid can cause a lot of your symptoms.Like shaking ,tremors,irregular heart beats,chest pains,weight loss,and no telling what else.My wife had all of these symptoms,and after she got the thyriod level down,they went away. IMHO that is the first thing you need to get under control,because the thyriod harmone (sp) is very strong,and can really mess you up all over.  Just FYI,I hope this helps. Good Luck Lem – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have my doc appointment on Tuesday providing my insurance gets it’s shit straightened out. I requested several referrals over a month ago, one of them TWO months ago, when I went in for an office visit about my moles and the doc wanted me to see a dermatologist to have them analyzed. Anyhow, I called the office AGAIN today (this is about the 15th call, and about 10 faxes) and they told me that the insurance denied EVERY ONE OF THE REFERRALS! I couldn’t BELIEVE IT! I have some serious problems going on, and they deny the referrals that a DOCTOR ordered? Anyhow, then I called the insurance, and they said that they have no record of anything being denied, and that all the doc’s office needs to do is call them and tell them what I need (they have been faxing, but I guess that didn’t work too well). What I was pissed off at was the fact that I have called there over a dozen times, left my name and phone number because the referral coordinator was busy, and NOONE CALLED ME BACK! Even when I told them that no one has been calling me back, STILL, no one called. I was so pissed. I have this appointment on Tuesday that I NEED to go to (I am having severe problems with shaking and tremors…I was put on a med that seemed to work, but doesn’t anymore. Also, I am severely Hyperthyroid, and have other things going on. Not to mention that my Rheumatologist does my pain management), and I cant afford to pay the $50 if I don’t have a referral. I am just so pissed at my doctors office…I mean, I put in for those referrals 5-6 weeks ago, and the other one for the Dermatologist 2 MONTHS ago (my office visit was May 15th and that’s when he ordered the referral for the Dermatologist). Why didn’t ANYONE call me and tell me that there was a problem? Instead, I sent faxes, and called, and no one ever called me back to let me know what was going on. Then I call the insurance to find out that they have no record of any denials? WTF is going on? I told Rich that if something happens to me, to sue both the doctor’s office for negligence and the insurance company as well since they take FOREVER to issue referrals…I could freakin’ die of a heart attack because they didn’t authorize the cardiologist referral in a timely manner. Most referrals are ready within 72 hours, and look how long I have been waiting. It’s because they have to get authorization from the insurance company, but still, it should NOT take WEEKS! I have also had to fight them for medications that they don’t cover. One month they covered one of my meds, and the next month they didn’t. At my last Rheumy visit, he wrote a prescription for Toprol XL (and extended release beta-blocker, to slow my heartbeat down and help with the shaking). Well, I was waiting at the pharmacy, and the stupid insurance company wouldn’t cover it because it’s a long acting medication! I ended up having to get the regular release of the med. Also, they didn’t want to cover my Arthrotec (a med for inflammation), and after a battle with them, they authorized it. And, I had the same problem with my Prilosec…they wanted me to try OTC Zantac or Pepcid AC! I have tried them all, and I have severe reflux disease with erosion of the esophagus, so bad that I have to take the Prilosec twice a day, instead of the usual once a day (there is a new medicine that can help the erosion called Nexium, but I KNOW my insurance won’t cover it) Of course, they balked at my having to take the Prilosec twice a day, and at times, three times a day, and wanted a letter from my doctor stating WHY I needed the medication, and why I needed to take it more than once a day. I get so mad at this…my doc writes a prescription…that to me is authorization enough. I just worry that they aren’t going to cover my pain patches…it seems that when something I get is too expensive in their eyes (and the patches are about $600-$700 for 15 of them), they remove it from their formulary. I don’t want to have to fight for that. I just cant believe this crap about the referrals. It seems that no one knows what’s going on, and they aren’t even TRYING to figure it out! I am seriously ill and it seems these people don’t give a crap. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my primary care doctor, but it’s the STAFF the bugs the shit out of me. I need my Rheumy referral by Tuesday (this happened last time too..they faxed me the referral the morning of my appointment). I make sure to call in the referrals WELL before I need them (like if I have 1 visit left on a referral, I will call in for another one…plus, this STUPID insurance only gives 2 visits at a time, and the docs office has to fax them to get authorization. With my last insurance, the referral coordinator just wrote out the referral and that was it). The thing is, I cant even EAT solid food now because of the strictures on my esophagus. It needs to be dilated, but when I told this to the last GI doctor I was sent to, (my other one wasn’t covered under the new plan) he wanted a barium swallow, even though I told him that I need my esophagus dilated and biopsied every year. I told him I cannot tolerate barium and that I would not be able to swallow it without getting sick. I even told him to go talk to my former GI doctor across the hall, and to talk to the GI doctor I had before that (whom I loved, but he isn’t covered either). What is the point of doing a barium swallow when an Endoscopy will need to be done anyway? I mean, I also have erosive gastritis, where my stomach lining literally bleeds (I have the Endoscopy pic if anyone wants to see…LOL) and that cant be shown with a barium swallow. I KNOW what needs to be done, and I am NOT doing a barium swallow. So, I requested a referral to a new GI doctor, 6 weeks ago, and haven’t gotten the referral yet. Meanwhile, I am losing weight like crazy (I am just a bit overweight..had gained 70lbs due to an endocrine problem, and have lost almost 50 of that in 7 months. My clothes are falling off of me, and people are commenting now). I am so pissed with this insurance…they are supposed to be working FOR me, not AGAINST me. Same thing with my primary care doc’s office. I am tired of doing the legwork, calling the insurance, then calling the doctor’s office again to tell them what the insurance said. All I know is that if they DID deny ALL those referrals, I am getting a lawyer. I am sick of this crap. I NEED to see my cardiologist..my heart is even more erratic, and I get chest pains. I could drop dead of a freakin’ heart attack, all because the damn referral either was denied or not ready. I don’t get it. I am so stressed about this. I can’t afford to pay $50 if the referral for my Rheumy doesn’t come through…I don’t even HAVE $50! I need my meds and I need to talk to him about the increase in tremors, chest pain (pleurisy), and other things. And stress isn’t good for someone with my medical conditions. Shit, it isn’t good for anyone! Anyhow, I did call a woman that works for the insurance…she helped me before to find a reproductive endocrinologist for my mysterious endocrine problems, and then helped me again to change the date on that referral as it was going to expire before my appointment (that’s another thing…the referrals usually only have a 2-3 month time span in which it is valid. If an appointment runs past that date, then I have to get another referral, and they only authorize 2 visits at a time, meaning that every other month, I need a NEW referral to see my Rheumy. The other insurance I had issued them for 12 visits or one year. Unfortunately, I had to change insurance companies because the one I had wasn’t serving this county anymore). So, I hope that the woman I called can help me get this mess straighten out. I did have a case worker at one time, but she wasn’t any help…all she wanted to do was question me about my medical conditions, my meds, and she also wanted to talk to my doctors about why I was on certain meds. When I found this out, I faxed all my doctors letters stating NOT to give ANY of my medical information out to this woman. She wasn’t helping in the way I needed, she was just nosey. OK, I am done rambling. I have to go lay down. I didn’t type this all at once, some of it is pasted for an email, but only the beginning. Sorry about that guys, but I just cant sit here. But then again, I cant sleep because of the pain. Crap, I need a laptop (out of the question though! LOL) Hugs to all, and hopes for a pain free day tomorrow Nikki "… lost in the darkness of my own circumstance, criticizing echoes leaving me awake in the night… the barrier and blockades that keep me safe and in control while I pretend that I am okay… "

