How many Nexium tablets do you take?

Hi, I'm new to this forum but I'm a member of the Crohn's forum. I have been a Crohnie for 5 years now and a GERD patient for 13 years. I have NERD (non-erosive reflux) along with gastritis. My doc told me that I should take 80 mg of Nexuim to combat the reflux. I have been on this dose for more than 4 years now. Really, I am relieved. Sometimes, I have to take Nexuim iv or increase Nexium to 120 mg for just 3 days if my stomach flares up. However, I read that taking only 40 mg Nexium for a year can cause osteoperosis, hip and backbone fracture. What about 4 years? Of course, throughout these years, I have taken all forms and types of antacids, ppi and anti-vomiting meds and injections.

Btw, my food is very limited and I don't eat stomach-irritating foods except for tea but this has been for years and I got used to it (I can't get rid of caffeine).

As I mentioned, being a Crohnie, I have to to take a list of meds that irritate any healthy stomach: pred, entocort, methotrxate and pentasa. May be a lot of you are not familiar with these meds but all of them cause stomach upset, nausea and vomiting.

I also suffer from anal and rectal problems (due to Crohn's) and have to see a surgeon. In my last visit, he warned me against the excessive dose of Nexium and repimiapide (an anti-ulcer drug), and said that he is going to talk to my GI to reduce the dose. Honestly, I don't want ,I feel comfortable like that and can't get off it.

Does anybody take this dose? Have you been warned against Nexuim by your doc?

Your answers are highly appreciated.

Sorry to hear about all your health problems and I hope your doctors can guide you towards a primarily medication free solution. As a user of 1 x 40mg Nexium for 7 years, I developed significant joint pain in the last 12 months (shoulders, hips, elbows, knees)...I'm only 41 and in good shape otherwise. Doctors tried putting me on 2 x 40mg Nexium daily; however I did not see any benefits with my reflux, so I remained with 1 x 40mg.

I saw a rheumatologist (sp?) who ran all the marker tests for rheumatoid arthritis and they came up negative, so I really don't know what to think. The reason I had Nissen surgery last week was to go off Nexium entirely since I've read too many negatives on its long term use (been battling anemia for iron deficiency in the last year and I eat plenty of meats), so take it for what it's worth, but I believe it's a nasty drug and should only be used short term.

It's natural for the stomach to have to secrete acid to break down food and help us absorb all the nutrients we need, so it's totally unnatural to suppress that acid too...albeit the reflux can be damaging as well, so you're left choosing between the lesser of 2 evils, unfortunately.

My GI still claims Nexium is safe and would've left me on it for life had I not sought a 2nd opinion.

Always look for options by pushing your doc or looking for 2nd opinions...wish you all the best.

MM, Badbrewin and Sk55,
Thank you all very much. Well, my problem is that is too difficult for me to get out of this drug. I need it to combat all stomach side effects caused by my inevitable Crohn's drugs.
MM, I think it's a good idea to test for bones osteoporosis. I'll ask my doc about it next time.
Take care!

Minnietoti, as I understand it you have a drug induced GERD, so your options are always going to be limited. Do ask for osteoporosis screening so you can find out just where you're at with it. If surgery would spare you some of the acid reflux symptoms and side effects then it may be a viable option, but you would have to discuss that with your specialists. Have you tried any special diets for Crohn's - grain free or specific carbohydrate??

You do say your GERD predates your Crohn's, so is it possible something is driving your GERD independent of the Crohn's drugs? I take it obvious things like coeliac disease got ruled out??

MMM

Sunbeam, Adam 77 and MMM, thank you very much.
MMM, well, I tested negative for celiac disease. I prefer to stay away from any surgeries. It could be that my gastritis is Crohn's related (though I was never told) but Crohn's can strike any where from mouth to anus.
Take care!