GERD SYMPTOMS AND SUPPORT

[Curlywurly80]

I have posted on here before, just as an ENT appointment resulted in being told I have LPR.

Do I have GERD and can this shorten life expectancy?

I really don't understand much of anything tbh. I have been on Omeprazole for around 30 years being initially given as I had stomach ulcers

The ENT Dr increased my Omeprazole to 40mg daily and said to take Gaviscon 4 times daily after each meal and at bedtime with a review appointment 6 weeks later. I did this but found I started bloating badly and had bad stomach ache especially when waking.

At my 6 week review I saw a different Dr he discharged me, said it wasn't good to be taking large dose of Omeprazole and if I had symptoms of voice change or coughing blood to go back to them.

I am confused what to do.

[Jumpey]

You could try changing your diet.Reading Dr.Jamie Kaufman's book Acid Reflux Diet helped me.

[ParkSchool5]

Hi, I have Gastritis and Hiatus hernia. I have been on Omeprazole for ten years. I started on 20mg but have managed to wean down to 10mg before lunch (which is my main meal as I just have a sandwich in evening) and Gaviscon Advance 10ml before bed. I have also been prescribed Famotidine which I take if I have a flare up. This is the alternative to Zantac which was withdrawn four years ago. Famotidine is quite a good drug and less less long term side effects than Omeprazole. gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining and can be helped by avoiding things like alcohol, coffee, fried food, spicy food etc. It could be taking Gaviscon 4 times a day that is causing your bloating. Hope you get sorted out soon. Unfortunately acid reflux seems to be a life-long condition and it's just learning to deal with it from day to day and seeing what helps or hinders.

[Curlywurly80 in reply to ParkSchool5]

Thank you for all the information

[Hikingfan]

I've had omeprazole for years as I have a small hiatus hernia. It's less of a problem when I lose some weight and avoid things like coffee, fizzy drinks, pastry, bread ( in my case). I find live yoghurt and similar helps. Diet helps a lot. I also think that anxiety makes these things worse

[Curlywurly80 in reply to Hikingfan]

Thank you. Your words are quite comforting. I can't thank you enough. I have no one to speak to and it's impossible to get to see or speak to a GP

[Hikingfan in reply to Curlywurly80]

That's fine, do not feel too anxious about this. You will get better. Try to speak to your GP but if that is hard be sure to open up to someone else who can help you. If you are feeling very anxious you could speak to the Samaritans.