new medical challenges

Approximately 6 months ago I began to experience some minor lightheadedness.  I tolerated it because that's what I do, waiting for it to go away.  It has lingered until now.  Finally, last month I decided to make an appointment with my ENT doctor and seek the cause of the problem.  Long story short, after testing I have been diagnosed with Meniere's disease.  This disease is not curable and has several symptoms including tinnitus (ringing in the ears), loss of hearing, dizzyness, lightheadedness, and several others.  Obviously, my symptoms presently only have to do with some inner ear discomfort and lightheadedness.  Early on my symptoms could more aptly be called dizziness insomuch as there was more spinning effects in my experience.  Now, I am mainly just lightheaded.  

There are limited treatments for this disease.  My doctor has presently prescribed Maxzide, a diuretic reducing the fluid and sodium retained by the body used primarily to treat high blood pressure.  The doctor also put me on a low salt regimen limiting my intake to 2000mg daily.  Fluid reduction is important because fluid pressure on the inner ear causes Menieres.

This has presented challenges.  First, the GERD medication I take is Zegerid OTC, which my gastroenterologist prescribes.  This med works for me.  Many RX insurance plans now exclude so many heartburn meds.  Zegerid was found after several years of trying different meds and dealing with insurance coverage.  Here's the PROBLEM!  Zegerid is unique in that it utilizes sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as an absorption agent for the active ingredient, omeprazole.  In fact it contains 1200mg of this form of sodium.  And, I take one in the morning and one at night.  So, from the Zegerid alone I'm getting 2400mg of sodium!  Am thinking this has maybe greatly contributed to getting Menieres.  

Now, after taking Maxzide for Menieres for one week, my GERD is going crazy.  The first few days were awful!  However, thankfully, it has settled down.  However, after one week on this drug I quit taking it today.  The side effects were too hard for me.  Side effects include nausea, flu-like symptoms, and tiredness.  I basically have felt miserable for a week, no energy, flu-like, and unable to function.

I now have to work with my gastroenterologist to find a non-sodium substitute for Zegerid.  The ENT also has to find another med for my Menieres.  I hate these circumstances!  I hate medical problems.  As a runner for 30 years, someone who has maintained their ideal weight for 25 years, and someone who has eaten correctly for 25 years I am having problems not associated with obesity and poor fitness, but problems in other areas.  Ever tried running 5 miles when you are dizzy.  Don't try it!!

causes of GERD

Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

By Sharon Gillson, About.com Guide

Updated February 24, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

If you suffer from Gastroesophageal reflux disease, you may wonder why you are suffering from it, and if there are certain conditions that can cause GERD.

It Starts With the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)

This muscular tissue opens and closes the lower end of the esophagus. The LES helps maintain a pressure barrier that keeps the contents of the stomach from moving up into the esophagus. This is done by an area of smooth muscles and hormones. If the muscles weaken and lose tone, the LES can't close completely after food enters the stomach, which allows acid from the stomach to back up into the esophagus. There are several things that cause the LES to malfunction:

Impaired Stomach Function

More than half of GERD sufferers have abnormal nerve or muscle function in the stomach which, in turn, causes food and stomach acid to be digested too slowly. This will cause a delay in stomach emptying its contents, increasing pressure in the stomach and increasing the risk of acid reflux.

Medications May Cause GERD

There are various drugs, both over-the-counter and prescription, that can increase the risk for GERD, and worsen the symptoms in those who already suffer from GERD.

• NSAIDs
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin) and naproxen (Aleve). They are commonly associated with causing peptic ulcers, and also may cause GERD or increase the severity of symptoms in people who already have GERD. Research has shown that long-term NSAID users were twice as likely to have GERD symptoms as non-NSAID users.
• Other Drugs That Can Cause GERD
• This list is not an inclusive list of drugs that can cause GERD. Other drugs may also cause or worsen GERD. It is important to consult your doctor if you start experiencing any symptoms.
• Calcium channel blockers - used to treat high blood pressure and angina.
• Anticholinergics - used in drugs that treat urinary tract disorders, allergies and glaucoma.
• Beta adrenergic agonists - used for asthma and obstructive lung diseases.
• Dopamine - used in Parkinson's disease.
• Bisphosphonates - used to treat osteoporosis.
• Sedatives
• Antibiotics
• Potassium
• Iron pills

Asthma May Cause GERD

More than half of asthmatic sufferers also have GERD. It is still debated whether asthma causes the GERD, or if GERD causes the asthma for these persons.

