BIle Reflux - looking for some answers..

[jj9500]

I had an endoscopy a couple days ago and my GI specialist diagnosed me with Bile Reflux.  He showed me photos of my esophagus and stomach that had green bile in them (gross).  He perscribed carfate for me which is supose to coat and protect the esophagus and stomach (4x per day on empty stomach) and told me to continue with my Kapidex for acid reflux (1 x/day before breakfast).  He did take biopsies of both stomach and esophagus.  They looked pretty irritated in the photos from what I can remember (I was still pretty loopy from the meds for the procedure).  My questions are:  has anybody ever taken carfate?  If so, how long does it take to work?  And, did it work for you?  My symptoms are a burning / gnawing sensation in my upper stomach and sometimes in the esophagus.  I also have a cratchy voice and what feels like tons of mucus in my throat.  Also, I understand the bile reflux is different to treat than than acid reflux.  Is there anything that can be done to totally cure bile reflux?  Does it come and go or will I have this forever? Looking for any comments/ helpful suggestion from anyone else with this problem.  I;ve had acid reflux on and off for about 6 years.  Always on different PPIs here and there when it would flare up.  It was hard to control at times.  Other times it would go away within a month.  This is the first time I've even heard of bile reflux.  Thank you!  

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the GERD forum.

Many have found that the wedge pillow is not as effective as elevating the head of ur bed...with the wedge u can slide down and not get the benefits from the wedge plus it is not the correct angle u need to be on for optimum results.

I found that ginger tea was helpful for the relief of GERD...but u may have something more going on and would rely on ur Dr for guidance.

[ng1031]

Ginger/Peppermint/Fennel tea use to be a god sent to me prior to my total colectomy surgery. I usually got the Eaters Digest one. Doesn't do as much for this bile issue. I guess the Marshmallow root tea actually has a coating effect similiar to the Carafate and antacids.

[loony56]

I have Bile Reflux. A few others want a support group to this horrible illness. I agree. I have many remedies that could help. Diet change, herbal teas, digestive enzymes, Marshmallow root, chamomile and slippery elm is what helped me with digestive enzymes. If any one is wanted to talk and start a group let me know. Gayle54 and Loony56

[loony56]

I relate to you too! I am starting a support group for Bile Refluxers, interested contact me.  loony56

[loony56]

I have bile reflx and starting a support group with Gayle 54, interested? loony56

[ng1031]

I read that most people with bile reflux have damage to their pyloric valve. Anyone ever been given proof of this and how was it diagnosed? Just wondering why I would be experiencing this post my total colectomy surgery. I am starting to wonder if 8 years of chronic constipation is to blame.