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help!

Hylda2 profile image
63 Replies

Two calls from pharmacist at Drs today.

1) I’m going to put you on Omeprazole, me but I have low stomach acid because of underactive thyroid! Take them for two weeks!!! Right!!!

2) 10 minutes later, I’m reducing your dose of Dabigatran because you have kidney issues. Me, I’m sorry but I will have to discuss that with Cardiology!!! He’s done it!’

Rant over!!

Now what!!

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Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2
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63 Replies
jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

Oh dear I can see why you need help.

1. Is there a such a thing as a pill for people with low stomach acid? People who wish to try apple cider vinegar for mild reflux can mix between a teaspoon and a tablespoon of the vinegar into a glass of water. Is it acid reflux thatyou have? Have you tried that remedy? There is a natural remedy Mastic Gum Capsules. I used them and they cured my acidity.

2. It looks like reducing Dabigatran is for your own good if you have kidney issues. Could you call your Cardiology department tomorrow and ask if that's the thing to do?

Hope you get some more answers.

Jean

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply tojeanjeannie50

Thanks Jean, will struggle on without the Omeprazole. How do I know it’s not a hiatus hernia !!

Will ring QA Monday about reducing Anticoagulant.

Hate pharmacists fiddling with your drugs.

D

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toHylda2

An MRI scan would show if you have a hiatus hernia. I have one but it rarely bothers me unless I do a lot of bending in the garden or cleaning my car. How is it known that you have kidney issues?

I'm always invited to have a chat with my surgery pharmacist but never take it up.

Don't blame you for not wanting to take Omeprazole.

Gertsen profile image
Gertsen in reply toHylda2

Look up IQoro it is a Swedish developed product to help with acid refund snd other things. It is not cheap but could be a cure without medicine. I bought one and have been using it for 3 weeks now. They will refund money if not helping in 6 months. I is available on prescription. I also have a hiatus hernia. Good luck

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toGertsen

Thanks will look

Lenaropes profile image
Lenaropes in reply tojeanjeannie50

Here in the USA some take Betaine Hydrochloride for low stomach acid. Years on PPIs can deplete stomach acid. My husband takes a Standard Process brand of the Betaine Hydrochloride and hardly ever gets indigestion now.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toLenaropes

Thank you so much for responding. Unfortunately I also take a anticoagulant and the pharmacist at my Drs surgery isn’t sure how they will react together.

Espeegee profile image
Espeegee in reply toHylda2

All those years of training and he doesn't know? Whatever next!

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2

He just rang!! I think that was my annual review!

The kidney issues show up in my blood test but Dr said nothing to worry about!! 🙄

BenHall1 profile image
BenHall1

Hylda2 ...... move to Cornwall ... brill INR Clinic, brill Pharmacist .... useless GP 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toBenHall1

Good thinking 👍

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply toHylda2

NICE reduced the level at which kidney issues are reported about a year ago. I suddenly noticed a mention of kidney problems on my records and rang GP to ask why I hadn't been told. The reply as they are noting these reports but ignoring them as nothing to worry about unless they get worse.. Our GP's pharmacist is very helpful and knowledgable but she would never change my medication without advice from cardiology.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toQualipop

With the help of Obis and my cardiologist I will hopefully get this sorted.

Obis891 profile image
Obis891

Oh dear, this is only my opinion ( retired pharmacist) but leave at least 4 hours between Omeprazole and your thyroid meds as it will reduce absorption. You would need thyroid tests if you are staying on it.As for the Dabigratan, it is a benefit/ risk situation and it needs your Cardiologist to balance that. I would not have reduced it without lab evidence.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toObis891

Thank you. I agreed to change to Edoxaban and I know I’m 80, but not exactly a frail old lady. Tried telling him to wait for Cardiology. But to no avail.

Nannysue1 profile image
Nannysue1 in reply toHylda2

Definitely not a frail old lady. You put people that I know who are 20 years younger to shame with your energy and zest for life! I know that you wont but dont let anyone put you in an "age box", we are all individuals and all work in our own unique ways.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toNannysue1

Thanks, off to join a Pilates class, but trying to get up from the floor isn’t going to be elegant! 🤣🤣

Nannysue1 profile image
Nannysue1 in reply toHylda2

Snap and I was thinking the same. My shoulders and upper arms are playing up. Had acupuncture on them last week and mentioned to physio about going back to my pilates classes. Finding it hard to put weight on them so like you, getting up off of the floor will look clumsy to say the least and I think " planking" will be a no no. 🤣

Espeegee profile image
Espeegee in reply toHylda2

Go Hylda, right attitude 😄 We are not numbers.

