Two birds with one stone

About a year ago, I was diagnosed with a Hiatel Hernia. I've had stomach problems all of my adult life, but it had gotten to the point where I was in a state of discomfort ALL of the time.

My doctor did an Upper GI and after we found out about the hernia, I started taking the "Purple Pill" call Nexium on a daily basis. It's an amazing med, really. And, it ought to be. After my insurance copay, it still was costing me $100 a month. I hate taking any kind of medicine in the first place, but $100 a month? It made my stomach hurt worse to think about it. My doctor told me last year that I needed to cut out carbonated beverages, spicy foods and chocolate. I also noticed that heavy, fried foods and red meat tended to aggravate my problem as well.

When I started South Beach, I knew that it was going to just have to be an overall change to the way I ate - for life. Not for a "while". Permanent change here. I went back to my doctor for my yearly follow up about the hernia the other day. I talked to him about the high cost of Nexium and he has switched me to something that I know isn't going to be as strong, but it is more affordable. I'm hoping that by keeping up the changes in my diet, I can do just as well taking the lower strength meds as I did the Nexium. It certainly would help my pocket book - and my attitude.