Sometime perimenopause starts in late 30's. One thing about reflux......Whenever you stop taking those drugs, you can have really bad rebound reflux......which happened to me. After a week or 2, it all settled down. Is it possible you're just not giving it enough time to get over the rebound acid production? Prilosec IS a proton pump inhibitor. Please consider that it might be giving you your headaches. I wouldn't want anyone to have those horrible things, not realizing it was the PPI. I never even considered it and suffered for so long. When the doc wanted me to start up on it again last year, I got headaches immediately......on Aciphex, Nexium and one other I can't remember which....and then a lightbulb went on in my head. Could you possibly limp through a Prilosec withdrawal, using stuff like Mylanta, Rolaids? The absolute worst thing for my GERD is carbs. its really unbelieveable how much reflux those can cause. So maybe cut back on those for a couple weeks, while trying to get off the Prilosec, and then you can see if they are causing or worsening your headaches. I hope ya'll don't mind this little off-topic trip I took. Just would love to help a fellow migraineur, if I can! P.S. Buyorsell.......there's a guy who was on a GERD forum I was on who has a book out on his discovery......that it is an over-consumption of carbs that causes GERD. Would you like me to find the name of that book?

Make sure to take ALL the antibiotics they give you! Drink plenty of fluids, too...that helps with the reflux. I had a bout where I had a sore throat, then my throat closed up. I could breathe, but not swallow, it was miserable! Turned out that I'd had reflux, that caused an inflamation in my throat. They gave me what they called a GI cocktail, it was something with an anesthesia to ease the pain, and Maalox to reduce the acid. I was finally able to swallow, but boy, was that miserable. I get occasional reflux, and I up my quanitity of fluids. Some foods, not spicy, however, tend to be bigger triggers for me than others.

Cindy, I was actually too anxiety ridden to eat much but basically followed a low acid diet. I recall that I ate lots of fresh baby spinach - uncooked, in salads with just olive oil and lemon juice (yes you head that right...lemons are one of the most alkaline things on the planet) and wild salmon patties that I get at Costco. I had a hard time eating and drinking initially because I was so afraid. everything went down crooked and felt dry. Even water caused odd feelings in my esophagus. That did go away once my anxiety lessed, though. I must have gone to the ENT 3 times in two months (after the FEES test that diagnosed the LPR)just so he could scope my throat and assure me nothing was wrong. He understood. the sensation makes one crazy. Cindy, this was a very, very troubling time for me. I got help from a number of professionals, including a therapist specializing in anxiety and panic attacks. I also had good friends and family who understood my pain and helped me with their support. They were very concerned because this wasnt me. I was absolutely against any medications, having been on an AD once before for 4 years following a death in the family and it was very difficult coming off it. I actually should never have been on it. we learn so much in retrospect, but hopefully it makes us wiser. that's part of the reason for my opposition. It wasnt until I realized that diet and relaxation techniques, even several trips to the naturopathic doctor for supplements to help my body help itself, wasnt going to rid me of the anxiety...oh and the depression that started setting in. I remember the visit to the psychiatrist, I think it was the third visit, where I realized that I couldn't do it myself...and needed to try the meds. I had been so opposed to it, feeling that I just couldnt take that step. He didn't push it, but rather brought me to the decision myself. I was so sick with the thought of it, but knew I had no other options. It was that or lose myself in this. I cannot tell you the relief I felt when the health anxiety disappeared...overnight. Some say it was mind over matter because the drugs dont work that fast, but I know what I know...and only 5mg, my starting dose, brought me instant relief. And the constant state of anxiety dissipated too. that was the toughest part as I said in my earlier email. Mind you, I had every test imaginable, blood work up the ying yang that my doctor ordered at the request of the naturopath (they arent licensed as primary care physicians in NY State). They took 8 vials of blood for those tests! One thing I forgot to mention was that I developed severe hives during this time. One day they just started on my chest...that was just the beginning. My sister happened to be over, and she gave me a benedryl. I went for allergy tests...no allergies. I had every blood test imaginable (see above)...nothing unusual. One day I got hives over my entire body...the hives had hives. I called the allergist and went right away and he watched as they popped up on my back, chest, arms, you name it. Dont struggle needlessly. There is nothing wrong with trying the meds. It doesn't mean youve failed. Its a tool to help you get back your life. I tried everything I could, but I knew when it was time to give my body a break. Start slow...5mg and give it a couple of weeks (as longas the Dr. advises that too). I felt I needed something that would take off the edge just enough so that I could function. Going to work was difficult but I did it every day. Once I started the meds, I continued with my therapy, learning how to respond to the panic attacks and arming myself for the future. I didn't just let the meds do the work, i worked at it too. I did go up to 10mg, but now, a year later, I no longer have fear of reverting back plus the 10mg just started making me very tired, so I dialed it back and that went away. I guess my body accepted the meds when I really needed them, and started telling me when it no longer was necessary. I hope some of this helps. Sue

phoggie, Please don't trust your doctor just because he or she says it's what they recommend. If you have even the slightest feeling that something isn't right, or you're not completely ok with the recommendations of your doctor you need to either change doctors or at the very least, get a second opinion. That nagging feeling is a huge red flag and you should listen to your gut. In regards to the stomach medications, if you are concerned and maybe you should be, there are others available, I would consult with the 2nd opinion or new specialist and see about having something else prescribed. But before you even go to the appointment, have a chat with your pharmacist. Find out about what alternatives are available, make a list and ask about them when you're in the appt. edited to add that I've often used Apple Cider Vinegar for my pets but never heard it was good for digestive problems in people. Sounds like it's worth a try! Thanks!