Irritation of esophagus.: Hello all. I... - OPA Palliative Ca...

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Irritation of esophagus.

LadyNZ profile image
5 Replies

Hello all. I have a question that somebody might be able to answer. My esophagus doesn't close. (Don't know what the official name for this condition is). However, I have developed an ulcer and surgery at this stage is not my first option. I find that taking 1 teaspoon of Mylanta before meals keeps any acid off it, but if I try to take any supplements, such as iron etc, I get a dull ache in that area. My question is this: Is this irritation going to prevent the ulcer from healing? Taking a PPI is not an option as I also have pernicious anaemia and am low in stomach acid already, but I do need supplements. I am happy to tolerate the discomfort as long as it's not preventing healing. Can anybody advise, please?

Thank you in advance! :)

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LadyNZ
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5 Replies

I think that the ulcer will heal better if your acid is reduced, but I imagine that the doctor who diagnosed the ulcer will have an answer?

I think that there would be alternative methods of giving you iron and other vitamins / minerals that you need for the period (hopefully temporary) for which you need the medication.

I think that the straight answer is that irritation would be likely to prevent healing, but a doctor's advice is what you really need.

LadyNZ profile image
LadyNZ in reply to

Thank you AlanM. It's my own stupid fault. It initially healed taking a PPI, but the PPI left me with very little stomach acid, permanently. I confidently thought I could get away with sleeping on my right-hand side. I only did it for a few nights, but this is the result. :(

in reply toLadyNZ

If you leave off the PPIs your stomach acid levels will recover.

LadyNZ profile image
LadyNZ in reply to

It's been over 12 months and so far they haven't. Nobody told me years ago not to take a PPI long term. Doctor had me on them for 8 years and I finally decided to go off them. All my food intolerances and digestive problems are a direct result, I think. People just need to be warned not to take a PPI for any length of time.

Cheers

:)

in reply toLadyNZ

I think that long term PPI issues are very different from their short-term benefits.  In any event you have to concentrate on what will help your stomach ulcer heal.

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