Response:

Nicole, Nexium is not the generic for Prilosec.  It is stronger than Prilosec. Prilosec is 20mg per dose and Nexium is 40mg per dose.  Prilosec can be taken once or twice daily and Nexium is taken once daily.  My Dr. just started me on Nexium. I find Prevacid works much better for me. Robin Path: lobby!newstf02.news.aol.com!portc01.blue.aol.com!news.maxwell.syr.edu!net

news.com!xfer02.netnews.com!newsfeed2.earthlink.net!newsfeed.earthlink.net !newsmaster1.prod.itd.earthlink.net!newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net.POSTE D!not-for-mail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Newsgroups: alt.support.chronic-pain Lines: 16 X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Newsreader: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.00.2919.6600 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.00.2919.6600 NNTP-Posting-Host: 63.49.236.64 X-Trace: newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net 995149105 63.49.236.64 (Sat, 14 Jul 2001 15:18:25 PDT) Organization: EarthLink Inc. — http://www.EarthLink.net (newsmaster1.prod.itd.earthlink.net) Nikki I’m so sorry you are having such crappy luck with your insurance.  Have you tried calling Member Services?  Member Services should get all your referrals done right away. As for Nexium, your insurance may pay for it since it’s the generic for Prilosec.  Prilosec’s patent is up and they’ve come out with Nexium.  I take Protonix (a proton pump inhibitor like Prisolec) and it’s cheaper than Prilosec.  There’s also Prevacid (another PPI).  I take the Protonix and 300 mg Zantac a day. Good luck fighting with the insurance!!!  Start filing complaints! Nicole

I am *not* a Medical Doctor (MD) or *any* other type of Medical Professional. PLEASE consult your own Dr. for medical advice.  The information posted is information I have learned from researching or learning from my own disease.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And, I had the same problem with my Prilosec…they wanted me to try OTC Zantac or Pepcid AC! I have tried them all, and I have severe reflux disease with erosion of the esophagus, so bad that I have to take the Prilosec twice a day, instead of the usual once a day (there is a new medicine that can help the erosion called Nexium, but I KNOW my insurance won’t cover it) Nikki, I can’t help you with the other stuff, but don’t waste any time trying to get Nexium.  It’s only chemically slightly different than Prilosec and does no better job of treating esophageal erosion than Prilosec does.  The deal is, the patent is about to come off of Prilosec and generics will come out.  So the mfr. changed an isomer, thought up a new name, and put three gold stripes on the same purple pill.  Voila!  New patent, new license to print money. Best, mary

BINGO Mary!  You nailed that one down hard!!! Hope you are feeling better, how is the leg?  Give Rick a hug from me just for being so good to you.  Don’t tell him what it’s for or who it’s from just to keep ‘em guessing! Take Care, Deanie

Response:

The pharmacist on the sci.med.pharmacy said nexium and prilosec were basically the same.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Nicole, Nexium is not the generic for Prilosec.  It is stronger than Prilosec. Prilosec is 20mg per dose and Nexium is 40mg per dose.  Prilosec can be taken once or twice daily and Nexium is taken once daily.  My Dr. just started me on Nexium. I find Prevacid works much better for me. Robin Path: lobby!newstf02.news.aol.com!portc01.blue.aol.com!news.maxwell.syr.edu!net news.com!xfer02.netnews.com!newsfeed2.earthlink.net!newsfeed.earthlink.net !newsmaster1.prod.itd.earthlink.net!newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net.POSTE D!not-for-mail Newsgroups: alt.support.chronic-pain Lines: 16 X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Newsreader: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.00.2919.6600 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.00.2919.6600 NNTP-Posting-Host: 63.49.236.64 X-Trace: newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net 995149105 63.49.236.64 (Sat, 14 Jul 2001 15:18:25 PDT) Organization: EarthLink Inc. — http://www.EarthLink.net (newsmaster1.prod.itd.earthlink.net) Nikki I’m so sorry you are having such crappy luck with your insurance.  Have you tried calling Member Services?  Member Services should get all your referrals done right away. As for Nexium, your insurance may pay for it since it’s the generic for Prilosec.  Prilosec’s patent is up and they’ve come out with Nexium.  I take Protonix (a proton pump inhibitor like Prisolec) and it’s cheaper than Prilosec.  There’s also Prevacid (another PPI).  I take the Protonix and 300 mg Zantac a day. Good luck fighting with the insurance!!!  Start filing complaints! Nicole I am *not* a Medical Doctor (MD) or *any* other type of Medical Professional. PLEASE consult your own Dr. for medical advice.  The information posted is information I have learned from researching or learning from my own disease.

Response:

Here’s one of the post explaining the difference.  I may be wrong that Nexium is the generic for Prilosec but it is made my the same company- AstraZeneca and supposedly for the same thing. Does anyone konw the difference between Nexium and Prilosec?  I couldn’t figure out the difference (except they have slightly differernt chemical names. Both seem to be time released proton pump inhibotors.  I’m not sure what the advantages are of each.  This concerns a family member, so any reply (by mail would be best) would be appreciated. Jacob,

Off the top of my head, Nexium is a d-isomer of omeprazole (drug in Prilosec).  Think of it this way, looking at your right hand and left hand.  Both are hands with the same number of fingers, just oriented differently, i.e. right vs. left mirror images.  The same is true of many drugs.  Usually one isomer is more potent, but in lot of cases, the drug in your medication is a mixture, called racemic containing d and l isomers. I think the l-isomers are in general more important in living systems, but there are exceptions to the rule.  In the case of Nexium, it is my belief that the company, made the change to extend its patient protection for the parent drug, omeprazole.  Effectively, both drugs are excellent proton (acid) pump inhibitors, and useful for treatment of gastric reflux and GI injury.  I think your best option is getting the one with the lowest cost, most likely Prilosec. The price of Prilosec will plummet when a generic comes out.   Hope this is helpful..Bob Altic, PharmD Nexium is not the generic for Prilosec.  It is stronger than Prilosec. Prilosec is 20mg per dose and Nexium is 40mg per dose.  

