Protonix

Hey all. Try to gain some more knowledge. So I was put on Protonix (40 mg) 17 days ago. They weren't sure what I had. No tests showed anything like ulcers, GERD damage, etc. My pain occurs during day and not at night. It came on suddenly and started in weight room lifting (upper abdomin). It took about 5 days after the weight room before I showed any signs of digestive issues (full after just a few bites, abdomin and back pain, excessive gas, a little reflux).

The Protonix seemed to settle some of it down but I still have daily abdomin and back pain. Gas issues better. Was able to eat and not feel full. However other side effects have hit (leg fatigue, joint pain, shakes, insomnia at time).

Doc wants me to stay on it for another 2-4 weeks. I Forgot to take my medicine in Monday. Had my best day in the last few weeks. Wasn't oerfect but it was better. Slept great on Monday night. I did drink chamomile tea with honey and ginger that night bc had throat soreness.

Tuesday I took my meds (that's actuLly when I realized I hadn't done it Monday). Around 10 am I started feeling the smoldering gut feeling. I ate lunch fine. It subsided for a few hours at that time but came back and pretty much stayed with me the next 10 hours until I went to bed. Back pain. Abdomin pain. Slow fire.

Based on everything I read I want to get off of Protonix, especially with the side effects. Do we think it's a coincidence I had a pretty good day the one day I forgot the meds? Or did that trigger the issues the next day?

I feel like I want to get off of the med before I get too addicted to it. I haven't seen a GI specialist yet (May 28). Saw the doc that did the scope Monday and he wanted me to stay on med for next two weeks "while it continues to heal me". I'm not sure that's the case.

Any advice? How do I get off? Can I start trying ACV while I'm getting off of it. I'm very confused.

Thanks Sharon. I appreciate the feedback. I spoke to another friend of mine that is a GP today and told him the story. He is first one to mention LPR and the upper abdominal pain from the weight room being the creation of the small hiatal hernia. He mentioned doing a barium swallow test next week when I get back from my trip.

He also told me to up my Protonix dosage to 2x a day for 10 days. He said sometimes that helps with LPR. He was doubtful the med was causing some of my symptoms and said he wants me to come see him so he can address some of my other symptoms. He seems to think I have multiple things going on.

How did your hiatal hernia surgery go? I keep reading stories that scare me. I realize most of the time of surgery goes well most people go on with their life and don't post online. Just curious. Thanks.

I'm glad yours went well. That's awesome. The doctor i spoke to today (who i really trust) said he believes based off of my symptoms, etc. that my issues my resolve themselves over the next few weeks although he wants to be active in trying to determine what ultimately is going on. I hope he is right. I love lifting weights. It's my therapy; my stress reliever. I really don't want surgery because i know that will make lifting weights more of a concern. We will see.

Thanks Denise. Very helpful info. I was not told about how to take the medication. Today was the first day i did it right. Unbelievable.

I really think my issues were triggered by the weight room. I've noticed that even when i don't eat, I will develop back and abdomen discomfort from standing too long, or sitting. The ONLY time i am for sure NOT going to hurt is when i lie down. No issues at all then.

Again, mine is a weird case. Thanks again.