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.
I need some help coming off nexium. Basically the doctors have finally decided that I don't really have GERD but that the acid reflux is a symptom of my IBS. That is why the PPIs have never really worked for me. However, when I stop taking them I get terrible rebound reflux. Even if I take a zantac one day as well as my PPI, the next day I get terrible rebound acid. But I desperately want to come off them as they have already led to low absorbtion of iron, calcium etc.
I asked my GP about taking just 20mg everyother day (I am on 40mg) but taking zantac on the 20mg days. In other words, switching my medication to Zantac instead of Nexium and then slowly coming off that. But he didn't seem to think that was the answer. Instead he has given me a prescription for Omeprazole (Prilosec) as he says it isn't as strong as Nexium. So basically he said go to a weaker PPI first. Does anyone think that is a good idea? I am so scared of the rebound acid.
I don't really remember having the burning pain when I first got ill 3 years ago. I just remember having pains in my stomach/chest and feeling sick. Since I have taken the PPIs I have added indigestion, constant burping, constant hunger pangs and heartburn to the mix. I (and my doctors) therefore believe I don't actaully have GERD but, as I said before, it is just a symptom of my IBS when I am going through a constipation phase.
So if this is the case, why do I still gethte acid rebound? Is it because my body hasn't had any acid in it for three years?
I am seeing a holistic therapist now (went for the first time two weeks ago) and she has really helped my digestion so far. I think all my problems are caused by bad digestion (it runs in the family) and therefore want to illiminate this drug out of my system as it makes digestion worse.
I don't think I will do anything till after Xmas as I want to enjoy myself!
I asked my GP about taking just 20mg everyother day (I am on 40mg) but taking zantac on the 20mg days. In other words, switching my medication to Zantac instead of Nexium and then slowly coming off that. But he didn't seem to think that was the answer. Instead he has given me a prescription for Omeprazole (Prilosec) as he says it isn't as strong as Nexium. So basically he said go to a weaker PPI first. Does anyone think that is a good idea? I am so scared of the rebound acid.
I don't really remember having the burning pain when I first got ill 3 years ago. I just remember having pains in my stomach/chest and feeling sick. Since I have taken the PPIs I have added indigestion, constant burping, constant hunger pangs and heartburn to the mix. I (and my doctors) therefore believe I don't actaully have GERD but, as I said before, it is just a symptom of my IBS when I am going through a constipation phase.
So if this is the case, why do I still gethte acid rebound? Is it because my body hasn't had any acid in it for three years?
I am seeing a holistic therapist now (went for the first time two weeks ago) and she has really helped my digestion so far. I think all my problems are caused by bad digestion (it runs in the family) and therefore want to illiminate this drug out of my system as it makes digestion worse.
I don't think I will do anything till after Xmas as I want to enjoy myself!
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It seems to be much worse at night. Milk helps a bit, and gaviscon. The doctor told me that I should only have the acid rebound for a couple of weeks. It's been 9 days, not getting much better yet...
I'm new to the group, hoping to hear about successes, and provide support where I can :)
Also ginger or ginger candy will help settle the stomach.;
You should also monitor the foods that you eat and find what triggers your indigestion. I can't eat whole kernal corn, Peanut Butter, Collard Greens or any really spicy foods.
I am on a stronger medication. Dexilant 6o mg. I was told that I don't have GERD but Gastritis. Yet I can only miss a day every once in a while. I have been taking some take of PPI for over 28 plus years. I plan to make some food choice changes and lose a few pounds to be able to come off any type of PPI meds.
The things that helped me were:
*Smoothies first thing in the morning. The enzymes help a lot!
*Chew gum or suck on candy when stomach is upset. Amazing.
*Eat your last meal at least 3 hours before bed.
*Drink apple cider vinegar drink between breakfast and lunch-1 tbsp ACV Braggs brand, splash hot water, dash honey and splash of apple juice or blueberry juice-chase with a glass of water, rinse and spit-wait 15 min before you brush your teeth.
***Take Digestive Enzymes every morning(full spectrum, and for hidden glutens-Digest Gold brand and Gluten Ease) and probiotics(Jarrow brand)
*Eat a DGL licorice tablets when reflux hits. Very effective. I'll use one of these before I ever touch a tums!!!
*eliminated Gluten and sugary foods. And of course foods that cause my reflux.
If you take PPIs, they are just giving you a terrible vitamin/mineral deficiency over a long period of time. It can lead you to from IBS to IBD-dangerous! These simple changes have changed my life! Hope it helps. Feel free to contact me if you want anymore info. :)
-Melisssa