There are 20mg capsules available for Nexium. Prilosec can be taken  once or twice daily and Nexium is taken once

daily. My once a day pills never work for 24 hrs. Nicole

Response:

Nikki – unless you are recording your phone calls, DON’T USE THE PHONE! Insurance companies always either screw up or out and out lie about receiving calls and faxes. I always fax and follow up with certified return receipt mail. When I do call, I record the call (with permission of the insurance company, of course). Half the time, they refuse permission, and I give up on the call. The other half I record the call with times and dates, and always make sure I record the date, time and the name of the person I spoke with. I’m really sorry you’re having the problems with Insurance and referrals. Having been down that road so many times, I certainly understand what you’re going through. Best of luck, Rob

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have my doc appointment on Tuesday providing my insurance gets it’s shit straightened out. I requested several referrals over a month ago, one of them TWO months ago, when I went in for an office visit about my moles and the doc wanted me to see a dermatologist to have them analyzed. Anyhow, I called the office AGAIN today (this is about the 15th call, and about 10 faxes) and they told me that the insurance denied EVERY ONE OF THE REFERRALS! I couldn’t BELIEVE IT! I have some serious problems going on, and they deny the referrals that a DOCTOR ordered? Anyhow, then I called the insurance, and they said that they have no record of anything being denied, and that all the doc’s office needs to do is call them and tell them what I need (they have been faxing, but I guess that didn’t work too well). What I was pissed off at was the fact that I have called there over a dozen times, left my name and phone number because the referral coordinator was busy, and NOONE CALLED ME BACK! Even when I told them that no one has been calling me back, STILL, no one called. I was so pissed. I have this appointment on Tuesday that I NEED to go to (I am having severe problems with shaking and tremors…I was put on a med that seemed to work, but doesn’t anymore. Also, I am severely Hyperthyroid, and have other things going on. Not to mention that my Rheumatologist does my pain management), and I cant afford to pay the $50 if I don’t have a referral. I am just so pissed at my doctors office…I mean, I put in for those referrals 5-6 weeks ago, and the other one for the Dermatologist 2 MONTHS ago (my office visit was May 15th and that’s when he ordered the referral for the Dermatologist). Why didn’t ANYONE call me and tell me that there was a problem? Instead, I sent faxes, and called, and no one ever called me back to let me know what was going on. Then I call the insurance to find out that they have no record of any denials? WTF is going on? I told Rich that if something happens to me, to sue both the doctor’s office for negligence and the insurance company as well since they take FOREVER to issue referrals…I could freakin’ die of a heart attack because they didn’t authorize the cardiologist referral in a timely manner. Most referrals are ready within 72 hours, and look how long I have been waiting. It’s because they have to get authorization from the insurance company, but still, it should NOT take WEEKS! I have also had to fight them for medications that they don’t cover. One month they covered one of my meds, and the next month they didn’t. At my last Rheumy visit, he wrote a prescription for Toprol XL (and extended release beta-blocker, to slow my heartbeat down and help with the shaking). Well, I was waiting at the pharmacy, and the stupid insurance company wouldn’t cover it because it’s a long acting medication! I ended up having to get the regular release of the med. Also, they didn’t want to cover my Arthrotec (a med for inflammation), and after a battle with them, they authorized it. And, I had the same problem with my Prilosec…they wanted me to try OTC Zantac or Pepcid AC! I have tried them all, and I have severe reflux disease with erosion of the esophagus, so bad that I have to take the Prilosec twice a day, instead of the usual once a day (there is a new medicine that can help the erosion called Nexium, but I KNOW my insurance won’t cover it) Of course, they balked at my having to take the Prilosec twice a day, and at times, three times a day, and wanted a letter from my doctor stating WHY I needed the medication, and why I needed to take it more than once a day. I get so mad at this…my doc writes a

prescription…that to – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – me is authorization enough. I just worry that they aren’t going to cover my pain patches…it seems that when something I get is too expensive in their eyes (and the patches are about $600-$700 for 15 of them), they remove it from their formulary. I don’t want to have to fight for that. I just cant believe this crap about the referrals. It seems that no one knows what’s going on, and they aren’t even TRYING to figure it out! I am seriously ill and it seems these people don’t give a crap. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my primary care doctor, but it’s the STAFF the bugs the shit out of me. I need my Rheumy referral by Tuesday (this happened last time too..they faxed me the referral the morning of my appointment). I make sure to call in the referrals WELL before I need them (like if I have 1 visit left on a referral, I will call in for another one…plus, this STUPID insurance only gives 2 visits at a time, and the docs office has to fax them to get authorization. With my last insurance, the referral coordinator just wrote out the referral and that was it). The thing is, I cant even EAT solid food now because of the strictures on my esophagus. It needs to be dilated, but when I told this to the last GI doctor I was sent to, (my other one wasn’t covered under the new plan) he wanted a barium swallow, even though I told him that I need my esophagus dilated and biopsied every year. I told him I cannot tolerate barium and that I would not be able to swallow it without getting sick. I even told him to go talk to my former GI doctor across the hall, and to talk to the GI doctor I had before that (whom I loved, but he isn’t covered either). What is the point of doing a barium swallow when an Endoscopy will need to be done anyway? I mean, I also have erosive gastritis, where my stomach lining literally bleeds (I have the Endoscopy pic if anyone wants to see…LOL) and that cant be shown with a barium swallow. I KNOW what needs to be done, and I am NOT doing a barium swallow. So, I requested a referral to a new GI doctor, 6 weeks ago, and haven’t gotten the referral yet. Meanwhile, I am losing weight like crazy (I am just a bit overweight..had gained 70lbs due to an endocrine problem, and have lost almost 50 of that in 7 months. My clothes are falling off of me, and people are commenting now). I am so pissed with this insurance…they are supposed to be working FOR me, not AGAINST me. Same thing with my primary care doc’s office. I am tired of doing the legwork, calling the insurance, then calling the doctor’s office again to tell them what the insurance said. All I know is that if they DID deny ALL those referrals, I am getting a lawyer. I am sick of this crap. I NEED to see my cardiologist..my heart is even more erratic, and I get chest pains. I could drop dead of a freakin’ heart attack, all because the damn referral either was denied or not ready. I don’t get it. I am so stressed about this. I can’t afford to pay $50 if the referral for my Rheumy doesn’t come through…I don’t even HAVE $50! I need my meds and I need to talk to him about the increase in tremors, chest pain (pleurisy), and other things. And stress isn’t good for someone with my medical conditions. Shit, it isn’t good for anyone! Anyhow, I did call a woman that works for the insurance…she helped me before to find a reproductive endocrinologist for my mysterious endocrine problems, and then helped me again to change the date on that referral as it was going to expire before my appointment (that’s another thing…the referrals usually only have a 2-3 month time span in which it is valid. If an appointment runs past that date, then I have to get another referral, and they only authorize 2 visits at a time, meaning that every other month, I need a NEW referral to see my Rheumy. The other insurance I had issued them for 12 visits or one year. Unfortunately, I had to change insurance companies because the one I had wasn’t serving this county anymore). So, I hope that the woman I called can help me get this mess straighten out. I did have a case worker at one time, but she wasn’t any help…all she wanted to do was question me about my medical conditions, my meds, and she also wanted to talk to my doctors about why I was on certain meds. When I found this out, I faxed all my doctors letters stating NOT to give ANY of my medical information out to this woman. She wasn’t helping in the way I needed, she was just nosey. OK, I am done rambling. I have to go lay down. I didn’t type this all at once, some of it is pasted for an email, but only the beginning. Sorry about that guys, but I just cant sit here. But then again, I cant sleep because of the pain. Crap, I need a laptop (out of the question though! LOL) Hugs to all, and hopes for a pain free day tomorrow Nikki "… lost in the darkness of my own circumstance, criticizing echoes leaving me awake in the night… the barrier and blockades that keep me safe and in control while I pretend that I am okay… "

