--- In vocalist-temporary@yahoogroups.com, "John Messmer, M.D." al per week and with a couple years experience. > > "As to antireflux meds: currently only metoclopramide is available. Despite > the potential side effects of muscle spasm and rigidity, I have used it for > about twenty years and have found it to be quite safe. Another med, > cisapride, is off the market in the US (maybe elsewhere also). There is a > med called tegaserod (Zelnorm) which is being marketed for irritable bowel > syndrome, but which may have benefits off label for reflux."
Now, why have I not heard of these medications before? Why is Nexium the only thing offered me? Are these medicines cheaper, by any chance? Do they work better than Nexium (which I'm really not that impressed with, despite the high-society price).
After meeting with my gastroenterologist this week, I had the impression this surgery will do the trick (probably) and the recovery will be very easy. Now I'm not so sure.
What I'm finding almost impossible to deal with, is the reflux that can happen when you're upright. Having to time my meals two hours before ANY use of the abdominals is practically impossible. I have a toddler who I have to pick up all day long; I have students I have to teach at various times of the day; I have to go to rehearsal and I have to sing at all sorts of times!
The result so far is that I've lost five pounds (and I wasn't overweight to begin with) in two months, and I'm hungry all the time. It's not a way to live, is it? So, it's very tempting to contemplate just having the problem done with.
I have been assured that the surgeons who do this surgery have done many of them. He did also mention a newer procedure which I forget the name of, but do I dare take my chances on something unproven?
Thanks all, I guess I'll keep you posted on the process, and those of you who don't have it, get down on your knees and thank your celestial being! Lindsey
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