Getting Off Acid Suppressors Is a Challenge

I have been reading about remedies for gout and learned that 2tbsp of vinegar and honey, daily, both organic, is an excellent remedy for heartburn and acid reflux.

Although I was only on Prilosec for about a month or so, I had the terrible rebound effect when I tried to quit. My pharmacist advised me to try alternating the Prilosec with Zantac which I had been taking for a long time before being on the Prilosec. He said to take Prilosec for two days, then the Zantac for one day.

After a week or so, take Prilosec for one day, then Zantac for two, etc. Then, Prilosec for one day, followed by Zantac for three. Continue adding more days on Zantac in sequence until you are just taking Zantac. That worked for me. It took about a month or less for me to get off it. You could then discontinue the Zantac if needed. I take it as a precaution with my NASIDS.

I would have preferred that you give the information that you furnished as well as warning that esophageal ulcers could be the result of eliminating acid suppressors. 'Suffering' with reflux, I share the concern over the side effects and don't have an answer. On the other hand, I do not wish upon myself esophageal cancer which I understand could be the alternative. Another example of the side effects perhaps being more severe than that the alternative.

Some people respond well to a combination of acupuncture in combo with a custom herbal formula from a trained herbalist. some herbs used are
Hai Pao Xiao (cuttlefish bone)
Scutelaria, Licorice, oyster shell ginger and jujube, Only a trained Chinese Herbalist should decide which combo

don't give up--you can get off prilosec, though now, even after 5 months, i still think about taking it again. just think small meals, watch the fat, yogurt is good, no eating close to bedtime--none of this is news, but isn't always easy. I gave up coffee and the strange manufactured foods like coolwhip. always have your tums at hand and i found that carrot juice (from the costco) either alone or even with orange juice seemed to help (this was a surprise). hang in there

I had the same problem and remembered my dad taking baking soda. I tried 1/2 teaspoon twice a day and it worked. I weaned myself off the medications and now I don't take any. I had a severe case of reflux/gerd/heartburn. When I feel a problem I take baking soda once a day.

I found that baking soda in water and/or Tums and/or Prelief work well in stopping rebound.

They also have been for me a better choice for acid control than any RX's -- they work, side effects are minor, and they are affordable alternatives.

Ginger is nice too and has been used for centuries - best to use in a form that doesn't have sugar as in ginger candies.

My husband and I were taking Prilosec for reflux disease. Then we began to follow a basic low carbohydrate diet, eating only fresh fruits, chicken, fish, limiting beef/pork, no coffee or alcohol. Avoiding all processed/artificial foods. Within a couple of weeks the reflux was gone and we discontinued all medication. We are what we eat.

I have had reflux for years and had taken Protonix and Nexium a very long time. As a result, I have major bone loss and osteoporosis (I'm only 53) which was a real shock to me... that the medications might have contributed to that. I made a decision to stop the Nexium, and have switched to Tums when needed, and Kefir (similar to yogurt) really helps.....6 to 8 oz. twice a day. I also cut out carbonated beverages and chocolate.

I take 40mg Protonix, but only every other day. Sometimes I have to take a tums at night, but not often. This has been working for me for several years.

I believe that this allows my stomach's acid level to normalize some and avoid some of the problems of continued use.

Using Nexium and other acid suppressors increased my arthritis pain.
Instead, I chew a piece of gum for about 45 minutes after eating. It seems to increase saliva flow and aids in digestion. No antacids, no reflux symptoms. Simple and quick.

I was so happy to find this site. I had a huge and awful rebound experience after having a stomach bug and not being able to take meds for a week or so. I thought it might be a good time to try to stay off Protonix and worse GERD symptoms than I had ever had.

I have just learned of the osteoporosis link and have read some of the medical research. My doctors KNEW I had osteopenia and still pushed the protonix long-term. In fact, the GI guy didn't even tell me it was the rebound effect (maybe he didn't know) but stated I should never go off the PPI drugs. I am very motivated to try alternatives!

I have been taking prevacid for about 10 years 30mgs 2 times per day. I'm
trying to take myself off of the prevacid due to medicare part D I'm in the donut hole and cannot afford the prevacid, it costs 343 dollars per month. I cannot afford this, this is my 4th day of trying to take only 1 prevacid per day. I am getting a severe cough, sore throat and on top of that my reflux is coming back even worst than it was.

Is a cough and sore throat common when trying to taper off of acid reducing drugs. What is the best way to do this? Is there something else I can take in place of the 2nd prevacid? I am still taking 1 prevacid but not 2.

I had been on Prilosec since 2000 and suffered from severe Acid reflux. I decided that I had to stop taking the medication simply because of the long term affects of the drug.

I reduced the dosage by 1/2 and took a half a pill for 6 weeks. I had a little heartburn late in the afternoon after the first 3 days. After the first week nothing. Weeks later I reduced the in-take to a quarter of a pill. Here I took it for a week and did have a bit more flareups of heartburn, but now 1 month later no heartburn.

The way I kicked the PPI habit was to stop the PPI, and start taking Zantac twice a day, after 2 weeks, I reduced it to once a day, and after another week or so, stopped it.

What was you dose of zantac?
Thanks.

Any kind of gum?

What kind of fruit? Can you eat tomatoes? Also, do you use any oils or cheese?

Do any of you who have left comments have a hiatal hernia, which is the cause of my GERD? I've been on acid suppressors (now Nexium) for over 10 years. I desperately want to stop taking them. I'm trying baking soda and Tums. The longest I've been off Nexium was 8 days, which was just a week ago. I'm now trying to go 2 or 3 days without. I know my food has digested better since I've cut back. I'm seriously considering asking for the surgery to repair the hernia.

I have taken Protonix 40 mgs for about 7 years now. I have noticed in the last 6 months that my knees are really hurting and I have a have a pulling sensation behind one knee. Also I have felt bloated. I stopped taking my Protonix a week ago today and no more knee pain . Was wondering if all along this med has caused this? I called the pharmacy an they said people should not take more than 4 years because this med can cause cell changes... but would not elaborate on what kind. What I was wanting to ask has anyone else had this kind of symptoms? Thanks for any thing you can share on this :)

I got hit with LPR (silent reflux) out of the blue. I am already little 5'4" was 115 pounds down to 100. I am eating grilled fish, veggies, smoothies and graham crackers and that is it. Having a horrible time. On nexium 2 x a day, just started the apple cider vinegar and going to try the baking soda tonight. It is awful. GI doc says its not reflux, ENT says it is. I also have thyroid issues.

I just want to be able to gain some weight and eat normal again. This has been the most frustrated I have ever been in my life. I am following all orders and I just don't get why I haven't gotten better at all. I am only 35 years old. I will admit I had a horrible diet before all of this. I hate taking prescription medicine so I am trying to go the natural route. Getting a second opinion by another doc next week.

I have gone 10 rounds with the devil, while quitting reflux med's back in 2000. This past fall heartburn returned, as did about 40 pounds of weight in the past 10 years. I had an EGD (best sleep, I'd had in weeks) and was told I now have a hiatal hernia, in addition to the Portal Hypertension and esophageal varices. Consequently, taking Protonix 40 mg 2xday... But, not without some pretty darn aggravating side effects. One of which, is still occasional heartburn. Anyone out there with a similar diagnosis, and comments on GERD with Varicies?

I am with you here. I also have a hiatal hernia, and the Protonix works wonderfully. It's so nice not to have that constant pain. But I also am concerned about the long term effects. I considered trying to wean myself off of Protonix by cutting the dose periodically, but I found out that it is a slow release drug, so taking halves won't work. And if I go 2 days without the medication, the heartburn is extremely bad. I also have considered the surgery, but I'm a little scared about that. Have you decided yet whether to do it?

I had an egd 2 yrs ago..... routine. I was diagnosed with hiatal hernia and gastritis. I've never really experienced reflux until I stopped the nexium for a couple of days. I have osteopenia and I am trying to wean myself off of the drug. It is a lot more difficult than I anticipated.... tums last evening and mylanta last night. I'm going to try diet and see what happens. I just quit alcohol and I am down to one cup of tea in the morning.

