Heartburn / Acid Reflux

[Hollydurrr]

I have very recently been diagnosed with Scleroderma after going to the doctors when my Raynaud’s worsened. I was referred to a rheumatologist he was the first to ask if I suffered with heartburn which was a huge YES. I have had heartburn every day since the age of 16 and after years on medication, the dosage getting increased constantly I was told I couldn’t have any higher dosage and I’d become immune to the effects, so the medication no longer helped.

A friend mentioned that I should try a gluten free diet which I have been doing for the past 6 or so years and it has been amazing! It stopped my heartburn completely.

Just wanted to share in case anyone else was struggling.. I am no doctor but it has really helped me! Not sure if anyone knows if there is a link between the two?

[Puffins17]

Thanks for sharing this with us. I was first diagnosed with Systemic Sclerosis ( Anticentromere positive) 19 years ago, have suffered from constant acid reflux and heartburn and have been on Lansoprazole 15mg twice daily since. At one point I was prescribed Famotidine 40mg once at night but stopped taking it when it caused diarrhea. Over the last 2 months it has been more severe and indeed I am struggling. I've always tried to remain positive in facing this ongoing horrible condition and in the main have felt well looked after. But with the cold weather, battling daily with Raynaud's symptoms and bowel problems have felt despondent of late. So thanks for joining our group and your helpful post. I've not heard about any links but would be interested to hear if anyone else has come across this. Best wishes

[OldTed60]

Could it be that you have Coeliac Disease in your autoimmune picture I wonder? It’s a relatively common autoimmune disease so this may have been part of the issue? I’m gluten free but still have reflux so I don’t think this food group elimination works for all of us but really glad it has for you ☺️

[Partner20]

Is it possible that you were either coeliac or had non-coeliac gluten sensitivity all along? This is very often the case for people who stop experiencing several types of digestive discomfort when they exclude gluten from their diet.One of my daughters is coeliac and therefore strictly gluten-free, but has always had Raynaud's, unfortunately a genetic condition in my family, and is currently being investigated for an acid reflux condition that she has recently developed.

[Jaq1971]

I am coeliac and have followed gf and dairy free diet for 20 plus years unfortunately I still get reflux I take medication to help but it still perks through I have issues with my swallow also so maybe this is why but glad it is helping you xxx

[itexpat]

Hi, Hollydurrr, yes I also think a gluten free diet helps, at least it does in my case. Like you, I have had digestion problems for years and I was recently (last month) diagnosed with scleroderma. I try to stick to the low FODmap diet, although I slip often. However, reducing wheat especially helps me. All the best

[Songbird6]

Hi,That's interesting, I have had Raynauds since I was about 14 years old. Since having PMR & now Osteoporosis, I've developed acid reflux, and within the last 6 months some bowel problems, which are causing me discomfort, which are under investigation, they're hoping to rule out Diverticulitis, infectious Colitis and possible Crohn's, I am possibly going to get an appointment for a Colonoscopy, I've had a succession of Fit tests that have been negative, so far 🤷 I am on a short course of antibiotics because of bouts of pain and an upset tummy, with some food intolerances, mainly to bell peppers and now tomatoes. I have had blood tests for Coeliac Disease but they were negative.