Unexplained Upper Gastrointestinal bleeding Omeprazole

[Countrycyclist]

Had 2 episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (Meleana). One 2015 and the other June 2018. Resulted in iron deficiency anaemia and recent one rapid onset and collapse with emergency admission to A and E. Had all usual tests of camera down throat; capsule endoscopy and colonoscopy with no culprit found by any of them. One Dr thought it could be erosive gastritis and put me on long term omeprazole. Several told me that 50% of upper gastrointestinal bleeds are unexplained. Don’t want to stay on Omeprazole. Anyone had similar experience with unexplained bleeding? Long term Omeprazole?

[helvella Administrator]

Just wondering why you have posted this question on a thyroid forum?

I know that there have been several discussions about omeprazole here. But do you have any thyroid issues?

[Sabahlad in reply to helvella]

Thanks helvella: you aren't the only one as I wondered why. It was the robots on the site that directed me to this area presumably they thought it most appropriate. Will check if I have a thyroid problem as this could be a cause. Please move this post to somewhere more appropriate if you want as don't want to get in the way of more relevant discussions.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Sabahlad]

We admins have no ability to move posts. It is perfectly fine to post and it doesn't cause a problem!

We have seen all too many people put on omeprazole (and similar) and left long-term. There are many issues with doing so - not least the tendency to reduce absorption of vitamin B12, sometimes to the point of causing deficiency.

[Vxxxx]

I had gi bleeding erosive gastritis pre dx hashis. Given ranitidine. Helped a bit. But six months post thyroid replacement treatment bleeding cleared up. So mine was thyroid related I feel.

[Hidden in reply to Vxxxx]

Were you given any advice about diet? Try cutting way back on citrus, caffeine and alcohol. I find that drinking more water helps. As we age, some of us have multiple conditions. A temporal connection does not alone establish causal relationship.

Since you did not have GI lesions, perhaps just inflammation as I do, omeprazole is fine except if you have renal insufficiency (another possible reason for anemia) in which case the cost benefit ratio needs to be considered.

I tried cutting back on omeprazole due to that, but my nephrologist has approved going back on it.

[Sabahlad in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the very wise advice: much appreciated. No advice from the medics on this or any questions about diet. I have researched a bit on line and need to do more as I am sure this is the root of the problem.

[JakepeGdig000]

Hi I've read that thyroid can lead to gastric stomach which I'm now suffering from and under active thyroid which leads to so many illnesses. I'm taking at the moment for gastric stomach and other problems due to thyroid, gum mastic. Will let you know if it helps.

[Hidden]

I had this many years ago. Like you, drs had no answers. I cut out all gluten, never happened since.

[Suzc16355]

Hello

I hope you are starting to feel better, your story sounds scary.

I was taking two Omeprazole per day for 4 years, on the advice of doctors ( I have a hernia, which causes acid re-flux ) . I started to research drug because I was having flu like colds which lasted 6 weeks almost back to back. If any illness was going I caught it. Looking on the internet I soon discovered that lots of people were suffering side effects. Originally this medicine was intended to be taken for months not years. The doctor told me that the medicine was not the culprit, of my weakened defenses, however I insisted that I switch to Ranitidine. I have weaned myself back to one pill a day and the endless colds disappeared.

[Sabahlad in reply to Suzc16355]

Thanks. Like you (and many many others) I don't think Omeprazole is a long term solution and it is interesting that the advice leaflets don't make any reference to the "life long use" my hospital discharge letter happily refers to!