how long should ppi's work?

[dsch2679]

I'm a 29 year old that has been on various PPI's over the past several years.  The last two that have worked at all for me, Prevacid and Nexium, both stopped working after about 2 years. I have had chronic esophagitis for the past four years but now have an esophageal ulcer too. My question is how long until the Zegerid they switched me to will stop working too? I have also been taking Zantac the entire time as well.

I have already been tried on all the others and they just don't work, so unless something new comes out and my trend continues, my fear is that I'll be sunk with chronic issues that just won't heal.

[LLWB]

They switched me to every medication know to man! And woman LOL I finally saw a specialist and then underwent the Laparoscopic Nissan Fundiplication, about 8 years ago. I have not had one episode of gastric reflux since then, have been heartburn free. It is  major surgery, but well worth it. It sounds like you would be a good candidate for this surgery. It should also help clear up your esophogeal problems.

[dsch2679]

they put me on reglanthree years ago for motility improvement in case that's the issue. sad part is that this is just the latest flare up, been dealing with this for over 10 years off and on.

[Ratnakar Kini]

Hi dsch2679,
Since the esophagael lesion is not healing and is not responding to the medications you take, I would suggest you to undergo upper GI scopy done again and have a biopsy done from the lesion.

Till then you can take PPI along with sucralfate with life style modifications.

While taking pills, swallow it with lot of water .
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[sue3708]

Have they looked into other reasons why you may be having problems?  For example a gastric emptying study?  That was my problem....gastroparesis.  They checked for it after several months on a PPI without great improvement.

[moh_fahmy]

I think you might need to check with your doctor and check the operation alternative, If your life style changes + anti acids + PPIs dont work after 4 years ... you might need to consider with your doctor other options

[dsch2679]

I tried the antibiotics, but since I am extremely sensitive to 2 of the standard ones normally given they put me on alternative ones that didn't work.

[AHigherVibration]

You should be taking antibiotics.  Read the information I found at http://www.medicinenet.com/esophagitis/article.htm  From what I see, you shouldn't need to be on these drugs forever.

I hope this help you.
Rene