About Melissa Anderson Expertise I have a Bachelor`s degree in biochemistry, researched metabolism and endocrinology for four years, and am currently attending medical school. Ask me anything and everything relating to Atkins and other low-carb diet plans!
Experience I've been on Atkins since 2001 and I'm still going strong!
Education/Credentials Professionally, I have a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, researched metabolism and endocrinology for four years, and am currently attending medical school.
Question I have had acid reflux in the past and had an endoscopy done last year as well. After the endoscopy I was told I had a hiatal hernia, gastritis and chronic esophygitis and took nexium for almost 3 months. After that, I have taken nexium on and off whenever needed. Recently I came back from a trip to Asia and within two days started to develop nausea every time I ate. I had upper abdomen pain and was burping and passing gas from time to time. The nausea got so bad that I would just want to stay in bed. I went to see my primary care physician who did my blood work including CBC, liver functions and also checked me for hepatitis A. I had no diarhea or fever but was feeling the chills from time to time. Finally, I went to see my GI doctor who told me I had gastritis and asked me to take nexium twice a day and reglan once at night. However, since some of my friends have had real bad side effects with reglan, I decided not to take it. My doctor also advised me to eat mild food and stay away from fatty and citric foods. I have been on nexium for the past two weeks now but I am not finding much relief. Can you please advise what diet would be good to follow. I feel hungry all the time and have lost a few pounds as well.
Answer Tania,
In addition to citrus, you'll also need to cut out tomatoes, coffee, mint, and all carbonated drinks. You'll also want to elevate the head of your bed about 2 inches. The easiest way is to buy small wooden blocks and put them under the feet of the bed. These changes might help a little, but the main thing you need to do is take the Nexium.
To work properly, Nexium has to be taken every single day whether or not you need it. Otherwise, you run the risk of developing a terrible gastritis. Since you weren't taking your Nexium properly, it's hard for your GI doctor to tell if your symptoms are due to not taking your Nexium, or possibly something else. If you keep taking the Nexium twice daily and are still having symptoms, then you need to go back to your GI doctor. If you lose more than 10 pounds, you also need to go back to the doctor.
Hope you feel better soon!
Melissa
