PPI and wedge pillow

I have suffered from a weak valve at the bottom of my stomach for about 8 years.After a couple of years on tums and gaviscon my doc sent me to a GI and was tested for acid reflux.This is when i learned about the weak valve and i took nexium for a few years and then i was put on dexilant. I have never had any problems with these two drugs other than a slight headache the first week.They have done a good job and gave me back my life.Yet, i keep reading on this site about how bad these drugs are for our long term health.I know two people who have been taking these drugs for 12 and twenty -seven years.Both of them have never had any problems with these drugs.I read a lot on the depression blogue because i suffer from depression and it took over a year to find the right drug that work well for me.After trying five different kinds ,the drug Paxil did the job .If you ask people about Paxil ,9 out of 10 will tell you that it is rotten. Could it be that we never hear about the successes and always hear about the failures? Could it be that some people want instant healing and not give the drug a chance to work?Some people who suffer from depression take years to find the proper mix of medication. Other than an operation nothing will fix my valve except the PPI s. I am a 66 year old male in good shape because i ride my bike about 2,500 miles a year.I have never smoked in my life,and drink a glass or two of wine in a month.I eat well ( very little junk food),fruits and veggies ,olive oil,hardly no red meat and fish at least twice a week. I think my life style is pretty good.I take Dexilant 6o mg a day ,crestor 10 mg a day and Paxil 30 mg a day.I would like some of you readers to tell me how i can stop taking the PPI and not suffer .PS.I know about the DGL,Slipperey Elm,ACV,and all the rest.Thank you

Thank you Denise.When you read about the people who continue to take PPI s after the surgery it certainly makes one wonder about having it done! My Doc told me that i would be better off with taking the PPi s the rest of my life than having the surgery done.I certainly understand the people who are younger and want to take a chance with the surgery.My Doc also told me that he has many patients who have taken PPI s for 10 ,20,30,and have never had any problems.When a person sleeps with a wedge pillow do they also use a regular pillow on top of it? Take care.Michael

Hi PERFECT TIME,

My situation is very different because of my very reactive asthmatic lungs. I am not taking PPIs because I have reflux, but rather as a proactive measure, in case I have reflux. If they make the wrap/repair tight enough to ensure absolute zero reflux, food couldn't get through to the stomach. Surgeons only aim to make the wrap tight enough so people get only "normal" amounts of reflux...the type that doesn't cause problems. However, even very small amounts can cause problems for sensitive, asthmatic lungs. Better to be safe than sorry.

Prior to my surgery, no amount of PPI protected my lungs. They were in life-threatening condition, and no amount of steroid treatment made a bit of difference. Since my surgery, I have my health back. My lungs are doing great, other than my normal pollen-induced episodes. I'm thrilled with the results. The precautions my asthma doctor asks me to take are understandable. The fact that I'm asked to continue PPIs doesn't mean the surgery was unnecessary. It was a lifesaver for me.

For people with very high volume reflux (and high DeMeester scores on the pH testing), the surgery can give them their lives back, and increase the quality of those lives tremendously. Those without other sensitivities like asthma, most often never take a PPI again.

All that said, anyone who has their symptoms well-controlled by PPIs doesn't need the surgery, and shouldn't have it. While it is a life-saver many, it's not something to take lightly. It should be a last resort. Some people can't tolerate PPIs and get very bothersome side effects. Others don't get any help from them and continue to suffer with debilitating reflux. For those, the surgery is a welcome option. I would say, anyone choosing that option should do so carefully, and take time and effort to find a surgeon who has great skill and experience doing the fundoplication surgery.

As far as a wedge pillow goes...
I still sleep with the head of my bed elevated (for the same reason I'm using a PPI before dinnertime). I find that much, much more comfortable than a wedge pillow. I take the wedge pillow with me when traveling, to mimic the elevated bed. You many have one of those big, 3/4 bed length wedges, which I've never tried, but are probably more comfy. Still, I always slide off a wedge, which can actually place my stomach in a more negative/pressure causing condition.

I guess it's an individual comfort choice, but I've always slept with a pillow, even on the wedge.

Hope things continue to go well for you!
Best wishes,
Denise
PS...Here's a great document that explains how PPIs work, and how to take them properly so you get the most out of them:
www.practicalgastro.com/pdf/January07/Jan07FrankArticle.pdf