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And, I had the same problem with my Prilosec…they wanted me to try OTC Zantac or Pepcid AC! I have tried them all, and I have severe reflux disease with erosion of the esophagus, so bad that I have to take the Prilosec twice a day, instead of the usual once a day (there is a new medicine that can help the erosion called Nexium, but I KNOW my insurance won’t cover it) Nikki, I can’t help you with the other stuff, but don’t waste any time trying to get Nexium.  It’s only chemically slightly different than Prilosec and does no better job of treating esophageal erosion than Prilosec does.  The deal is, the patent is about to come off of Prilosec and generics will come out.  So the mfr. changed an isomer, thought up a new name, and put three gold stripes on the same purple pill.  Voila!  New patent, new license to print money. Best, mary BINGO Mary!  You nailed that one down hard!!! Hope you are feeling better, how is the leg?  Give Rick a hug from me just for being so good to you.  Don’t tell him what it’s for or who it’s from just to keep ‘em guessing! Take Care, Deanie

Deanie, I found the info on the pharmacy group.  I was taken in by the Nexium advertising, but something bothered me about the fact that they couldn’t claim anything different than Prilosec already does.  Then I saw some posts from pharmacists and got the *real* story. Can’t bear weight on the foot yet, and it’s six weeks tomorrow.  I go to the doc tomorrow to see about getting the boot off, but I’m not in a hurry considering that I can’t put my foot flat on the floor yet.  I think I’ve hit the place where the prednisone is hindering the healing — not much, but just a bit.  It’s a low but steady dose, and it has affected my skin and thus the incision, which is spectacular!   Rick is wonderful, and I’ll be sure to give him that unknown hug!  He is at a bris this morning, but since we don’t know the people I didn’t make the effort to go.  But the grandfather wanted a male minyan (ten adults) so I don’t feel too bad about skipping this one.   Thanks, dear.  I know I still owe you a note — I haven’t forgotten! mary

Response:

The pharmacist on the sci.med.pharmacy said nexium and prilosec were basically the same.

Yes, that is basically correct.  You were saying Nexium was the generic for Prilosec, and I was stating it was not. Robin Path: lobby!newstf02.news.aol.com!portc01.blue.aol.com!news.maxwell.syr.edu!fee

d2.news.rcn.net!rcn!newsfeed1.earthlink.net!newsfeed.earthlink.net!newsmas ter1.prod.itd.earthlink.net!newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net.POSTED!not-fo r-mail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Newsgroups: alt.support.chronic-pain Lines: 77 X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Newsreader: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.00.2919.6600 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.00.2919.6600 NNTP-Posting-Host: 63.49.232.21 X-Trace: newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net 995181702 63.49.232.21 (Sun, 15 Jul 2001 00:21:42 PDT) Organization: EarthLink Inc. — http://www.EarthLink.net (newsmaster1.prod.itd.earthlink.net) The pharmacist on the sci.med.pharmacy said nexium and prilosec were basically the same. Nicole, Nexium is not the generic for Prilosec.  It is stronger than Prilosec. Prilosec is 20mg per dose and Nexium is 40mg per dose.  Prilosec can be taken once or twice daily and Nexium is taken once daily.  My Dr. just started me on Nexium. I find Prevacid works much better for me. Robin Path: lobby!newstf02.news.aol.com!portc01.blue.aol.com!news.maxwell.syr.edu!net news.com!xfer02.netnews.com!newsfeed2.earthlink.net!newsfeed.earthlink.net !newsmaster1.prod.itd.earthlink.net!newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net.POSTE D!not-for-mail Newsgroups: alt.support.chronic-pain Lines: 16 X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Newsreader: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.00.2919.6600 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.00.2919.6600 NNTP-Posting-Host: 63.49.236.64 X-Trace: newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net 995149105 63.49.236.64 (Sat, 14 Jul 2001 15:18:25 PDT) Organization: EarthLink Inc. — http://www.EarthLink.net (newsmaster1.prod.itd.earthlink.net) Nikki I’m so sorry you are having such crappy luck with your insurance.  Have you tried calling Member Services?  Member Services should get all your referrals done right away. As for Nexium, your insurance may pay for it since it’s the generic for Prilosec.  Prilosec’s patent is up and they’ve come out with Nexium.  I take Protonix (a proton pump inhibitor like Prisolec) and it’s cheaper than Prilosec.  There’s also Prevacid (another PPI).  I take the Protonix and 300 mg Zantac a day. Good luck fighting with the insurance!!!  Start filing complaints! Nicole I am *not* a Medical Doctor (MD) or *any* other type of Medical Professional. PLEASE consult your own Dr. for medical advice.  The information posted is information I have learned from researching or learning from my own disease.

I am *not* a Medical Doctor (MD) or *any* other type of Medical Professional. PLEASE consult your own Dr. for medical advice.  The information posted is information I have learned from researching or learning from my own disease.

Response:

I wrong about it being the generic.  Guess I thought it was since it’s the same thing and made by the same company.  But Nexium isn’t necessarily stronger than Prilosec.  There are different dosages for Prilosec and Nexium.  Fortunately, the Protonix works for me… I’ve taken Prilosec and Prevacid and those worked too.  With the Zantac thrown in there, it’s a wonder I have any stomach acid left. Nicole

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The pharmacist on the sci.med.pharmacy said nexium and prilosec were basically the same. Yes, that is basically correct.  You were saying Nexium was the generic for Prilosec, and I was stating it was not. Nexium is not the generic for Prilosec.  It is stronger than Prilosec. Prilosec is 20mg per dose and Nexium is 40mg per dose.  Prilosec can be taken once or twice daily and Nexium is taken once daily.  My Dr. just started me on Nexium. I find Prevacid works much better for me. Robin Path: lobby!newstf02.news.aol.com!portc01.blue.aol.com!news.maxwell.syr.edu!net

news.com!xfer02.netnews.com!newsfeed2.earthlink.net!newsfeed.earthlink.net !newsmaster1.prod.itd.earthlink.net!newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net.POSTE – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – D!not-for-mail Newsgroups: alt.support.chronic-pain Lines: 16 X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Newsreader: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.00.2919.6600 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.00.2919.6600 NNTP-Posting-Host: 63.49.236.64 X-Trace: newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net 995149105 63.49.236.64 (Sat, 14 Jul 2001 15:18:25 PDT) Organization: EarthLink Inc. — http://www.EarthLink.net (newsmaster1.prod.itd.earthlink.net) Nikki I’m so sorry you are having such crappy luck with your insurance. Have you tried calling Member Services?  Member Services should get all your referrals done right away. As for Nexium, your insurance may pay for it since it’s the generic for Prilosec.  Prilosec’s patent is up and they’ve come out with Nexium. I take Protonix (a proton pump inhibitor like Prisolec) and it’s cheaper than Prilosec.  There’s also Prevacid (another PPI).  I take the Protonix and 300 mg Zantac a day. Good luck fighting with the insurance!!!  Start filing complaints! Nicole I am *not* a Medical Doctor (MD) or *any* other type of Medical Professional. PLEASE consult your own Dr. for medical advice.  The information posted is information I have learned from researching or learning from my own disease. I am *not* a Medical Doctor (MD) or *any* other type of Medical Professional. PLEASE consult your own Dr. for medical advice.  The information posted is information I have learned from researching or learning from my own disease.

