After a bout of Covid I'm getting a resurgence of acid reflux which is exacerbating other symptoms too. My GPs want me to take a course of PPIs, but I've always reacted horribly to them (it's like it puts my body in shock and I feel empty and incapable of processing food).
What are the alternatives, if any? I generally monitor my diet for triggers, which gets a bit tedious when you start getting reactions to veggies like leeks. I try positioning etc. I do go through periods where I am fine (though of course I might be getting silent reflux).
Ideas appreciated, thank you.
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Treetop33
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Have you tried H2 receptors they are worth asking your doctor about I found them easier to tolerate. I also take gaviscon advance which is a life saver for me. Best wishes.
Thank you. I looked into H2 receptors but they seem to interfere with other medication. I don't know of that is excessive caution. It's annoying that PPIs are the first line because they can be so harmful.
Hi, you could ask your GP for Famotidine, it is not as powerful as PPI's and has less side effects. Try and combine it with Gaviscon after meals if necessary and before bed.
Because the PPIs have me multiple polyps, I had to find an alternative. I don't know if it's the Slippery Elm that's helping or the Gaviscon but I'm coping fine. Still get some indigestion but it's early days.
It was just an alternative I read about and bought it but the doctor prescribed Famotidine after I'd only taken a couple so I can't tell you if they work. You take one a day but first ask your doctor for a change from PPIs
Only diagnosed reflux November 2023. On Lansoprazole from GP plus rennies & gaviscon as required. Started slippery elm 2 weeks ago.Diagnosed after gastroscopy sliding hiatus hernia with follow up 2 weeks.
The thing I found surprising was that Chocolate and Peppermint are not advised as they relax the sphincter at the top of the stomach, and allow reflux. Otherwise Gaviscon is really helpful particularly last thing at night, and after meals.
I have been taking Omeprazole for 17 years and can't say I have ever suffered any side effects, at least not that I know about! but I do find them preferable to suffering from terrible acid reflux. When I was first prescribed them I thought they were an absolute miracle drug, as I could eat and drink anything without having any heartburn/acid reflux. I suppose with all drugs it is a trade off, as they all have negative effects as well as positives.
I don’t know about lucky as I would rather not take anything. The trouble is that of course acid can cause a lot of damage to the oesophagus. As it is I do struggle with an intermittent hoarse voice and sore throat.
I don't take PPI'S as they don't agree with me. Been following a strict diet which seems to have helped. You say you have been eating normally while on PPI'S so I imagine that includes coffee, alcohol, chocolate etc. We are told that these foods relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Does this mean if you take PPI'S and eat/drink the above, there is no relaxation of the sphincter muscle?
Try IQoro. It‘s a revolutionary neuromuscular approach developed in Sweden. The good news is you can have it prescribed in the UK. No medicine, just a small gadget placed between the lips and the gums in the mouth. The correct technique of pulling 3 times 10 sec pro training 3 times a day can recalibrate the muscles needed to close the diaphram. The web site provides detailed info. It is basically risk free. It merely takes a bit of time and practice. Check it out.
I have read about IQoro and wouldn’t mind giving it a try, but there is no way our surgery would prescribe it as they are always trying to cut back on everything. It is quite an outlay if it doesn’t work and from reading the reviews it doesn’t work for everyone. I am not sure from your post if you have used it and benefited.
I have started using the IQoro but I am only three weeks in,they do say to give it about six months, I decided to purchase one, a bit expensive for what it is but hopefully the science behind it will help with my hiatus hernia .
I have bought iquoro and its still in the box unopened as I read on the instructions that it can make neuralgia worse, which I have so tried to get my money back but it went over the 30 days so they're not interested!! I'm a pensioner so it was a very expensive mistake which I can ill afford!! I think they should have made it clear before purchase. I feel desperate to try anything as the last week has been hell after the doc has took me off lanzoprazole after 30 yrs and put me on famotidine which hasn't helped. I'm just about to go back on them as I can't stand these withdrawal symptoms it's awful and making me so miserable. Christmas is coming up which I love but I'm not looking forward to it as I won't be able to eat. Good luck everyone with this awful condition.
I also reacted badly to PPI's. They made my symptoms much worse. I'm currently on a strict diet, very good probiotics and I drink ginger tea once or twice a day. Symptoms have improved from where they were. I've had an endoscopy which confirmed gastritis. I've realised I may have low stomach acid, which, if you look it up, ends up with the same symptoms as high acid. I'm thinking of seeing a nutritionist as well as I've lost a lot of weight and have acid reflux every day. Lastly, I'm thinking of trying IQoro to see if that helps. I hope something I've said here will help. But mainly hope you feel better soon.
Glad you got a diagnosis. Gastritis is tricky isn't it.
I'm drinking lots of chamomile, marshmallow and ginger tea and that seems to help. Planning to try IQoro when this acute phase is over. Take care of yourself.
Hi I've been taking slippery elm for nearly a year in capsule form from Holland and Barrett, which I open and put 2 in glass of water. I believe it coats the lining of the stomach. I have also used IQORO for 6 months and I'm sure it has strengthened the muscles around the hiatus hernia. Particularly noticed how my voice has strengthened. I have kept up using it regularly even with extreme stress such as bereavement. I also maintain a careful diet and regular smaller portions. Propped up bed, gaviscon advance before bed. Not eating for 3 hours before lying down. I can drink coffee but only drink fennel tea. It's a tough routine but I do feel more hopeful. Also guided meditation to relax. All this to avoid PPIs
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Acidity flare ups 
Silent reflux causing ongoing problems.
Please can someone help, I’m so tired and just need answers
GORD
