Acid reflux leading to referred pain in back

[WillOllier]

Hi again I wrote recently about concerns re. going for endoscopy and received great reassurance thanks. Still awaiting that appointment and in meantime acid reflux getting worse and referred back pain. I've had my prescription for 20mg Omeprazole increased this time to Esomeprazole 80mg per day. I've been taking this does for 9 days and am having some good days but the problem remains and on bad nights its really horrid and stops me sleeping. Does anyone know how long Esomeprazole will take to kick in?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It should start to work within a few days but if there is already damage to the lining of the gullet from the reflux it can take a few weeks for that to heal.

Is there any way you can raise the head of the bed? Pillows might work for some people but having the bedhead higher or a wedge under the mattress is better. And do you also use Gaviscon to form a protective film over the irritated area that is causing the pain?

[WillOllier in reply to PMRpro]

Yes I think there is damage and so taking while to work . Raised up on pillows but will try raising bed . Have private appointment with gastroenterologist on Monday in hope I can get endoscopy quicker than on NHS . I haven’t tried gaviscon but will give that a go. Getting stressed so that’s not helping me sleep! Many thanks again it’s just great to have someone to turn to who has some answers when lying awake !

[Janstr]

Try sleeping on your left side rather than right. Also eating bitter things like rocket & sauerkraut is good. My GP suggested taking a pro-biotic at night which helps repair the gut. For the first month I took the probiotic at night, & then then equivalent of your Esomeoprazole in the morning 30 mins before food. The next month I just took the pro biotic & for the last week neither. I had a curry (mild) last night ( which would have set the reflux off 3 months ago) & took a pro-biotic to be safe & have had no repercussions

[WillOllier in reply to Janstr]

Many thanks Janstr I will try the probiotics tonight and I am currently trying to sleep propped up on left side . Roll on endoscopy! So good to hear that eating more normally is possible one day. A lovely meal is such a joy !

[Telian]

I had severe acid reflux that sent me to A& E. Started with chest and back pain. The whole of my head, glands chest and throat were unbearable and pain eventually came down the left arm. GP sent me to A& E to eliminate heart problems which, after 7 hours, thankfully they did. They diagnosed severe acid reflux but was already on 60mg Lansoprazole, which they wanted to give me so was referred back to GP. Had endoscopy which showed numerous polyps, no ulcer but gastritis caused by being on Omeprazole the previous 6 years. Changed to Lansoprazole but not enough so given 40mg Famotidine as well and is working. I’ve since been able to reduce Lansoprazole from 60mg to 45mg. I take Gaviscon when needed but keep to strict diet to keep symptoms at bay and feel much better for it. Ironic that stomach protectors became the enemy.

The sooner you get your endoscopy the better. Good Luck.

[Thirtynine39 in reply to Telian]

I have been using Similase, a probiotic vitamin . The nutritionist advised 2 tablets x 3 a day but I have now reduced it to 2 a day. No more sufferings. I have refused to take my GP’s prescribed medicine as it has severe side effect.

[Telian in reply to Thirtynine39]

I haven’t heard of that but will look into it. Thank you.

[Thirtynine39 in reply to Telian]

This was advised by a Chinese doctor who has helped me with many other ailments. Happy to give you her details if it helps.

[WillOllier in reply to Thirtynine39]

Yes please

[Thirtynine39 in reply to WillOllier]

Not sure if am allowed to post her details but here it is [e-mail]. You can buy simulasse online from Nutriadvanced.co.uk.

[WillOllier in reply to Thirtynine39]

Many thanks

[WillOllier in reply to Telian]

What a horrendous experience and glad you are on a more even keel now Telian . That’s worrying about omeprazole although I have read numerous responses on here that say the same. I’ve now been on 80 mg per day for 2 weeks!! Hopefully I get on better track post endoscopy and at least on talking to gastroenterologist on Monday.

[Telian in reply to WillOllier]

Yes, see what the outcome is and go from there.

[WillOllier]

Can anyone recommend a probiotic ? I’ve got actimel and am using SKYR icelandic yogurt but should I look at some in pill form?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to WillOllier]

I use one called VSL#3, an Italian-made probiotic recommended by even NHS GI specialists.

vsl3.co.uk/

[WillOllier in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks will look at that

[MissMinto in reply to WillOllier]

I recommend Zenflore, I got a trial pack when I joined the IBS Network and was really impressed by the difference it made:precisionbiotics.com/uk/zen...

They also do another one called Alflorex, you might prefer that:

precisionbiotics.com/uk/alf...

[WillOllier in reply to MissMinto]

Great thanks will take a look

[Thirtynine39 in reply to WillOllier]

Probiotic is extremely useful as it clears the system. This is based on personal experience as I am not a doctor. Similase is one of them. Aloe Vera juice is also effective as it has helped friends of mine who suffer from diverticulitis.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Thirtynine39]

Similase and aloe vera are not probiotics. Similase is a mix of digestive enzymes which help to digest food. Aloe vera is a plant gel

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

[Thirtynine39 in reply to PMRpro]

I fully agree with you but for me, they work like probiotics. Apologies I did not explain early. Many of my friends and I have found them helpful for a few ailments such as reflux and diverticulitus. I take 2 similase pills and drink 50 ml of Aloe versa juice daily.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Thirtynine39]

I'm sure they do - but if someone is asking about probiotics we think its important to differentiate.