I sent the below as a reply to someone else who narrated her ordeal and seem not to have clues after using PPIs for a while with no resolution
Please look this up as same thing was my experience had an OGD and everything was clear no pylori ,no ulcers ,nothing wrong.Was put on the PPIs for a couple of weeks with terrible side effects and did t help .
I consulted with a 68 year old GP who after listening to everything prescribed Amitriptyline and a low dose PPI I was surprised because the former was an anti depressant.
I researched further and saw the link between anxiety abd GERD which includes IBS and reflux .I was wondering why the gastroenterologist do not discuss this angle rather than sending patients off with a 2 month course of PPIs with no results.
If you are short of breath, anxious ,not sleeping properly and then sudden onset of reflux after a gastroscopy rules out any gut issues.Then this might be the cause .Stress neuropathy induced gut malfunction
Please does anyone have the same experience with the above.It seems to be a new pathway for gastro related symptoms and most Drs are not yet aware
This leads to frequent hospital visits and no resolution to the problem.
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SonofGod
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I am being treated for oesophageal spasms and I can tell you that my reflux is significantly worser when I’m anxious which I believe is partly contributing to the spasms as anxiety causes the muscles to tense up. I have read on a few occasions that stress and anxiety can make acid production in the stomach worse. I have taken PPI’s for 3 years or more now and they provide temporary relief. I am waiting for a referral for a gastroscopy to rule out ulcers, hernias and so on.
Have you had any gastrointestinal investigations? If not, this could be your next discussion point with your doctors. My acid reflux is almost becoming chronic now and I know how uncomfortable it can be. I hope you get some relief soon.
Yes I have done the investigation gastroscopy all came out fine .The PPIs are not holding it down trying to stop them entirely.
A GP is suggesting amitriptyline to tackle the anxiety issues to help the reflux .I am skeptical jumping on new medication.But still considering next steps
Let us know how you get on with the amitriptyline. I have been offered medication in the past for my anxiety but have always refused on the basis of side effects. Perhaps it’s something I will need to consider in the near future.
I think its well known that anxiety can cause stomach issues. My GP once said "people always think the heart is the centre of emotions but no, it's actually the stomach". I've had trouble with IBS, Gerd etc since I was in my early 20s (57 now) and have been on Ranitidine followed by Omeprozole and now Lansoprozole ever since. Too long I know but I need them especially with my current meds. I think I get Oesophagal spasms when Im particular stressed too. Sometimes I think I have an ulcer as I get upper tummy pain but these meds are the treatment for that anyway right?As you know, there is little help for severe anxiety except meds (which I incidently can't have with all my other meds) amd talking therapy. Maybe this is a route you could take? I've just had health anxiety talking therapy and it was a great help. You can refer yourself.
I would say take the PPIs, the amitriptyline and do talking therapy. Hope you feel better soon.
Thanks for your kind and detailed feedback.I guess I will have to go on the low dose Amitriptyline and stick with the PPI for now although I have been having some side effects with the Lansoprazole asked GP to prescribe a H2 blocker and hopefully that helps
Hi Susie, I’ve read your reply to Sonofgod but can I just ask you, where do you feel these Oesophageal spasms as I am currently being treated for a heart issue but the cardiologist has also indicated my “sensations” could be more gastro. I’m wondering if the feelings I am having are spasms. If you could let me know whereabouts and how often you get them, that would be really helpful. Many thanks ❤️🧚🏼♀️
I'm sorry you're having pains that can't be easily resolved. As I said in my reply, I 'think' I'm getting oesophagus spasms but they have never actually been officially diagnosed so I don't want you to think it's wjat you've got and go down the wrong path! (If you know what I mean!)
I get this real tight, constrictive feeling, almost feels badly bruised down the middle of my chest up into the throat. I also get pain in the top of my abdomen just below the sternum. They come randomly then they're gone. I'm not in agony just uncomfortable. It feels like my oesophagus. I also find it hard to swallow occasionally.
I've had many problems (see bio) but my latest is that I found out my sternum hasnt healed and I have a gap down the middle of it. My cardiologist thinks my pains could be my sternum wires and offered to remove them but my gut is telling me it's not the case. My recent echo shows a good ejection fraction.
I hope you get sorted. I think my next step is a camera down into my tummy but I keep putting it off. Sounds horrible.
Message me if you get diagnosed? Many thanks and all the best xx
Hi SonofGodCheck out Roemheld syndrome, also known as gastrocardiac syndrome. It can give you most of the symptoms you describe. I have these symptoms and have had lots of tests which were normal so will see where I stand when i see the gastroenterologist.
I don't have any of the issues mentioned but I have been prescribed low dose Amytriptyline for neuralgia. The only side effect I have is a better night's sleep! HTH
Yep going through all of that at the moment as i suffer with ectopic beats, waiting on last test results of a CT angiogram, then hoping to be ref to gastro, the gut and a HH seem to be the best combo for mimicking heart issues, i think anxiety is the bed fellow for any stomach issues and its no wonder many of us have it, when your heart is flip flopping all over the place! im currently taking 15mg citalopram for anxiety
I’m on PPI for h hernia and gastritis and have been for some years. Since then I’m on amitriptyline for lupus and widespread pain. I’ve had no problem with PPI but what I can say is that amitriptyline is prescribed for a variety of reasons as you may know it works by interrupting the brain signals causing physical/emotional symptoms (or something like that!) I’m aware it’s prescribed for depression/anxiety, to aid sleep and as a pain killer.
I was started on one which gave amazing results but over the years it’s increased to three. I find the same with other medications such as pregabalin that a low dose works wonders but that has to be gradually increased to ha other same effect.
I have days where I have relief but most days still bloated and pain just really getting on my nerves how long does it take to work? I notice if i take in the morning it helps but I don't always wake up in time to take it in the morning so I will try to set an alarm and not turn it off and go back to sleep 🙈X
I’ve been told by a doctor that in order to get the most use out of Omeprazole, the best time to take it is in the mornings at least 30 minutes before food. Maybe try and be more consistent with it in the mornings. You might see a difference x
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