Trifecta

I had an Upper GI this morning and the preliminary findings were reflux, hiatal hernia, and Barrett’s esophagus.

I’d first like to send a big THANK YOU to my insurance company who several years ago denied payment for Protonix which I had been on since 8 months after surgery, only stopping for h-pylori treatment and retesting. Continued taking the rest of the prescription, but upon refill was denied. Oh well, I felt o.k. until a year ago when I found myself popping Tums everyday. My PCP then gave me a sample of Nexium and it helped, so I was approved for a year of it via prescription. Well it doesn’t completely work now…and now insurance company you have had to pay for an Upper GI and will be paying for an Endoscopy.

Bet that extra Protonix isn’t looking so bad right now.

So because I like “the Google”….

Mayo Clinic recommends lifestyle changes for Barrett’s esophagus:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Why can’t I ever have a condition that says…gain weight???
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Yes, I find myself grazing all day to keep the burning in my throat to a mininum.
• Avoid tightfitting clothes. Woohoo…yoga pants per doctor’s orders.
• Eliminate heartburn triggers. Caffeine…NOOOOO!!!!
• Avoid stooping or bending. Stooping? So no dropping it like it’s hot?
• Don’t lie down after eating. What about while eating…no more breakfast in bed. =(
• Raise the head of your bed. Already sleep on 3 pillows with the top one doubled over.
• Don’t smoke. Other than being smokin’ hot…this is not a problem.