Did you get second opinion? I am going in for exam on Wed. for Lpr...I am in pain. Only 32... not overweight at all.... losing weight because don't want to eat due to burning in throat and ears. The pain... in the ears and neck kills me. I have been on Previcid on and off for 9 years... and I am now taking 2 a day because of the pain. I also am going to get thyroid testing because I just had a baby 6 months ago. I wonder if the LPR has to do with it also?! I have seen where others have gerd issues with thyroid... curious what I will find out.

I have been on Protonix for over 8 years for a hiatal hernia causing GERD. Then in February I had a severe bout with dizziness that led to a near fainting episode and it landed me in the hospital, then 2 more times over the next ten days. Everyone wanted to talk about my blood pressure and liver enzymes instead of addressing the side effects of my medication - Protonix.

My doctor actually increased my dose of Protonix from 40mg to 80mg everyday. That was in March. Shame on me for not researching Protonix then! Over the next two months I started experiencing increased joint pain and stiffness. In mid-June, the pain started in my shoulders and elbows and sleeping was a challenge since I am a side sleeper. Then I had a day where my right hip and knee were so painful I found myself limping.

Protonix was the only change in my daily medications. I started investigating the symptoms of long term Protonix and started weaning myself off by cutting back to the 40mg dose over a weeks time then every other day. The joint pain and stiffness have disappeared. Previously, I couldn't sit for an hour without hips, knees and ankles stiffening to the point of it being difficult to get out of my car after my one hour commute. I'm 60 now and thought this just "getting older" but this too has now gone away!

I am also taking probiotics now and my GI system is normalizing after only a few weeks. I still get reflux and take the omeprazole at most twice a week. I supplement with TUMS and now avoid foods that trigger acid reflux like tomatoes and wine for me (even ketchup! which I love). Nasal congestion and post nasal drip are improved also. There are always trade offs with medications - relief vs. side effects. But I think we all have to be better educated consumers since no physician can know everything about the pharmacopia of drugs that are prescribed. I sure with they would listen to us better when we have complaints!

I took prilosec for 5 days for what appeared to be gastritis and it made me sicker (all the side effects they list- ) so i went off and went to GI person . blood and ultra sound normal. Endoscopy showed some gastritis or inflammation. the med he prescribed not approved by insurance company. meanwhile started zantac. 300 mg/day after a week had terrible side effects with that. went off. now getting more pain than I had before I started all this. Could I have rebound this fast?

anyone raised their bed? I am changing diet. off soda. no citrus. etc. etc. been afraid to try some alternative stuff.

I have a hiatal hernia as well, not sure what to do yet.. any luck with anything?

I have been taking Javacid, contains DGL licorice, Vit D, calcium, I also take Prelief, a calcium supplement, both of which have enabled me to drink coffee, tea, wine, beer again. I now want to wean off Prilosec. Any suggestions?

I was having heartburn for a few years, as we as occasional reflux but thought nothing of it. Then about a year ago, the reflux really took center stage after I started doing a particularly grueling workout routine. I saw two doctors and they both diagnosed me with acid reflux disease. They put me on ompeprazole, which I've been on for 10 months now.

Within two weeks of taking it, I started having loose stools multiple times a day, nausea and a real feeling of unwellness. I got tested for h-pylori which was negative, so the doctor put me on antibiotics. The loose stool thing didn't budge, so I put it down to side effects from the omeprazole and abruptly stopped taking them and started probiotics. Not only was the rebound horrific, but my system was worse than ever.

My doctor sent me to a GI, who diagnosed me as having GERD. He also gave me a sigmoidoscopy to check out the lower GI issue, which was normal. Finally, he decided that the lower GI issue was probably a parasite. He also thought I had irritable bowel syndrome.

After many more months passed, the lower GI thing was still an issue so I went back to the GI. He changed his mind and told me it was probably from the antibiotics I'd taken months earlier and its reaction to the probiotics I took right after.

Today, I continue having classic GERD symptoms except there's no acid because of the omeprazole. My system is still as confused as ever and I feel like the only way I can get back to normal is to get off the omeprazole. Do I sound like a good candidate or will it mess me up even more?

I have taken prilosec for 3-4 years thinking I had an acid problem diagnosed as GERD. After a hospitalization 2 months ago for acute diverticulitis I decided to consult an acupuncturist. I found out most people have too little acid and muscle testing verified that fact for me. So off prilosec and on a strong parasite cleanse and yes many parasites were seen.

A coffee enema was done with more parasites! I take ginger tea, baking soda if needed for the rebound effect of prilosec, and digestive enzymes and HCL. I am getting better. I understand that if you lack acid the bones suffer and toxins build up in the body from undigested foods. Stomach bloat is going away. I cannot tolerate breads so I am eating lean meats, veges, eggs butter, saltine crackers and if I want something sweet I fix chai tea with almond milk.

Take heed, check out what is really going on with you. My health has suffered with prilosec. I could eat what I wanted to eat but it was doing harm and how many people are walking around with stomach meds they should not have. If you lack acid than you have no defense against bacteria, fungus, parasites take up residence in your body and destroy your health.

After being diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, I have been taking 30 mg of Prevacid for 10+ years. The hiatal hernia is hereditary on my mother's side. I'm 52 years old and about 25 lbs overweight. I do aerobic exercise about 4 - 5 times per week. My diet is about 80/20, meaning I'm good about 80% of the time (of course, some weeks, it's the other way around and I'm only good 20% of the time).

About two years ago, I started having heartburn later in the day in spite of taking the Prevacid. My Doc sent me for an endoscopy. The GI specialist told me to stop drinking wine, lose some weight and double my medication. For some reason the symptoms cleared up and the Prevacid worked again.

Now, the "breakthrough" acid reflux is back. I started to notice that it was worse when I ate bread. Coincidentally, I have a friend who when she presented the signs of severe heartburn, her doctor sent her for the test for celiac sprue - the intolerance to gluten. The doctor told her that heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of celiac, or wheat intolerance. Luckily my friend is only wheat intolerant and not celiac. Consequently, when she doesn't eat wheat, she doesn't get heartburn.

I've been experimenting with eliminating wheat from my diet and it has helped with the breakthrough acid reflux. I'm now working with my doctor (who has referred me to a surgeon to consider the fundoplication surgery) to see if I have a wheat intolerance, or worse, celiac. Maybe that's not my problem, but I want to eliminate any doubt before even considering surgery.

My mother, who suffered her whole life with acid reflux, had the fundoplication surgery in the 1980's. As she aged, her balance started to go, then she started to get terrible pains in her arms and legs. She died 2 years ago. After she passed, I started to read about all of the problems associated with the vitamin and mineral absorption when taking acid suppressing drugs. Now, I have absolutely no proof that that was her problem as I don't think the doctors ever checked her for that. However, looking back (my poor mom) I think she might have been experiencing the effects.

I'm now trying to wean myself off the Prevacid. I really appreciate the great information here in this forum. Keep writing. I'd like to hear more.

I appreciate everyone's comments. We are clearly on to something here. I too have been using protonix for 6 years (am 49 now). I have tried to wean myself off it for years and have also noticed the rebound effect. One GI told me there is no such thing (I am on my 4th GI now). A few months ago, after a couple of days of really strenuous exercise (tabata), my reflux became so bad that I felt as if something was lodged in my throat at all times.

My GI told me that spinning (was a 3-4x per week spinner) is also a culprit. I have noticed that my problem also is really aggravated by any bending over movement. Was put on a double dose of protonix (80 mg) per day which did relieve my symptoms for a awhile. The problem is that these drugs eventually do stop working. And, just received my bone density scan results today. Had a normal scan 3 years ago and now have osteopenia (the predecessor to osteoporosis).

I have tried every acid drug on the market, nutritionists, am not overweight and am otherwise healthy. One doctor even tried to suggest an anti-depressant to treat the reflux! Was also told I have IBS. Acidophilus and miralax do seem to help as does a non-acid diet. I am off to the acupuncturist next. Have any of you had success with acupuncture?

JYP,

I have a friend who is an acupuncturist. Although I haven't had her treat me as yet, that is going to be part of my "get off prevacid" regimen. Her take on it is that your digestive system is your furnace. When it isn't working properly it allows your liver to become a bully and starts working overtime. Last year, I had a rash at the corners of my eyes. The acupuncturist told me that it was my liver/gall bladder. I don't' have a gallbladder, so it was my liver bullying my body. I started taking Milk Thistle in the form of a digestive tonic, and the rash cleared up.

