Hi Hugh,
I have a similar problem, and also take Losec every day. I had to have the dose increased a couple of years ago, to 40mgs a day - the max dose allowable, apparently. I also take slippery elm tablets with/after each meal, which I've found to be very helpful, as they line the stomach (you can buy then in the Health stores over there), and psyllium husks on my cereal each morning seem to help as well. If I'm really suffering, I chew my way through a pack of Rennies a day, but thankfully, it's not usually that bad!
I eat frequent, small meals, and try and avoid a large evening meal, if possible. If I get too hungry, it seems to make the heartburn worse too, so I carry around something to eat wherever I go (even barley sugars will help), and drink plenty of water. I've had to cut out coffee and alcohol, but can still drink 3 cups of tea a day without suffering. (Any more, or any kind of acidic juice, such as orange or apple, will also aggravate it.) I also make sure I take all my meds with food, rather than on an empty stomach, whatever the instructions say - my GP agrees it's a good idea.
I don't know what dose of Losec you're on, but, if it's not helping any more, it sounds like it's time you paid your GP/specialist a visit.
Good luck,
Sue
PS I was so pleased to read the other day about how well your kids are doing, and how proud of them you are. It makes everything else seem worth while, doesn't it?
