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Trying to get off of Nexium

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Posted 6/1/2009 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
I have taken Nexium for 1 1/2 years and Zantac before that. I know it decreases absorbtion of some minerals and has long tern negative effects and so I am attempting to get off of the Nexium for good. i think it has also contributed to my anemia and depression. But, I know there can be an increase in acid for a while. How long does this take for the stomach acid to right itself? I have changed my diet completely and am exercising to lose weight but don't have much to lose - maybe 10 lbs. I now eat exclusively apples, watermelon, egg whites, chicken breast, skim milk, whole grains, peas, carrots, potatoes, broccoli and drink only water. I take digestive enzymes before all meals and tums afterward if needed - which is almost always. I also take probiotics. I am considering taking a magnesium, fennel, and or licorice supplement. Any suggestions? Also, how long does it take for the increased acid to suside after getting off of Nexium?
Posted 6/1/2009 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Katequ,

I to worry about taking the Nexium.  I have been taking it for 6 years now.  I have tried cutting down a few times, with no success.  Usually it puts me into a HUGE reflux flareup that takes a month or more to get it calmed back down.  I wish that I had some good advice for you.  Have you asked your doctor about how to starting weaning yourself off?  Good Luck. 

amy

Posted 6/1/2009 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck with your attempt to get off Nexium...
I had the Nissen surgery, and when I discussed tapering off my PPI (Protonix), he said to take it every other day for about 3-4 weeks, then go off it completely. At that point I would know if the acid was affecting my stomach, or if my stomach was just reactive. (I have an extremely touchy stomach.)
You might try it that way.
Best wishes!
Denise

PS--don't forget that acid reflux can be dangerous to your esophagus, and can cause changes that could lead to cancer. It's not something to play around with. Listen to your body!
Posted 6/4/2009 12:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies. I have tried cutting down and taking Nexium every other day before too and I had acid flare ups that took 3-4 to get under control. I have not talked to my doctor since going off because they have really pushed Nexium and told me there is no other way and that it is harmless (which I don't believe).

I think it has been easier to go cold turkey. It has been 7 days so far and I have been able to control it (for the most part, still uncomfortable) with Tums, apples, and enzymes and 1 Zantac. But, I am so tired from the GERD diet that I can't exercise, which causes reflux anyway. I am considering just acheiving a level that will allow me to control it with Zantac and take enzymes and supplements to increase digestion of the various minerals that I don't absorb much of on the Zantac.
Posted 6/4/2009 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
I'm in a similar position - I'm on day 9 off of a PPI (protonix, but pretty much the same thing as nexium). I'm hoping you start feeling better soon. I found that days 5-7 have been the hardest. Of course, only time will tell.

Hang in there. I totally get how you feel.
Lisa
Posted 6/4/2009 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Katequ.  I'm new to this thing.  For the last couple days, I've been reading some of the threads, but this is my first time to reply or write anything.  Have you done anything for your GERD besides the medicine??  From what I've been told by my NEW GI doc and surgeon, PPIs are NOT good for you!  I've also done loads of research that suggests the same.  I was also told that my problem is not too much acid, it's a weak or non-existant LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter.)  What I'm trying to say is that in my personal opinion PPIs are not the answer.  We will never be able to get off of them, they are expensive, and can even help CAUSE cancer (the very thing they are supposed to be preventing against) not to mention the malabsorption issues.  I'm only 25 and have the rest of my life ahead of me so I'm sooo not willing to go on a diet of apples and oatmeal.  I don't know much about your situation but I just feel badly that that is what you have resorted to.  Have you considered surgery? ~Kelley
Posted 6/5/2009 12:49 AM (GMT 0)

Thank you for the words of encouragement!

To answer some of the other replies, I was told that i have a weak lower esophagal sphincter which is hereditary in my family. I have tried diet and medications but have not yet looked into surgery. I am not crazy about the idea of surgery at this point. My cousin died due to a complications from some sort of surgery to deal with GERD issues. But, I will look into it if things don't improve in a few weeks...

