Proton pump inhibitors

I have been on these for years; three different types. Only one affected me in the way they are affecting you. I have just about exhausted all the available options now. Sometimes I get flare ups. I was talking to our pharmacist yesterday about whether I would ever be able to do without them. He said I could try but I would have to be extremely careful about my diet, to find the triggers ( which can include stress) and avoid them. Easier said than done.

I've been on Omeprazole for ages and have felt no ill effects. I was prescribed it for laryngo-pharyngeal reflux which had caused perpetual laryngitis and affected my voice. Combined with Ranitidine it has saved my vocal chords.

I had GERD and an endoscopy showed inflammation in the oesophagus and a hiatus hernia. I have a number of other health problems including SIBO, EPI and ME (no, I'm not working my way through the alphabet ) which affect the gut as well as thyroid and a few other issues, so I most definitely did not want to take Omeprazole or any other PPI. I have pretty much got rid of my symptoms within 2 months with 3 sessions of acupuncture and the use of homeopathy if I begin any belching after food.

I already have to eat an incredibly restricted diet due to the above illnesses so could not change my diet. I try to deal with stress, and to avoid as many drugs as possible because various drugs including those for 2 lots of breast cancer and antibiotics are what got me into this mess in the first place.

Incidentally, Omeprazole is only supposed to be prescribed for one month because it changes all your gut bacteria and can also cause osteoporosis.

PPIs are not good to use long term - as Sparklefizz says. They block the absorption of important vits and minerals over time, and can even be the cause of Pernicious Anaemia. While they sometimes help with symptoms, they don't address the cause, and can have side effects, as you've found Luckylegs. When I was suffering from acid reflux and GERD, I tried OTC Nexium, which made feel really weird, and also Ranitidine, which did help a bit. Another problem with PPIs is that when you stop taking them you get rebound acid, which is even worse, they shouldn't really be prescribed for longer than a month.
My solution was to eat Low Carb High Fat, which cuts the amount of sugars you consume - both the obvious refined sugar and the sugar that carbohydrates convert to in the blood. Almost instant relief! And, as a bonus gradual weight loss too. Might be worth a try?

I started on PPI`s for Hiatus hernia, laryngospasm and awful discomfort in my digestive system about 2 weeks ago- I feel so much more comfortable I really can`t believe the difference they have made . No side effects but I rarely get SE`s from anything I take . If they are sorting your tummy problems Lucky could you take an over the counter med for your diarhhoea ? something like Imodium ? If they are not much help then I would ditch them .

I was on these for a long time and when I had a gastroscopy they found my stomach was full of tiny benign polyps - the guy said he had never seen so many and that they can be caused by PPIs - the stomach is trying to secrete stuff that is being inhibited and this causes the polyps to appear. I went off them and spend a lot of time swallowing antacids. Now and again I take them for a couple of days if things are really uncomfortable - they produce no side effects that I can feel - I just know what is going on inside now!

Sorry lucky think I got it wrong, thought you were asking about the diarrhoea as a SE of PPI `s . Interesting about the polyps though , What is a gastroscopy like , did you have sedation ! I may have to have one and am a bit scared x

Luckygirl I also need a gastroscopy and am feeling nervous, what is it like and how long does it take. Thanks

It is very quick - I chose the sedative, which also causes you to forget what happened. I just remember being asked to swallow hard - which I did. I do not think it is anything to worry about at all. I would happily do it again if I had to.

Thank you so much tor your input, I have to agree with Luckygirl about the risks involved with taking them. Been so depressed with the diarrhoea, which I never have, today I ditched the tablets. I was finding it difficult swallowing yesterday and thought why on earth am I taking these it's not improving things. I have thrown all my rubbishy food out and will eat a Meditteranean diet from now on, reducing meat to twice a week, but make sure not to overload my plate, I a healthy appetitive. Thanks again eve robe.