Acidity flare ups

[AMerchant]

I have been suffering from acidity since June 2020. Had endoscopy done in October 20 which came back all clear expect for h pylori infection. Did the triple therapy treatment for this. I have tested negative (stool test) 3 times in the last 1 year. So hopefully that is cleared.

Last year I also did ultrasound for gallbladder and liver and ct scan for pancreas. All clear too.

I still get acid reflux symptoms like pain or tightness in the espigastric region, feeling of something stuck in the throat or occasionally heartburn. These symptoms comes and goes. When I have a major flare up it can take up to 10 days to settle.

I have cut down on spicy and fatty food a lot and very careful about what I eat. I do suffer from anxiety which makes symptoms worse at times

Wanted to know if anyone else get these kinds of flare ups and how often do they happen and how do you manage them?

[ParkSchool5]

Hi, sorry to hear about your problems, but it is good news that all your tests were clear. I have suffered with dreadful acid reflux/epigastric pain and fullness for 2 and a half years. My symptoms were actually alot worse after my last endoscopy in Sept. 2019 and I wondered if that triggered/damaged something as I felt so unwell a few days after it and it has continued since. I can only drink tea and water. I have a small main meal at lunchtime and a sandwich no later than 6.00 p.m. and don't eat after that time, only sips of water. I sleep propped up as nightime is worse for symptoms. I take 20mg Omeprazole before lunch and 20mg Famotidine two hours before bed and Gaviscon Advance at bedtime. I know it is such a depressing illness, as socialising is almost non existant and general quality of life is affected. I agree that anxiety seems to make things worse. It is there all the time but anxiety seems to highten things. Trying different medications may help if you have a sympathetic GP. Good luck. Hope it resolves soon.

[AMerchant in reply to ParkSchool5]

Thank you. That's very helpful yo know.

Did the doctor prescribed the medication for you,?

[AMerchant in reply to ParkSchool5]

Did they find any cause for this in endoscopy or other tests?

[ParkSchool5 in reply to AMerchant]

The endoscopy found mild gastritis, and they suggested ph testing for the acid reflux which I am still waiting for!

[AMerchant in reply to ParkSchool5]

For me there was no sign of gastritis or inflammation at all which was very strange because he found helicobacter. That seems to have gone now but symptoms still persist on and off

I don't think in the UK we can get famotidine these days

[ParkSchool5 in reply to AMerchant]

Hi, I have Famotidine 20mg on repeat presc. from my GP, so it's worth asking.

[Angela124m in reply to AMerchant]

I'm taking famotidine and I'm in England.

[Angela124m in reply to AMerchant]

Yes you can I was prescribed it by my GP. I'm in England

[Angela124m in reply to ParkSchool5]

Hi I was diagnosed with mild esophagitus following an endoscopy. I am also on the waiting list for the pH test. Do you know how long we will wait?

Thank you

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Angela124m]

Hello, in my area (South East) the waiting time for ph testing is around 6 months.

[Angela124m in reply to ParkSchool5]

Is mild gastritis the same as mild esophagitus?

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Angela124m]

Hi, esophagitus is inflammation of the esophagus, whereas Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach.

[AMerchant in reply to ParkSchool5]

Hi. Just wanted to know if your symptoms are continous or do they come and go with period of calm days or weeks? I went for nearly 6months without any major flare up but in the last 8 weeks have had 2 painful episodes

[AS__--22 in reply to AMerchant]

I have the same problem, have a few peaceful weeks, then something sets the burning feeling in top of stomach and under right ribs, had a barium meal last December that showed clear.

[AMerchant in reply to AS__--22]

What was barium meal supposed to show?

[AS__--22 in reply to AMerchant]

Hiatus Hernias upper stomach problems, and anything wrong with esophagus.

[AMerchant]

I have famotidine 40mg which a friend got it for me from abroad because the GP would only give me omeprazole 20mg. Did your GP prescribed both omeprazole and famotidine daily? Are you in the UK?

[ParkSchool5 in reply to AMerchant]

Hello, yes my GP has put me on repeat for 1 x 20mg Omeprazole daily and 1 20mg Famotidine daily, I am in UK. My symptoms are constant everyday, mostly acid reflux at night and some pain/discomfort after eating. I am still waiting for the result of a barium swallow I had a few weeks ago. I know I have a 2cm Hiatus hernia but I don't think that would cause constant symptoms even when on meds.

[AMerchant in reply to ParkSchool5]

Ok. I hope the results are OK for you. Barium swallow is on test that I have not had otherwise done endoscopy, ct scan and ultrasound, 3 blood tests and stool tests in the last 18 months

[Angela124m in reply to ParkSchool5]

My symptoms are exactly like yours. I have a 3cm hiatus hernia. I think it's everything to do with it.

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Angela124m]

What medication are you on? Do you find it helps?

[AMerchant in reply to ParkSchool5]

I am now back on omeprazole 20mg one a day. It helps to some extent. Very frustrating that can't find the right medication or diagnosis now since June 2020

Did you have your ph testing

[ParkSchool5 in reply to AMerchant]

I have been offered ph testing, but I have been put off after reading of peoples experiences. The ph test doesn't look too bad but it is the manometry test beforehand that is putting me off. Have you had it done? I would be interested to hear your experience. Thanks

[AMerchant in reply to ParkSchool5]

No I haven't but my Gastroenterologish has suggested that I do that in private so find out if my LES valve has become weak and is letting the acid out into the esophagus

[Angela124m in reply to ParkSchool5]

Hi Well I'm only on famotidine at the moment. It only stops the acid for about 3 hours a day then my throat burns for hours. I've had this acid reflux for 15 years now and had an endoscopy in January. I have a 3cm Hiatus Hernia which I think is the problem. The doctor is going to change my tablets soon. Hopefully I'll get some relief. What is your situation? x

[AMerchant in reply to Angela124m]

I hope you get some relief too. Apprently ppi last longer in the system.

Have the suggested survey for the hiatus hernia

[rainbow141]

I have had bouts of acid reflux. I am taking Raberprazole daily. It helps. I also found out that the artificial sweetener, Sucralose causes reflux. Hope this info helps.

[AMerchant in reply to rainbow141]

Hi what does do you take per day

[rainbow141 in reply to AMerchant]

Hi,I take 20 mg. Raberprazole before breakfast and when I have a major flare I also take 40 Pepcid (prescription) before dinner.

[Lostinspace123]

I get flare ups but only occasionally now. Gastroscopy has a 2cm sliding hernia. I have weaned myself off PPIs entirely and I take Gaviscon Advance if I need to. A month of Melatonin 5mg at night and aloe vera in the morning settles everything. I eat normally now but make sure I eat nothing after 7pm and don't drink with meals. The only thing I. can't eat now is chocolate

[Maymay72194]

yes I get the flare ups although mine don’t last 10 days they don’t last up to 5 days sometimes it just depends. I get the tightness and feeling like something is stuck in my throat or like it’s hard for me to swallow feeling.