Tellingfibs profile image
Tellingfibs

Hylda, I was put on Omeprazole once and my INR went through the roof. The pharmacist said that was common. Might that be why they want to reduce your anticoagulant ? Just wondering. Of course, if you take Omeprazole regularly, that should have been taken into account by now. Plus, I take Warfarin and maybe your anticoagulant doesn’t work in the same way. Weekends are awful for sitting fuming and not being able to do anything !

Annie.

valthomas15 profile image
valthomas15

I am on Omeprazole and have been for many years not for stomach acid purposes but to protect my tummy from the anticoagulants. When first on them had a serious stomach bleed followed some months later by an awful nose bleed, so was advised to stay on the Omeprazole.

Espeegee profile image
Espeegee in reply tovalthomas15

Have you read the leaflet? The makers say it should be limited to 2 weeks and it isn't an indigestion cure.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2

I’m not going to take it regularly that’s for sure. This guy has never met me, and I object to being diagnosed and treated over the phone. I’ll stick to the Gaviscon!!

wilsond profile image
wilsond in reply toHylda2

Can you get to see your GP ? This is ridiculous !

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply towilsond

Think I would have more luck seeing King Charles! You go along to various surgeries for blood tests and they are always empty!! Where is everyone?

wilsond profile image
wilsond in reply toHylda2

Our GPs also work in Urgent Care ,part of A n E! (??)

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply towilsond

Ours work from home

Cat04 profile image
Cat04 in reply toHylda2

Don't know where mine work from, never see any of them in the surgery!

wilsond profile image
wilsond in reply toHylda2

Yes ours too! I have had a physio appointment through,will be by phone!! How?

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply towilsond

It beggars belief it really does 😢

Cat04 profile image
Cat04 in reply towilsond

🤣🤣🤣

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply towilsond

I have just asked to see a physio as have spoken to umpteen Drs and nurses about sciatica. Had four different painkillers!Three weeks before they ring me 😢😱

Espeegee profile image
Espeegee in reply toHylda2

My GP surgery is much the same, they've removed at least half the seats too. Big gaps between them, mustn't sit too close. What are they so worried about?

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2

My kidney function varies between Stage 3 and 3A kidney disease but no-one has really discussed this.

Singwell profile image
Singwell

No wonder you're cross. You shouldn't have to be 'told' like this - it's inappropriate. Many of us with hypothyroidism have low stomach acid, I do too. Although that's another story. Suppressing acid production- which is what proton pump inhibitors do - does not resolve the issue! Ozemprazole will SUPRESS any acid your digestive system is making. This drug is to help those with heartburn ans silent reflux.

Head to the British Voice Association website where they have free leaflets on acid reflux. Are you getting heartburn, or signs of silent reflux (waking up coughing in the night, bad taste in mouth and sore throat in the morning are two)?If so, try Gaviscon Advance- it's over the counter and doesn't stop your system from making the acid - just keeps the stomach contents down after eating. Take your thyroid meds BEFORE the Gaviscon or at a different time if you go down that route. There's an excellent book I recommend for thise who get acid reflux badly - it explains all the chemistry and has a diet plan that I've found works well.

Dabbott01 profile image
Dabbott01 in reply toSingwell

Singwell - what book are you referring to?

Singwell profile image
Singwell in reply toDabbott01

Didn't post Grrr Hylda2

Acid reflux diet book
pusillanimous profile image
pusillanimous in reply toSingwell

My goodness, that cover photo is likely to cause some sort of reflux and it's not acid!!!!!!!!!!!

Autumn_Leaves profile image
Autumn_Leaves in reply topusillanimous

Looks delicious! 🙃

Actually, I love me a green pasta sauce, the greener the better! 😂

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toSingwell

Just ordered from World of Books

philologus profile image
philologus in reply toSingwell

Thank you for that link to the BVA. I'd never heard of them. The information I've read so far on their site is very good and I now have some ammunition to take to my GP.

Singwell profile image
Singwell in reply tophilologus

Welcome. Their resources are excellent, and so many GPs are poorly informed about management of acid reflux and voice in general. Chucking PPIs at those of us who suffer from reflux should only be a temporary measure unless there is damage to the oesophagal tissue.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2

Thanks for your help! I tried telling him about under active thyroid and low stomach acid but he knew it all. Last time they tested, TSH 0.01 and T4 24!! Says that’s fine. Good cos he won’t test again and I won’t have to confess to a little under the counter T3 which I have added in since!! 🙄😉

Singwell profile image
Singwell in reply toHylda2

He's a pharmacist not a doctor... could you DM me about under counter T3 please? I'd like that info in case I need it in future.

