Are PPIs the answer?
Yes, a safe and effective cure - 0.0% - 0 votes
No, noxious to your longterm health - 33.3% - 1 votes
Maybe - 66.7% - 2 votes
emma24
New Member
Joined : Jun 2007
Posts : 9
Posted 6/16/2007 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I've been on Nexium for almost 3 years now. I initially started with Protonix which worked well for a few months, then just wasn't doing the trick. I went in and had and EGD and they found that I have chronic gastritis. I'm 24, female, not overweight, and eat a relatively healthy diet. Lately the Nexium (40mg) hasn't been working on a daily basis, and I've been hearing a lot of negative things about long-term usage of PPIs. I tried to quit cold turkey yesterday, but am now regretting it, as my throat feels like a lava flow and there's nothing I can put in there that will give me relief. I just don't want to permanently damage my esophagus.
Does anyone have any advice? Any home remedies? Anything I can do in the mean time to ease the pain? Please!! Thanks so much!
Emma
Posted 6/19/2007 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi.
These are my feeling as well as mucus, burning in my throat, a ball in my throat. I never get the burning in my chest. I do get anxious and then all the symptoms get worse. I see a specialist every month for the past 6 months. It gotten a bit better but not 100% maybe 60%. I've been on Nexium as well. Aciphex is gentler on my stomach. I'm also taking probiotics twice a day and papaya enzyme. It seems they are helping a bit. I avoid all food that are acidic and sodas, I drink only water and camomile tea. I eat very small meals abot 5-6. I also dont eat at night, my lasy meal is @ 6:00pm, and I dont lay down 3 hours after I ate. I'm in the process of reading Dr. Sarno's books. I'll let you know if it helps(I'm not sure it will). I just dont know what to do anymore.
glibmodo
New Member
Joined : Jun 2007
Posts : 3
Posted 6/20/2007 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
As a disclaimer... I'm not a medical expert. But I suffered on a regular basis from acid reflux for 2 years.. My doctor had me try several different PPIs ... protonix, prilosec, and a number of H2 inhibitors but they all caused several very unpleasant side effects. Then recently one day I stumbled upon the magic of Aloe Vera juice\concetrate. I have been drinking around 2 onces of aloe vera juice 3 times a day for about a month. The change has been all but a miracle. I cannot believe that doctors don't recommend this stuff on a regular basis.
I hope it works for both of you, like it worked for me.
emma24
New Member
Joined : Jun 2007
Posts : 9
Posted 6/21/2007 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, I'll try that. Do you think it would be wise to quit a PPI cold turkey or just wean myself off?
Last time I tried cold turkey I surely suffered for it. How did you quit? Is your diet a normal diet or is it very limited and regulated?
Thanks so much for your advice!
-Emma
glibmodo
New Member
Joined : Jun 2007
Posts : 3
Posted 6/21/2007 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
As I mentioned, I have no medical background... but I would see how effective aloe vera is for you first before you complete stop using the PPIs. Maybe try the aloe for a while and if it seems to help, start cutting your PPI dosage in half.
And as a warning aloe vera has a very unpleasant taste, I've been able to get used to it though. There are also flavored versions however I have found the unflavored version to be more effective( this might be all in my head though).This is the brand I use:
http://www.aloelife.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productid=15
You can drink it straight, but I usually dilute it with some water.
Hmmm as my eating habits I regulate my meal sizes in a very similar way to yours. It's just a smarter way to manage the condition. I eat relatively healthy as well. But Sometimes I sneak a treat.
I wish you the best in recovery....