Hopefully Shihonage can help you on the Pepzin GI query. I have read about it's efficacy in the stomach, but unsure if helps in the oesophagus too.

Out of interest have you ever tried Gaviscon? The theory is that it soothes/coats/protects the oesophagus on the way down. Then once in the stomach it reacts with acid to form a 'raft' - a physical barrier to prevent any acid going up the oesophagus.

I use Gaviscon sometimes. I'm always mixed up about what helps what at any given time. Sometimes I really think the burning in my throat is post nasal drip because it seems like nothing helps. Shihonage has helped me tons with Pepzin information. Thanks so much smilelike.

I just started taking pepzin gi, so i can't say for sure. but i'm also on pepcid ac and omeperazole. I was off omeperazole for a week or so but ate something that upset my stomach so im back on it, hopefully only for a few days then just go back on pepcid and pepzin. I hate how omeperazole gives me dry mouth. it makes me feel so dehydrated.

One thing I havnt notice is people mentioning constipation as a side effect of these anti acids. Do any of you all have that problem from these meds?

Besides the pepsin what do you all recommend that will be good? I've tried aloe vera juice from forever living and it made me sick. I tried digestive enzymes but it gave me stomach pain, but i did take the highest dosage they, so maybe that was the reason.

I'm not sure where my constipation comes from. I have MS and thyroid problems and I also have IBS. I never knew that PPI's could cause constipation. Interesting to know that.

Of course, my diet is awful. Just starting to eat again.

Yes constipation is a problem, but 4 - 8 psyllium husk capsules a day with plenty of water help a lot.
Soluble fibre is the key. Oatmeal is also a good source.

@littlemart: I addressed this before, multiple times. There's no one-fits-all answer to your question. You have to know whether you have too much acid, not enough acid, just enough acid, and based on that, take what is necessary, in a dosage you determine yourself to be effective.

shihonage I thought the Pepzin was safe for all of us. My PH test showed some acid, not much and a loose LES. You have helped me a lot in the past. Sorry to keep bringing this up. I developed other problems and found out about the chance of bone loss with PPI's. So I am constantly thinking of new questions. I can't get in to see my gastro until June! That's a long time to wait for some advice.

"I thought the Pepzin was safe for all of us"

Yes. PepZin has nothing to do with acid blockers in and of itself.

Acid blockers are a separate subject and a different side of healing.

Whether YOU should be taking acid blockers, or increase acidity, or do nothing in department of acid regulation, as well as potential dosage, should be dependent on your personal observations and possibly experimentation.

shihonage..... "Whether YOU should be taking acid blockers, or increase acidity, or do nothing in department of acid regulation, as well as potential dosage, should be dependent on your personal observations and possibly experimentation. "

This is exactly what I think. Thanks again and again.

Hi Littlemart, i feel sorry that you're still in so much pain. This isn't how life should be.

I can't believe that the US Health System is so bad that you have you're next appointment in June. Someone like you with so many health problems should go immediately into a hospital and get really everything checked, after this some time of rehab. Please try everything you can in this direction!

Thank you all. Herriehmann.. It's so frustrating to try to get an appointment with a specialist. I actually had one made for last December, but was feeling so badly that day I just couldn't make myself go. So.. my fault. Our Gastros are always booked up. If things really get out of hand I do make the trip to the E/R. I just hate to tie up someone for hours when I need a ride.

It seems like all I do is visit doctors. The primary is good, but they always send you to a specialist. Then the specialist tells me to go back to the primary. A rat race for sure.

Unfortunately I have some pretty complicated problems with my autoimmune system. The MS makes every other issue worse or seem worse so I'm never sure if I'm in an emergency situation. I hate to jump to conclusions and over react. I have a wonderful doctor friend who also has MS and she gives me great advice. She is retired now due to her own medical problems. She gave me her cell phone number on the first day we met and she always, always spends hours on the phone with me when I need her help. Wish they were all like her!

Recently I went through a mess with periodontal disease which she assured me was also brought on my our MS. Seems like there's no hope. This IS going to happen. I had an uncle with MS and we have Lupus, Crohns and Glaucoma in the family. Luck of the draw.

What I am most concerned about is that I am down to 82 lbs ( never was big ) and just can't seem to gain. Guess this is the Gastritis causing this loss.

Anyway, thanks for all the concern and suggestions and replies. I just need to stay connected. WE are the best "health care providers" WE have. The patients.

Maybe your retired Doctor friend can give you some numbers of people or hospitals she knows who can help you.

In my opinion your problems are too big to stay at home and wait for such a long time. You need help and solutions now!

I really hope you will feel better soon.