Reflux / IBS issues since Oct, 40 mg omeprazole not helping

[AlexMac83]

Had reflux issues since Dec 19 and have on & off flare ups, this one on going since Oct the worst by a mile though & just totally out of the blue.Started with loads of wind from both ends and I mean loads, which was strange as I never really burp but this was like 200+ times a day at it's worst mixed with endless farting and reflux during night. Dr did usual and stuck me on 40mg omeprazole since late Nov due my history of on off reflux. Also take gaviscon before bed.

The wind has died down a bit,still have odd bad day but now tend to have acid taste basically all day in my mouth so to me the acid issue isnt getting better even on 40mg omeprazole and if anything seems slightly worse.

I've got bloods due early Jan just to check everything is ok but docs really don't seem too worried but I'm starting to unfortunately get a bit of anxiety as the PPI just aren't doing the trick and they normally do after a week or so, which leads my mind to think the worse as usual! Eg pancreas problem , stomach problem etc

Has anyone had similar issues where PPI has worked previously but the stopped working and what did you do differently? I eat well, take ginger, turmeric & liquorice tablets, drink decaf coffee etc, tried all sorts of things over the past 3 years!!!!

Just any advice or anything tbh be welcome as a bit down ATM with it all

[AMerchant]

My stomach issues started back in June 2020 with acid reflux causing epigastric pain, globus sensation and occasional heartburn. Had endoscopy in October 2020 which showed no inflammation but only helicobacter bacteria. Took 2 antibiotics treatments with omeprazole.

Got better in 2021 but since Jan 2022 symptoms returned and I have been managing with PPI. But because of increasing pain I had another endoscopy in September 22 which showed mild chronic gastritis associated with occasional helicobacter organism. Confused as previous 3 Stool Test and a breath tests were negative. Anyway did another 14 days antibiotics course with PPI. After a few weeks of relief symptoms returned

My experience is PPI are a bit of hit and miss and takes time to work and needs to be supplemented with antacids

Get yourself checked for helicobacter. This bug has ruined my life

[AlexMac83 in reply to AMerchant]

I was H pylori positive in May out of the blue, thought when I started burping loads in Oct it was back as that's what I was like when got h pylori but tested twice recently & negative, so the Dr then just stuck me bk on 40mg Omeprazole.It has crossed my mind several times just to ask for the Dr if just give the course of meds for it again incase tests are showing false results. Will mention this come 3rd Jan when see Dr next.

Last time I had an endoscopy was Nov 20, that just showed healing sores/damage but no other worries.

I feel your pain! It's just so mentally & physically tiring

[AMerchant in reply to AlexMac83]

Between March 21 and July 22 I did 3 Stool Test and one breath test for helicobacter and all negative yet the biopsy done in September 22 showed gastritis associated with occasional helicobacter organism on the surface. So I don't have much confidence in these non invasive tests because they look for the signs of the bacteria and not the bacteria itself.

[hjskev]

This is my story exactly. I can go for long periods where I think I've got it all under control and then it comes back with a vengeance and all the symptoms you describe. It can be very embarrassing. I get anxiety too and having the burning in my mouth is very depressing. One thing I have noticed is that while I'm eating I feel better. Its counterintuitive I know but chewing chewing gum gives me some relief at least for a while.

It seems to me that acid reflux is a relatively simple complaint but debilitating. You would think there would be a simple solution.

[AlexMac83 in reply to hjskev]

It's very frustrating......I had a good run from June to Oct this year now it's worst ever been & just not improving.... thankfully my job is WFH half the week so that helps on the windy days!!!

[Jumpey]

Medication doesn't eradicate my problems either.I'm waiting for fundlopication surgery. May be an option for you.

[AlexMac83 in reply to Jumpey]

Will see what Dr says in a couple of weeks but not keen on just sticking with the PPI that isn't working, I'm going to go prepared and throw some suggestions/ queries at him.......but then I always feel guilty for some reason & don't say half what I want to say!!!! Is the OP on NHS or private?

[Jumpey in reply to AlexMac83]

NHS.

[AlexMac83 in reply to Jumpey]

Fingers crossed you get seen soon

[Jumpey in reply to AlexMac83]

Thank you.

[Jaby86]

I would persevere with the PPI, I was very down about my symptoms even a week ago but after 5 weeks on omeprazole I'm starting to see some real progress. Frustratingly there is a chesty cough going around our household so difficult to tell if I am completely symptom free but certainly much better than where I was. I think this is probably going to be a life long condition that I'll have to manage with diet and occasional PPI use. I'm not overweight have a healthy diet but I can see how restricting my calories for years and eating a lot of tomatoes and onions etc plus eating breakfast very late etc has contributed to this so I'm hoping changing my lifestyle will help in the long run.

I hope you feel better soon.

[AS__--22]

Sometimes lansoperazole doesn't work for me, I've been told I may have Gord, I think mine started with stress .

[AS__--22]

My stomach issues started beginning of 2019, although I've had problems with acidity for years, doctor said it could be gord, I've been taking lansoperazole for 2 years, had blood test for h pylori, and a barium meal, as I couldn't go through with an endoscopy, all test showed nothing, now doctor says I could have gallstones, it's so worrying, as acidity is now waking me up at night.

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Have you tried Gaviscon half an hour after each meal. Suggested by ENT doctor. Works better for acid in the throat.