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is the ppi working?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 2/20/2010 8:22 PM (GMT 0)

I'm new to the world of ppi's and have been taking lansoprazole solutabs 30 mg for a little over 2 weeks. I'm taking those solutabs because I'm experiencing significant solid food dysphagia that has recently developed.

I'm not sure it's working but I have no experience with ppi's (this is my first time taking one). I'm still getting some of the radiating chest burning and esophageal/throat soreness after I eat, though a little bit less intense and frequent. I can't tell if I'm just feeling residual pain, acid is irritating it or something I am eating is.

1) Does this mean it's not working at all, or sufficiently and I should switch to another?

2) Should I be completely symptom free by now, or is it normal to still feel some reflux/pain even if it's working?

Doc just doubled the dose yesterday, but I'm not sure that's going to help if this med isn't effective at 30 mg. 

3) Will upping the dose help?

4) Because of my swallowing difficulty I may be limited on what I can take. What are other PPI's that someone with dysphagia can take, and how?

Post Edited (somebody) : 2/20/2010 1:42:35 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/20/2010 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
Give the new upping a chance. After two weeks if it still burns, talk to doctor about switching.


Joy
Posted 2/21/2010 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Somebody!
It does take at least 2 weeks for the full effect, and you've reached that point. Doubling your dosage will very likely help you. Many people do require higher doses to receive relief. It will take some time to find out if it works, so be patient.

Are you avoiding GERD triggers? Caffeine, peppermint , chocolate, fried or greasy foods, onions, etc...different people have different things that bother them. Goldfish crackers always triggered mine, if you can believe it. You can Google GERD triggers online.

Good luck!
Denise
Posted 2/23/2010 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
I think chocolate may be one. but I can eat so few things right now and barely get enough calories that I find myself gorging on chocolate ice cream and have eaten half the carton before I can stop myself. I have definitely been paying for it today.
I'm not sure what triggers I have, mostly because mine seemed to come in 1-2 week blocks where everything I ate would cause severe burning pain and then it would stop inexplicably and remain symptomless for years.
thanks for the advice though, I'll look into it further.
Posted 2/23/2010 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck with your search. Have you tried raising the head of your bed? You can use risers (you can buy at many stores, including Bed Bath and Beyond, or medical equipment stores (more expensive there, so try to find them elsewhere). That can help you relive some of the burning in your espohagus. Drink plenty of water. Eat smaller meals more often, and chew carefully.

It's no fun to have GERD, but there are many members here who have experienced what you're going through. Stick around for support. People here are happy to share their experiences with you.

Hang in there!
Denise
Posted 2/23/2010 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
Somebody
Please search this forum for my old posts on food allergies/intolerances. Start keeping a food log to see if you can identify your food triggers. All the foods Denise posted, except caffeine (although things with caffeine are included), and especially your chocolate ice cream, contain sulfites - which happens to be my trigger. It takes a few weeks to work out the foods, then do "challenge testing." A GI doc isn't going to be very knowledgable in this, but a really good allergist is, and that's where I got help.
You don't want surgery except as a last resort, so do what Denise has posted.
Posted 2/23/2010 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
well I'm having substantial solid food dysphagia (can only get down mush and liquid) at the moment and have an endoscopy scheduled for the middle of next week and the doc said he wants to dilate if necessary.
is endoscopy/dilation considered surgery?
Posted 2/23/2010 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
No, that's definitely not surgery. I'm a teacher, and my principal had that type of swallowing problem as a result of GERD. She had the dilation, and it solved her problem. The endoscopy will see if you have any reflux effects on the delicate tissue in your esophagus. I believe they may also be able to see if you have a hiatal hernia as well. They can check out your stomach as well, to see what's going on there.
It's a great first step in your search for answers.
Hopefully your GI doc will be able to explain the reasons for what you're experiencing after the test.
Best wishes!
Denise
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