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Starting my adventure to give up Nexium after 10 years..

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Posted 5/9/2012 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
You're welcome. I always wonder what my hormones are doing to "help" too . . .

Did you have your hormone levels checked and thyroid checked? I know your hair loss was a side effect, but sometimes a drug can exaggerate something else that is going on. Anaemia can also cause hair loss - and PPIs can inhibit iron absorption - so always a possibility that there was a mixture of things going on. Food for thought.

Maybe you could chat to your GP/PCP about higher doses of Zantac - I'm having to do the same thing as my PPI is giving me some unwanted serious side effects right now!

MMM
Posted 5/10/2012 10:18 AM (GMT 0)
MMM: morning, my GP won't check my hormone levels since she said it's not reliable. I had my thyroid check and my blood work showed my iron level is within normal range. My throat is not bad right now but I can feel something is there. I did go back to my GP a few times regarding this and she kept giving me more PPIs. I will ask her about Zantac. Thanks again.
Posted 5/21/2012 4:01 AM (GMT 0)
I have found that--at least for me--onions are really bad for reflux, but I can eat some tomatoes in pastas.
Posted 5/21/2012 9:09 AM (GMT 0)
Vivian - which hormone tests did they consider not reliable?!

MMM
Posted 5/21/2012 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi MMM: I didn't ask for the name of the test. Since I still have my period, she said the test(I think the blood test) is not conclusive. I have been fairly healthy all through my life until 1 1/2 years ago with all kinds of symptoms: vertigo, anxiety and right after I was so stressed out with my dizziness I started the bloating, indigestion up until now.
I started the PPIs again almost 2 weeks now cause I don't like that lump feeling in my throat. My throat does get better and I will try to get off them again. How are you doing?
Posted 5/21/2012 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I guess she means the test may not be conclusive about being menopausal then? I don't have any particular menopausal signs as yet. GERD wise I'm struggling as having to withdraw the ppi due to some nasty side effects - gonna have to live on Zantac and a no-fun diet!

MMM
Posted 5/26/2012 7:20 PM (GMT 0)

Adam77 said...
He said to keep taking Nexium and gastritis will clear up on its own. My physician had suspected that I have gastritis, and he had suggested to take Nexium twice a day till the pain went away before I saw my GI.


IF your not feeling bad I would be concerned about going to twice a day on the Nexium. For me , I noticed I became more dependent on the double dose. I now take the 30mg lansoprozole once daily and am doing ok. I hope to get back to the 20mg dose. I have found eating an apple helps quite a bit. Canned peaches seem to be soothing too. Don't know why the apples help whether they absorb or somehow form a barrier stopping the acid entering the esophagus. This is just my opinion and you may want to take in the opinions of others before adjusting your dose. Good luck!
Posted 5/29/2012 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
I am just starting the process of getting off Nexium.  My strange story: diagnosed with GERD and Barrett's about 15 years ago.  Have had endoscopies every other year since, with same result UNTIL last time I decided to see another gastro-enterologist (second opinion).  He found some mild gastritis, but no Barrett's or evidence there ever was Barrett's.  Thought I probably had GERD because of my scratchy throat.  Then I saw an advert for a seminar on a new procedure to cure GERD, called the TIF.  Don't ask me to tell you what the initials mean.  The surgeon I went to had me do another endoscopy and confirmed no Barrett's, mild gastritis.  The my seasonal job came around and I wasn't able to do anything medical for a while.  Job ended, surgeon wanted me to do a couple more tests - the gastric emptying test (I passed with flying colors) and an upper GI with barium and some other contrast material.  Well, guess what?  The upper GI shows no sign of GERD, no sign of hiatal hernia (did I forget to mention that everybody said I had one?) and no sign of gastritis.  What the heck do I do next??  (Seeing my PCP tomorrow.)  ANYWAY, I'm having a terrible time stopping Nexium, so will try some of your suggestions from here.  I tried Zantac at first, but it gave me terrible gas - painful gas.  I will be shopping tomorrow for some DGL and will ask the doc to prescribe some 10 mg capsules of Nexium so I can step down more gradually as the cold turkey method isn't cutting it for me.  I think it's a crime that doctors can do test after test (probably they are being trained on what they "should" find by the makers of Nexium) without doing a more definitive one before sentencing a person to a drug that's so hard to stop!
Posted 5/29/2012 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
kiki-star,

Welcome to the forum.  I am sorry to read of your issues  however, IMHO, I don't really believe in conspiracy theories re our Physicians and the company that manufactures Nexium.  I know you are probably speaking out of frustration.  I understand frustration connected to our health issues extremely well. 

