I think you guys are right about the steroids. I'm finished with the Prednisone now, at least.
I had my appointment yesterday with my Gastroenterologist/Internist. He switched up my meds again and prescribed Pariet (Rabeprazole). I was on Omeprazole for almost two years but it wasn't helping anymore, even with supplemental Zantac, so my GP switched me to Pantoprazole about 6 weeks ago. I've been on Nexium before as well. The pharmacist recommended liquid Gaviscon on Monday which actually helped soothe my throat tissue. Janelle, I'm going to ask about the PPI in the am/H2 blocker in the PM -- I hadn't heard that before.
I feel like the Pantoprazole it is less helpful than the Omeprazole so I wonder if the combination of steroids, the decrease in efficiency of the meds, and the systemic upset pushed everything over the edge. He also scheduled me for an ultrasound, a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy and put in a referral to send me back to the geneticist. And I need another referral to an allergist from my GP and I already have referrals in process for a dermatologist and CAMH. I'm overwhelmed!
I've taken probiotics for years off and on, I haven't paid attention to see if it helps my reflux. I've been lax about it lately so I will get back on it. Great suggestion. Vitamin C. has some anti-allergy properties too. Ginger, peppermint and/or nettle leaf tea were also recommended by my naturopath.
Right now I'm supposed to be in the class where the reaction started last week. I haven't even worked up enough courage to walk out the door yet.