I am into my third week of weaning off of Prevacid following the advice I found through this forum of a systematic way to do it. So far, so good substituting the Zantac for the Prevacid at night as well as staying away from wheat.

Have you tried not eating gluten? This is a good article to read regarding that. It speaks to IBS in the article.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Heartburn-and-Celiac-Disease:-Gluten-Sensitivity-as-a-Reversible-Cause-of-Gastroesophageal-Reflux&id=315638

I am a Jazzerciser and I notice that sometimes when I work too hard on the routines that my GERD is worse or if I bend over too soon after eating a meal.

Please let me know if the acupuncture works for you and I'll do the same.

Good luck!

Regards,

SandrJ

Good luck to everyone trying to get off these drugs. My non-medical, non-qualified opinion is they are bad news. Long run bone density issues, insomnia, anxiety, depression.... I was on various proton pump inhibitors for seven years. I'm off for 25 days now, hopefully I can stay off. On my way off, I substituted Zantac for omeprezole every third day, for 3 weeks. For the next 2 weeks, I alternated days. I then went onto Zantac every day for 10 days, then quit. Most importantly, I significantly changed my diet. For the most part, I stuck to the paleo diet and avoided all nightshades.

As I did this, I realized the pills I'd been taking for 7 years more-or-less enabled me to put things into my body that my body would normally reject. I'm having some difficulty with gas and bloating when I eat certain green vegetables. Not sure if my body needs some time to be able to handle these things in volume after not consuming them in 20+ years, or if there is still some normalization of stomach acid levels still occurring. Best of luck to all.

I learned on other parts of this web site that taking DGL which comes from licorice has allowed some people to get off PPIs cold turkey. I am taking my mother off them using DGL, Tums, and other antacids.

I too am trying the "every other day approach". I have had no side effects from the drug. I weight lift regularly and my bones seem fine. I just don't want to be on pills forever. I will try the baking soda next. I appreciate your comments.

God bless this website. I thought I was alone dealing with this. The nexium has been a double edge sword in the fact that it has helped clear up my Barrett's but it is unacceptable to have to be on this stuff forever. I have taken the advice of using baking soda twice daily and so far it has been very helpful. Also, use Tums on occasion. I am hoping this formula will work. No milk products after 6pm and no food as well. Best of luck to us all.

I was pregnant with my daughter 23 years ago when my acid reflux began. After delivering her, I started taking Tagamet, and then progressed to Zantac. I also was diagnosed somewhere along the way with a hiatal hernia and also was hyperthyroid so I had radiation treatment and began Thyroid supplementation. I recall when Prilosec and Nexium came on the market and started on those drugs, and there was a period of about 2 months where I could not walk up or down the stairs, I had to crawl; the joint pain was unbearable.

Time continued to pass and I continued taking Prilosec or Nexium for the next 20 some years. Then I switched to Zegerid, and after about 2 months I started breaking out with hives. I had no clue what was causing the hives, but I finally associated it with the Zegerid. I stopped the Zegerid and the hives would diminish, but if I took the Zegerid again, the hives returned. So I went back on Prilosec. As soon as I did, the joint pain returned-I ached all over and felt like I had the flu, but it was just the joint pain caused by the Prilosec.

I decided it was time to start weaning myself off these horrible drugs. I've been taking the DGL Licorice, Active Acidophillus, Zantac, and Tums if needed for immediate relief. These are not keeping my reflux completely under control yet. I have some of the organic Apple Cider Vinegar which I am going to try, also going to try the baking soda and changing my diet to raw foods until I can get this under control.

Another poster stated that she had good results with adding in exercise, which makes sense because exercise helps in digestion. Oh, also taking digestive enzymes. Hard to get my thyroid levels adjusted correctly because taking the PPI's blocks proper absorption. So what a viscous circle this has been. While the drugs definitely stop the reflux and heartburn, the side effects have long term implications.

Stephanie- I have also had neck and ear related pain with my heartburn. My Doctor just laughed at me and thinks I am exaggerating as to its severity. Have you found any relief? If I go off Prilosec for even one day I am in horrible pain.

I've been on Protonix for almost a year and seriously want to stop taking it. The side effects of osteopenia have already cropped up for me so I'm not interested in the further problem of stomach cancer. So protonix causes and also prevents stomach/esophageal cancer..???

How is that possible? I'm trying the zantac twice a day to get off the protonix... but am really worried about the acid in my esophagus... what is the best thing to stop that? Will the zantac be enough?? thanks.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE:

This is a very complicated issue and you really must work with your MD to come up with the best solution. Chronic reflux may indeed increase the risk for problems with the esophagus and so you may need to stay on an acid-suppressing drug indefinitely.

You will strategies about getting off PPIs in our Guide to Digestive Disorders:
https://store.peoplespharmacy.com/guides/digestive-disorders.html

Good luck.

I was diagnosed with GERD over 20 years ago and have been on meds since then. I could never get control of the reflux problem so I had no choice but to stay on the meds. Over the past 2 years I have been doing a lot of research and trial and error to see what foods bother me. Last year I eliminated all red sauces - ketchup, etc. from my life and that helped.

This winter I went gluten-free. From what I've read it seems that this might be the problem for most of us - even if you don't test as a gluten-sensitive person. After 3 months I finally decided it was time to see if my system was better balanced so I stopped taking the nexium. It's been a week and I do have to use Tums, etc from time to time during the day but so far I am not noticing any reflux at night.

I've heard the rebound can go on for a couple of weeks but I am hopeful that I have finally found the true cause of my GERD. Why is it the specialists never bother to tell us that wheat could be the cause of this issue? Interested? Go to any of the celiac or gluten-free web sites and start reading.

Hi Everyone,

Some really good information on this site. I've had a hiatal hernia (since my 20s) and reflux, as well as a history of a gastric ulcer. Had chemo when I was very young and stomach has never been the same. I've just been diagnosed with stomach polyps which appear to be benign. Imagine my surprise to learn these can be caused by proton pump inhibitors!

I have been on and off PPIs for many years and am about to ween myself off again using the methods described here. I have one tip to offer. Tums isn't the best for GERD. Something like Gaviscon that actually coats the esophagus may be more helpful.

Has been for me and theoretically should work better because the pain is caused my spasms of the esophagus due to irritation by acid. Just my humble suggestion. Take care

I want to thank everyone for commenting on this site. I found it really helpful knowing what to expect when I stopped taking prilosec/omeprazole six weeks ago.

I had been taking prilosec/omeprazole for a decade and wanted to come off it, but every time tried to stop taking it I felt so sick and horrible within a day or so I thought I really needed the medication and stayed on it. This site gave me the courage to push through it this time.

Well, it wasn't pretty. I really did feel TERRIBLE for about week, and I really wasn't sure I was doing the right thing -- even though I cut out irritants like chocolate and fats and spices and pepper and bananas, etc. The rebound acid was AWFUL. However, I found that antacids with alginic acid (e.g. gaviscon) REALLY DID make the acid and acid reflux tolerable during that period. I feared I would now become dependent on those as I had been on omeprazole. But after about two weeks, the worst was over. It did last that long though -- I kept track of it. After two weeks, I could definitely say that the worst was over.

Now, six weeks later, I am completely off omeprazole, and I get heartburn mildly like I remember it being 30 years ago -- no big deal, controllable with Tums or Gaviscon. I actually have days when I don't need antacids at all, depending on what I eat. I have returned to my usual diet, also.

I just want people to know that even though it seems dreadful the first couple of days, it really is worth pushing through that first week, especially since gaviscon really helps a lot!

Also -- the really interesting thing is that on prilosec it is almost like I had lost my sense of what it felt like to be full. These days, I actually DO get full when I eat (which stopped happening before!) After I eat now, I think I am feeling a little sick, until I stop and realize that no! what I am feeling is not sickness but rather simply being FULL. It is a really funny thing.

Good luck everyone!