Obis891 profile image
Obis891

Hello again, the change to Exobaxaban is a good one as it is largely metabilized by your liver and so takes the pressure off your kidneys. The Omeprazole can be used only as required ( my recommendatio) ie pill in pocket to treat hiatus hernia or hyperacidity with no issues. A raft antacid like Gaviscon could be used too.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toObis891

Many thanks, will get some Gaviscon Advance and as you say keep Omeprazole just in case

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toHylda2

Now to see about the anticoagulant dosage. One day they’ll show me the door I’m convinced 😉

Fblue profile image
Fblue

I hope you get the answers you need to care for your health. It’s very worrisome when we feel alone in this. Thank goodness for this foru where we can support one another. Which drug causes kidney issues? Take care.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toFblue

Who knows. Over the years I have taken so many

Fblue profile image
Fblue

I thought maybe they could lower the dose of one that might be causing that but it sounds hard to know. Take care I wish you such good health going forward.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toFblue

Thank you. I’m sure once I am sorted I’ll jog along ok again

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49

hi

PRADAXA comes in 110mg and 150mg tice a day.

i was prescribed 110mg twice by my team at stroke. 2 years later i was alerted to the local hospital where i was transferred on day 4 and discharged with 150mg twice.

i immedately rung my clinic and said i wanted this changed. my locum refused at first then she said she would have 'patient wants this dose'.

a new locum wiped that.

in actual fact as i had thyroid cancer at the time i should not have been put on it at all.

i'd take the lower dose.

i was on o.............. before i had my disintergrated gall bladder out.

with my pradaxa i eat a few blueberries/piece of apple/frit drink etc.

all the best. cheers JOY

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2

Thanks. I just think dropping from 150x2 a day of Pradaxa to 30 of Edoxaban might be too steep a drop and certainly not up to a pharmacist who has never met me. If EP or cardiologist agrees then fine I’ll go with it.

LaceyLady profile image
LaceyLady

WHO is doing this? The GP or the pharmacist??

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toLaceyLady

The pharmacist

LaceyLady profile image
LaceyLady in reply toHylda2

WHAT! HEs NOT your GP! Your GP has responsibility fir your health care. Make an appointment with GP.

NICE guidelines can be found on the internet.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toLaceyLady

That would be at least six weeks! Going to ring Cardiologist tomorrow

LaceyLady profile image
LaceyLady in reply toHylda2

Surely you can explain to the practice manager who could then talk to your GP. I pay to see a Consultant Cardiologist and if I complain to him, he’ll write them a letter or email.

You should say to drs surgery it is an emergency

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toHylda2

Cardiologist agrees I can go down to 30 mg of Edoxaban so I am happy. The Omeprazole I’ll take as a PIP.

ian16527 profile image
ian16527

"I did a bit of research and found out prazoles reduced b12 absorbtion from the stomache which is where 80 or 90% of b12 is absorbed."

Not to disprove you , but I understood that B12 is absorbed in the terminal Ileum, hence why I've been on B12 injections since I was 21 in 1986 following bowl surgery for Crohn's disease which removed this part of the bowel. Can you give a link?

KMRobbo profile image
KMRobbo in reply toian16527

Not sure exactly where I read it ( 6 years ago) but this link describes the B12 absorbtion method in the stomach ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/V....

This link is the leaflet for lansoprazole

google.com/url?sa=t&source=...

KMRobbo profile image
KMRobbo in reply toian16527

I cannot a link to the "80 %" absorbtion through stomache so I will delete that post as I fear I am mis quoting. .However the main point was that I was taking PPI s and was subsequently diagnosed with low B12. The blood test was done owing to excessive tiredness

As a result of that I stopped taking the PPIs as I did not believe them to be necessary. A second blood test a few months later showed my b12 was back in normal range.

Thanks for the feedback.

ian16527 profile image
ian16527 in reply toKMRobbo

Thanks for your reply, looking on the web shows that you are correct in that the stomach plays a role and the PPI's do restrict that process but the B12 is only absorbed in the terminal ileum (the bit around the appendix)

See this link badgut.org/information-cent...

I have suspected that my Af may have been influenced by the lack of Vit B12 but who knows

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