My RO did tell me that the reduced saliva fucntion might cause problems with acid in the stomach. I never had a problem until I had the laryngectomy 4 years later and was put on rantidine 150mg 2Xs a day. This was supposed to make certain that I had no acid reflux after the operation. While I do not feel I have GERD, I do have a massive amount of intestinal gas and bloating so after two years on ranitidine switched to Prevacid 40mg 1X a day. Seems to work better, but still have intestinal gas. All this may be totally unleated to rad and simply irritable bowel symdrome. I'm still trying to figure it out. Drs haven't.

If I have GERD, I have it with no heartburn. Is that possible? I have mild hiatal hernia, but rarely experience any reflux that I am aware of unless you stand me on my head and repeatedly tell me to drink barium because I am doing it wrong until I can't take anymore. GI doctor says esaphagus is all clear.

The thing I wonder is if the Prevacid is reducing the acid level in my stomach so much that I am not properly digesting food. ie. Maybe I don't need it all and it is only causing problems. I'm tempted to try a month without it to see what happens with the stomach bloating/intestinal gas, but haven't had found a good time to do it. Right now keeping a journal of all food eaten and all gas/diarrhea problems to see if I can establish any pattern. Will see what happens.

Take care,
Eileen