Coming off PPIs for endoscopy

[cowhide]

I've was diagnosed with limited systemic sclerosis 5 years ago although I've had symptoms for a lot longer, including reflux for 30 years and swallowing problems when eating for about 5.

I was scheduled for an endoscopy today, mainly to rule out any other causes of my worsening dysphagia and reflux. It was booked at short notice so I phoned them up beforehand as I could not come off PPIS for 2 weeks prior as requested as it was only a week away when the booking was made. They said to ignore and keep taking (in my case, esomeprazole) until 6 hours before the procedure.

Anyway, when I showed up they advised me that when the consultant reviewed my history this morning, he decided it was best not to do the procedure at our local cottage hospital due to the complexity of my case and also being on immunosuppressants, but could I go to the main hospitals in Leicester instead if they organise a future appointment, to which I obviously agreed.

However, I suspect I will get much more notice of the next appointment and will have to come off the esomeprazole for 2 weeks. At present I take 40mg a day at the same time and almost without fail, my reflux starts half an hour or so before I take it. In the past before I was changed from lansoprazole to esomeprazole I was waking up many nights with awful reflux and fluid in the lungs (Despite eating early, bed on bricks etc).

So - how do any of you with bad reflux cope if you have to come off PPIs for medical reasons even for short periods? It's filling me with dread. I will take advise as to whether I could at least take Gaviscon or similar up to the day of the prpcedure.

[Hidden]

Hi, I had this procedure done in December last in Middlesbrough, I live in South Yorkshire. I won't lie to you the worst bit by far was the coming off the PPIs. Especially in the run up to Xmas, social occasions were spoilt because my already restricted diet was even more restricted. The gastroscopy was a doddle compared to the run up to it. I was then told there was nothing they could do for me except keep taking the meds and managing it. You need to do what the professionals say, they know best in their field. I lived on milkshakes, rice pudding, yogurts, custard anything which digested easily and didn't irritate my oesophagitis. That said I still suffered. I went through bottles of Gaviscon and kept off the coffee. But... it is only for 2 weeks and time flies and it's something to look forward to at the end of it. 😀 Look at the positive and try not to think negative. It's a blip and you can see the end, which is sooner rather than later. I wish you all the best, try not to stress, it makes it worse. X

[LucyJean]

Hi there, why don't you have a word with someone in the know...perhaps your Consultant, or someone in that department who understands the issues you are facing and see if you do have to do the whole two weeks. It sounds like they were prepared to do it with you only having abstained for 6hours.

These instructions related to most routine procedures are sent out as a standard letter on behalf of the department but they often make exceptions to the rule if you speak to them.

They can only say 'no', in which case you are no worse off, but they might say it will be fine, and then you won't have a fortnights suffering.

All my best

Lucy xxx

[fitlifestyle]

I just had another test a few days ago and was allowed to continue famotidine. My GI doc actually just changed me to this so I would not be without while going through a bunch of tests and possibly procedures. You can also DGL but double check with your doc on that one, honestly it’s not enough for me on it’s own but with a significantly restricted and bland diet it’s better. Artichoke in supplement form is great for motility which also helps when you keep things moving.

[cowhide]

I had my endoscopy yesterday. I did phone the unit and ask about PPIs and was told that I should stop if I could. So I did. I just about made it through, plain biscuits have always helped damp it down in the daytime (just a long term diabetes and obesity risk!) and I did have rennies at night, but still struggled a lot.

Anyway, when I went for my procedure, the consultant asked why I had stopped (er… because I was told to!!)

Outcome - Grade D oesophagitis (the worst), probably a combination of the previous failure of lansoprazole and the esomeprazole not having a long enough chance to cure it before the 2 week stoppage.

My swallowing problems (I already knew I had dysmotility which is almost definitely due to the systemic sclerosis) are due to a Schatzski ring - a stricture.

Follow up - Double dose (40 mg x 2) esomeprazole for 2 months and then back again for another endoscopy!