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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
prilosec
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
prilosec
by n, Mar 01, 2000 12:00AM
Hi,
My doctor prescribed prilosec about 3 months ago for what he feels is Acid Reflux (Gerd?) Is this drug safe to take over an extended period of time? Id also like to know if there are any gastro/intestinal problems that can cause wide spread burning, tingling, twitching, muscle pain, ear pain throughout the body? I know that seems far fetched, but I have explored EVERYTHING, (neurologists, etc) and so far no one has been able to come up with anything. Thank you for your time.
My doctor prescribed prilosec about 3 months ago for what he feels is Acid Reflux (Gerd?) Is this drug safe to take over an extended period of time? Id also like to know if there are any gastro/intestinal problems that can cause wide spread burning, tingling, twitching, muscle pain, ear pain throughout the body? I know that seems far fetched, but I have explored EVERYTHING, (neurologists, etc) and so far no one has been able to come up with anything. Thank you for your time.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHSm.D.-Gastro-rf, Mar 21, 2000 12:00AM
Dear N,
when Prilosec was initially marketed in the U.S., physicians often limited periods of trreament to 8 weeks because of concerns regarding drug-induced problems. Specifically, there was concern that the prolonged period of low acid production would cause bacterial overgrowth of the stomach. Additionally, there was some animal work suggesting an increase frequency of a rare form of tumor. Physicians would treat for 8 weeks, stop the medication for a period of time and then restart for another 8 week course of treatment. The current practice is to give the drug for periods longer than 8 weeks and some patients go months taking the drug. It isour practice to try to switch to other acid suppressivemedications once symptoms of reflux are controlled.
I am unaware of any conditions that could explain your generalized symptoms.
when Prilosec was initially marketed in the U.S., physicians often limited periods of trreament to 8 weeks because of concerns regarding drug-induced problems. Specifically, there was concern that the prolonged period of low acid production would cause bacterial overgrowth of the stomach. Additionally, there was some animal work suggesting an increase frequency of a rare form of tumor. Physicians would treat for 8 weeks, stop the medication for a period of time and then restart for another 8 week course of treatment. The current practice is to give the drug for periods longer than 8 weeks and some patients go months taking the drug. It isour practice to try to switch to other acid suppressivemedications once symptoms of reflux are controlled.
I am unaware of any conditions that could explain your generalized symptoms.
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Hoping you can help him
Suzanne
I have been having a lot of muscle spasms all over lately, although they didn't start until a month ago...
I don't know if it's related or not, but interesting that you asked about twitching...hmmm.
Many years ago I was given a drug for diverticulitis (not sure of spelling). The drug was reglan or something like that. I too had the twitching and totally weird feeling throughout my body. It turned out that the doctor had me on too high of a dose. I couldn't sleep but I was alway tired, my face & hands got all twisted up looking. It was the worst thing that ever happened to me because I thought I was going nuts. A police officer friend of mine told me of the effects he had when he was filling lead bullets. I called the pharmacy & asked the parmacist if I was taking anything that could give me these symptoms and he said I was taking alot of reglan. I quit immediately and after awhile I felt better. I did suffer with temporary nervous system problems but they went away. Ask the pharmacist if that could be your problem. Hope this helps.
Rob
Youve been on it for a few years? So I assume then that its a drug that is safe to take over a long period of time? Is your doctor monitoring you on this medicine? Thanks
Nal
I have been on Prevacid and Prilosec. I LOVE my Prilosec, it allows me to feel like a normal person. Without it I am in pain, not only in my chest, but in my arms, neck, face, and various weird places on my body.It took about 3 months before I had true relief and you MUST take your pill at the same time every day. You should never miss a dose because it will set you back to square one.
I hope you find results!
Everyone is welcome to email me at:
***@****
Thanks for the advice (that goes for everyone!) I do notice that when I dont take my prilosec, I really pay for it!! Thanks for the advice.
Nal
There is also Lupis
Many of your symptoms are familiar to me. I however have FMS MFS TMJ and Severe depression.
I hope you find the answers.
leonard
Laura
Has anyone had a similar experience with Chronic Nausea?
Gall bladder surgery a month ago today afer symptoms sent me to hosp in the nite with suspected heart attack, had been experiencing nausea, etc.Ultra sound revealed gallstones. After surgery one week later I called Dr.and he prescibed Prilosec. Helped a little then felt good til Sat ( one maple bar! ) and now still not. Unlike others, I'm more constipated all the time, despite All bran every morn.Continual nasea, pain (cramping?) at bra line, mostly Lapro. surgery scar area to belly button. I'm on Synthroid ( had Graves Disease), Blood pressure pills and beta blockers and Premarin, prescribed adult aspiron. I have PVC's ( heart thumps) AND constant throat clearing, mucas feeling, sore throat. I DON'T taste or feel acid burning but feelI need to swllow to keep stom contents from coming up. nauseaus! I see the dr tomorrow. Write me at ***@****. Nice to not be alone!
My fourteen year old daughter has had reflux since she was
a baby along with Brittle asthma since she was 10.
