Gaviscon and IBS Problems : I have been put on... - IBS Network

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Gaviscon and IBS Problems

Nanabrodie profile image
22 Replies

I have been put on Gaviscon Advance three times a day for reflux for which I already take a PPI every day. Since starting Gaviscon I’m really struggling with constipation, bloating, stomach pain etc., and wondered if anyone else has experienced this. I’ve had IBS for many years now and majority of the time keep it under control so I don’t think I can keep taking this, I’d rather deal with the reflux.

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Nanabrodie profile image
Nanabrodie
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22 Replies
janetmtt profile image
janetmtt

Try slippery elm and marshmallow to help reflux - check out British Supplements and read reviews

Nanabrodie profile image
Nanabrodie in reply tojanetmtt

Thank you I’ll look into that.

sugarplumferry profile image
sugarplumferry in reply tojanetmtt

Slippery Elm is amazing stuff, I do wish there was more research into it. I’m sure it would help so many people with oesophageal and gut issues. I take it with loperamide to control BAM.

edwangy profile image
edwangy

Could be the constipation causing your relflux if things aren't moving along in your gut. Do you take anything to help with the constipation?

Nanabrodie profile image
Nanabrodie in reply toedwangy

Yes I do, always prepared 😏

Dudders123 profile image
Dudders123

Going through exactly the same, stopped Lanzaprosole, had gastric opt - told to use Gaviscon and really struggling with bloat, pain and back to constipation - like yourself - reflux is horrible but this stuff giving me everything else - and still got reflux anyway - maybe try some herbal, sliperry elmy type of thing !!! X

Nanabrodie profile image
Nanabrodie in reply toDudders123

I think I’ll do the same, thanks

MyStar86 profile image
MyStar86

gaviscon will cause constipation it’s a strong calcium carbonate which definitely add to Ibs symptoms so I would use very little if you really have to use it. It’s best to talk to your doctor but I wouldn’t recommend continuing to use it xx

Nanabrodie profile image
Nanabrodie in reply toMyStar86

I’ve not taken Any for a couple of days and everything seems to be settling down, thanks.

MyStar86 profile image
MyStar86 in reply toNanabrodie

Good I’m glad it’s settling down for you and I’d definitely keep away from it and check the ingredients so you know to avoid other products like it in the future xx

Montykat profile image
Montykat

hello there. I am the same i am unable to take gaviscon advanced as prescribed or i get stomach pain cramps and diarrhoea and also struggle to sleep due to discomfort in my abdomen. I have to kind of play it by ear and take 10ml when reflux symptoms are so bad im not sleeping but then either stop taking again or go down to 5ml until i can just about manage without again. I have a constant feeling of a lump in my throat which is apparently due to reflux as well but was told to stop pain meds (codeine) which i cant. Symptoms of this that and the next are never ending and this week i am so tired of having to try and explain myself to people.

Nanabrodie profile image
Nanabrodie

I’m the same I have a feeling of lump in my throat and was sent to ENT specialist he suggested the Gaviscon Advance, I’m due to go back to see him next week and I’ve got to tell him I stopped taking it, he’s not going to be very happy 😕

Boofers profile image
Boofers

I can't take Gaviscon either - it really upsets my gut, it's like a laxative. If he's annoyed with you for stopping the gaviscon that's really unfair, and he has no right to make you feel bad about it - you can't be expected to take something that makes you feel worse, and there are lots of other options that he should know about and be able to offer you. Something that works for me (it's just a thought, because it won't necessarily work for anyone else), is when I go to bed, I put a big pillow (its one of the big loose pillows from the sofa - not the square foam ones, it's like a throw pillow but bigger and squashy)- under my normal pillow so when I lie down my shoulder is on the larger pillow so is slightly higher than my body, and my head is a bit higher than that on my usual pillow. It's only a gentle slope, and you get used to sleeping at a bit of an angle, but it means I never get reflux in this position, because no matter how hard my stomach tries to shoot acid up my throat, that small angle seems to make all the difference. Good luck with your appointment, I hope he suggests something that suits you more

Nanabrodie profile image
Nanabrodie in reply toBoofers

Thank you

Carri3 profile image
Carri3 in reply toNanabrodie

Hi Nanabrodie, I took Gaviscon Adv for 2 weeks and it didn't agree with me I got more gas and constipation so I stopped taking it and tried Rennie Deflatine for a week which caused an IBS episode which I haven't had for a long time (severe pain etc) I put the problem down to the Sorbitol in the Deflatine. I also sleep on a gradual incline which a wedge and 2 pillows but still get mild reflux, maybe I am a bit too high up so I'll try adjusting them🙂

Luisa22 profile image
Luisa22 in reply toBoofers

I had reflux for a short time winter 2020-2021, and can say that elevating the head of my bed worked like a dream to help me (I also took herbs)

What I did was instead of using pillows, I got some old books and raised the actual bed at the top about 8 inches and that was better than pillows because I kept sliding down in sleep, my body wanting to lie on the flat part of the bed! But that didn't happen when I raised the actual bed.

That might not suit everyone, and if it's a shared bed, wouldn't work unless your partner likes that position!

Boofers profile image
Boofers in reply toLuisa22

What a great idea! Thank you, I'll try that.

Luisa22 profile image
Luisa22 in reply toBoofers

I hope that works better for you?

I also made my own herbal bitters mix, into a tea which I made every other day and kept in the fridge in a glass bottle, to last two days (6 doses with a small wineglass full each dose before meals. I used Gentian, Ceylon cinnamon, peppermint, camomile, Angelica root, and DGL licorice. I also ate 1 chewable calcium citrate tablet a day.

My first reflux symptoms started on the 6th December 2020, then it was a struggle on and off through winter. Some days were better than others, though my appetite was still good. Yet by April 2021, all my symptoms disappeared!

I put my bed back to its normal state, and haven't had to elevate the head of the bed again since, fingers crossed!

Gardener profile image
Gardener

Hi, have you ever heard of IQORO?( Google it)It’s an exercise device for treatment of reflux. Many people have found it’s cured their problem without the need for medication.

Andann profile image
Andann in reply toGardener

Thanks.

Andann profile image
Andann

I also find its better to take 1/2 a tablet of gaviscon advanced, keep to small meals, move about enough to keep the system moving drink peppermint tea, dont use ppi's unless you have too much acid in your stomach which id different from reflux ....and dont use them long term. Still things can go wrong but will subside.

Autumn_Leaves profile image
Autumn_Leaves in reply toAndann

Peppermint tea and capsules are effective for colon spasms as they’re a muscle relaxant but an absolute no-no for upper GI and reflux as they relax the sphincter between the stomach and the oesophagus and can actually make reflux worse. I found peppermint so helpful for IBS but in recent years I’ve been more reflux prone and that means peppermint isn’t going to be my friend any more. Not if I’m feeling a bit reflux-y.

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