Posted 6/5/2009 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, to these thread people. I just joined up to this site. I am like katequ but I am 49. I have been on acid reflux medicine for about a year up until two days ago. Thing is, I decided to turn my health around by serious diet change and exercise, meaning that I actually researched what to eat in the way of food, proteins, carbs, and fats in order to get to my correct weight and I also work out every day at least 45 minutes. I have lost 20+ lbs. in 6 weeks although the first 10 was easy but the next are harder. So, then I decided, you know, any medication can't be good for you if you don't absolutely need it so I quite the acid reflux med, currently Prilosec. So, now all of a sudden, even with the good food regimen my stomach decided to revolt within these two days. I am worried that it will get back to the throat again, which is why I took it becasue I am a singer and it bothered my ability to sing which is very important to me. I am looking for answers that don't involve meds. So, I did print out information on home remedies from Mayo clinic and will probably buy one of those e-books that has stuff like that even though the guy who wrote it is not a doctor. I am going to try anything. BUT-if anyone knows how long this revolt of my stomach will take to subside, after cold turkey Prilosec quitting, I would love to hear it.
Posted 6/6/2009 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
One thing I am trying is Zantac until my stomach calms down. At least it doesn't stop your body from producing acid, it just works on neutralizing the acid produced. I figure I will wean myself off of Zantac once I lose a little more weight and my stomach calms down. I don't know how long that will take but on other threads I heard 6 month repeated twice.
Posted 6/18/2009 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
It has been another week and a half and it is getting alot better.  I am taking probiotics pills in the morning (the stuff in yogurt but you have to eat about 10 yogurts to get it) along with two other things I picked up from the health store that promote normalcy in the digestive system.  These things along with limiting what I eat prior to bedtime have actually returned some normalcy to my stomach.  It still is not perfect but much better for now.  When I remember to do so, I will list the two other things that I am taking. 

Posted 6/18/2009 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
Simmons

Welcome to HealingWell and I am glad you are starting to feel better.

I have to be very careful of what I eat in the evenings so I think you have hit on some good methods of controling your sx.

Again a warm welcome to HW and the GERD/Heartburn Forum.

Kitt


 

Posted 6/18/2009 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Katequ,

 

How are you doing on the Zantac? Just dropping in to check on you.  :)

Kitt

Posted 6/19/2009 5:14 AM (GMT 0)
My husband has Acid Reflux that is nonspecific for (?) hydroplasia (I think that is right). I pop in here once in a while to see what is going on and to be heads up. Now that I have scared myself reading this I have a few questions.

Hubby has been taking Nexium for several years. He has tried other things but N is the only thing that works. He has a hyadal hernia. He is a regular blood donor and so is tested for low iron on a regular basis. He came up low over a year ago and then just recently was tested low again. Hubby is ALWAYS tired so I worry about his nutritional absorbtion. He sees a naturalpath and is taking digestive enzymes. GI doc recently had him start taking Nexium twice a day when his latest scope/biopsy came back non specific for the second time.

What bad effects can Nexium have?
What is Nissan surgery? No one has ever talked to him about surgery
Posted 6/23/2009 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Simmons, hows everything going with you?

Posted 6/23/2009 7:26 PM (GMT 0)

I have missed a few posts.  Busy busy. 

So, I looked at what I am taking after getting off of Prilosec.  I take probiotics, something called Super Enzymes, and Alpha Lipolic Acid.  I only take one set of these right before breakfast (which by the way I never used to eat at all - I have more meals now than I did before 'cus I am eating the right stuff)  This is acutally working pretty well.  I also - if I do have to eat later than I want to - chew one chewable Pepto Bismol before I go to bed to keep anything that might want to splash up from doing that.  Like katique, I have lost weight, exersize regularly (ALOT) and eat almost exactly the same stuff as she does.  I am a singer so I am really monitoring this and can usually tell if I am doing okay if I don't get the mucus in my throught or larynx and surrounding area and less than desireable singing voice.  So far, pretty successful.  I do from time to time have a little stomach uneasiness but things are looking up.  My biggest key to all of this is to not eat late - as everyone on this post is I am sure well in tune with.  But, that is sooooo hard to do.