It is always a good idea to take the time to introduce yourself in a new thread. This is done by clicking on the 'new topic' button which will open a new thread for you to post your introduction. This will help members see your first post.  We love new members so I hope you stick with us.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 5/29/2012 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
It truly can be difficult to get off a ppi but I'm glad I was willing to endure worse symptoms in order to get better. I lost a lot of my hair while on ppis for nine months, but now 3 months later it is noticeably growing back.
Posted 6/9/2012 4:19 PM (GMT 0)

HI Everyone!

I am a new member and wanted to add my thoughts about getting off Nexium. I was diagnosed with a small hiatal hernia and gastritis years ago.I too have taken the little purple pill ( 40MG) for about 15 years. I want to get off of this drug because I hear that Nexium depletes Magnesium levels, decreases stomach acid required to break down foods to get nutrients, and can lead to osteoperosis.

Also, I never had anxiety or depression until I was on Nexium for about 5 years. I then started to experience panic attacks and was put on everything from Prozac to Xanax or sometimes both. Since Magnesium is what the body uses to keep calm- I believe the Nexium decreased its levels and brought on the attacks.

I have been taking a Magnesium supplement for about 2 months and the anxiety, restlessness, and depression has gone away. I weaned off the Xanax and do not have these attacks anymore. Now its time to get off the Nexium.

I noticed that STRESS often brings on the reflux. Foods do certainly matter but stress seems to be the key. I have been exercising more and trying to not get stressed. Despite Nexium I would still have really bad GERD when I was really stressed out. I have changed jobs to a less stressful one and haven't had an attack in over a year.

I found also eating 3 square meals a day and not just pounding coffee in the morning helps. I also gave up high fat foods, eat fiber rich cereal, and cut down on dairy and RED meat. I also have given up soda and drink tons of water every day. These dietary things have helped me greatly. Weight loss is also key. Vinegar (ACV) works  sometimes but I don't think its a "MIRACLE" cure as touted on the internet.

I am now weaning off Nexium- I take one every OTHER day and so far so good. I have been doing this for 2 weeks. I then will try every third day in another 2 weeks.

Next I will switch to a lower dosage of an over the counter PPI (20MG). Eventually I think I will be able to get by without anything.

I'll let you know how it goes...

Posted 6/9/2012 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
I had a hard time getting off the PPI's, much worse symptoms in spite of tapering and incorporating other strategies. Now I take Zantec 150 mg 2x/day, and I feel better than I did on the PPI's. I have also included a lot of lifestyle changes, including the Koufman diet.
Posted 7/16/2012 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone.

I really appreciate this thread and is glad you are all having some success and finding some type of cure to slowly wean off Nexium.

Here is my story and I hope you guys can give some input:

I am 24 years of age, female.
I was diagnosed with H.Pylori last year in October. Got first line treatment Amoxicillin &  Claromycin & PriLosec Got 2nd line treatment for it and had Flagyl & Amoxicllin plus Nexium.  (didn't get tested if H.Pylori is gone yet)

Losec is the only one that has worked for me so far and I was taking 20MG two times daily once before breakfast and once before dinner.

2 months ago I was on Nexium and I have had worse chest pain, phlegm in throat, heart burn,bloated stomach, loose stools, gastritis, throbbing throat spasms, chest spasms,

 Trigger foods are acidic fruits, greasy meats, high carbs and sugary foods.

I've cut completely off of all caffeine, acidic foods, greasy, pastries and sugary foods

I take Manuka Honey, Acidophilus (Probiotics) and Benefibre for natural supplements.

I just feel as if the Nexium had made things worse. I was taking 40MG 2 times a day and the pain is always still there.