I posted Jan. 16 that I was taking my mother off Nexium and putting her on DGL and Tums. A couple of weeks ago my mother had the opening at the bottom of her stomach dilated and the doctor said "whatever you are doing, it's working." He said it looked better than it did October 2010. Therefore, I totally believe in DGL. IT is great stuff. If you are going off Nexium, start taking DGL and you will not have all those horrible rebound, perhaps a little but not as much as others have and it will prevent ulcers.

Hi... yes about DGL, and aloe vera juice. I've been on Protonix for over a year and what to stop, but I'm concerned about my esophagus and erosion going in a very bad direction. So far I'm ok, but the doctor has frightened me into taking this med. I'm now weaning off by taking it every other day with zantac on the opposite days. What does everyone think of the possibility of getting off the Protonix completely? thanks.

I have been taking omeprazole for about 10 years. I decided stop taking it for many reasons. I started by taking it every other day. When I ran out (about 2 weeks) I stopped all together. The acid has returned but is manageable with other methods. But, I have had other symptoms, such as weakness, shortness of breath, headaches and flu-like achiness. Is it possible these are withdrawal symptoms?

I am about to turn 40 and have been on this stuff for 11 years. I want off it. I am tired of the bloating and gas, and always looking 30 pounds overweight. In 2000, I had 7 ulcers in the duodenum. I was put on Prevacid. Then came Prilosec. Then Nexium. Then Nexium twice a day. Even with all this, I sometimes need antacid tablets, too. What's the point, then?

I am trying to slowly get myself to stop using all this stuff. My GI said "IBS", "Hiatal hernia", etc. Sometimes I wonder if they really know. I do know, as a kid, I took a LOT of antacids and aspirin, which probably led to the ulcers. I heard the term 'nervous stomach' a lot as a child. All I know is I had a lousy stomach and needed antacids all the time. No reflux, really - just bad heartburn.

Avoid peppermint! My doc actually had me try Pepogels, made of peppermint. After YEARS of hearing to avoid mint, I tried this. It KILLED my stomach!

I will try the DGL licorice idea, switching to Zantac, and baking soda. I also have read about Mastic gum (not sure about this) and ginger. Also, has anyone tried apple cider vinegar with honey before meals?

I cannot believe that people actually take apple cider vinegar. I tried some and it burned like fire, literally. I had to drink something quick because I was afraid of getting a burned throat. I threw the rest of the bottle in the trash.

I have been off the Nexium for over a week now, and it's tough. I take a Zantac twice a day. When I started, only 1 was necessary. I also use the licorice chews often. I have less of an appetite because I feel reflux building up. But I am going to keep trying this to see if I can do it. I haven't tried ginger or the apple cider vinegar though.

Thanks to the folks who posted info about tapering onto Zantac. I was taking 2 prilosec a day after a rebound that occurred when I stopped taking prilosec rather abruptly. It took several months on 2 prilosec a day for those symptoms to disappear. Then, I slowly tapered from 2 a day to 1 a day without incident, but then when I tapered below 1 a day symptoms reappeared.

I was worried!! Tapering onto zantac slowly however has worked. For two weeks I did 2 days prilosec, 1 day zantac, then 2 weeks every other day zantac, then 2 weeks 1 day prilosec, 2 days zantac, then 2 weeks 1 day prilosec, 3 days zantac. After a few more weeks I will be just on 1 a day zantac, then plan to taper (more quickly) off of it.

I have had minor symptoms which I have treated with baking soda (in water.. don't try it dry!), maalox, and antacid pills. I have lots of hope that by sometime in mid September I will be free of all of these drugs. I should add that I had no stomach problems before the prilosec rebound, I was taking it because I was taking a strong NSAID for knee pain and was trying to protect my digestive system. So much for that!

Wow. In response to Heather...I had a very similar situation. Now trying to get off this stuff. So good to hear I'm not alone!

Anyone had "rebound" when trying to get off Zantac?

I have been taking protonix for about 3 years and just recently had the same problems with my knee joints and the same pulling behind the knee I am going to get off the protonix. That's why I am here today to see what others have done to get off the meds.

I have been taking Prilosec for about 4 year and am trying to get off it, last night I woke up freezing, sweating (under blankets) feeling like I had the flu. I think it is "coming off" prilosec, I think these drugs are dangerous.

Hey. I am a 26 year old male that has been using proton pumps for about 13 years. I was started on them when I was 12 or 13 and have been using them everyday. I decided to stop the ppis altogether about 9 months ago due to the side effects that they were giving me. I was also unable to substitute the withdrawal with h2 blockers because they were giving me anxiety attacks. I was suffering a withdrawal for 8 months with severe stomach pain after quitting this stuff. Not acid reflux but stomach burn.

I thought that it was gastritis but the GIs looked into my stomach and said it looked good. It has ruined my life. I know if I stayed on these meds I would not live very long or be a healthy person anymore. I finally think I found some relief with dgl, slippery elm bark powder, and marshmallow root. This combination works. I'm a survivor of the withdrawals so I can answer any questions out there. Oh and for those of you that are using zantac instead of your ppis, just letting you know that h2 blockers like zantac are also detrimental to your health. Your stomach doesn't want your acid pumps to even be halfway shut off.

Get off of all acid drugs for they will give you problems down the road guaranteed. H2 blockers gave me high anxiety. WATCH OUT.

Greg

Just an update. I am in my last week of using any ranitidine (Xantac) at all. Down to one every 4 days, last one ever will be this Friday. (so, 9 months out from the initial prilosec rebound!) I continue to have some indigestion symptoms, usually in the evening,and some throat soreness, but generally not full on heartburn. Some days better than other depending on what I eat, or how much.

The sore throat makes me worry about my esophagus and long term damage, but I am not going back on any of those meds now and will have to tough it out. I sure hope to be better soon. This site gives me hope since it seems some people at least have managed to get off prilosec (omeprazole) and eventually become at least mostly free of any symptoms.

Thank you so much for your pep talk on getting off Prilosec. I have been off for about a week now and am trying different approaches. HCL, Apple Cider Vinegar, Licorice chewable tablets and a few times had to try Pepcid. Last night was the worst so far. Horrible acid combined with heartburn so bad I felt like I could have a heart attack. Ended up chewing 4 Tums which allowed me to finally pass out about 1:00 am.

A little better today but eating very light (two scrambled eggs is all so far). I am going to the store soon and will get some Gaviscon to see if this will help me get through what I hope is only a temporary re-bound. Sure hate how these meds are making us so dependent on them to feel good. I have been on Prilosec OTC for probably 8 years or so, but during that time I ended up with an esophageal ring that had to be treated during an endoscopy. At that time they also discovered I had Hiatal Hernia. That was about 2 and 1/2 years ago so... did the Prilosec
cause them???? What would the pharmacy companies say? Hm! Good luck to you and everyone else on this helpful site.

Sharon, the hiatal hernia is probably what is causing your heartburn.
That's what my problem is too. I hate the medicine, but I'm not willing to put up with the alternative, without it. I'm considering surgery, and I understand that there's one that is non-invasive. However, it's relatively new, so not necessarily paid for by insurance. I'm giving it a year, for the procedure to become more familiar to the insurance company.

Thank all of you for the comments you shared on your experiences with taking acid reducing drugs. I have been on Protonix for over 4 years and about a year ago I started reading articles on the long term effects of this drug. I have discussed this with several of my physicians but no one seemed alarmed. Recently a new GI Dr. advised me how to withdraw from my daily dose of 40mg. - He suggested I should take Protonix for 4 days in the morning and take 20 mg. Pepcid Complete in the evening. On day 5 only take Pepcid Complete and continue for 2 weeks with this dose (2 chewable tablets).

Of course the first two days off Protonix I was fine, but have really been miserable with Acid Reflux symptoms since. I have a few more days to go on Pepcid. I appreciate all the comments and suggestions on this site and will start to choose my diet more carefully. I have a good publication on GERD from the Mayo Clinic to refer to and will continue to search on the web for more ideas of diets, etc Any suggestions for other sites would be great.

Can someone comment on taking B12 - why it is a consideration? and is a multivitamin like Centrum ok?
Thanks.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: USING PROTONIX FOR SEVERAL YEARS COULD MAKE YOUR VITAMIN B12 STORES LOW. THIS VITAMIN IS ONLY ABSORBED WHEN THERE IS STOMACH ACID AVAILABLE.

