Lanzoprazole

[Silver001]

hi, i started with heartburn/reflux in 2018 i used to manage it with rennies and gaviscon. A few years passed and i thought i need to see a doctor, when i was 21 i went to see my GP and he just prescribed me with 30mg lanzoprazole to take once a day or when needed. I have been on this since April 2021 and my GP doesnt think ENT will accept my referral for an endoscopy, he wont even attempt to refer me as he believes they will only accept my referral if the lanzoprazole didnt help with the reflux. I literally cannot go a day without a tablet, it affects me so bad and im only 22. Does anyone have any advice on what i should do? Ive thought about going to see a private endoscopy clinic but it is way too expensive so this is out of the picture.

[meadfoot]

Can you see a different GP in your surgery practice. I have found a different doctor can have a very different approach. Tell them you need further investigations and ask a new medic to refer you. Its worth a try. Sadly you will need to be insistent but your health needs are absolutely important. Please dont be fobbed off.

[Dorset22]

Sorry you are still suffering with Acid Reflux. Have you tried Gaviscon Advance as a substitute for the Lansoprazole. Maybe you could take the Lansoprazole every other day or lower the dose. You have to taper the dose because otherwise you can get withdrawal systems. Also having a bland diet with no red meat or acidic or processed foods and no alcohol or fuzzy drinks. Manuka honey, kefir, plain low fat yoghurt will help. If this doesn’t help, you must go back to your gp and get a referral.

[Jumpey]

See a different doctor and tell them your symptoms are worse. Good luck.

[RoadRunner44]

You may have Gerd which can lead to esophagus cancer. Your symptoms sound extreme and you must make an appointment with ankther doctor in the Practice. You must insist on a referral without delay. Personally I would go private to get this dealt with promptly.

[cacherjac]

I've had severe endoscopies and they are really not pleasant but they do give result straight away which can be reassuring. I was told that the risks mean theyre not done routinely on younger patients as they're not at high risk of cancer.

I have herd and have been on lanzoprazole or omeprazole for years and although they don't cure the problem it mostly controls it. I take 2 per day as 1 wasn't enough.

Gaviscon advance is also really helpful and diet plays a huge part. Recognise which goods and drink trigger it so you can avoid them.

Your condition is clearly worrying you and I would tell your GP and ask for the referral. You may have a very long wait though. Im experiencing a 8 month wait for an urgent gastro appointment and that will be by telephone. If that doesn't work I'd try to raise the funds for a private test if only to put your mind at rest.

Take care and I hope you feel better soon x