Could it be that I have low acid?
Could it be that the Nexium is making things worse?
I have to wean off of this slowly as PPI's have not worked for me at all, except the Prilosec for about a month.
What do you guys suggest?
In the past 3 days I"ve been taking 40Mg once a day only in the morning..
I think I might take it two times a day now once morning, once at lunch and maybe Zantac highest dose before dinner?

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks for the Koufman diet  you mentioned sunbeam I think I'm going to follow this. From what I have read, low carbs, high fibre, lots of protein will help for diets.
Posted 7/17/2012 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Syrupgirl,

careful with high fibre, fibre should be taken moderately, not too low not too high! high fibre could cause lower abdomen problem!

as for weaning off Nexium, you can try.
40mg before morning, 40mg before dinner ->
40mg before morning, Zantac 150mg before bedtime ->
40mg before morning, Zantac 150mg as needed ->
20mg before morning, Zantac 150mg as needed ->
Zantac 150mg as needed ->
Stop

Each step takes about 1 week. Go up if you feel worse in that one week. Zantac works superb for night-time reflux if you take it before bedtime.

The key is dietary control, stress control and the use of natural supplements. Basically lifestyle modification with discipline.

Did you have reflux before the H Pylori test? Have you seen a doc to check the reflux (besides H Pylori eradication)?

Post Edited (WJF) : 7/17/2012 8:06:10 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/17/2012 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi WJF,

Thank you so much for your reply.  I have had no Acid Reflux before diagnosed with the H.Pylori. Ever since I finished the 1st treatment of Antibiotics with Prilosec I've had gastritis, heartburn, gnawing stomach pain once in awhile.
I havn't tested to see if H.Pylori is gone yet.  And my acid reflux is never been diagnosed with tests. The Barium Xray shows Nothing ( I was on Nexium prior to this test) And the Ultrasounds show nothing.  The endoscopy was said to be normal. I am confused to why I get this acid reflux type symptoms then!  It's so frustrating.

I am eating very bland. Lots of dark green veggies, only chicken and lean fish. Rice & potatoes, oatmeal, rice cakes.

I am going to see a Naturopath and a Nutritionist and work on eating better and maybe take some supplements.

For natural remedies I currently take: Acidophilus, (going to try Licorice Root Tea)

Questions:

Did you try this method of taking the PPI's slowly to wean off or did your Doctor recommend this?

I have pain still sharp , burning in throat, a bit of phlegm and occasional bloating and gastritis at the moment, should I wean off slower?

Do you suspect that because I have the symptoms after I started taking PPI's that I have screwed up my stomach acid and therefore making my Esophagus Sphincter too loose now, creating the acid reflux?  Possibly too little acid now?


Yes I have been trying to do little exercise, help with stress and eating very healthy.

I already started on 40 MG and 150g Zantac before dinner.  The pain is getting a little worse right now for a few days the chest pain is a little more dull, stomach seems to be fine, some gastritis and bloating in intestines a bit. I hope to God this pain starts to get better. Should I stop and wait till the symptoms go away? Or should I continue with taking less dosage and deal with the pain & symptoms? 
Thank you so much for your reply!

Post Edited (Syrupgirl) : 7/17/2012 11:05:50 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/18/2012 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
Yours is a case of GERD triggered by PPI usage. In my opinion, PPI comes with risk as it is a strong acid-suppresant drug that can tilt the acid-alkaline balance significantly. Yet doctors are quick to subscribe it even though lesser forms of acid-suppresant are available and may be more appropriate for some situations.

As for your question, I came out with this weaning method after failing to stop Nexium / PPI cold-turkey. My doctor did not believe in acid rebound. Despite me mentioning a research article in medical journal, he vehemently denied his meds have had anything to do with my trouble. Do tell your doctor you started to have problems after taking PPI. If the doc is the type that sincerely and proactively helps his patients, that will be good for you.

I am no doctor. I don't know as to what exactly caused your stomach to act up. The key now is to treat it well help it recover.

