Everyone asks about the GERD now that my toe is straight. If you remember, my reflux (GERD) was really acting up before I went in for my toe surgery. My acupuncturist casually mentioned that the second toe is the direct line to the belly, and he seemed to think that my surgery might correct the GERD. Hmmmm....weird, I know, but I was hopeful.
So, here is the update:
I am officially off the omeprezole--the generic GERD drug for Prilosec that so many doctors are pushing on their patients these days. (I wish I had stock in the makers of Prilosec!) I did my own research and learned that you just don't quit taking that stuff cold turkey--it makes your stomach over-produce acid and makes the GERD worse. Yeah, I found that out before.....the hard way. I took omeprezole for 5 days, then 1 day of Zantac. Then we slowly (!) went to 4/1, then 3/1, and then 2/1 until I was taking only the Zantac. Now I have stopped taking Zantac except for when the GERD flares--which with much research and talking to others is a direct result of carbs (well, for me anyway).
Mix this combination of weaning with digestive enzymes (to aid digestion because the acid level is funky), DGL licorice(coats the throat), aloe vera juice (coats the throat), and a lot of carrot sticks (I dunno, they just help), and I am managing my GERD successfully so far. My tummy is still funky at times, but heck, it has been through the mill with 2 years of omeprazole. I'm sure we have some adjusting to do, but I am proud to say that I think that we are heading in the right direction.
Was it the toe? I don't know, but I'd like to give it a little bit of credit--It makes for a good story, doesn't it?
18 comments:
Your toe is looking terrific Lin!! As far as toes go... ;)
Soon that piggy will be going to market, or staying home, or having roast beef...which seems really odd when you think about it...
Have a happy week!
xo Catherine
Your toe looks fabulous. I was a little upset to read your comments about the Prilosec. My daughter takes it every day (along with Prevacid) so the fact that it can make her worse is nerve-racking.
Big difference! I'm SO glad you can square dance again! Gee, when will your next amazing square dancing video extraordinaire commence?! :D
Happy for you on both the toe and stomach fronts
Your toe is looking good. You'll be dancing in no time! Glad your stomach is better too.
Haha...that does sound a little suspicious to me...I'd say they must correlate, at least a little. Glad you've been feeling better on both accounts!
Both my hubby & I quit our antacid meds when we went low-carb. It was almost instant relief! We don't even eat Tums anymore!
Zantac is my life :-)
That is quite a difference with your toe! Are you using Hobbes as a foot rest though? Glad your stomach is better too!
I had no idea there was a toe-tummy correlation. I learn so much through blogging. As toes go, yours looks pretty dandy!
That toe will be just great. Good health to you!
Wait a minute... they make a tiny little compression sock just for your toe? Cool!
I love a happy toe story and especially when it ends with controllable gerd :)
Oh wow! So cool... I'm glad your little fella is feeling better and healing nicely. And I'll give a little credit to the toe for your stomach as well!
Your toe is looking awesome! You might want to invest in some pretty new sandles this Summer! As for the antacid thing...I think the doctors are too quick to prescribe drugs for everything. Cut down on the high fat and junk, lower your carb intake and eating a clean healthy diet really helps. I don't have any issues with that, but my husband used to deal with it regularly. When I was diagnosed as diabetic, we changed our diets... now he hardly ever suffers at all!
Catherine--It does look good in comparison to what it was, although I wasn't sure anyone else could appreciate that. It is shorter than it's match on the other foot though! I just hope this isn't the one that goes wee, wee, weeeee!
Anne--It's a tough thing that reflux because not taking care of it is worse. I'm in that "what should I do?" stage. After being on omeprazole for 2 years and it wasn't really helping, I decided to figure it out naturally. There are many, many thoughts on it, including that your stomach may not be creating enough acid! I don't know, I just take it day by day. I am definitely not "cured", but I can manage it without omeprazole daily.
Rebecca--Oh, I'm going to start training soon! Square dance season is right around the corner! ;)
Pricilla--Well, we are getting there slowly on both accounts. It's hell to get old.
DJ-- I'm glad I had the toe done and I am surprised at how long it takes to heal completely. I'm glad I did it when I did.
Nancy--Isn't that weird? I think they coorelate too--but I like all that Eastern medicine stuff too. It's discouraging to have doctors just handing over meds all the time.
Diana--I flare on the strangest foods, so I have to really narrow down what is causing the problems. But my stomach is still wonky from all the change--so I have to take it day by day. Carbs like bread are HORRIBLE!
Helene--I'm trying to wean off that now too. Is everyone on this stuff???
Beaded Tail--Hahaha! Oh, you caught that, eh? :) I thought those orange stripes would detract from the scar.
Liz--Yep, the second toe is a straight line to your stomach--or so Ted the acupuncturist tells me. The toe is getting there--I can't wait for summer!
Vanilla--I hope so! It was really starting to hurt, so I'm hoping that is over now. Who knows?
Daisy--They do!! And it keeps it all comfy in shoes all day. Isn't that silly?
Ann--Well, we are getting there. Today was a bad day, so I'm discouraged, but there are so many better days that I have to stay positive. It's great getting old and your body doing weird stuff.
Petula--I'm not sure it is the toe or the weaning off omeprazole slowly. These meds that doctors prescribe can be scary. Thank god for the internet to find out more information!
Hot Rocks--You are right. I'd love to be raking in the dough that the manufacturers of Prilosec get! I think everyone is on that stuff! We eat a good diet already--no fast food, no fried foods, high in veggies and fruits, and no food like chips or pop and such. I find it flares for odd foods, so figuring it all out is still a challenge. I also think that menopause has something to do with this.
Wow, two for one. Straight toe and straightened up stomach. Such a good deal. Think I will go get my toes straightened. That is after I count my quarters. Have a great day.
The toe is looking good! The acupuncture thing is weird... but hey... if your stomach is better I'm willing to be openminded.
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