Omeprazole alternative

[Golf123]

Due to an hiatus hernia I have been on 20mg Omeprazole for severe acid reflux. I now have Osteoporosis which has been linked to long term use of PPI's. Has anyone found a successful safe alternative which has worked for acid reflux/GERD ?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you have hiatus hernia and GERD you need a PPI or an H2 antagonist like famotidine - but since you have to get the acid down to reduce the long term risk of damage to the oesophagus you don't really have a lot of choice and it is the lack of acid that increases the risk of loss of bone density. However - there is medication which will help increase bone density so I think that is the direction you should be considering.

[Golf123 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your clear explanation. Having thought about PPI's and read more updated research it is better to take them than suffer the consequences. I'm on Adcal-D and upping my calcium diet. Is this sufficient?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Golf123]

You say you have osteoporosis - have you had a dexascan to know that? If so, what are your t-scores?

[Golf123 in reply to PMRpro]

I'm waiting for a DEXA scan. My medical record via GP states I had a fragility fracture. I really did take a flying fall onto my drive and immediately saw the break in my wrist and was unable to stand in my left leg. Would the surgeons who performed my hip replacement identified a thinning of my bones,?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Golf123]

If it was a flying fall onto a wrist that is a bit of a jump to alleging a fragility fracture! They are a fall from standing which is a bit different. Though when I'm asked about broken bones and I say yes they get all excited - it was a high speed skiing accident 26 years ago! Definitely not a fragility fracture!

I don't know what an orthopod can tell from the op, although I do know one friend, about if not over 80 and after 2 lots of PMR and pred was told by her surgeon she had VERY hard bones!

[AdoptMeow in reply to Golf123]

Magnesium is also essential for bone growth. I have never seen a recommendation for timing mineral supplementation when also taking an acid reduction drug. Common sense would say to take minerals an hour or two before to give them a chance for absorption before stomach acid is at its lowest. In general, calcium carbonate is not as easily utilized as other forms, such as calcium citrate, phosphate, lactate, or lysinate. Magnesium supplement should be a form other than oxide or sulfate.

[gtate1914]

I too was on omeprazole for years and feel it contributed to my osteoporosis. I had horrible GERD. I went a natural route years ago and it’s no longer an issue now as I use either apple cider vinegar or slippery elm, or even a small glass of milk will stop it in its track if I should start to feel it coming on, which is rare. I don’t deprive myself of the trigger foods such as peppers, tomatoes, or chocolate.

[gtate1914 in reply to gtate1914]

I forgot to mention that probiotic yogurt and kefir has helped my stomach tremendously and I eat it everyday.

[Golf123 in reply to gtate1914]

I have recently increased my Kefir intake via drinks and yoghurt. I have read that this may help so thank you for your advice.

[Golf123 in reply to gtate1914]

I have tried to lower my Omeprazole to 10mg daily. I've started taking silicol gel and aloe vera but not slippery elm. My problem is a hiatus hernia which has resulted in lower ospheagus being attacked by acid. I do worry that coming off Omeprazole completely could have a negative effect.

[gtate1914 in reply to Golf123]

I got to a point that omeprazole wasn't helping me, I had an all night GERD attack, one of the worse pains I'd ever had, no amount of antiacids or omeprazole helped me. That was 10 years ago. I'll never forget it! I too have a hiatel hernia.

[Golf123 in reply to gtate1914]

That's encouraging to hear that you were able to come off Omeprazole and use natural methods. Your symptoms do sound very much like mine. Could I ask how long you had been on Omeprazole and has your GP made any comments about your decision.

[gtate1914 in reply to Golf123]

I got some flack from my rheumy and gp but it's my body and the results didn't lie. I was tired of all the pill pushing with its terrible side effects. I'd been taking anti acids and omprazole about 10 years. I believe it was was largely to blame for my osteoporosis since I was active and a big fan of dairy all my life. Presently I'm on 7 mg of pred, also take cbd oil and low dose naltrexone and my rheumy is fine with it.

[Golf123 in reply to gtate1914]

I have been on Omeprazole for just under 10 years and I like you feel it has contributed to my recent Osteoporosis (waiting for DEXA scan to confirm) Have been put on Adcal-D. Does the CBD help in what respect?

[gtate1914 in reply to Golf123]

Calcium citrate, D3, K, magnesium glycinate are among my supplements. CBD oil has helped me with headaches, scalp pain (I apply it directly to scalp, temple), and also sublingually, it works for me. I know some feel it doesn't do anything for them, but it's helped me a great deal and I wouldn't be without it. Been taking it 2 years. Added LDN a couple months ago and am feeling some benefits from it. Must research and experiment to find right dose. I have pmr and gca.