• Some experts think the coughing that accompanies asthmatic attacks can lead to changes in pressure in the chest, which can trigger reflux. Also, certain asthmatic medications that are used to dilate the airways may also relax the LES, leading to reflux.
• Some experts think that since GERD has been associated with several other upper respiratory problems, it may also be a cause of asthma, rather than a result of asthma.

Pregnancy and Hormones May Cause GERD

Hormones also affect the LES. For example, the increase of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy relaxes the LES. Thus, it's not abnormal for pregnant women to experience heartburn.

Diabetes

People with diabetes, especially Type 1 diabetes, often develop a condition called gastroparesis. This condition affects about 20 perecnt of diabetics and is characterized by delayed stomach emptying. Pressure within the stomach can increase, which in turn can result in reflux.

Hiatal Hernias May Cause GERD

The hiatus is a small hole in the diaphragm muscle, and the esophagus fits through as it joins the stomach. This hole is usually a snug fit, but for some people it may weaken and enlarge. When this happens, part of the stomach may protrude into it, producing a condition that is called hiatal hernia. The hernia may impair LES function. So far, there is no evidence that a hiatal hernia causes GERD, but it may increase GERD symptoms in persons with both conditions.

Abnormalities in the Esophagus Can Cause GERD

There are some studies that show that most people with atypical GERD symptoms, such as feeling like there is a lump in the throat, hoarseness or chronic cough, have abnormalities in the esophagus. These abnormalities include:

• Motility Abnormalities - Problems with spontaneous muscle action in the esophagus, called peristalsis, commonly occurs in GERD sufferers. Studies haven't determined if peristalsis is the cause or the result of long-term GERD.

To view this page in its original form, please visit: http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/a/causes_of_gerd.htm

©2011 About.com, Inc., a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.

banana peppers

At lunch today I had a sandwich (all veggie on whole grain!).  The attendant had put banana peppers on the sandwich without my knowledge.  I don't dislike banana peppers but never order them because I prefer my sandwich without them.  Well, after discovering them, it was more trouble to remove them, so I just left them and ate them.  So, now my GERD is on fire.  Short lesson for me:  my GERD cannot tolerate banana peppers!

6 steps to overcoming obesity - part 2

This is a continuation from a blog I follow  of a pastor named Perry Noble, who is the senior pastor of the NewSpring Church, in Anderson, SC.  This is a fast growing church reaching thousands every week with the message of Christ and the Bible.
source:  www.perrynoble.com

Here are the rest of the steps that I began writing about in yesterday’s post…

#2 – Take Personal Responsibility For Your Physical Condition

We live in America…where there are seemingly no longer any sinners, only victims of what a “very cruel world” has done to them.  So…because of this we can blame McDonalds for our kids being overweight and can blame our physical condition on our parents, our geographical location, the travel required by our job and even Santa Claus for being such a bad example!

I want to be clear…I was obese because I kept shoving food into my mouth…PERIOD!  No one came to me and shoved twinkies in me until I just about exploded!  AND…it didn’t get better until I stopped BLAMING people and circumstances for my problem and took responsibility (and you won’t either!)

#3 – Adjust Your Calorie Intake

Yep, it really is that simple…I stopped consuming as many calories and BAM…I really did lose weight.  AND…let me be clear, this was HARD for me.  I had to cut out sweet tea (because I would drink six or seven glasses per meal), I had to cut out soft drinks.  I had to cut out unhealthy snacks.  I had to cut out going back for seconds and thirds and fourths…

Many people are in bondage to food simply because they refuse to make the necessary adjustments that they already know they need to make!

