I was Dx'd with GERD as well, but I'm thinking that isn't my real problem.

Anyway, I've been taking Nexium for about 3 years straight, without really getting relief form the only symptom I have which is coughing. I never get heart burn - well I can count on one hand how many times I've had heartburn in my 61 years....but he really thinks it is GERD. I have an appointment on the 9th of June to have a talk with him about that I think it is allergy related since my chronic cough is back since the pollen started flying!

How do you take the Nexium? My doctor just recently told me to take it in the AM. My husband's doctor told him to take his at night, since that is when he has his worse symptoms.

I went to the drug's website and it says to take the nexium first thing in the morning before eatting and wait a bit until you eat. I don't recall how long the drug company said to wait. Doctor's don't always "know" the correct way to take the drugs, they get very little education in medical school on prescription drugs. They relay an awful lot on the drug reps to educate them when they come into the offices every week or so.

Now, I am not a doctor, but have worked for many in the past. Each one will tell you to the best of their knowledge how to take the drug they Rx'd, and it could be different than how the drug company tested the drug during trails, based on how it worked for other patients. Some of course don't give a crap.....hope your doc isn't like that. It could also depend on other drugs you are taking.

The reason is to get the pill working the way it is intended to work before you make the stomach start its job.

Are you drinking enough water with the pill? All drugs are tested with taking just cold water, not with coffee, or Coke. So check those things out before you give up on the medicine.

I don't think age has anything to do with what tests the doctor orders for you. If he understands your worry, since there is cancer in your family, he may do the test to help you relax before it does become a big stress issue. I'd talk with him about that exact issue.