Long term PPI use and gallbladder function

I've recently read some studies from ~5 years ago where a small group of healthy volunteers had their ejection fraction measured before taking a ppi for 14 days, and then after.  Their biliary function was reduced.  This is interesting to me because I've had RUQ pain now for about 8 months - my GI did a HIDA scan last fall and my ejection fraction was 41%, but he found that to be within normal ranges and did not pursue any further diagnosis.

I've been taking a ppi for 5+ years, non stop.  I recently stopped because my epigastric pain was gone (had been for a while).  Within about a month it was back, so now I'm back on Prevacid and my RUQ pain is worse (it had gotten better - not gone - when I had my month off of Prevacid).

So I would like to know if you've had gallbladder issues or RUQ pain, have you also been taking a ppi for an extended time?  Have any of your GIs discussed long term use of ppis re: gallbladder function with you?  Mine has not.

PPI is proton pump inhibitor. Protonix is one example of a PPI.

I had my gallbladder out back in 2003. Don't know if PPI's had anything to do with it. I quit taking Protonix a couple of years ago (going SCD got rid of my acid reflux). I actually take betaine HCl now because I don't have enough stomach acid!

There are a couple more things to look out for with PPIs. I recently read that they can lead to c diff and osteoporosis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12855243

http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/back_pain_osteoporosis/JohnsHopkinsHealthalertsBackPainOsteoporosis_3279-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

I don't know if I have acid reflux or just gastritis from the Crohn's (inflammation in my stomach and esophagus). A swallow study I did years ago showed no reflux, yet I had an esophageal stricture and inflammation throughout the stomach and esophagus. My first ppi was nexium, which didn't really help. I switched to Pentasa after a few years (!!) and felt much better.

I find it striking that the inserts with the ppi says not to take it more than 14 days, or perhaps more than a year, with frequent breaks. But I did read some studies where chronic gastritis was effectively treated without serious side effects by extending ppi use well beyond 1 year.

Yes, I am aware of the osteoporosis risk. Also pernicious anemia! I take folate to keep my B vitamins up (I think that's why - where's the dumb look icon?).

Crohn's can clearly affect the gallbladder and bile ducts. I was wondering how many other Crohnies are using ppis for extended times and if any of us had gallbladder issues while doing that.

Thanks for your responses!