#4 – Understand That It Takes Time

You are NOT going to lose 100 pounds in 100 days.  You are not going to have washboard abs in four weeks.  In the beginning the weight WILL come off quickly because your body is going through changes.  BUT…trust me on this one, eventually you WILL hit a wall…and it will discourage the heck out of you.  You will become frustrated and want to give up…DON’T.  When this happens understand that you need to continue to dig deep and make additional adjustments in order to shock your body all over again.

(BTW…PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don’t chase “fad diets!”  Yes, they take the pounds off quickly…but in nearly EVERY instance of someone I know chasing a diet like this they ALWAYS put the weight back on.  It is all about a lifestyle adjustment!)

#5 – Exercise

Let me be very clear here…before you begin ANY TYPE of diet and exercise routine you should set up an appointment and talk with your doctor!!!  AND…if you don’t know what to do in the gym then PLEASE make the investment into a personal trainer…at least long enough to help you get started!!!

Exercise, for me, has become a daily habit.  It really does relieve stress and helps me to prepare for the day ahead.

And yes, it’s hard!  And yes, it takes effort.  And yes, there are going to be days when you don’t feel like doing it…those things come with the territory!  BUT…just like you can’t claim that you care about your car if you don’t see that it is getting the proper maintenance…don’t claim you care about your body if you aren’t doing the same for it.

#6 – Understand that you CAN do this!!!

Seriously…if I can lose weight then ANYBODY can.  Because…I LOVE FOOD!  Seriously, I LOVE the taste of a great steak!  I LOVE dessert, especially white chocolate ones!  I LOVE sweat tea (and so does Jesus!)  I LOVE just about everything that is NOT good for you!!!

AND…honestly, losing weight and maintaining where I am currently is a BATTLE.  I constantly have to remind myself of what the Scriptures say in Philippians 4:13!

BUT…if I can do this…so can you!!!  No temptation can overcome someone who is in Christ (I Corinthians 10:13!)  This issue IS NOT BIGGER THAN CHRIST IN YOU…in Him you have the discipline, the potential and the victory just waiting on you to LIVE IN IT!  (See I Corinthians 15:57-58)  You CAN do this…and trust me, when you do you will feel SO MUCH BETTER…you will have the ENERGY to do what you want and need to do and you will have the INTEGRITY to speak to others about how to get past the issues that hold them back…because you fought the one that held you back!

6 steps to overcoming obesity - part 1

This is from a blog I follow  of a pastor named Perry Noble, who is the senior pastor of the NewSpring Church, in Anderson, SC.  This is a fast growing church reaching thousands every week with the message of Christ and the Bible.
Source:  www.perrynoble.com 

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about my seemingly lifelong struggle with weight.  AND…anytime I talk/write about that it creates quite a large amount of interest as people want to know how I lost all my weight and such.  (BTW…that post is here if you didn’t get to read it.)

So, I want to write about that here today as I know MANY are preparing for a New Years Resolution (that hopefully will stick!)  BUT…before I write let me just say that this article MAY be one of the most discouraging things that you read because there are no shortcuts when it comes to shedding extra pounds, you can’t just “pray them away” and there isn’t a pill that will make it all go away…it’s HARD WORK and you’ve got to have more than DESIRE…you’ve got to have the DISCIPLINE to go along with it.

Here goes…

#1 – Understand That Obesity Is A Spiritual Issue

When I say I was HUGE…trust me, I was HUGE.  BUT, I didn’t see anything wrong with it; after all I did not smoke, I did not drink and I was not a homosexual (you know, all of the sins that the church seems to condemn so often!)  I read my Bible, prayed…heck, I was in the ministry and the youth group I was leading was growing!!!

THEN there was “that night” in my seminary class.

The pastors in the room were talking about the people in their church, you know, the “sinners” that drank, smoked, cussed, slept around…and everyone in the room seemed to have a story about “those people” in their church.

THEN a guy named Derek (who was really mild mannered and soft spoken) stood up and said, “Can I say something?”  Everyone nodded, giving him affirmation to speak and he proceeded to say, “Guys, I know after I say this I am not going to be popular, but we’re sitting here in this room talking about people in our churches that are struggling with sin and the overwhelming majority of us are overweight!”