Allow yourself some time (preferably one week or more) to adapt to a new dosage, so that you can gauge is it better or worse? You should feel comfortable (no pain that lasts for hours) before reducing further.
Posted 7/18/2012 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
I tapered very carefully off my ppi, but still had a lot of discomfort for about 6 weeks. I'm glad I hung in there and endured, I feel much better now than when I was on the ppi. I eat carefully and take 150 Mg zantec twice daily. If I had waited until I felt good before reducing further, I would have never gotten off the ppi.
Posted 7/18/2012 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sunbeam 48 and WJF,

Thank you for your input. I think PPI's definitely have screwed up my digestive system and made things worse. I never had these symptoms before at all. My dad was mentioning to me about DGL Licorice and the fact that the low acidity (From the PPI's) are causing gastritis and pushing the valve (LES) loose and therefore the acid reflux. I am going to try the DGL and slowly wean off Nexium and hope for the best. Also I will be eating very well. It takes forever in Canada to see a Specialist hence why I went to look for my own answers.

Do you both take any other supplements or vitamins?
I am thinking of taking B-Vitamin Complex or Digestive Enzymes..

I will update you guys soon.

Again thanks for your support!
Posted 7/18/2012 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi - I am in the same boat as you. I went to my PCP last year (August 2011) and was prescribed Dexilant for stomach pains. I had no heartburn, went to GI, etc. given Nexium. I tried to go cold turkey, got acid reflux all the way to the throat. Earlier this year I started to wean myself off, stayed 1 month without PPI, just took Zantac, got heartburn for the very first time, I quickly ran back to PPI.

Now, I am on PPI since April and am going to try to get myself off. I visit my PCP tomorrow and will see if I should get a barium swallow test.

They could have prescribed me like zantac initially but these guys just went straight to the PPI which have no caused me GERD symptoms.

I'm frustrated myself and not sure what to do.

Syrupgirl said...
Hi Sunbeam 48 and WJF,

Thank you for your input. I think PPI's definitely have screwed up my digestive system and made things worse. I never had these symptoms before at all. My dad was mentioning to me about DGL Licorice and the fact that the low acidity (From the PPI's) are causing gastritis and pushing the valve (LES) loose and therefore the acid reflux. I am going to try the DGL and slowly wean off Nexium and hope for the best. Also I will be eating very well. It takes forever in Canada to see a Specialist hence why I went to look for my own answers.

Do you both take any other supplements or vitamins?
I am thinking of taking B-Vitamin Complex or Digestive Enzymes..

I will update you guys soon.

Again thanks for your support!

Posted 7/18/2012 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Joogle,

Please do the tests , plus read on how to relieve GERD symptoms.

1. Barium XRAY can be false-positive because if you are on PPI's it won't show up that you have acid reflux. But do it because it shows if you have hiatal hernia or other issues.

2. Do an Endoscopy and scope out if it's Barett's Esophagus you have, ulcers, esophagitis or polyps etc..

3. I think the PH Test for Stomach Acid is best (because some people have too little acid)

4. Maybe consider trying the DGL Licorice, 20 minutes before all 3 meals because on the posts around here, it's working for al ot of people.

5. Find out if you have food Allergies: Dairy, Lactose, Gluten?

6. I believe that these withdrawal symptoms of throat/esophagus pain can be relieved by Aloe Vera juice, Slippery Elm , or take lower doses of the PPI and wean yourself off slowly.

7. See a nutritionist for food diets and eat Alkaline Foods.

8.  Digestive enzymes maybe you aren't digesting foods properly and getting gas , therefore pushing the acid up. THe PPI's don't help because they supress the acid and that doesn't stimulate your lower esophageal sphincter to close supposedly, I don't know if this is true exactly.

I went off Nexium completely cold turkey and it's Day 1, so far just spasms in throat, and feel pressure like a lump in the back of the throat and itchy throat.  I can stand this pain, so I am going to continue. 

Good luck and I hope this helps you. Basically it's all about changing the way you eat, do tests,live with less stress and relax, go through trials and take LESS drugs.

Posted 7/19/2012 2:17 PM (GMT 0)

Syrupgirl said...

Do you both take any other supplements or vitamins?
I am thinking of taking B-Vitamin Complex or Digestive Enzymes..

