Omeprazole rebound questions

Hey everyone,

I'm new to the forums but I need some advice from people that have felt the same way as I do. about 3 months ago I was prescribed 150 mg ranitidine twice a day for bloating, chest pains, and some difficulty eating. That didn't help well enough so my doctor suggested 20 mg omeprazole once a day and 150 ranitidine once a day. Two months passed, and my situation changed a bit. I didn't feel bloating or chest pains nearly as much, but i would usually feel a lump in my throat. about a week ago i stopped taking the omeprazole, mostly because i forgot one day but also because i felt better and i want to be done with this disease. I still take the ranitidine at night. Sometime during the summer the doctor suggested i get a chest xray (all normal) and a barium swallow, which showed my upper stomach sphincter was inflamed and irritated. He said it was duodenitis but i thought that was the lower sphincter....Im no doctor though

My reflux and heartburn were very noticeable the first couple of days. Some meals my whole chest would burn, but i expected it. My aunt had said that most people rebound coming off of ppi's and that results in a few days of serious heartburn. I read elsewhere that some people rebound for months, but I'm guessing thats after very long term use. Now, two weeks after i stopped the ppi, I get occasional bloating and theres a lump in my throat usually. Its mostly after I eat, but sometimes its when Im very hungry too. No surprises there. Im not overweight, im only 20 years old, and Im not stressed about it. I would like to get back to enjoying my college years though so I am hoping for a game plan here. I guess it is important to note that the ranitidine does give some relief, and in the morning i can wake up feeling great.

So, my questions:
1. Am i feeling rebound, or are these still prevalent symptoms?
2. Should i go back on the omeprazole and if so how do i know when to stop?
3. Can anyone shed some light on my stomachs condition? Im guessing stress and acid irritated the LES so now i have reflux but when and how can i get rid of that inflammation?

Thanks in advance. Ill answer any questions you have for me to the best of my ability.

Hi Bill,

I do not have problems at night or in the morning so I havnt raised my pillow up recently. What medicines could I talk to my doctor about? Right now I am at school so I can't see my usual doctor let alone a gi specialist. But next time I go home I'll bring it up.

dcunitedfan789

It all depends on how bad your symptoms are and if you can put a finger on a certain trigger food. everyone is different and not one type of treatment works for everyone.

If omeprazole works for you try it again. The OTC does say to only use it for 2 weeks, but doctors have people on them for months and years. Myself I found that pepsid and chewable antacids worked fairly well until things got really bad with my LES.

Take care,
Bill