Reply to Sandra.. in my opinion (and I am not a medical person), your doctor has given you an awfully fast taper. Mine said I could get through in 2 months, and instead it has taken me more like 7... and I am still having some symptoms. I don't think the doctors realize how tough the rebound is to recover from. Just my thoughts, be happy to hear from others.

Hi!
How are you doing off nexium?

Hi Ginna,

Thanks for your comments. Can you elaborate more on the "non-invasive" surgery option?

I've also been doing quite a bit of research on alternative therapies. There are lots of YouTube videos with some helpful suggestions. Here are just some of them: digestive yoga, massage to help repair a hiatal hernia, acupuncture. I do think, however, that, at least in my case, is a combination of hiatal hernia with lifestyle. I find that when I'm sitting down that my acid reflux is worse. My "spare tire" seems to be pushing up on my diaphragm.

At any rate, tomorrow I head in for the motility/ph tests.

Thanks to everyone for their comments.

Sandy

Hi everyone (sorry post is so long)

Been reading the comments on this blog site and I am super relieved to see/read that I am not alone. Here's my story: Back in July 2011, I developed pains in my stomach. I swore I had an ulcer. My symptoms changed into lump/pressure in my throat, pain in my chest and really nothing else. Went to the Internal medicine doc. She prescribed Omeprazole. No relief. Then she gave me samples of Dexilant-a very expensive newer PPI. About 60% relief. Then I went to the GI doc. Had an endoscopy and esophageal "stretching" They told me I had gastritis. Now I have been on Nexium. Still wake up and the discomfort starts as soon as I put food in my stomach. Cut out dairy and juice (of course).

I have breakfast (egg whites and yogurt) then lump builds up (after eating) in the throat gradually gets worse until lunch time. After lunch its heartburn and throat pain. I have now added plant based enzymes and vitamin B12. I still have to take Tums mid afternoon. So, I take Nexium early, plant based enzyme with lunch and dinner, Tums in the afternoon and aloe juice at night before bed. Next step is to get off of Nexium and take a serious probiotic, the plant based enzyme and the vitamin b12.

Spoke to a man at the health food store and he said that his father had been on a PPI for YEARS and had stomach issues and had to have surgery! I must get off of these drugs asap. They really don't help me as a matter of fact - I have to wait 4-5 hrs before I can go to bed since I am waiting for my SLOW MOVING food to get out of my stomach! OH, and lets not forget the terrible NIGHTS... Some nights if I don't wait long enough to get to bed, I get that "silent reflux" and my eyes pop wide open.

GRRR! Now this "disease" is interfering with my PRECIOUS sleep!
What was once a pleasure (eating) is now a curse! Never had to think so much about eating! Its like a new form of EATING DISORDER!
I want someone to tell me they are HEALED from acid reflux! Give me some hope!

I have had digestive issues for a very long time too. Over the years, I've been told I have a nervous stomach, colitis, IBS, possible hiatal hernia, dynamic colonic inertia, possible Celiac's (then no, you don't fit the profile-- even though I do!)!
I've been on Zantac, Tagamet, Tums (like candy), Pepcid, and then Prilosec. Also Miralax, psyllium husk, Milk of Magnesia, stool softeners.

As far as the latter remedies, I hated Miralax and the cramping it caused. Of course, MOM is gross, stool softeners can be addictive, and psyllium husk was making me quite ill, and it's drying after long term use. I switched to Chia seeds and have great success with elimination and no pain or cramping issues! And it tastes better. One tablespoon in the morning in a glass of water with plenty hydration through the day!

I started reading about the side effects of long term Prilosec and knew I didn't want to go down that road. Like Christina just above me here, I have the lumpy feeling in my throat, chest pressure, pain, and ridiculous heartburn (actually have chronic hip pain from always having to lay on my left side!) and excessive oral flatulence. I told my ob/gyn years ago that my heartburn worsens from ovulation through my period. She told me she never heard that before.

Flash forward to last spring and my GI told me that digestion, especially acid production is completely tied in to hormones and that a huge percentage of his clientele are women that are perimenopausal and menopausal.

As of last week, I'd been on the Prilosec since April. I also take supplements to aid my digestion, but I think that the Prilosec renders the supplements useless b/c it neutralizes all digestive enzymes, not just acid! I decided enough was enough but was very worried about the rebounding (I have missed taking Prilosec every once in a while and the heartburn comes back with a vengeance very quickly). Then I found this site and read about the baking soda remedy (b/c I don't want to start on Tums again either).

I stopped last week and the heartburn came back viciously within a day. I tried the baking soda and it worked immediately! Sweet relief! I am taking 1/2 teaspoon two to three times a day as needed and rolling with it. Besides that, I am feeling much better in my digestive system. I was getting a lot of random stomach/intestinal pangs and pains, mostly in the middle of the night-- unable to sleep well. Is that the Prilosec?!

I am gluten free since May and that, too has really helped-- amazing relief, especially with the burping! Next I will go dairy free. The supplements I take are: Vitamin D, glutamine, l-carnosine/zinc, digestive enzymes, ashwaganda, an alkalizing combo that includes dgl (which I can't stand the taste of so I am glad to find a capsule I don't have to chew) and slippery elm, theanine, mastic gum and lots of ginger through the day.

I have cut out virtually all caffeine, except for the occasional chocolate fix. I don't even drink teas anymore, just hot water with smashed hunk of ginger. I hope the rebounding ends soon.

I highly recommend Dr. Mark Hyman for information regarding digestive issues, especially if they are autoimmune related. He has a great article about digestion and getting off PPI's and which supplements to take (majority of what I do comes from his suggestions). He writes for the huffington post, but he's also got his own site, he's on facebook and twitter, so you can google him and finds lots of info.

RM,
Was nice to see your post! Yes, get off dairy (try soy milk) and yep, I take the digestive enzymes too. I think this will really be beneficial for you if you enjoy having healthy bm's every morning. Since my last post, I have stopped birth control pills (been off for about a week now) and am taking multivitamin, vitamin B, and pro-biotics. Still have the "lump" sensation and some pain in my chest after eating. I can feel the pain rising in my chest once my food settles. I don't have the "heartburn" classic symptoms anymore. Seems like my symptoms are "changing" and lately its just been discomfort in my throat - not so much acidic stomach feelings.

I'm really glad to be off all PPI's. They were really slowing digestion, and my food just SAT like a LUMP in my stomach so long that I did have horrible heartburn symptoms. And YEP Tums like candy! The girl I work with laughs every time she hears me open the bottle! Anyway, I can now go to bed 1-2 hours after eating and I don't wake up! Overnight I am "normal" no pain or discomfort. But, I have my cereal and soy milk in the a.m. and when my stomach starts digesting UP comes the acid and lump/pain starts in my throat.

I am going to try some of your ideas/remedies. What have you discovered is helpful for the "globus" sensation in the throat? What is the baking soda method?
Now if only there were a remedy for all the MEDICAL bills that are starting to pile up!

I have been on Protonix for about the same amount of time and also experience knee pain. I've never linked it but have noticed it has been better since I've been tapering off meds.

UPDATE...First, I've really enjoyed all of the comments on this site. There is comfort in hearing some success stories and keeps me on track. I started following this blog in December of last year. I had a half hearted attempt to get off the Prevacid, but it wasn't until surgery was recommended to me by my GP that I got really serious about getting off the meds.

In order to see if one is eligible for the fundoplication surgery, you have to take a motility and a 24-hour PH test. In order to do these tests, you have to be off any PPI's. So, after being on Prevacid for 11+ years, I had to stop for the tests. For a number of reasons, I wasn't able to taper off the meds as suggested. Rather, I quit them cold turkey 5 days before the tests.

The surgeon said that I was a good candidate for the surgery. The "normal" number of acid reflux events in a 24 hour period is 50 -- I was at 220, so 4 x normal.

Just one thing...fundoplication surgery is very invasive and any surgery presents risks. I feel that I can't agree to the surgery without exhausting every other treatment there is first.

Surprisingly, quitting the meds wasn't quite as bad as I had suspected and TUMS worked to get me through the worst of it. That was September 14th and I haven't had a Prevacid or a Zantac since that date. Prior to that, I was taking a minimum 30mg of Prevacid a day and often times a Zantac or a partial Prevacid (I would open the capsule and dump 1/2 of the capsule so I wasn't taking a whole Prevacid).

