I suppose all this started around the time I retired from teaching. I was having problems with my tongue; it would swell for no apparent reason and become rough and sore. I saw a couple of doctors who suggested that I take Omeprazole and stop taking vitamins. I have done a lot of research on PPI drugs and have decided they are not something I would be happy to take, for a number of reasons.
As time went on, I developed digestive problems; when I ate, my stomach was very slow to empty and I started experiencing difficulty swallowing.
Over the past two years these symptoms have got worse. Doctors just kept saying take Omeprazole. This is a drug for excessive stomach acid.....not a good thing to take if you don't have ENOUGH stomach acid, which is one of my problems. It seems these PPI drugs are just handed out to anyone with a digestive problem (without testing first to see if they are appropriate). As you get older, acid production decreases in the stomach....... reducing it even more with drugs is not a good idea! We need stomach acid to kill harmful bacteria and help digest our food properly.
My doctors have not been as helpful as I would have liked (I'm trying to be polite here) and so I have paid over £2,000 for private tests over the years. Through those I have found out that I have 'empty sella syndrome' (no visible pituitary gland) - which my doctor said I needn't worry about (what?!) - plus I have a a 'Schatzki Ring' (an oesophageal stricture).
A recent gastroscopy also revealed I have a hiatus hernia and small stomach polyps.
I also have gastroparesis (delayed emptying of stomach).
Add to all of this heart palpitations (for no apparent reason), dizziness and shallow breathing....and you just about have the picture!
The hiatus hernia and oesophageal stricture cause my swallowing problems. I often feel like I have a golf ball in my throat.
I have also discovered that the hernia causes heart palps and shallow breathing as it presses up on the diaphragm. Light bulb moment!!! Doctors haven't told me these facts.....I have spent many hours researching my health issues and have learnt so much from forums (where people with the same problems support each other and share suggestions) and from natural health websites.
If you have a h/hernia you may find this website interesting.... http://modernherbalmedicine.com/articles/hiatal-hernia-hidden-cause-of-chronic-illness-2.html
My Coping Strategies
Through my own research I have discovered many strategies which help me cope. I have decided to take responsibility for my own health.....
I list them here in case they might be of any help to others experiencing similar problems.
1. I have changed the way I eat.
We buy organic food whenever possible and I have cut right back on carbohydrates. I have learnt about the health benefits of coconut oil, flaxseed, chia seeds, ginger, vitamin D3, magnesium, curcumin, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, beetroot, spinach, kale........to name but a few!
If you look at my list of health websites, you'll see where I get most of my knowledge and recipes from.
2. I eat smaller meals and chew VERY thoroughly. I have experienced some horrific episodes where food has become stuck in my throat. (Very painful)
3. Walking, yoga and meditation are my main forms of exercise.
4. I massage my stomach (peppermint and lavender oils in coconut base oil) when I have digestive problems.
5. When my throat is bad, I massage that too and apply heat (wheat pillow).
6. I do heel thunks and use an Iqoro device to try and bring down my h/hernia.
7. I have a smoothie for breakfast every day and make my own juices or soup for lunch (easy to digest).
8. I make my own bread using spelt flour (a much healthier grain than normal over-processed wheat) and only have one small slice a day.
9. The only sugars I use in recipes are pure maple syrup, dates and raw honey.
10. I drink water throughout the day......usually warm with lemon/lime/manuka honey.
I know it will take time for me to get better, but I have to believe that gradually, these things will make a difference to my health and well-being.
4 comments:
Great pointers there Linda. I'd never heard of a heel thunk and it looks great! My HH is why I've not been too great at keeping food where it should recently. I'm just about to explore the other website. Between the HH and Ulcers I can sympathise a fair way with you and the food problem. X
Linda you have my sympathy!! Digestive issues and problems are so difficult for physicians to figure out, for some reason. Some days I think I'm allergic to certain foods, yet can never pinpoint one specific as it can be an additive or a single food. 18 months ago I had to make an ER visit and was told I too had a "Schatzki Ring" and thankfully had a procedure to enlarge the esophagus which immediately helped. My daughter has gastroparesis. I'm no fan of prescription meds, so rely on digestive enzymes, which help. Good luck to you!!
Hi I have had so many issues with digestion for months after taking antibiotics which I believe ruined my digestion. I have had every kind of test and nothing major. Have tried limting gluten and diary and no luck really. What kind of enzymes do you take?
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. Herren Grafik-T-Shirts Online
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