:-)
you may be confused as to which is helping you out if you take them all at the same time.
Posted 7/19/2012 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
I went to my PCP today, I explained to him the situation from last August, he even asked me why i went to a second GI, I told him for a second opinion.

He understood when i told him i experienced heartburn when i stopped ppis, though i never had heartburn before. it seems he wants to determine the cause of the acid or excessive acid secretion.

he then asked me where i get pain, i said in the middle of my chest, he said does it hurt when he presses it, he went further up the chest i said yeah little discomfort.

he then told me, that this is inflammation and achiphex won't resolve that problem. i told him i had no pain in the stomach for which i had visited him last time

he wants me to try Duexis, he gave me samples, it contains Ibuprofen and famotidine. he said to take it for a little while and see how i feel. take two tablets, one in the morning and one at night.

now i can't remember if he said take it before eating, i think he did, but i just took one right now 30 minutes before eating to keep the same regiment as i was with aciphex, though i stopped aciphex as he said.

he also said he's going to write me a prescription for another HIDA scan and barium swallow. he wants to check if there is a hiatal hernia. As the endoscopy/biopsy results from last August were fine.

let's hope for the best. he said he had another patient a week ago with same issues and he even had his gall bladder taken out, but he still had symptoms, he gave him Duexis to try for 3 weeks and it improved him drastically.

he said to take it for as needs basis but right now wants me to give it a try for a couple of days it seems.

has anyone ever taken this med? it seems to be prescribed for like arthiritis, etc.
Posted 7/19/2012 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
JOogle,

Just to let you know a few things:

1. I have never taken Duexis, however if it has ibuprofen in it, that is super hard on the stomach which is bad. ( I would wait for the tests to come back first)

2. Do  you have an alkaline,low carb, low fat diet (with some fibre) ?

3. Please consider seeing a Naturopath and see what they say.

Most doctors just prescribe medicine to try and hide the symptoms away, sometimes the side effects are worse as you can see from Aciphex..

I am going to try and let me immune system fight this heartburn off and just take natural remedies like I said above and make sure you do exercise if you can!

 What other symptoms do you have in detail like after you eat, and before you eat, any gas, do you have reflux from the acid coming out into your mouth? Any bitter taste? Does it matter whatever you eat?

Good luck and I hope you recover soon.
Posted 7/19/2012 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
I took one tablet this afternoon, i feel pretty good, not sure if its the ibuprofen or the famotidine in effect.

Each Tablet contains 800 mg ibuprofen and 26.6 mg famotidine

From his perspective when he touched my chest and pressed, he said if your having pain that's inflammation that this should bring it down.

But still he said you can try this but i'm skeptical, he had one patient who took it for 3 weeks and worked wonders for them with same type of symptoms.

in regards to test, i will schedule them in a month, right now i'm fasting for a while, will have the barium then and hida as well. My HIDA scan last year was fine, but he said still to get it checked, when feeling my stomach below my chestplates, he said i may have a hernia.

i may have one of my wifes friend prescribe the famotidine only as it seems more potent and helpful to me at this time. i'll stop the achiphex today and see.
Posted 7/19/2012 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

I have a caffeine free and almost citrus free diet.

I actually have a thread here on Naturopath, i do plan on seeing one later down the road.

I was taking DGL when i initially tried to get off the drug and it worked real well.

I feel no reflux coming up or any regurgitation of food.

I am not gassy, i do belch, i sometimes get this pain even when not eating.



Syrupgirl said...
JOogle,

Just to let you know a few things:

1. I have never taken Duexis, however if it has ibuprofen in it, that is super hard on the stomach which is bad. ( I would wait for the tests to come back first)

2. Do you have an alkaline,low carb, low fat diet (with some fibre) ?

3. Please consider seeing a Naturopath and see what they say.

Most doctors just prescribe medicine to try and hide the symptoms away, sometimes the side effects are worse as you can see from Aciphex..

I am going to try and let me immune system fight this heartburn off and just take natural remedies like I said above and make sure you do exercise if you can!

What other symptoms do you have in detail like after you eat, and before you eat, any gas, do you have reflux from the acid coming out into your mouth? Any bitter taste? Does it matter whatever you eat?

Good luck and I hope you recover soon.

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