Response:

Hi Nikki, I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling so lousy, and have to fight the insurance company at the same time. (what do these people think, you have so much fun visiting all these doctors that you make appointments just for the social visit???).   Anyway, I’ve worked in many x-ray departments as a technologist for more than 25 years, so I thought I could add my 2cents to Sonjia’s comments.. They use gastrograffin on me which is actually water soluble….

. Gastrograffin is quite expensive but maybe you could ask for that… It isn’t a nice taste at all…

Do not hesitate to request Gastrograffin, cost is not  an issue, you won’t personally have to pay for it.  Additionally, Radiologists should know better than to give someone with your history barium. As for the taste.. well….. ok, one department I worked in used to mix the gastrograffin with Tang (the stuff NASA uses, haha).  So, if you can, bring along some sort of flavored powder (Crystal light??), and ask the Technologist (or ask to speak to the Radiologist beforehand), then you can request the gastro and at the same time ask if they would check with the Radiologist about adding the powder to the gastro to make it more tolerable. It will NOT interfere with the exam (we used it routinely for CT scans because the barium was too  dense). I hope this helps you, and anyone else having GI studies. Mary-Ellen

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And, I had the same problem with my Prilosec…they wanted me to try OTC Zantac or Pepcid AC! I have tried them all, and I have severe reflux disease with erosion of the esophagus, so bad that I have to take the Prilosec twice a day, instead of the usual once a day (there is a new medicine that can help the erosion called Nexium, but I KNOW my insurance won’t cover it) Nikki, I can’t help you with the other stuff, but don’t waste any time trying to get Nexium.  It’s only chemically slightly different than Prilosec and does no better job of treating esophageal erosion than Prilosec does.  The deal is, the patent is about to come off of Prilosec and generics will come out.  So the mfr. changed an isomer, thought up a new name, and put three gold stripes on the same purple pill.  Voila!  New patent, new license to print money. Best, mary BINGO Mary!  You nailed that one down hard!!! Hope you are feeling better, how is the leg?  Give Rick a hug from me just for being so good to you.  Don’t tell him what it’s for or who it’s from just to keep ‘em guessing! Take Care, Deanie Deanie, I found the info on the pharmacy group.  I was taken in by the Nexium advertising, but something bothered me about the fact that they couldn’t claim anything different than Prilosec already does.  Then I saw some posts from pharmacists and got the *real* story. Can’t bear weight on the foot yet, and it’s six weeks tomorrow.  I go to the doc tomorrow to see about getting the boot off, but I’m not in a hurry considering that I can’t put my foot flat on the floor yet.  I think I’ve hit the place where the prednisone is hindering the healing — not much, but just a bit.  It’s a low but steady dose, and it has affected my skin and thus the incision, which is spectacular!   Rick is wonderful, and I’ll be sure to give him that unknown hug!  He is at a bris this morning, but since we don’t know the people I didn’t make the effort to go.  But the grandfather wanted a male minyan (ten adults) so I don’t feel too bad about skipping this one.   Thanks, dear.  I know I still owe you a note — I haven’t forgotten! mary

Dear Mary: I know you haven’t forgetten but you worry about getting better right now…and keeping Rick off his toes!  Be good to yourself okay? Take Care, Deanie

Response:

BTW, Pepcid is now available as a generic, and if your doc orders 20mg tabs (double the OTC strength) you can get it via generic RX instead of OTC.  OTC is sooo expensive !

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Nikki I’m so sorry you are having such crappy luck with your insurance.  Have you tried calling Member Services?  Member Services should get all your referrals done right away. As for Nexium, your insurance may pay for it since it’s the generic for Prilosec.  Prilosec’s patent is up and they’ve come out with Nexium.  I take Protonix (a proton pump inhibitor like Prisolec) and it’s cheaper than Prilosec.  There’s also Prevacid (another PPI).  I take the Protonix and 300 mg Zantac a day. Good luck fighting with the insurance!!!  Start filing complaints! Nicole

Response:

Question:

Harv — my mother is taking Vioxx because it was supposed to be less risk for ulcers. That was why it worried me. Duckie

Hi Caroline,    More times than not,,,the real thing to worry about is the reason for taking it in the first place.  NSAIDS help control swelling and inflammation when it is needed and when a persons DMARD is not quite controlling what is taking place.  Swelling and inflammation does its own kind of damage.  We have to consider what the doctor is trying to control and why.   Those two medicines are less likely to cause ulcers.  If they cause or make worse your mothers ulcers, that is not a desired trade off for what the doctor is trying to do. Harv

Response:

said the muscle spasms/achiness/fatigue were likely due to the fibro that is being set off by the flaring joints…He’s changing the muscle relaxer to Skelaxin..anyone heard of it?

I take Skelaxin for FMS.  I like it because it doesn’t make me dopey (dopier?) nor does it make my muscles feel like jellyfish.  But it does help the spasms. Sarah L "Friends are those people who know the words to the song in your heart and sing them back to you when you have forgotten the words."  (unattributed)

Response:

Please sleep on an inclined bed or wedge pillow.  No foods for 2-3 hours before laying down and that includes juices, coca-cola, ect. Ps Oh by the way, do you take prednisone by pill?  Really hard on the stomach.

Hi Harv!    Thanks so much for the advice…I appreciate it so much…and I’ll definitely be careful…I don’t want to add any more to my plate than what I’ve already got…Yes, I take pred by pill…I’m just hoping the prevacid will do the job and keep my tummy happy….Thanks again… Marsha

Response:

.He’s changing the muscle relaxer to Skelaxin..anyone heard of it?

Good stuff.  Best muscle relaxer I have ever tried. Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’.  We’re all in this together."  Red Green

Response:

Marsha, Skelaxin didn’t do a thing for my muscle spasms, but did like that it didn’t make me sleepy.  I’ve had to stay with something that works and can take it only if I can go to bed. I take Celebrex and Prevacid, but also Cytotec to protect my stomach from the Celebrex.  Even though it is safer that older NSAID’s, my GI doctor insisted, even though RD didn’t think necessary.  GI doctor said he has seen ulcers in patients taking the new Cox-2’s. — Marj To reply please remove nospam

Response:

Here are two interesting posts: See what the second one said her GI man said. Caroline My wife developed a fourchette ulcer as a side effect to taking Vioxx, and had to stop taking it.  She’s entering a therapy with Cellebrex as an alternative. Has anyone else had this kind of a reaction to Vioxx and, aside from a course of Prednisone, what have they done to alleviate the condition? Thanks AND – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Marsha, Skelaxin didn’t do a thing for my muscle spasms, but did like that it didn’t make me sleepy.  I’ve had to stay with something that works and can take it only if I can go to bed. I take Celebrex and Prevacid, but also Cytotec to protect my stomach from the Celebrex.  Even though it is safer that older NSAID’s, my GI doctor insisted, even though RD didn’t think necessary.  GI doctor said he has seen ulcers in patients taking the new Cox-2’s. — Marj To reply please remove nospam

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Well rats — thought I sent that to my mother. duh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here are two interesting posts: See what the second one said her GI man said. Caroline

Response:

