Help needed re PPI

[westcountry]

I have had bad heartburn/acid problems since having Covid in January and had been relying on Gaviscon Advance plus low acid diet. I've now had to take Pantoprazole for 4 weeks which really helped however have bad side effects now. Can't get in touch with doctor (surprise, surprise!) so I want to ask...how do you come off of a PPI..straight away or wean off? Also can you just take it as and when needed or need to have a course of it? Does everyone get rebound acid after stopping?

[Allot]

hi I was given 3 types of PPIs last year and I couldn’t tolerate any of them so managed to control the LPR with very bland diet no fizzy drinks and cut out milk - when I stopped taking the PPIs I had awful rebound - pain in my chest was dreadful - I would advise you reduce them gradually.

I have recently had symptoms return and after an endo it turns out I have an ulcer and gastritis. Now on Famotidine for 6 weeks and awaiting follow up endo.

[westcountry in reply to Allot]

Is Famotidine better than the PPIs? I know it's a different class of drug that reduces acid...they tried to give it to me last year but I looked at the side effects and was frightened of taking it. I had an awful time with Omeprazole last year ending up in A and E but had to chance Pantoprazole as I was bleeding so had no option.

[westcountry in reply to westcountry]

Also, you said you cut out milk so was this cow's milk as I was wondering about having almond milk instead? Cheese and yoghurt seem to give me heartburn even on Pantoprazole.

[Jumpey]

I would suggest weaning.Having said that I have shopped Omeprazole immediately with no adverse effects.You may not have problems with an alternative PPI.I couldn't tolerate Lansoprazole but am fine on Omeprazole.

[FeistyGirl in reply to Jumpey]

I was the same couldn’t tolerate Lansoprazole but now take Esomeprazole. I do worry as have been in this for 5 years plus now. Recent Endoscopy showed fundic polyps in stomach which are caused by prolonged PPI usage, biopsies showed no cause for concern. I feel in a catch 22 as if I stop the PPI my reflux goes out of control very quickly and causes damage to via cal cords and oesophagus but if I do take it polyps will stay and risk of osteoporosis! Talk about a rock and a hard place!

[jjohnson62 in reply to FeistyGirl]

I was in the same boat and opted for the LINX procedure a year ago and it has helped tremendously! No more PPI's! It is an easy surgery in which they go in robotically and place a titanium magnet band at the sphincter at the top of the stomach to help it stay closed. Unlike Nissan fundoplication, LINX still lets you burp and vomit. I highly recommend it. Ask your gastro doctor about it.

[Allot]

Hi I had no choice but to take Famotidine due to the ulcer - I have to say I haven’t had any problems with it - however I’m hoping it has done the job and I can stop taking it. I’m also concerned about the long term effects of all these drugs. I use Soya milk on cereals and I don’t drink tea or coffee anymore I really miss coffee! I do have plain Greek yogurt which is ok for me.

[westcountry]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions...it does help. I had to stop ordinary tea many years ago and had peppermint or camomile (due to bladder issues) however now down to just camomile and water as peppermint is not good for acid problems. We can't win!