3 months digestive disorders

[Poppydaydream]

Hi Everyone,

I've had ongoing digestive problems for 3 months after using ibuprofen gel on my back at night (Osteoporosis) For 2 months I took lansoprazole but still have the symptoms. Don't want to take more meds. I am already doing all the things they tell you to..I'm a plant based vegan, not overweight and avoiding the trigger foods they tell you about (tomatoes/coffee/alcohol etc) Can't understand why I still have the problems. Any ideas for natural remedies would be so appreciated.

A bit of 'herstory':Until last April I was fighting fit. At 71 I was dog walking,gardening, minding the grandkids and going to the gym twice a week. Then I had 2 chest infections , pneumonia and another 2 chest infections, Eventually a diagnosis of Bronchiectasis. Urgent appt with Consultant coming up. Urinating 15/16 times a day. (This is being left until lungs helped. I'm housebound and struggling with fatigue. If I could just get on top of the indigestion/acid reflux/stomach ache I would be able to cope better.

[Happyhare]

Hi Poppy day dream. My story is similar to yours. Up until 71 was fit and healthy- going to the gym, looking after grandkids and completely independent. Then I did notice I was breathless going up hills etc but took no notice thinking it was old age. Last year was hospitalised and diagnosed with fibrosis of the lungs and bronchiectasis. The fibrosis is due to being left on a low dose antibiotic called nitrofurantoin which was given to me to prevent urinary tract infections. The GP should have taken me off it and given me something else, but didn't, with the result that my lungs are scarred and I have bronchiectasis. I am hoping that the fibrosis isn't progressive, Still feel very tired but I have now been diagnosed with osteoporosis and the drug I have been given for that seems to have made me feel stronger, so maybe the tiredness wasn't all due to my lung conditions.

I also have acid reflux and take omeprazole daily, but also have back ache, which is really bad. I too have used ibruprofen gel, which my Lung nurse said was ok. It doesn't seem to have affected my acid reflux but I have taken omeprazole for over 2 years now. I don't expect my acid reflux to clear up I have been told to continue to take the pills. I seem to have a lot of back pain, which is concentrated in my left shoulder and do wonder if it is anything to do with my lung conditions. I have asked the consultant and she said no, but I never had anything like this before I was diagnosed.

I am sorry I haven't got any good advice for you- all I can do is say that you have all my sympathy and I hope your acid reflux settles down soon.

Best Wishes for the New Yearx

[Poppydaydream in reply to Happyhare]

Thank you Happyhare for your reply. Crikey..we have so much in common going on! Reading your post makes me even more wary of Drs and meds. I do know proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and lansoprazole have been in the news for causing stomach cancer and early death. Just saying .. .nhs.uk/news/cancer/acid-ref... nhs.uk/news/medication/hear...

and bad news if you have osteoporosis. It's so difficult these days as Drs are so busy. It's hard to get the info you need except through the internet. I hope you continue to be a Happyhare and again many thanks x

[peege in reply to Poppydaydream]

I believe the risk is extremely small in using Ranitidine (Zantac).

Some people advocate not eating for a few hours before sleeping and some raise the bedhead, sleep with loads of pillows or both.

[Poppydaydream in reply to peege]

Thanks Peege..I do everything that's advocated. All the best to you x

[Ergendl]

A plant-based diet can leave you depleted of some B vitamins, which can lead to deficiency problems that show up in various ways. If you haven't been looking after your B vitamin status actively, try taking Floradix for a few weeks and see if that helps you feel a bit better.

[Poppydaydream in reply to Ergendl]

I do take B12 and B vits supplement, Ergendi.. Can't stomach much atm. Bestest x

[Ergendl in reply to Poppydaydream]

(((Hugs))).

[Gigi71]

I have mild fibrosis and a chronic cough caused by a large HH and acid reflux, I take lansoprozol and meant to top up with Gaviscon but with so many other meds, for other condition I find it very difficult to take the Gaviscon. I was extremely tired this summer and as I have RA, my bloods are monitored. I was iron deficient with low ferritin levels, please ask to get your levels checked. I also have B12 injections every 2 months. All the very best. X

[Poppydaydream]

Thanks for responding Gigi. My iron levels and B12 levels are always fine. All the best to you to.x

[Gigi71 in reply to Poppydaydream]

I’m glad to hear you are proactive with your health as much as possible. I also think we are dammed if we take medications and dammed if we don’t. It’s a balance really. My fibrosis hasn’t changed in 3 years so we have ruled out a couple of my meds. I have severe spinal stenosis and have Gabapentin for that, cannot take opiate meds. Any medication for reflux can’t be taken within two hours either way. I also have osteoporosis plus degeneration in my shoulders. A few more conditions to add to the mix as well. I try to keep as active as possible, not always fun. Xx

[HerLadyship]

I was going to suggest Rennie's Gavisvon or Milk of Magnesia.... Sometimes sipping hot water helps and avoid constipation ...Some people say that a few of the yoga poses help ....might work for some ...good luck