Hi Caroline,   What is really hard to know is if it was a preexisting condition that had just not come to light yet, so to speak, before starting Vioxx or Celebrex.   Really it does not matter because it has to be dealt with and lived with(an ulcer).  The reason the sales have been so high for these two products is because the problem is bigger that what people think.  I made up my mind a long time ago that if I could do without a NSAID, thats the way I would go. Harv – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here are two interesting posts: See what the second one said her GI man said. Caroline My wife developed a fourchette ulcer as a side effect to taking Vioxx, and had to stop taking it.  She’s entering a therapy with Cellebrex as an alternative. Has anyone else had this kind of a reaction to Vioxx and, aside from a course of Prednisone, what have they done to alleviate the condition? Thanks AND Marsha, Skelaxin didn’t do a thing for my muscle spasms, but did like that it didn’t make me sleepy.  I’ve had to stay with something that works and can take it only if I can go to bed. I take Celebrex and Prevacid, but also Cytotec to protect my stomach from the Celebrex.  Even though it is safer that older NSAID’s, my GI doctor insisted, even though RD didn’t think necessary.  GI doctor said he has seen ulcers in patients taking the new Cox-2’s. — Marj To reply please remove nospam

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi gang!    I went to the new internist for my first "official" visit today…He’s very nice and took a lot of time to answer my questions…My only complaint was that he didn’t schedule my labs before my office visit…he will from now on…the labs he had were from 5 weeks ago…all was ok, but glucose was 150, rbc was low, TSH was a little high…. He did joint checks on my shoulders/knees/ankles/neck…said they made popping sounds…I told him they’ve  sounded like "rice krispies" for a long time now…I’m thinking that’s not a GOOD thing..lol…said the muscle spasms/achiness/fatigue were likely due to the fibro that is being set off by the flaring joints…He’s changing the muscle relaxer to Skelaxin..anyone heard of it?  He did another sed rate check today to determine if he needs to increase/change/add to mtx…I asked about going off the Celebrex and back to Naprosyn because the Celebrex is so expensive…We’re going to try it..I already take Prevacid for the reflux, so maybe it will keep the Naprosyn from eating my tummy, right? I’m going back in 4 weeks with new labs, so I guess we’ll see what happens

then…Anyway, that’s the scoop. Marsha

Marsha,sounds like a decent appt.I hope he continues to be a keeper. Blessings,DonnaH — Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones..and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace.God is awake.   Victor Hugo

Response:

Harv — my mother is taking Vioxx because it was supposed to be less risk for ulcers. That was why it worried me. Duckie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Caroline,   What is really hard to know is if it was a preexisting condition that had just not come to light yet, so to speak, before starting Vioxx or Celebrex.   Really it does not matter because it has to be dealt with and lived with(an ulcer).  The reason the sales have been so high for these two products is because the problem is bigger that what people think.  I made up my mind a long time ago that if I could do without a NSAID, thats the way I would go. Harv Here are two interesting posts: See what the second one said her GI man said. Caroline My wife developed a fourchette ulcer as a side effect to taking Vioxx, and had to stop taking it.  She’s entering a therapy with Cellebrex as an alternative. Has anyone else had this kind of a reaction to Vioxx and, aside from a course of Prednisone, what have they done to alleviate the condition? Thanks AND Marsha, Skelaxin didn’t do a thing for my muscle spasms, but did like that it didn’t make me sleepy.  I’ve had to stay with something that works and can take it only if I can go to bed. I take Celebrex and Prevacid, but also Cytotec to protect my stomach from the Celebrex.  Even though it is safer that older NSAID’s, my GI doctor insisted, even though RD didn’t think necessary.  GI doctor said he has seen ulcers in patients taking the new Cox-2’s. — Marj To reply please remove nospam

Response:

Thanks Marsha,  All in all it was a positive visit with the doc.  The naprosyn may not make your acid reflux worse but it is harder on your stomach than celebrex.  Please sleep on an inclined bed or wedge pillow.  No foods for 2-3 hours before laying down and that includes juices, coca-cola, ect.  Inform your doc if pain gets worse or stools get darker.  Naprosyn worked really well for me for years and I still take over the counter naprosyn when needed. Harv Ps Oh by the way, do you take prednisone by pill?  Really hard on the stomach. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi gang!    I went to the new internist for my first "official" visit today…He’s very nice and took a lot of time to answer my questions…My only complaint was that he didn’t schedule my labs before my office visit…he will from now on…the labs he had were from 5 weeks ago…all was ok, but glucose was 150, rbc was low, TSH was a little high…. He did joint checks on my shoulders/knees/ankles/neck…said they made popping sounds…I told him they’ve  sounded like "rice krispies" for a long time now…I’m thinking that’s not a GOOD thing..lol…said the muscle spasms/achiness/fatigue were likely due to the fibro that is being set off by the flaring joints…He’s changing the muscle relaxer to Skelaxin..anyone heard of it?  He did another sed rate check today to determine if he needs to increase/change/add to mtx…I asked about going off the Celebrex and back to Naprosyn because the Celebrex is so expensive…We’re going to try it..I already take Prevacid for the reflux, so maybe it will keep the Naprosyn from eating my tummy, right? I’m going back in 4 weeks with new labs, so I guess we’ll see what happens then…Anyway, that’s the scoop. Marsha

Response:

Hi gang!    I went to the new internist for my first "official" visit today…He’s very nice and took a lot of time to answer my questions…My only complaint was that he didn’t schedule my labs before my office visit…he will from now on…the labs he had were from 5 weeks ago…all was ok, but glucose was 150, rbc was low, TSH was a little high…. He did joint checks on my shoulders/knees/ankles/neck…said they made popping sounds…I told him they’ve  sounded like "rice krispies" for a long time now…I’m thinking that’s not a GOOD thing..lol…said the muscle spasms/achiness/fatigue were likely due to the fibro that is being set off by the flaring joints…He’s changing the muscle relaxer to Skelaxin..anyone heard of it?  He did another sed rate check today to determine if he needs to increase/change/add to mtx…I asked about going off the Celebrex and back to Naprosyn because the Celebrex is so expensive…We’re going to try it..I already take Prevacid for the reflux, so maybe it will keep the Naprosyn from eating my tummy, right? I’m going back in 4 weeks with new labs, so I guess we’ll see what happens then…Anyway, that’s the scoop. Marsha

Response:

Question:

In article <3A4003C8.6901A…@telus.net

,

  li…@telus.net wrote:

Hi. I didn’t tolerate oral mtx because of severe gi symptons. I was

started on folic acid to help prevent oral sores.  I was then switched to injectable methotrexate, and both the oral and injectable were calibrated to by body mass, and I still continue the folic acid, even though the mtx failed.  Did your rheumy calibrate your dose?  It has to be, or you could receive a toxic amount, as I’m sure your sister told you.  Good luck, and call your doc today.  Oh, the injectable was just one time a week, on Monday.  Kim Is there a standard dose of folic acid to be taken with Mtx?  I have

recently been started on injectable Mtx weekly, taking 2mg folic on

the

other days.  I was on oral Mtx before and did not tolerate it well,

and

the rheumy said I shouldn’t get the side effects with the folic, plus the med being injected.  Not true!  My daughter, who works in a pharmacy, said several others were on 5mg folic daily instead of the 2mg.  I have been getting pounding headaches, extreme fatique and lethargy from the Mtx.  I have SLE and am on Plaquinal, Voltaren,

Zoloft

and Prevacid as well. TIA Lil

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/

Response:

One or two mg. per day of folic acid would be a standard starting dose to be given concurrently with MTX.  However, you’re right that it’s not necessarily enough.  My daughter had to increase to 3 mg. per day. She does pretty well on that dose.  I don’t know if an increase in folic acid will help your side effects or not.  It’s certainly worth a try.  While the injectable form is often better tolerated, there are some people though who just can’t ever tolerate MTX regardless of how it’s given. Sandra

Response:

Is there a standard dose of folic acid to be taken with Mtx?  I have recently been started on injectable Mtx weekly, taking 2mg folic on the other days.  I was on oral Mtx before and did not tolerate it well, and the rheumy said I shouldn’t get the side effects with the folic, plus the med being injected.  Not true!  My daughter, who works in a pharmacy, said several others were on 5mg folic daily instead of the 2mg.  I have been getting pounding headaches, extreme fatique and lethargy from the Mtx.  I have SLE and am on Plaquinal, Voltaren, Zoloft and Prevacid as well. TIA Lil

Response:

Question:

I’m a newbie to acid reflux and was put on aciphex a couple of weeks ago.  I, ah, how to put this delicately, well, I’m spending a lot of time in the bathroom, and things I used to be able to eat with no trouble are now causing significant trouble. I had thought this might be because I’m a vegetarian, and I didn’t see anything about this type of side effect in the drugstore.com aciphex info. I’m going to call the doc, of course, but I take it from scanning some messages here that meds for acid reflux can cause this? I also found in web grubbing that propulsid was yanked off the market because it can cause heart rhythm problems.  I already have a tendency towards that, so are there propulsid-like meds I should stay away from? All this trouble for a problem I didn’t know I had until my doc caught it on a checkup. Thanks for any info. Before you buy.

Response:

I’m a newbie to acid reflux and was put on aciphex a couple of weeks ago.  I,

ah, how to put this delicately, well, I’m spending a lot of time in the bathroom, and things I used to be able to eat with no trouble are now causing significant trouble.<< That can be a side effect of Proton Pump Inhibitors. Sometimes it takes a little while for your body to adjust to the medication. Others find that switching to another PPI will solve the problem. More info on Aciphex can be found on www.heartburn-help.com. Click on Drugs and then Aciphex. They are working on a replacment for Propulsid that will not effect the heart. Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

– Wayne S. Swanson, D. C. 6171 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33710 1-727-343-1738-Voice I also have an Acupuncture Physician on  staff for a free self questionaire with answers  to determine if "Yeast Problems could be  part of your problem with your health send email to Dr. W. S. Swanson, D.C. Chiropractic Physician over 20 years experience with nutritional therapy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Free questionaire

Response:

Anyone know if Aciphex is available in Canada. Is it a PPI? BTW I’m an occasional lurker but quit reading the posts when  the messages dwindled.Where’s all the GERD sufferer’s? Did everyone suddenly stumble upon a cure no one’s telling me about? Roseanne

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just switched to Aciphex. My Dr. was surprised at the very beginning when I informed her that one 20mg Prilosec per day didn’t help me very much, and upped my dosage to 2 per day.  After 4 months, my reflux started bothering me a lot, so I asked my Dr. to switch me to Aciphex.  One day on and I’ve noticed a major improvement, so far without any headaches.  I hope this drug works better and longer than the Prilosec did! It looks like each individual responds differently to different medications.  If your medication isn’t working, talk to your Dr. Good luck to all of you! -Alan Harder If you ever reach total enlightenment while you’re drinking a beer, I bet it makes beer shoot out your nose. Before you buy.

Response:

Anyone know if Aciphex is available in Canada. Is it a PPI?<

Aciphex is a PPI..Same class as Prilosec and Prevacid but made with a different compound. Not sure if it is available in Canada. For contact with other Gerd sufferers you might try www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

I thought Aciphex might be a PPI. PPI’s don’t seem to work on me. I’ve tired Prilosec and Pantoloc, both did zilch and that’s when my GI doc sent me for a surgical consult. Luckily for me I went to my family doc for another reason and while there I mentioned the lack of effectiveness of the PPI’s and he put me on Axid before thinking of surgery. The Axid worked beautifully! After 2 days all my symptoms disappeared and I could eat again. I’m surprised a drug less potent than PPI’s could work better than the "super drugs". BTW, has anyone heard much about the effectiveness of the endoscopic surgery for GERD? Can’t quite remember the name of it. Roseanne

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone know if Aciphex is available in Canada. Is it a PPI?< Aciphex is a PPI..Same class as Prilosec and Prevacid but made with a different compound. Not sure if it is available in Canada. For contact with other Gerd sufferers you might try www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

BTW, has anyone heard much about the effectiveness of the endoscopic surgery

for GERD? Can’t quite remember the name of it.< That would be the Stretta and the EndoCinch. It is a little early yet but information can be found about both procedures on www.heartburn-help.com Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

Free questionaire

Response:

Any side effects with Aciphex?  I was on Prilosec first and then Ranitidine but wound up not being able to take either because of diahrrea.

Been on it since last week, and so far only good effects! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just switched to Aciphex. My Dr. was surprised at the very beginning when I informed her that one 20mg Prilosec per day didn’t help me very much, and upped my dosage to 2 per day.  After 4 months, my reflux started bothering me a lot, so I asked my Dr. to switch me to Aciphex.  One day on and I’ve noticed a major improvement, so far without any headaches.  I hope this drug works better and longer than the Prilosec did! It looks like each individual responds differently to different medications.  If your medication isn’t working, talk to your Dr. Good luck to all of you! -Alan Harder If you ever reach total enlightenment while you’re drinking a beer, I bet it makes beer shoot out your nose. Before you buy.

– -Alan Harder If you ever reach total enlightenment while you’re drinking a beer, I bet it makes beer shoot out your nose. Before you buy.

Response:

I wish!  But sometimes my GERD is better than others.  It’s behaved itself pretty well lately.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone know if Aciphex is available in Canada. Is it a PPI? BTW I’m an occasional lurker but quit reading the posts when  the messages dwindled.Where’s all the GERD sufferer’s? Did everyone suddenly stumble upon a cure no one’s telling me about? Roseanne

Response:

Any side effects with Aciphex?  I was on Prilosec first and then Ranitidine but wound up not being able to take either because of diahrrea.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just switched to Aciphex. My Dr. was surprised at the very beginning when I informed her that one 20mg Prilosec per day didn’t help me very much, and upped my dosage to 2 per day.  After 4 months, my reflux started bothering me a lot, so I asked my Dr. to switch me to Aciphex.  One day on and I’ve noticed a major improvement, so far without any headaches.  I hope this drug works better and longer than the Prilosec did! It looks like each individual responds differently to different medications.  If your medication isn’t working, talk to your Dr. Good luck to all of you! -Alan Harder If you ever reach total enlightenment while you’re drinking a beer, I bet it makes beer shoot out your nose. Before you buy.

