[musikat]

I had kidney stones a couple of weeks ago, which thankfully passed. It was painful, but I was able to break them up by drinking a lot of water and I know they could have been so much worse! The problem now is that, at 24 weeks, I have started to get the daily heartburn that I got in my previous pregnancy. It's not horrible, but definitely uncomfortable and unpleasant. I was able to control it pretty well with Rolaids last time. However, my doctor just informed me the other day that I can't take Tums or Rolaids because the Calcium in them isn't absorbable and can contribute to Kidney stones! Since I now have a history, I am not to take those products.

She prescribed Prevacid, but I am reluctant to take a major drug for something that Rolaids would normally help. In other words, I know it's usually for severe acid reflux and it seems like overkill. Plus I don't like to take much medication unless absolutely necessary. Does anyone have any suggestions? Should I just go on the Prevacid? Does anyone have any natural remedies? It is a daily problem. So far I am trying Chamomille tea, chewable papaya tablets and acidophilus, but it's not helping.

Also, has anyone had experience with taking Prevacid for something like this throughout pregnancy? Can you just go off it the moment you deliver? Are there side effects? I'm asking all these questions because the only thing I have been able to find is that while it is a class B drug in pregnancy and considered safe, it's not recommended while breastfeeding. I am still (barely) breastfeeding my 20 month old. He's down to once a day so it's not that much. But still... And of course I will be breastfeeding the new baby, too. Anyone know anything about this drug?

 

[Beth-TX]

I really don't know anything about the drug, but wanted to recommend that you call your LLL leader to ask about the safety of it while breastfeeding. Many drugs say you can't take them while breastfeeding, but it's just for legal reasons. Your LLL leader can tell you for sure.

The one thing that usually helps me when I have heartburn is peppermint ice cream. It's worth a try and definitely safe during pregnancy!

peace, Beth

 

[hvl25]

PAPAYA ENZYME !!!!!

 

[rubelin]

Woo, I can answer this one!! Just talked with my Dr about it today

(ok, I'm not really happy about why I can answer it, jsut happy that I can help, lol!)

I have stomache ulcers and have been in treatment for 2 years. They were much better about 6 mo ago and I weaned from Protonix (similar to prevacid) to Zantac and then have been almost weaned off the Zantac. Then I get pregnant

Anyway, long story short, I asked AGAIN if there was anything I could take, besides the calcium based antacids (which btw, calcium actually RAISES acid levels, which is bad if you use them long term on ulcers) and it comes down to that they are ALL class B and they just don't know what they could do to the baby. They are actually safer for a BF older babe, and some are even prescribed to babies, but not a good idea for pregnancy or BF newborns. She won't risk that unless it's dire, and I don't really want to, either, so I am trying Maaloxx tablets for now.

Obviously, if you can't do the tums/Maaloxx type of thing, which don't work all that great anyway, keep using the papaya enzymes (you should take them regularly and long before you get a flare-up, cause they won't help much once you're in pain) Also follow the standard heartburn diet, NO caffeine, chocolate, carbonated beverages, onions, garlic, tomatoes, citrus, and anything else that tends to bug your tummy. It sucks (take it from a chocoholic!!) but it's really worth it to not have the pain. Cabbage juice can heal ulcers and does help with the pain, I just can't stand the smell enough to juice it. There are other supplements that can help, try a Google search for natural heartburn remedies. You also might want to check out this site on infant reflux, I found it when my son had reflux but it ended up helping me a lot reflux info Debbiemom is an awesome momma!

I hope your symptoms pass quickly and you get to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy pain-free

 

[Attila the Honey]

Yes, yes, try papaya enzyme! I am really surprised at how well it helps me. Also, I've heard that slippery elm lozenges (sold for sore throats) can help alot too.

Papaya enzyme helps me even when I already have a raging case of acid reflux, like when I wake up at 2 am gagging and coughing. It usually takes two lozenges whereas normally one will do it, but it does completely take it away for me in just a couple of moments.

 

[musikat]

I did get some papaya enzyme, but I'm not sure if it's the same as you all are talking about. I got it at Wholefoods (their brand) and it is basically these chewable little pills. You are supposed to take three with meals. Are there lozenges that are different?

I do know about the chocolate thing. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to wean myself off that yet -- serious chocoholic here! I HAVE to have some every day it seems. Oh well, enough unpleasant experiences with it and maybe I won't want it any more -- ha ha!

 

[rubelin]

I really hate to say it (REALLY I do!!) but you might find that the chocolate is causing all your pain and that once you get it out of your system you could be pain free without any additional help. I really know how hard it is, I went completely cold turkey for 2 mo when I started my meds 2 years ago and it was so hard. I finally broke down right about the 2 mo mark and had a chocolate fest weekend! And paid for it dearly.

In addition to having caffeine in it, chocolate contains a chemical that relaxes the stomache spincter letting the acid come up. It's a major heartburn culprit and, if you're already susceptible, it's almost guaranteed to make it worse. Chocolate flavored things (like ice cream or pudding) aren't as bad, but dark chocolate (my fave!) is the worst cause it has the highest concentration.

This is a good reminder to myself to be careful during this pregnancy, I was in agony last time and had no idea that what I was eating was affecting me so much.

 

[momto l&a]

Slippery elm is great for heartburn. Dont take the capsules though just the powder. I mixed in hot milk with a little brown sugar and it got me through the night. Tastes like oatmeal.