He went on to say some more about it…but I don’t exactly remember what because I was AUTOMATICALLY convicted by God’s Holy Spirit as He whispered to me, “He’s right Perry, and YOU need to do something about it.”

It was on that day that I began to understand that I am a steward of the body (temple) that God has given me…and how I take care of it tells the world what I think and feel about Christ.  (See I Corinthians 6:19-20)

I had weighed around 300 pounds in high school, dropped to about 210 by my Junior year…but during my senior year began to stack the weight back on.  THEN I went to college…where I discovered late night Pizza and the Waffle House.  By the time I graduated in 1994 I was pushing 270.  BUT…like I said, I wasn’t “sinning” like other people I knew…I figured it was ok to be fat.

It wasn’t…and it isn’t!

Obesity is the idol/stronghold that seems to be avoided in the church.  (Can you imagine what would happen if the Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution on obesity instead of the things they have seemingly mastered?)  Yet for so many IN the church food is an idol…it has a stronghold in people’s lives…and unfortunately it is not a sin that can be hidden.

Churches won’t talk about this…and it’s KILLING people.  Its sad that churches will preach against alcohol when people IN THE CHURCH are digging their own grave with a fork and a spoon!  Obesity actually kills more Americans every year than alcohol, yet, once again, the church ignores it because it is an “acceptable” sin.  (AND because many pastors would have to confess and repent…something they love to demand of other people but are often unwilling to do on their own.)

If a person does not understand that how we steward our bodies matters to Jesus…that it IS a spiritual issue, then it will never be take seriously!

I will cover the next five tomorrow.

alkaline foods

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, said:  "Let thy food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food."

One of the many online tips I have seen for controlling GERD has to do with the use of an Alkaline foods eating regimen.  I prefer not to call it a diet.  The alkaline approach is complex, yet simple.  Human blood pH should be slightly alkaline.  The pH scale is from 0-14 meaning that the recommended medical blood alkaline range should be 7.35 - 7.45.  This would look something like this on a scale:

0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  healthy  8  9  10  11  12  13  14

My desperation to find natural solutions for fighting GERD spurred my deeper interest in this topic.  After reviewing dozens of websites and resources I found this resource and highly recommend it to you:

comprehensive list of Acid / Alkaline Forming Foods
http://www.rense.com/1.mpicons/acidalka.htm

I have come to appreciate this natural approach to managing GERD.  I have tried it for the last 6 months and I do believe it has helped me.  Understanding the differences between "alkalizing" and "acidifying" foods really opened my eyes to some of the problems I was causing myself.  Also, some foods that I had considered to be taboo for me to eat, I can now enjoy.  A prime example is fresh pineapple.  Unprocessed fresh pineapple is almost always available.  A ripe fruit will yield a bowl full of delicious sweet pineapple.  I had always viewed fresh pineapple as an acid because it has caused ulcers in my mouth before when eating too much.  However, when studying the above material (and other resources), I do believe the premise that when fresh pineapple is digested, it digests as an alkaline, NOT an acid.  This list contains many other food items that I had always considered to be acidic in digestion, but in reality are alkaline.  By following the guidelines for alkaline foods I have been able to obtain a noticeable decrease in my GERD symptoms.  I am so thankful for this knowledge!

stress

click here to go directly to this article
Acid Reflux and Stress

Although it has not been proven scientifically, many people believe that stress is a major contributor to acid reflux disease.

Physiologically, stress can cause the digestive system to come to a screeching halt. Food that should be moving along will linger and magnify the effects of acid reflux. Under stress the body sends energy to the muscles, via the blood stream, to help the body cope with a stressful situation. This means that less blood, or energy, is flowing to the digestive system. When digestion is slowed down in this manner, undigested food and gastric juices remain in the stomach much longer enhancing the occurrence of acid reflux.

