Developing acid reflux while using PPI's

So back in the summer of 2014 I developed gastritis and was prescribed 40mg protonix that August. It seemed to work but would I would have breakthrough symptoms quite often even with good diet and regular exercise.

This past January, it seemed like it stopped working and was getting intense stomach pain and tightness in my neck. I switched to 60mg Dexilant as prescribed by my gastroenterologist. about mid to late March, I noticed it really started to work and I enjoyed from then on a quality of life I had not enjoyed since pre-gastritis. I was still careful in what I ate but did lax the rules some.

about 3 weeks ago, I started getting heartburn near my chest but it was mild. I had experienced it before on protonix but not once on dexilant, I went back to my safe diet but it continued to get worse with a lot of classic signs of acid reflux as well as unbelievable ear pain. Out of desperation, I tried 40mg of protonix this past Monday and I have noticed my ear pain has gone down significantly but it is still there along with the burning that comes and goes through the day. Bananas seem to put out the fire.

I am confused. Has anyone developed significant reflux on a PPI? Did Dexilant just stop working?

I have been under a lot of stress lately as my company is getting outsourced and now have the work responsibilities of 3 people.

I am going to see my GI doctor next Thursday for some possible answers, not expecting much.

Tree, it's good that you are going back to your doctor. I haven't read all your comments, but two things come to mind as I read this. How many a day are you taking?

Are you taking the PPI according to a very timed schedule in reference to the food you are consuming. That is most important. Took us a while to learn this as the doc didn't instruct on this matter. It made a difference.

Also, are you taking a night dose of an H2. Many do find that helpful. And how about what you are eating. One cannot eat anything just because you take PPI. Soft, no fried , no carbonated drinks, no alcohol,no tomato etc. coffee. This avoidance will help the body heal which is what you need. Then when healing takes place , you can titrate PPI down very slowly to avoid rebound , with doc instructions.

Let us know how you do, wish you well soon. Pat