Posted 6/23/2009 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Simmons, thanks for the reply.  I'm in my 19th day off of Nexium after 4mths usage.  I take probiotics and Pro DGL (3 tablets daily - 300mg).  I eat 5 small meals daily.  I'm still trying to throw the upper stomach burning.  I also burp quite frequently still...do you have the burping?  Also, any consistent stomach pain in your rebound?  I hope things continue to improve for you and thanks for your insight!
Posted 6/23/2009 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
Im also on Nexium (day 6) and I feel so much better. I was diagnosed with hiatal henia and acid reflux. I also hate taking medication and plan on taking it for only 3 months....but who knows. Im going to a nturitionist/chiropractor tomorrow to get adjusted and some nautral remedies. We need some acid in our stomach to digest food and am afraid Nexium is eating it all up. If you would like to know what the nutritionst puts me on I'll post it :)
Posted 6/24/2009 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Sunshine..I'd love to hear what the nutritionist recommends.
Posted 6/24/2009 5:13 PM (GMT 0)

Tiger,

I do have some burping from time to time.  But, I can't tell if that is from gerd or just from all the gum i chew - you know - the bubles in the stomach.  On another topic... today is not so good for me.  But, then again, I ate later last night and had some wine.  So I was a weakling.  It just solidifies more what I said about eating late in the evening.  If I don't do that I do pretty darn fine the next day.  When you throw a couple of glasses of wine on top of later evening eating, including BREAD, then it's doomsville.  Tonight I will be a good boy.

Posted 6/24/2009 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Catequ,
In my book on natural medicine, fennel is listed unfavorable as it relaxes sphincer. In Health Magazine chiropractic adjustment was listed for Acid Reflux. I may try that as I have problem to take 40mg PPI due to side effects and 20mg does not seem to do much. I am going to see specialist to diagnose at what stage of Acid Reflux I am. In the long run I do not see PPI is the answer. We have to look into sphincer solution.
Posted 6/24/2009 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
Simmons,

Glad things are going pretty well for you. How long were you on a PPI?..it seems like your having less symptoms than myself coming off. I've been off almost 3 weeks, and the stomach pain is slowly dying..I get a burning sensation at night and sometimes after eating (also in the throat). Did you experience this?
Posted 6/24/2009 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
Tiger06,
Just got back from Nutritionist.....he put me on...Bio-Zyme (digestive enzyme), Rhizinate (licorice) (DGL), and...Mastic Gum....enjoy looking them up! He also did that hiatal hernia massage...ouch! He said it's okay to take with Nexium and Librax. I also want to stop with Librax, but Im not sure if I can just stop cold turkey.
Posted 7/2/2009 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
Katequ:

It has taken me over 7 months to get over the effects of Protinix that I took for only 3 months.
The rebound effect that your feeling is the stomach acid that had been blocked for so long comming back. Weaning with another form of acid reducer is the best course for your comfort.
If Zantac is not doing it as well try Tagamet Or Pepcid they used to treat patients with Ulcers with these old school as you will medications. Excercise change your eating habits it does not all have to be bland but no heavy spices are reccomended. Most important look for the underlying cause of what is causing the acid. It could be Stress,Anxiety,Diet etc. Once you find the cause then it will be easier to get off the meds. Bear in mind the search can take a while so dont lose faith.

LittlePeanut
Posted 7/2/2009 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
Littlepeanut,

I was on Protonix for 6 weeks and Nexium for 10 weeks (total 4 months)...I still have some bad upper left abdominal pain from the rebound since I've been off (28 days). Did you experience this? Which H2 blocker would you recommend to cope? Thanks!
Posted 7/7/2009 3:49 AM (GMT 0)

   Proper food combining is the answer - everything you eat and the way you eat it affects your whole body.  Helps you get off the meds that are probably causing more problems and allows you to eat the foods you thought you couldn't!  Also, check out their new probiotic "Super Shield" from Blue Rock Hollistics.  

Good Luck,  Morning Glory Girl

********************************************

Edit: I took out your promotion of a site that sells product as this is bordering on SPAM.  I would like to believe you joined HealingWell in good faith and not to promote this program.

If you have any quesitons, please do email me.

Thank you,
Kitt

Post Edited By Moderator (stkitt) : 7/7/2009 7:25:33 AM (GMT-6)

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