Stress can also cause people to experience changes in behavior like the immoderate consumption of alcohol and so called "comfort foods". It can also lead to late night binging and excessive smoking. All of these can trigger the symptoms of acid reflux by producing excessive acid in the stomach and relaxing the Lower Esophageal sphincter or (LES). When the LES is relaxed, stomach acid can splash up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing the pain of heartburn.

The "fight or flight syndrome" caused by stress can cause the body to tense up, delivering most of its energy to the heart, lungs and muscles. This intensifies hyperacidity, as the stomach is robbed of oxygen and enzymes necessary for proper digestion.

About half of the people who suffer from heartburn attribute it to stress. Whether stress is related to unpleasant work situations, emotional disorders, money problems, family strife or social conflicts, there are many things which can be done to restore the needed harmony in one's life.

Whether you suffer from chronic acid reflux and find that stress exacerbates the condition, or you experience occasional acid reflux brought on by bouts of stress, consider the following:

• Take the pressure off yourself - Lining up too many goals to be accomplished in too short a period of time can be very stressful. Do one thing at a time. Learn to relax and learn to say no when others become too demanding. Set your priorities straight and make lists that you can stick to. Go easy on yourself.

• Take your mind off of you - "Loosing your mind" is not the worst thing you can do. Meditation, Tai Chi, Hatha Yoga, Chi Gong and self-hypnotism are all great ways to relieve stress. Focusing on a demanding activity will take your mind off what is causing the stress. Not thinking about yourself can be very beneficial. These arts can also be applied to enhance life with positive improvement.

• Exercise your way to peace of mind - Everyone knows that exercise is essential for good health. Besides the physical benefits it is also an important way to relieve stress. Who has time to think about problems when you're about to win a tennis match! The endorphins produced in your brain while exercising create an opiate-like "good feeling" sensation that can take you far away from the cares of the day. It is important to find a way to make exercise fun, whether it be jogging with your dog or playing ball with your friends.

• "Let it be" - You cannot control everything in life. There will always be planes that are late arrivals or departures. The weather may not cooperate with that family picnic that you planned. Your mother-in-law may show up when least expected and there will always be taxes to pay. It is important to learn to roll with the punches. You can always find something good in an otherwise bad situation, but most importantly don't let it stress you out.

• Maintain an optimistic attitude - Never underestimate the power of positive thinking. Focus on the good things - not the bad things. Be excited about the future and believe that only good is in store for you. Better than projecting the future, concentrate on the present and demonstrate gratitude in the moment. Being optimistic not only affects others in a positive way, it gives you the balance that you need to be stress free.

• Have a good laugh! - Laughter is the great healer. A good laugh can relieve more stress than anything else. Watch a funny movie, go to a comedy club or go see Hunter Blue perform at Mimi's in New York City. Try to associate with people who make you laugh, or at least don't make you frown. Maintain a good sense of humor at all times. Stress cannot exist where there is laughter.

• Love a dog or a cat - Pet animals are a sure cure for stress. Their pure unaffected love and funny antics can blow that stress away. If you can't muster the obligation of responsibility for a pet, borrow someone else's pet or volunteer to be a care taker when they are out of town. Pets have a tranquilizing affect on us and their power to diminish stress should not be overlooked.

• Talk to a friend - It's very therapeutic when a trusted friend gives advice and thoughtful support. We all need objective guidance at times. Sympathy from friends and relatives has a calming affect and can reduce stress. It's almost as if you are not bearing your problems alone anymore and that kind of encouragement is invaluable.

• Get a massage - There is nothing quite as stress relieving as a good massage. I find that going for acupuncture is very relaxing as well. If you can't manage a massage, indulge in a long hot bath, whirlpool or steam shower.

It has been said that stress is a killer. Thankfully, its reduction is not rocket science and is quite easily accomplished. By reducing the stress in our lives, we can minimize the effect of the acid reflux condition. Of course there are other factors involved with acid reflux, but stress is certainly one of the big ones and should be dealt with in a serious manner. Relax!

© 2006 Wind Publishing

For free recipes, articles and information related to acid reflux, please click here.

By Charles Stewart Richey