acid reflux / stomach discomfort.. RA related? - NRAS

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acid reflux / stomach discomfort.. RA related?

Sapphire1701 profile image
14 Replies

hi,

I’m just wondering if others have experience of GI issues such as acid reflux, stomach acid & discomfort(which feels like constant hunger) and a burn in the throat… and whether this may be related to my RA, or the medication. Am on Leflunomide & adalimumab. I haven’t taken NSAIDS for ages, so can’t be that.

it’s just come out of the blue in the last week and I have no idea why! Really struggling to eat or find any relief from it..

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14 Replies
Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17

Sorry no, only uncomfortable indigestion when I’ve been on anti inflams or Doxycycline in the past. I’d tell your rheumy nurse as there may be something they recommemd that your GP can prescribe if if it is a side effect of either med. Leflunomide made me violently sick so I didn’t take it longer than a week. Hope it goes very soon.

Spanelmad profile image
Spanelmad

You need to see your GP it may not be related to your RA or meds!!

Sapphire1701 profile image
Sapphire1701 in reply to Spanelmad

Thank you.. yes will contact GP tomorrow.. x

Runrig01 profile image
Runrig01

If this has come on suddenly, without new meds starting, then you should see your gp. Things like stomach ulcers have similar symptoms, and things like that need to be excluded.

I do have issues as I have a hiatus hetofrom a weak diaphragm, as a result of my ribs being fused. It resulted in me aspirating acid, despite being on regular Omeprazole or lansoprazole. My respiratory specialist prescribed Pantoprazole which is stronger. She also prescribed gaviscon advance, has to be advance, as it creates a raft at the stop of your stomach, preventing acid getting into the oesophagus. As long as I take this before bed, I have no issues.

Sapphire1701 profile image
Sapphire1701 in reply to Runrig01

I will contact GP tomorrow.. I have been wondering stomach ulcer as I have a gnawing in my stomach aswell, like it’s literally eating itself.. and yes just literally came on suddenly.

I just feel like I’m constantly at docs atm!

I’ve been taking liquid gsviscon and provides some relief. But will def speak to doctor.

Thank you.. and bless you, sounds like you have many things to deal with. Appreciate your reply x

Runrig01 profile image
Runrig01 in reply to Sapphire1701

Definitely try the advance gaviscon, it works so much better than regular, as it creates a seal, which the regular one doesn’t. Hope you get answers 🤗

Sapphire1701 profile image
Sapphire1701 in reply to Runrig01

Thank you, I will x

ABwn profile image
ABwn

I have been on omeprazole for years but suddenly it has stopped working. Went to GP and have been referred to hospital for an endoscopy. Am taking gaviscon advance, which is working but am having to take it throughout the day. Good luck hope you can find something that works.

Sarahg62 profile image
Sarahg62

I feel your pain as I have gastritis, hiatus hernia and acid reflux - lucky me. I’ve just had a 4 month bout which wasn’t pleasant.

My GP upped my opremazole to two a day for month which worked thank goodness 👍. See if your doctor will also prescribe Peptac liquid - I find it works better than gaviscon. I am no longer allowed to take anti inflammatories as that started the whole process off. Hope you get sorted 🤞

Leics profile image
Leics

I’ve recently had the same issue which lasted a month and wasn’t good. I put mine down to oral steroids which gave me gastritis it took an age to calm down but went eventually once steroids were stopped. I also have a hiatus hernia but for some reason taking pred makes me lactose intolerant as anything dairy increases the symptoms.

Evie3 profile image
Evie3

yes I have now been diagnosed with GORD (gastro oesophageal reflux disease). I have a hiatus hernia too. I have been on Rituximab for RA.. Recently put on 40mg Esomeprazole morning and evening for a month. Good to avoid spicy foods and eat little and often. No one has said it’s due to the meds…so who knows 😞.

oldtimer2 profile image
oldtimer2

These symptoms are common and often occur in general population, so you are just as likely to get them as anyone else, especially if you are overweight (mine's improved enormously since I lost the excess weight from high dose steroids).

But it needs checking out - see someone at your GP practice, and get referred for an upper gut endoscopy and a test for the bug that causes stomach ulcers (can't remember its name but it responds to eradication with antibiotics).

I have found Gaviscon Advance a better medication that Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) - and problems with PPIs (especially long-term) seem to be emerging more recently. But you might need both to start with.

Hope you get sorted out soon!

Salamanca21 profile image
Salamanca21

I get this, and I have recently come off NSAIDS after 18 years as they were affecting my liver. I have to say the pain especially in my legs is terrible. It's like going one step forwards, ten steps back. Anyway, I haven't had the awful throat burning since I gave up the NSAIDS, so they must be right.

ABwn profile image
ABwn

I have recently started having acid reflux. Not pleasant experience. Been to GP who has sent me for an endoscopy. Appointment for the end of August. On gaviscon advance for the time being. Good luck.

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