During the past year, before I even went to the surgeon, I have been scouring the Internet looking for alternatives to the surgery. Staying on meds for the rest of my life doesn't seem like a very good option. Even (seemingly) respected members of the medical community are saying to get off the PPI's. (Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Andrew Weil and others)

After only a few weeks being off the meds, as much as I hate to admit it, I have come to the conclusion that in spite of having a hiatal hernia, which no doubt complicates the matter, the majority of my problem is lifestyle related. Eating too fast, drinking too much wine, eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted and carting around an extra 25 or so pounds not to mention a stressful lifestyle. It is likely also food related in so much as I am lactose intolerant for sure and have been trying to cut down (eliminate gluten). Everything that the literature points out.

According to research, one alternative treatment which seems to hold a good deal of promise is acupuncture. The day I saw the surgeon, I also made an appointment to see an acupuncturist. Within the first 4 treatments, coupled with changes in eating habits, I started to see a difference. I'm eating smaller amounts more slowly. I'm taking the right digestive enzyme for someone without a gall bladder (if you don't have a gall bladder, the digestive enzyme you take has to have BILE Salts as an ingredient) Another suggestion was to take a magnesium citrate supplement, which I am also taking. For the last week now, I haven't taken so much as a TUMS. I have been drinking ginger tea when I feel the acid start to come up.

One more thing which I think has been a big help is that a couple of times a day, I have been massaging my ileocecal valve. That's the valve on the "bottom" end of the stomach which connects to your small intestine. I had lots of gas, a sign of food remaining in the stomach for too long. Since I have been giving myself that massage, I have had less gas and fewer episodes of heartburn. What made me pay attention was a friend mentioned that a chiropractor adjusted her ileocecal valve over 20 years ago when she was having trouble with her digestion. Just google ilocecal valve if you want to know more.

The blogs on the Internet, and particularly this one, have been very helpful in this journey to wellness that I find myself on. This experience is helping me get honest with myself about my health and my lifestyle. Food is my drug and I believe that my body is telling me that isn't the best idea. At this point, I feel that I am still finding my way. I'm not for one minute saying that I am "cured". That road will no doubt have many twists and turns and likely some steep hills to climb.

Thanks to everyone for their comments. I wish everyone success in their journey.

SandrJ

SandrJ

When you say "acid reflux events" what do you mean?
I don't believe I will ever go the surgery route - I read on some blog that the surgery itself has side effects and is not 100% effective.

I do still use Tums daily - but I don't experience "heartburn" as much as I experience the rising in my throat and the feeling that something is there. I still don't know if that is the result of irritation or the esophagus actually "closing" up. Sunday I had acid all up my throat and even felt acid in my stomach all day... Night before I wolfed three slices of cheese pizza. Funny how night before food affects the day after...

I am completely off all meds. Was on 1 Dexilant to start and switched to 1 Prevacid daily. Meds were horrible. No help. Only made me feel worse.

My frustration is that after having endoscopy and "stretching" AND changing my diet, I have little relief... Again, mostly the throat/esophagus discomfort. My next step is a "juice" fast like in the documentary "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead"... Just have to get my hands on a rather expensive juicer.
Thanks for posting!

(see previous posts for backstory)
I am losing some of my optimism (along with some of my esophageal cells). 5 weeks out from taking my last ranitidine I still have a sore throat every evening and excess "oral flatulence" as a previous poster poetically put it. I want to try gaviscon-2 or Genaton, which have alginic acid and are supposed to be more effective (my thought is that if I can get my throat to heal, then the excess gas won't be a big deal), but I cant find it anywhere. Have tried all the pharmacies around here, and amazon. Does anyone know where you can buy this stuff?

I have been on Prevacid first, and then Prilosec for over 6 years.

Went for my twice yearly physical 10 days ago and my family doctor suggested that I get off these meds asap for the obvious reasons. Well I decided that I would try, but did not hold out for much hope in doing so seeing that I had tried to get off of them in the past with zero success.

This time I decided to go cold turkey (with the meds, not with natural remedies and Tums) and tough it out no matter how bad it got. By the 4th day I thought I might go insane with how bad my stomach was burning and churning. I was popping Tums with little relief and could barely function at work or at home, I didn't know what to do other than to start taking the meds again when an idea came to me.

That night as I put my 12 yr old daughter to bed I asked her to say a prayer for daddy, that God might intervene on my behalf and help me. The next day I turned a corner, every day after that has been a little better than the day before.
It's day 10 today and I haven't even had to take anything so far (it's 7:21PM), no Tums, no baking soda, no ginger, no nothing... just blessed relief so far!
I know in this modern world they say there is no God, but I'm calling BS on that, I know there is.

I am far from a perfect person, but I do believe that my daughter's prayer for my condition somehow made it thru that night.

which is worse Protonix long term side effects or potential esophageal cancer? I don't know, I have a hiatal hernia and fear both. I don't know what to do... can someone give a comment??

UPDATE 2

The thing I think that surprises me the most about this site is the number of people with this problem.

Although this may not be the case for everyone, I must say that acupuncture is really helping me. I have been off of Prevacid since September 14th. Since September 20th, I have been taking acupuncture treatments twice a week with the exception of one week in October where I was away and last week when my acupuncturist was away. For the last two weeks, although I have had some heartburn, I have not had to take so much as a TUMS. It comes shortly after I eat anything, but usually goes away in 1/2 hour. If it doesn't I drink some ginger tea and that seems to do the trick.

This morning, I had another acupuncture treatment. Typically, I would have had an episode after eating my lunch, but alas -- NO HEARTBURN!! If feel like a miracle.

Remember, my acupuncture treatments have been supplemented by a drastic change in lifestyle. I eat much smaller meals (I use a side plate), thoroughly chew my food and take digestive enzymes. I haven't had a drop of alcohol, a morsel of chocolate or a sniff of a hamburger for the past month.

DJ, this is a comment for you. I am not medically qualified nor would I ever suggest to you what to do. I only know what is right for me at this point in my journey with this problem. I think that each person's journey is different based on their lifestyle and their life circumstances. What I would say to you is that there are all kinds of options out there for people with GERD to try; not the least of which is a drastic change in lifestyle.

Being on Prevacid did help me -- it helped me continue the lifestyle that was giving me the trouble in the first place. I ate and drank whatever I wanted. When I had to start doubling up on the meds, I knew it was time for me to make some serious changes in my lifestyle. I too have a hiatal hernia. What I have found out is that if I don't drink alcohol, I don't have any night time issues with GERD. What I had to do, was to bite the bullet and get off the meds so that I could tell what was really happening with my body and what I could do with regard to lifestyle changes to help myself.

This doesn't mean that I'm fixed or that I will never have to go back on meds again at some point. The threat of surgery was enough to make me sit up and take notice.

For me, I think my GERD comes from me having a stressful life, food is my drug and I'm overweight. But who knows. My cousin suffers from GERD and she's a little skinny thing, eats well and is retired.

DJ, your situation may not be like mine at all. You may be doing everything right. Just some thoughts on my part. Whatever the case, I hope you find something that works for you.

SandrJ

thanks so much, SandrJ, It makes me feel like there's hope. Yes I do try to do everything right... no alcohol (for many years) I have the head of my bed elevated, I don't eat for 3 hours before going to bed, I avoid dairy, meat and gluten... not sure what else I can do... oh yes I'm not over weight. I'm afraid of Barretts. My doc said I was at risk for it... that's how he got me to get on the protonix in the first place.

Right now I'm doing protonix/zantac every other day, along with dyglycerized licorice, and aloe vera juice. I'd love to ditch the protonix, as now I have osteopenia only after 1 year on protonix... thanks again... and we'll all just have to carry on.

Hi Christina,

When I say acid reflux, I mean, GERD, acid reflux, heartburn -- it goes by so many different names but in the end, they should simply call it MISERY!

