How long on PPIs before taking other action ?

Crazycatlady803

New Member

Joined : Mar 2016

Posts : 1

Posted 3/25/2016 10:10 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone

First time posting

I have been having abdominal pain for several months now. I was diagnosed with GERD and damage to my esophagus with an endoscopy several weeks ago. I was already on a low dose of omnipreznole(Spelling) as the dr suspected something of the sort. After this diagnosis I started taking a higher mg of omnipreznole for about a week as well as nexium at night. I wasn't feeling any better so I have today started very expensive dexilant. I am really hoping not to have to have surgery as I am only 30 and would hate to have to repeat it as I have been reading seems to happen. But do you think I am giving the medicine enough time to heal the damage or being impatient? I've been in pain so long I just don't know how long I should expect to see some improvement.

I can't eat much except oatmeal applesauce and vegetables. I feel pressure burning and abdominal pain after eating. It gets worse and better randomly but I still can't ever eat. I'm in pain all the time.

Alcie

Veteran Member

Joined : Oct 2009

Posts : 5200

Posted 3/26/2016 12:05 AM (GMT 0)

Since surgery for GERD is a last resort and life-changing, you want to try everything before going that route.

First, what tests have you had? Are you seeing a gastroenterologist?

How are you taking your PPIs? You have to take them first thing every morning half an hour to an hour before eating, and then you must eat. It takes about 45 minutes for meds that have to be metabolized to get to the acid pumps, and then you have to eat to turn them on, so the med can turn them off.

It may help to keep a "food journal" to find out if you have any "food triggers." It's easy to stop reflux if it's caused by a sensitivity.

The over-the-counter PPI doses are usually only half the prescription dose. Check with your doctor. Some work better than others for some people. I only had luck with Nexium and one or two more.

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