Question:
Can you take over the counter antacids for occasional heartburn?

I am 23 days post op and because I am trying something new every few days, sometimes I get heartburn. Before surgery I had a hiatal hernia and was on prescription meds as well as popping Tums or Rolaids. Since surgery I don't really need the prescription meds anymore but sometimes get a touch of heartburn (nothing like before). Is it okay to take a tums or rolaid? Thanks    — susanje (posted on January 30, 2003)

January 30, 2003
my doctor recommends I take 2 tums a day for my calcium, so I am sure you can take them for heartburn, I now take zantac also for some stomach cramps. I hope to find out monday why I am having them. good luck
   — terri R.

January 30, 2003
I too, was told to take 2-3 Tums per day for calcium...thus no more heartburn.
   — GPoynor

January 30, 2003
I was also told to take 2 to 3 tums a day for calcium. That should take care of the heartburn.
   — Lana Rush

January 30, 2003
taking tums for heartburn is fine. Taking tums for calcium is playing with your life. ...I won't go there though, since that is not your question.
   — Vicki L.

January 31, 2003
My doctor told me to take sugar free tums from day 1 for the calcium.
   — qtalleycat68

February 1, 2003
I had heartburn 1 month post op and was diagnosed with an esophaeal ulcer. My surgeon put me on prescriptions until the ulcer healed. You may want mention it to your surgeon.
   — jengrz

March 23, 2003
Please ask your Doc check for ulcer, my surgeon put me on anti- reflux meds after surgery due to possable acid reflux. This is a simple solution to a potientially serious problem.
   — Janice D.

January 8, 2004
I had my surgery on December 23 and I have heartburn and I don't know if it is pain from hunger or heart burn. My stomache growls all the time. At times it is very uncomfortable. How many tums can I take in a day. Is this safe? How much food do you know to eat? I eat 3xs a days about 1/4 to 1/2 cup at a time.
   — Lydia W.