My main symptom is heartburn which is, to me, a burning sensation in the area of my breastbone. I too have experienced reflux up into my throat, however, that really only happens to me if I drink too much wine or eat a ridiculous amount of food and then drink something to wash it down. My heartburn seems to occur quite soon after I eat anything. Luckily for me, it seems to go away fairly quickly -- like say, within a 1/2 an hour. If it doesn't, I have a cup of ginger tea and that seems to quell the symptoms.

Your comment about feeling the symptoms the next day from something you eat the night before, I'm finding, is a complaint that I hear more and more. It makes it really hard to pinpoint any single food or event that triggers the agony.

I laughed about your comment re eating pizza. When I went for my 24 PH test, I chose to have pizza and red wine for dinner since it is probably the absolutely worst meal for me in terms of GERD. I thought that the docs might was well see just how bad it can be; and boy... did I show them!!!

In terms of treatment, let me say again that acupuncture along with some quite significant changes in eating habits is really working for me. I would encourage anyone to at least try acupuncture. And when I say acupuncture I mean the kind where they are treating your whole body. But you have to work with them by making some lifestyle changes in terms of eating, booze, relaxation, etc. (Christina, sadly, no cheese pizza wolfing) :-)

Currently, I've been taking treatments 2 x per week. Fingers crossed that I will start on 1 day per week and then hopefully will go fewer times per month. I continue to watch what I eat, when I eat, how much I eat. I chew chew chew my food and as far as wine goes, in the past 6 weeks, I've had 1/2 a very small glass. My acupuncturist assures me that other people she has helped eventually can have small amounts of the "forbidden" foods!

A nutritionist fellow I know told me about a book he thinks is the absolute best book he has read on digestion and eating. It's called Eating Alive by Dr. John Matsen.

Right now, I'm reading WHEATBELLY. I'm only a few pages in, but the guy has researched wheat to death and is reporting some very disturbing facts about our food chain.

Love the exchange of comments and ideas from everyone.

SandrJ

Hi my name is Lee, I've been on Nexium 40 10 years now. I try to go 1 day without it and the heartburn is severe! I lift weights and am physically fit, and am worried about the bone loss, I am 31 and will try my best to get off the meds, but the thought is scary, they become a part of your life. I was diagnosed with H-pylori at age 20, and took the prev-pack.

I have had scopings done recently and my stomach looks healthy. I was told it could be genetic? Anyways y'all have given me hope and some wonderful tips, so I am going to try to be Nexium free Tomorrow, we'll see how it goes! Thanks and good luck to all..

I have been taking a similar dose of Prevacid for years. It recently stopped working and now I am on a 60 MG dose of Dexilant once a day. In addition, I chew two Pepcid Complete tablets before bed. This seems to take care of most symptoms, but I still wake up occasionally around 3 AM or so with reflux, so I have recently added slippery elm and licorice tablets.

By the way, coughing and sore throat are classic symptoms of reflux - the acid makes your throat sore and causes the cough.

My father is having trouble getting off of OTC Zantac. He is 92 years old and started taking Zantac in June 2011. My sister thought he was having reflux, because he wasn't eating well. Sometimes he coughs and sneezes when he eats. When he tries to go off Zantac, he starts burping and feeling very sick to his stomach. We cut down the Zantac to a third dose, once every other day, but he can't seem to get off that last bit. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

How did your mother do on taking her off the ant-acids? My father who is 92 is having problems with Zantac. He gets very confused and can end up falling because of dizziness too. I'm going to try Tums and DGL and see how that works. But he seems to have rebound when I take him totally off of Zantac. Any insight you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

DJ,
I too am concerned about the health effects of discontinuing Omeprazole. 2xday for me for several years. I was also told that I was at risk of developing Barrett's. I was even biopsied for it! I didn't have it though. My Dr. wanted me on 2xday but I argued to try it 1xday. He made me come back in for another endoscopy and then said "you still need 2xday"

I recently saw a Naturopath who put me on the GAPS Diet to "heal" my gut. I am 2 weeks into it and am uncomfortable but am looking forward to feeling better. I am taking Probiotics, HCL w pepsin and Stomach Comfort. I am also prescribed foods to "eat" that are ferments that (I believe) work on repopulating the good bacteria in the gut.

I just bought ginger today and will use it in a tea.

I have so appreciated reading all your comments. It is very curious about this epidemic.

Peggy,

Get off the Omeprazole if you can...You are doing the right thing by modifying your diet. Probiotics are good. I take them at bedtime so they can "do their thing" while I sleep. They are also beneficial in producing good b.m.'s in the morning - which for me, makes for a good day! My doc had me on Dexilant and wanted me to go 2 x's a day as well! That was when I knew that I had to make a change and get off of them altogether.

I had an endoscopy and all they told me was that I had gastritis! I could never afford to have a SECOND endoscopy, let alone take the Dexilant 2 times a day! I would go broke! Hell, I'm already broke paying back all these bills for my 1 visit!

My father was on Dexilant for years and said he read there were neurological side effects and got off of them promptly. He said he has not had an acid incident since then. I'm glad he got off of them - he is on depression meds and does not need any assistance getting back to depression and anxiety!

Good luck and please keep us all posted.
Christina V.

I have similar symptoms and characteristics to you; have you found out it is primarily a thyroid problem ?

I went to the emergency room a month ago for acid reflux. They gave me Protonix. I have had really bad side effects from it so I went off cold turkey. All the symptoms came back with a vengeance. I took Zantac 150 but that was just as bad so went back on the Protonix with these nasty side effects. It only lasts half as long as before so now I am up to 40mg a day instead of 20. Will this vicious cycle ever end? Thanks all for sharing your stories. I had called my GI doc and he said he has never heard of these side effects... tingling in the arms, shaking, dry mouth. Shame on them for doing this to so many people.

LC

What sort of symptoms are you having?
I was having bad side effects from Dexilant and Prevacid. The food you eat just sits in your belly for a long time and you get heartburn!

Right now I am back on medication - this time on Prevacid - Not too bad side effects, and its affordable.

A friend of mine at work is also suffering with GERD and we are both actively investigating a new procedure recently approved by the FDA called Esophyx.

The comments by fellow sufferers of GERD are very helpful. I have a hiatal hernia and have taken Prilosec/Omeprazole for over 10 years. One lifestyle change I made several months ago is to sleep at night in a recliner chair instead of a bed. My chair keeps me in a semi-reclining position, doesn't allow me to lie flat, keeping any acid down in my stomach, not in my esophagus. I plan to try the tapering method on Omeprazole to see if I can live more healthfully without this drug. I have been trying to gain weight for years unsuccessfully, because I don't have enough acid in my stomach to process my food!

I am in my 6th week of the GAPS Diet.

No Omeprazole!!! I am taking Probiotics, HCL w pepsin and Stomach Comfort (in case I get heartburn) prescribed by my Naturopath who has been specifically trained in GAPS.

I am quite comfortable for the most part but I am prescribed to increase the probiotics so that I can get to a therapeutic dose and stay for a period of time. The probiotics do cause some discomfort as in "die off" when I increase the amount temporarily but then eases back to comfortable tummy.

All the fermented foods, healthy fats, probiotics, enzymes, and this diet is healing my stomach as well as the valve so that the acid stays where it belongs!
I feel so very good that I am not taking the drugs. If we listen to our bodies, we know something really isn't right and the prescriptions don't heal us they mask an underlying problem that our medical industry doesn't know how to fix or repair.
I recommend contacting a Naturopathic or Homeopathic Dr. that is trained in GAPS and ask if they can help you get off the prescriptions.

How do you spell relief??? S-L-I-P-P-E-R-Y E-L-M. At least for me. Seriously, this is like a miracle, I feel like a new person! I take four capsules three times per day between meals with warm water. I noticed relief after only a couple of days. I even had a blow-out at a retirement party this week where I had a bit too much wine. I thought for sure that I would suffer the next day. I wouldn't want to push it, but being able to have a bit of wine and some yummy hor d'oeuvres was a treat!

I continue to visit my acupuncturist and have been reading about visceral manipulation which I intend to seek out in the new year. I'm hoping that it will help with my hiatal hernia as the research indicates.

Wishing you all good tummies throughout the Christmas season.

