Re: To re enzymes & acid reducers

[Guest guest]

,

This information was provided not only by my Gastroenterologist and

Internal Medicine physician, but also by medical research. I need the

pancreatic enzymes to help me digest food, especially now that my

pancreas has burned out and has no enzyme production of it's own to

facilitate proper digestion.

The type of pancreatic enzymes that I take, (Viokase-16), are NOT

enteric coated. Because they aren't enteric coated, there is no

coating to protect them from activating and breaking down when stomach

acid hits them. They need to pass through the stomach undissolved

until they reach the intestines, otherwise they would be inactivated

by stomach acid - unless an acid suppressing medication is used prior

to taking the Viokase. When a PPI like Protonix is used beforehand,

stomach acid is suppressed, and the enzyme can pass through the

stomach uninhibited, and go to the intestines where they activate by

effectively supplementing the pancreatic enzymes that I don't produce

on my own.

I don't have acid reflux, bile refluxing into my esophagus, or any

other problems of that nature, though my diabetes can cause excessive

build up of stomach acid. All I can say is that since I started this

particular pancreatic enzyme, with the PPI taken beforehand, I've had

no problems whatsoever, and I'm able to eat whatever I want with no

digestive upset or difficulty afterward.

My GI felt this was the best course of treatment for me. He is very

thorough and particular about everything that I do from a medical

standpoint, and I trust him explicitly. You must remember that each

of us is different, and have complex problems relative to our CP that

may not be similar, and that perhaps what's best for me is not what's

best for someone else. That my 2 cents.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina Rep.

Southeastern Reg. Rep., PAI

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience or

opinion, and should not be substituted for professional medical

consultation.

wrote:

>just wondering where u are getting your information re needing a acid

inhibitor & pancreatic enzymes.