Painkillers have burnt my oesophagus but I’m in so much pain without them?

[Telli686]

What do we do when painkillers over the years have wrecked your insides and taking any more burns so bad? But my endo cramps are so intense I don’t know what to do 😭help.

[Moon_maiden]

What pain killers have you taken? If you've used NSAIDs (Ibuprofen and Naproxen) your GP should have prescribed something like Omeprazole as well to mitigate damage.

[Telli686 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thank you for replying, Yes so I was using those for years but they then gave me omeprazole about 3 years ago to “repair the damage “ but only gave 2 weeks worth, same thing happened about a year ago even though I’d taken 1 ibuprofen in one of my bad days, it got so bad I had to take 2 weeks of omeprazole to work. So ever since I only use paracetamol and I’ve taken 3 doses over two days and I’m in agony because the acid like pain has returned in my chest. It seems I can’t take anything anymore 😢 my stomach refuses! They won’t give me more omeprazole as they’ve said it could damage my kidneys 🤷‍♀️I’m at a loss as to what I can do.

[Moon_maiden in reply to Telli686]

It ridiculous they have no understanding of what the pain can be like. So sorry they are treating you this way. Have you tried anything that is slow release? I know they hate opiates, but have you tried any, different and can be capsule rather than tablets. There are non opiate like Nefopam and also Diclonfenac suppositories, although my GP says to try not to use them as they can cause ulcers.

I've not been one for pain killers in the past but since this kicked off I've pretty much tried everything.

Have you tried anything like Aloe Vera juice? this can be healing for internal issues. Another is digestive enzymes with Betaine. Although it's taken that it's too much natural acids, too little have the same symptoms and could also help system recover a bit better.

For a Dr to say it's too much acid is incorrect as it can only be verified by testing. I do take these when I've not run out, I also take omeprazole at times to counteract medication. They do totally different jobs and it wouldn't surprise me if I needed the enzymes to counteract the omeprazole 😂

[Telli686 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thank you, I’ll have to ask I have an appointment tomorrow, thank you I think I’ll definitely try some aloe Vera juice I’ve seen it in shops before, worth a try! I’ve had diclofenac a few years ago which was great at relieving pain but the same thing happened chest/acid wise. Each time they give me 2 weeks worth of omeprazole to I guess temporarily repair the damage then I have to wait again to get more when the same thing happens later on. I wish I could be given a repeat prescription but they refused. 🤷‍♀️

[Moon_maiden in reply to Telli686]

See if they’ll give a reason why they won’t put it on repeat, seems weird.Let us know how it goes tomorrow 🙂

[Moon_maiden in reply to Telli686]

How did you get on today?

[Telli686 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Aw thank you, I got prescribed a month of omeprazole x

[Moon_maiden in reply to Telli686]

🤞 it helps you, a step forward 🙂. Did they explain why it’s been so difficult to sort?

[Missy100 in reply to Telli686]

Do you have an underlying condition that causes your GP to be especially wary about your kidneys? I've been taking Omeprazole for years to counter the effects of Mefenamic Acid (a prescription strength anti inflammatory), but even regular use of ibprofen can cause damage. Also, Omeprazole doesn't just repair existing damage, it also protects against it as well.

If your GP is generally concerned about kidney damage (rather than an added risk due to an existing condition), they can monitor your kidneys through regular testing rather than leave you suffering.

You may find eating with your pain medication helps. Nothing acidic, spicy or greasy, but rather something soothing that will coat your stomach. It won't replace the need for something like Omprezole, but may ease your suffering.

There is a long list of medications they can prescribe for pain relief as well, when non prescription meds are not helping, and they are not all opioids. Some can affect your bowels with constipation though, so it you have existing issues related to your bowels be aware of this and discuss any concerns with the prescribing GP. As for opioids they tend to only go down this road once other pain measures have been attempted and failed to address your pain first.

In the meantime have you tried a tens machine? You don't need to get an expensive one - I have one from Lloyds pharmacy with dual leads (approx £20) and it has been well used over the years. It can be used with 2 or 4 pads which can be bought online in bulk. Even moving the pads a couple of mm can make the difference of no relief to making a big difference so I do recommend moving them around and experimenting with the different programs and strengths to find what works best for you. Another option is heat. Through trial and error I've discovered my favourite by far is flaxseed microwave heat bags I get from an Etsy seller, sewn into strips to keep the contents evenly distributed. I have tried other types of microwave heat bags, electric heat pads, hot water bottles and disposable heat patches when on the go. Do not use the tens machine and heat treatment in the same place at the same time.

You can also ask to be referred to your local pain clinic. The may be able to offer suggestions that you find helpful too.

I wish you luck in finding whatever helps you most.

[Telli686 in reply to Missy100]

Thanks for your reply, so no but I have been having many tests to check because I seem to have a lot of pain around my kidney area. I have tried tens machines I have 3 different ones none of which seem to help, and heat only helps when I’ve taken painkillers, eating is super painful now, anything I can feel going down my oesophagus is like knives going down. I’ve got an appointment today to attempt to get some more omeprazole, but I bet they will do the same as always and only prescribe me enough for what they feel is “fixing” the problem, rather than giving me a repeat prescription for a least a temporary long term solution.

[Angellouise in reply to Moon_maiden]

Can you use a patch for pain ? I hope you get some help.

[Telli686 in reply to Angellouise]

Any specific ones you recommend? I’ve tried one but I seemed to be allergic and had to remove it, it gave me really red itchy skin x

[Angellouise in reply to Telli686]

I’m sorry I haven’t used any but I have seen some woman on this site have. Maybe ask and see what others have used. I wish you luck

[Telli686 in reply to Angellouise]

Thank you x

[Cailleach]

What you are describing with even eating being painful should really be being investigated as you may have some ulceration caused by the use of the NSAID painkillers it sounds like you were on. I had this after many years on diclofenac, despite also being on lansoprazole. It was diagnosed with an endoscopy and treated with a higher dose of lansoprazole for a few months( and stopping the diclofenac).

Of course you may have a different issue, but you definitely shouldn’t be being fobbed off without investigation.

Hoe you can get some improvement in your symptoms x

[Telli686 in reply to Cailleach]

Thank you. I’m sorry to hear you went through all that. I found only a few weeks of diclofenac did that to me too. They refuse to prescribe me those anymore. I think endoscopes sound terrifying and I don’t know if any other diagnostic tools/methods they could possibly do. I took a friend to an endoscopy once and in five minutes she came out crying because it freaked her out too much and couldn’t do it. I just know I’ll be the same! Not really sure they’re going to help me without one though.

[Cailleach]

Absolutely right about the endoscopy I thought I would try without sedation, after about a minute I asked them to stop and give me the sedation. After that I didn’t know a thing about it. I think you probably would need one if you may have some ulceration in your throat though. Just opt for the sedation straight off, it’s easier.

[Telli686 in reply to Cailleach]

Yeah see if definitely be the same, I’mJust worried because the last time I was sedated for a procedure it didn’t do anything for me and I was totally aware and felt everything and remember it all to this day. I screamed the place down so much so I had to go back to apologise the next day ! I can’t go though that again!

[SK2021]

Hey hope you’re in a little less pain. You should definitely be taking something to protect your stomach daily if omeprazole isn’t suitable your gp needs to find you an alternative which there are lots of.

I take peppermint capsules colpermin that help relieve this symptom for me and also settle my stomach. My tens machine has also been a life saving purchase x

[Beempty]

Stop the pain killer you need oesophagus, try chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, it is a Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist practice, it is about cause and effect. The Lotus Sutra is the doctrine. I have Burton Watson's English translation.