SandrJ

I love reading these comments too... it's been a while since I first posted and I am so glad to be off the Prilosec with little discomfort! I am rarely taking the baking soda anymore (Christina- the most I've taken is 1/2 teaspoon 2x's a day). I only take it as needed which has been less than once a day. No Tums or any other antacids!
I (very) loosely follow the GAPS diet by making the gut healing bone broths and I am trying to embrace fermented foods but I'm not a big fan! HOWEVER, I did eat a small amount of sauerkraut and had absolutely no acid reflux during a time of the month that I am normally riddled with horrendous reflux!

Still gluten free and now know that I have to be. The smallest amount of gluten brings up a myriad of symptoms that just don't make it worthwhile (despite my love of all things gluten-- pasta, bread, cupcakes, crackers.... the gluten free replacements just don't suffice).

I made it through my first gluten free Thanksgiving and while I really missed the stuffing, gravy and pies, I felt far less over-stuffed than everyone else!
I still struggle with dairy, although less than the average person b/c the only dairy I really eat is cheese and that's very occasional. I've done very well NOT getting sour cream or cheese on my Mexican salads, etc! We don't drink cow's milk, only coconut or hemp milk. And I don't really eat yogurt (mostly in smoothies but I've cut that out too). But, every once in a while, I hanker for a hunk of cheese, or a taste of my husband or son's ice cream, or there's a really tasty gluten free cookie or cupcake to try!!

As Oscar Wilde once said, "I can resist everything but temptation."

Yes. The shortness of breath is asthma induced. Did you win the battle?

RM
I have to say I am impressed and jealous! I do plan on trying the Slippery Elm as SandrJ mentioned above. I got back on the Prevacid and RIGHT back off after about 3 weeks. Talk about NO HELP and WORSE SYMPTOMS. What was I thinking? I know we all speak about natural remedies and getting off acid suppressors, but, does anyone ever consider getting the Esophyx surgery? Remember that reflux is an anatomical defect where the valve to the stomach does not close properly. As long as that is the case, reflux will continue to occur no matter what you eat/drink/take.

Tomorrow I'm seeing a chiropractor for sciatic nerve pain down my right back/buttocks/hamstring and down my leg. Perhaps he can also tell me if adjustments can get my body back aligned and perhaps this may help my reflux. Lately I have been chewing gum after meals and I have had some relief.
Love these posts! Keep em comin'

-Christina V.

Re: the question about esophageal surgery - I have esophageal motility problems and gastroenterologists feel that surgery to repair the hernia could make swallowing more difficult.

Try juiced cabbage. Once when I over-cured myself one night with way too many astringent herbs my stomach decided to leave me and caused a somewhat very uncivil war on its way out my esophagus. I think my stomach was throwing acid grenades in an effort to blast it's way out. Anyway somebody showed up and read from some book of natural cures that cabbage juice calms the hiatal hernia and so I tried it and almost like some fairytale miracle it WORKED. Good luck.

I am 63 years old. Took prontonix for terrible acid reflux for about a year.. then stopped because it seemed to make my fibromyalgia worse... gradually the symbols of heartburn and belching outweighed the fibro problem and I went back to the protonix for about a year now... I was getting hip pain (which just might be age related) but also I found it was controlling my lifelong IBS (diarrhea) almost bordering on constipation. However, after I would eat my insides would feel like they were shaking... like the IBS wanted to kick in but the protonix prevented this... this is of course my non medical observation. This was a terrible feeling and happened every day.

I stopped taking the protonix 4 days ago and now am not sure what to do. I have some burping, this morning needed the tums for the reflux, but the biggest concern now is terrible gas pains in the lower abdomen. Bowel movements are more frequent and I am pretty sure the IBS is on it's way. I only took 40 mg once a day and don't know which of the two problems I should try to live with... any suggestions? Has any one else experienced the shaking feeling while on it or the sharp gas pains when stopping it? Thanks and good luck to you all.

Hello Everyone,

It is still stunning to me what the statistics say about people suffering from acid reflux -- something like over 50% of the population in Canada/US according to many of the websites/papers I've read. Further to that, I am amazed at how little I know about my own body, how it works; how it's supposed to work. Really, I often feel that I am at the mercy of others.

My journey to wellness continues. Christmas for me this year was a killer because I really didn't pay close enough attention to what I was eating and drinking and experience, while not unbearable heartburn, it was noticeable. Now that I'm back into more of a routine and don't have to deal with chocolate and Christmas goodies and booze everyday, I'm feeling better.

Before Christmas, I had gone for a number of acupuncture treatments which were helpful if not long lasting. While continuing down that path, I also continued to research. One of the more interesting papers I read was about visceral manipulation a treatment typically given by an osteopath. The long and short of it is that there is a belief that when your organs are constricted, your body doesn't function very well. The osteopath gives them a massage and gets them moving as they should -- hopefully.

While researching visceral manipulation another useful piece of information I found on a naturopathic site was a connection between frozen shoulder (right) and acid reflux. Apparently, according to this site, frozen shoulder (right) can create an imbalance with a result of heartburn/acid reflux. My niece suggested that I make an appointment with her chiropractor. I'm a big believer in chiropractic treatment as over the years, they have helped me with a number of issues. Why not acid reflux??

As luck would have it, this chiropractor was on the same page re frozen shoulder/acid reflux and is also willing to try the visceral manipulation. Not all chiropractors would do this, nor would I be willing to trust just anyone. The results thus far have been good. He's been able to help my shoulder and also work on my hiatal hernia by massaging my diaphragm and my illeocecal valve. Honestly, since my treatment Monday, I've had two really good days with little or no heartburn.

But here is the most important thing that I've learned from this guy. The esophageal sphincter isn't really a sphincter at all! At least not in the conventional sense. For example (sorry to get a little graphic here), we can control our anal sphincter - right?? The esophageal "sphincter" is controlled by the parasympathethic/sympathetic nervous system! Now, maybe to all of you, that isn't a surprise, but to me, that felt like a breakthrough. Think about the terms, upset stomach, nervous stomach. Think about how you might get a tightness in your stomach when you are upset or worried and how your breath changes to shallow breathing vs nice big abdominal breaths. Anyway, this gave me a whole new appreciation for how my body (or at least my esophagus) works.

This new information has made me even more skeptical of having surgery to correct a problem that is controlled by NERVES and in my case at least, is likely mostly related to lifestyle choices. I really can't believe that cutting the nerves to a valve that really relies on nerves to control it is a good thing for me. Rather, I want to continue down this road and see if I can't do this through diet, exercise, stress control and some alternative (meaning alternative to main stream treatments) treatments like chiropractic massage, acupuncture, herbs.

Keep writing. I like reading what others have to say and what they have tried for treatment(s). In the end, to me it's all valuable information.

Good luck!

Sandy

Great post Sandy!

I have been dealing with reflux for almost a year now. Its interesting that you note the chiropractor. I recently began seeing a chiro for my sciatic nerve pain. He did several adjustments over the course of 2 months and they did not relieve my reflux. As a matter of fact, he didn't even see the relationship between chiropractic adjustments and digestive function!

My reflux is constant. After every meal I can expect the lump sensation in my throat 10-15 minutes after I finish eating and continuing on for an hour or so afterwards. I am fortunate to not be disturbed in my sleep from acid rolling up into my throat. I have learned to stop eating several hours before bed and have propped the head of my bed up with small bricks.

I too am skeptical of surgery to correct the valve however, I am worried about the prolonged exposure to acid on my throat/esophagus. And, to be honest, some days are just miserable.

I would love to find real solutions. I forget what "normal" feels like.

Sorry to be "Debbie Downer"...Would love to be cured before my wedding in May!

-Christina V.

SF,
If you are having issues with constipation, try chia seeds in water. To start, do 1 tablespoon in a full glass of water twice a day-- before breakfast and before dinner. Follow both glasses with water, especially the morning glass. This should help with constipation. At least it works for me!

Everyone!!

I saw the best video clip from a past episode of the Today Show.

I don't think I can post the link here but if you Google: The Today Show "Have acid reflux? Soothe it naturally" - you should be able to find it....

There is a doctor talking about natural remedies such as: Calcium (in powder, chew or liquid). He says Calcium "tightens" the Valve....
He talks about carrot juice and cabbage juice for Gastritis...Which I suffer with and of course DGL.
Check it out. It is encouraging.

-Christina V.