GERD & Heartburn Support Group

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. If you are afflicted with GERD or heartburn, join the group and find support.

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Gastrointestinal System
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Help!

ellowyne
ellowyne
Hello. I have acid reflux and have been put on Omeparazole 40mg which is also known as Prilosec. I have been taking the medication since last November, but am worried because my doctor told me that I would have to go on to something else at the start which is not an acid reducer but makes the food travel faster through the body and is less effective. I am worried. I still have symptoms but they were severe before I was on the medication. Does any one else have any experience of this other medication, and how long have you been on the acid reducers for? How long is too long for them? Thank you fror any replies. I would be so grateful for any advice or information any kind soul could give me.
Thanks.
gramybear
gramybear
I'm not an expert on this but I have Barrett's Esophagus and they told me to get off of the meds after about 6 months or less. We need to have acid in our system and these meds stop that from happening. I have never heard of this other medication but I do know what helps. Raise the back of your bed by 6" , stay away from acidic foods, the bad fats, tomatoes and tomato based foods, and soda, caffeine, and chocolate. That will help a lot! I would really sit down and talk to the doctor about continuing the meds. I was on a high dose of 40mg in the morning and 40 in the evening and finally stopped taking them. I was also sent to a nutritionist. I hope you can get the correct answers.
ellowyne
ellowyne
Hi. Thank you for being so helpful. I am sorry that you have Barrett's
Esophagus. Do you take anything at all now? How do you cope with burning pain? Sorry to aks, I am feeling scared and anxious.
amelah
amelah
I'm not a Dr, and maybe I'm wrong, but it sounds to me like your Dr is thinking you have a motility problem, rather than heartburn problem. Motility is when food is either moving too fast or too slow through the digestive tract. If he's considering giving you a medication to help food move itself along, that's probably why. You should really create a list of all these questions for him (I go blank, if I don't bring a written list with me!): Why are you prescribing this medication? What is the diagnosis? How long do I have to be on this medication? Are there side effects I should be aware of? Are there safety concerns with taking this medication indefinitely? What's next, if this medication doesn't work? Are there other things I can be doing to ease my symptoms? (diet modification, lifestyle modification) ...

For me, the anxiety arises from feeling out of control, being in the unknown. The best way to get atop of that feeling is to have as much information as possible to arm yourself with, so you can feel empowered in your healing, rather than at a loss or confused.

Good Luck!
ellowyne
ellowyne
Thank you for such a thougtful reply. You have given me a lot to think about. I do like to be informed and ask questions. I suffer with anxiety and stress too which makes the acid reflux worse.