Response:

I just switched to Aciphex. My Dr. was surprised at the very beginning when I informed her that one 20mg Prilosec per day didn’t help me very much, and upped my dosage to 2 per day.  After 4 months, my reflux started bothering me a lot, so I asked my Dr. to switch me to Aciphex.  One day on and I’ve noticed a major improvement, so far without any headaches.  I hope this drug works better and longer than the Prilosec did! It looks like each individual responds differently to different medications.  If your medication isn’t working, talk to your Dr. Good luck to all of you! -Alan Harder If you ever reach total enlightenment while you’re drinking a beer, I bet it makes beer shoot out your nose. Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Got my celexa for 20.00 =40mg, then got my 2 orders of xanax for 20 dollars. .5mgs and .25mgs.  So i can make those combinations like .625mgs. this is about my 6 day of stepping down on xanax and have had no problems.  I will step down another .125mgs in about 3 weeks. donny

Way to go, donny!  :)  The slower the better in stepping down from Xanax!!! ((((((((HUGS)))))))) Love, Katie — "A word to the wise ain’t necessary.  It’s the stupid who need the advice." —Will Rogers Before you buy.

Response:

I would have to say the meds haven’t affected our sex life near as much as the PTSD has.  It was really rough sometimes because of the ’suffocation’ effect that fast breathing gives you…since my accident was breathing related, it made an impact. But med wise, I would say no…we manage more than once a week~!  LOL – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is that all of your monthly meds? I envy you…let’s see…ours was horrible before the anxiety, but now it is worse. I have singulair, allegra,  and prevacid maintenance medications (at $15 each) then I have to buy a steroid inhaler (Azmacort) and my rescue inhalers…oh and those irritating nasal spray things (Nasacort) for my sinuses (THOSE are expensive!) Now, even though I don’t have to pay for my anxiety meds because the work comp thing, but still it looks like a medicine store when I go to reload my stupid daily pill thing: Paxil   60mg Effexor  75mg Xanax   .5 mg (but only when needed) Before work comp picked up this bill on those meds, we were having a BIG problem! And you have to remember Wes’ isn’t covered by work comp, so we have the same problem there Paxil Ativan (being weaned off of) Buspar And his singulair and allegra (we share a lot because it is cheaper…!) He also has a DIFFERENT steroid inhaler and sinus sniffer than I do, so we can’t share those LOL I HATE having to spend so much on meds all the time…. R hi robin you are taking alot of paxil.  Does it bother you sexually.  I took 50mgs.  then switched to celexa. donny

Til Later…. ~~R "What makes us discontented with our condition is the absurdly exaggerated idea we have of the happiness of others"   -Proverbs

Response:

hey, good luck with the stepping down of xanax. hope it works for you! I had been stepping down on 2 of my 3 meds for about a year….but now am back where I started….maybe more so too. Sometimes I try to take less too. (but then I have ‘extra’ pills….no good…I’m likely to take them all when I don’t feel well). My genious dr. had me increase my prescription of imipramine last week, but then called in the re-fill under the original dosage?!?! what the……? You know if you go to the pharmacy 1 day before your ’supposed’ to be out, they won’t refill you!! take care, -Z-

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Got my celexa for 20.00 =40mg, then got my 2 orders of xanax for 20 dollars. .5mgs and .25mgs.  So i can make those combinations like .625mgs.  this is about my 6 day of stepping down on xanax and have had no problems.  I will step down another .125mgs in about 3 weeks. donny

Response:

(DClax28033) writes: Got my celexa for 20.00 =40mg, then got my 2 orders of xanax for 20 dollars. .5mgs and .25mgs.  So i can make those combinations like .625mgs.  this is about my 6 day of stepping down on xanax and have had no problems.  I will step down another .125mgs in about 3 weeks. donny

That’s great that you have no problems weaning off of it Donny! Di

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is that all of your monthly meds? I envy you…let’s see…ours was horrible before the anxiety, but now it is worse. I have singulair, allegra,  and prevacid maintenance medications (at $15 each) then I have to buy a steroid inhaler (Azmacort) and my rescue inhalers…oh and those irritating nasal spray things (Nasacort) for my sinuses (THOSE are expensive!) Now, even though I don’t have to pay for my anxiety meds because the work comp thing, but still it looks like a medicine store when I go to reload my stupid daily pill thing: Paxil   60mg Effexor  75mg Xanax   .5 mg (but only when needed) Before work comp picked up this bill on those meds, we were having a BIG problem! And you have to remember Wes’ isn’t covered by work comp, so we have the same problem there Paxil Ativan (being weaned off of) Buspar And his singulair and allegra (we share a lot because it is cheaper…!) He also has a DIFFERENT steroid inhaler and sinus sniffer than I do, so we can’t share those LOL I HATE having to spend so much on meds all the time…. R hi robin you are taking alot of paxil.  Does it bother you sexually.  I took

50mgs.  then switched to celexa. donny – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Got my celexa for 20.00 =40mg, then got my 2 orders of xanax for 20 dollars. .5mgs and .25mgs.  So i can make those combinations like .625mgs. this is about my 6 day of stepping down on xanax and have had no problems.  I will step down another .125mgs in about 3 weeks. donny Way to go, donny!  :)  The slower the better in stepping down from Xanax!!! ((((((((HUGS)))))))) Love, Katie — yep i dont want any withdrawyal symptoms.

donny

Response:

<snipped You know if you go to the pharmacy 1 day before your ’supposed’ to be out, they won’t refill you!!

Yup, my insurance company will not allow it filled any earlier. I always worry if there was some kind of situation where I couldn`t get my meds for a few days(like a hurricane), what would I do. I have a small stash of Paxil, only because I take 15mgs instead of 20mgs, but I can`t make a stash with my thryoid meds. I need to take the dose prescribed every single day. I find it very annoying and it is the insurance companies doing. Take care Jackie

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <snipped You know if you go to the pharmacy 1 day before your ’supposed’ to be out, they won’t refill you!! Yup, my insurance company will not allow it filled any earlier. I always worry if there was some kind of situation where I couldn`t get my meds for a few days(like a hurricane), what would I do. I have a small stash of Paxil, only because I take 15mgs instead of 20mgs, but I can`t make a stash with my thryoid meds. I need to take the dose prescribed every single day. I find it very annoying and it is the insurance companies doing. Take care Jackie I can get mine filled a week or so early.  I make sure i dont run out and have

a stash myself.(peace of mind). donny – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Got my celexa for 20.00 =40mg, then got my 2 orders of xanax for 20 dollars. .5mgs and .25mgs.  So i can make those combinations like .625mgs.  this is about my 6 day of stepping down on xanax and have had no problems.  I will step down another .125mgs in about 3 weeks. donny

Response:

Is that all of your monthly meds? I envy you…let’s see…ours was horrible before the anxiety, but now it is worse. I have singulair, allegra,  and prevacid maintenance medications (at $15 each) then I have to buy a steroid inhaler (Azmacort) and my rescue inhalers…oh and those irritating nasal spray things (Nasacort) for my sinuses (THOSE are expensive!) Now, even though I don’t have to pay for my anxiety meds because the work comp thing, but still it looks like a medicine store when I go to reload my stupid daily pill thing: Paxil   60mg Effexor  75mg Xanax   .5 mg (but only when needed) Before work comp picked up this bill on those meds, we were having a BIG problem! And you have to remember Wes’ isn’t covered by work comp, so we have the same problem there Paxil Ativan (being weaned off of) Buspar And his singulair and allegra (we share a lot because it is cheaper…!) He also has a DIFFERENT steroid inhaler and sinus sniffer than I do, so we can’t share those LOL I HATE having to spend so much on meds all the time…. R

Response: