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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 1/27/2013 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
I've been reading back through the posts, trying to come up with something to reassure myself about coming off my PPI.

I'm on 40mg Losec - omeprazole.  Was put on it 6 months ago as a result of having pneumonia, many many anti-biotics - causing gastritis.  My throat was terrible - felt like something was stuck in it.

Anyway - my throat healed, then I unfortunately had to have more anti-biotics just as I was weaning off.  Result - back to square one.  Back on them at 40mg for Christmas.  Healed again... 

10 days ago I started weaning off.  10mg drop at a time.  After two days at 30mg the nausea kicked in, and the bloated acidy stomach.  Then the reflux up my throat.  Have felt pretty awful for over a week.  Starting to get some appetite back, but now I can feel my throat starting again.

Being extra careful with what I eat.  Taking Gaviscon after meals, and chewing an antacid when I need it.

I'm back to the Dr in two days time...but I'm not really sure what to say.  I guess I'm hoping he won't tell me to go back on the 40mg again. 

I'm wondering if I should wait to drop again until my throat and stomach comes right.  Or am I going to get this sick with each drop anyway - so should just stop them quicker and get it over and done with.

Sorry for the ramblings.  I'm just so over feeling awful.  I know a lot of people have trouble getting off PPIs...I'm just looking for some comfort that it is possible I guess.

My mother has been on this for 19 years - and can't get off...

Posted 1/28/2013 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
Shelley,

instead of getting off PPIs, you should probably have some tests like Endoscopy and barrium swollow to see what's going on - I am not sure if you had any tests. I used to take PPIs and would get no results - endoscopy would show mild gastritis - barrium swollow showed non functioning LES so no matter what I eat and how many PPIs I took, I still had reflux. I had surgery eventually but you don't look at this stage as of now.
Posted 1/28/2013 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
I had an endoscopy which showed mild gastritis - they termed it chemical gastritis.

Before all the anti-biotics I had no indigestion, no reflux at all.
Posted 1/28/2013 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
Correct me if I am wrong, but aspirating the acid into you lungs can cause pneumonia. I would think if this is why you had pneumonia to start with that your docs would respond better. You have to be your own advocate with the doctors. Question, question and question some more. Let them know you are a person, not just another patient. Ask what they would want if they had the same symptoms.
Posted 1/28/2013 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
The pneumonia was unrelated to reflux. I ended up with bacterial pneumonia after battling with a cold for weeks. The gastritis, reflux and throat issues were as a direct result of a horrible cocktail of anti-biotics given to me in hospital.
Posted 1/28/2013 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
Did you ever try different PPI's? Gastritis will heal but takes long time - are you stressed? Stress causes reflux as well and nervous stomach. Sumner is right, ask a lot of questions and if your doctor doesn't provide you the answers, find another one.
Posted 1/28/2013 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
You could try the Fast Tract diet. It has helped me stay off acid reducing meds. There is a thread here with more details. Eating small meals is also very important. Rebound can last up to 8 weeks.
Posted 1/28/2013 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't tried other PPIs. The omeprazole did work for me, and it's taken a few months, but my throat, etc did heal. It's just the awful rebound trying to get off it. I completely understand now why people end up on it for life.

8 weeks...wow. I had no idea that long. I'm guessing I should stay on 30mg until the reflux and throat issues disappear again (fingers crossed they actually do!), then drop to 20mg. This rate it could take months...

I'm going to buy the Fast Tract book today - hopefully it will help me.

I'm definitely only eating very small meals. I find it's kind of like when I had bad morning sickness years ago...I had to graze and never have an empty stomach. Looking through the various list on the web of what is/isn't ok to eat for reflux is just so confusing. One list will say ok, then the next not.
Posted 1/28/2013 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
The diet that works for me is a low fat, low acid, gluten free diet. Dr. Kaufman's "Dropping Acid" can help identify low PH foods, but she is not gluten free. Gluten is hard to digest thus needing more acid to digest it leading to more acid being refluxed. I also limit my dairy intake (I can tolerate a small amount of paramacan cheese because it is not fattening in moderation). I eat mostly lean protein like chicken, turkey and lean beef, non acidic veggies like broccoli, edamame, peas, carrots, lettuce, non acidic fruits like melons, red delicious apples, bananas, and the grains I eat are brown rice and anything made from that (pasta, breads pretzels). I also eat red potatoes, soy ice cream, and some gluten free baked goods that are low in fat. I drink evamore alkaline water and use some natrual remedies (papaya enzymes, Kale suppliment, magnesium, chewing gum). I am still on Nexium 40 mg but my goal is to over time, ween off of the medication if I can. I expect this will take some time and I have accpeted that.
Posted 1/28/2013 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
I followed the Koufman diet for over a year. It was developed for people with LPR, and I believe does not properly address digestive issues. Fast Tract is all about digestion, and I also find it an tastier, easier diet to follow.
Posted 1/29/2013 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
Well. Just back from my Dr. He wants me to go back on 40mg for 3 days, adding in domperidone/motilium three times a day. Then drop to 30 again while still taking the domperidone.

My throat is still burnt today, and have the tight feeling in my chest. He was very surprised that I had such a bad time by only dropping 10mg...

Feel very low today.
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