Which is now thought to be caused by severe reflux
she also suffers with Chronic fatigue syndrome but would
like to add she is not school phobic nor does she come from
a difuntional family , thats the doctors effort at trying to
find an easy way out of a difficult problem, She a fighter
and thats one thing she got on side, but it doesnt cure her many
problems.
Anyone have any ideas we would be really grateful.
My fourteen year old daughter has had reflux since she was
a baby along with Brittle asthma since she was 10.
Which is now thought to be caused by severe reflux
she also suffers with Chronic fatigue syndrome but would
like to add she is not school phobic nor does she come from
a difuntional family , thats the doctors effort at trying to
find an easy way out of a difficult problem, She a fighter
and thats one thing she got on side, but it doesnt cure her many
problems.
Anyone have any ideas we would be really grateful.
she already suffers with severley since a baby ,now today
Gastro put her on Zoton to try failing that she will have to
have an Endoscopy, but her breathlesness is severe so understanabley he is apprehensive.
I do home some can help as she is totally fed up now,
Thanks Sandrae
I had endoscopy done and was diagnised as having gastrtis.
Sometime I wake up in the middle of the night with heart burn
and cant go back to sllep unless I eat something (usually,
I eat cereal at that time). I also run three times a week,
each time about 3 miles. Sometimes I run during the lunch break
and sometimes during the eavening at 6PM. Whenever I run
in the evening, I get blood in my stool the next morning;
the blood is black in color. I was told that
gstartitis can cause bleeding. But, what has running in the
evening to do with it. I was told that marathon runners
have ulcers. But I am not a marathon runner.
I also noticed that if I run with in 3-4 hours after a
heavy lunch, I tend to blled.
Can anybody let me know if they have similar problems;
my e-mail ***@****.
Is the new medication Aciphex better than Prilosec? What are the side effects? Thanks!
bee on Prilosec since Aug '96. In the last few months, I have been experiencing pain in the liver area and have elevated liver panels. Anyone else with the same problems?
I also feel like I have very little energy, which doctors consider a symptom of depression. Yea gods, who wouldn't be depressed when you never get relief from symptoms like these? I have even gone to homeopath, who said my problems were caused by an allergy to wheat and dairy products, which is probably closer to the truth than anything any "doctor" has told me.
***@****
help!!!!!
In 1997 after my 2nd endoscopy & biopsy, I was diagnosed with the hernia and the GERD once more and also stress.
Last year I had too many flu like symptoms, my ENT said that it was due to the reflux while sleeping. I elevated the headboard of my bed. The symptoms have worsen and my gastroenterologist prescribed Zantac 150mg twice a day, a bland diet and Carafate. This helped for a while until I visited another gastroenterologis. He prescribed me Prevasid and it helped me cuting down acid for 3 days until I started having stomach ache. He changed it to Prilosec and I've been using it for 50 days. Of course the reflux desapeared, the pain at my right quadrant desapeared but: I have a lot of pain in my muscles, I feel my stomach like if I am 5 month pregnant. And 5 days ago I felt a big pain at my right leg and I had a lump, like a vein very inflamated. The next morning I had a big blue black lession so I read the Prilosec literature and found that it says than an adverse reaction is: Peripheral edema (water retention) and inflated stomach.
Friends, it is true that Prilosec is not for everyone. Tomorrow I plan to quit Prilosec and go back to Xantac, or Axid until I visit my GE. We are not alone. Thaks for shearing experiences.
I have been having trouble swallowing for over 5 months now. Back in May I had an upper GI done and that showed reflux esophagatis. Ok, so at least it came back showing something, right?! Ha! I still have my problem and it is keeping me from eating half the time. I've lost about 45 lbs. over the past 3 months. Within the past 3 days I have lost 3 lbs. I don't think that I should be losing a pound a day!
I have had the ultrasound done, been checked for gall stones and my blood work is fine. My symptoms consist of my getting a feeling of the food/drink getting stuck in my upper chest. Doesn't seem to matter what it is I eat or drink. Two foods I know that I cannot eat are french fries and chicken. Other than that the problem seems to act up whenever it wants to. I have tried eating healthier but at times when trying to eat a salad or some fruit (no citrus), etc....I still get this problem and I wind up eating maybe 3 forkfuls of food. Now when the problem gets real bad I've started to eat baby food at least in the hopes that I am getting some nutrients in me.
I get the ocassional burning (like heart burn) across my chest as well. During the night sometimes and also during the day.
My 1st dr. prescribed Prilosec (20mg) to me and unfortunately I didn't see much of a change so we increased the dosage to 40mg. That seemed to have worked very marginally. Since I wasn't getting anywhere I went to my 2nd doctor and he switched me to Prevacid. Still....not much better now. I'd say it was kind of a trade-off and have told the doctor so...when I was taking prilosec I was still having trouble swallowing but on the double dose I seemed to have gotten rid of the burning. On the other hand, the Prevacid I was waking up every other night with the burning on the first week even though I could actually eat meals. Now it seems like I just can't eat and am getting the burning in the morning, at night...whenever.
I have a consultation with a gastro specialist next week and they'll probably go over my records and see what has been done and probably ask me some questions to see if they can figure things out and then I may have the endoscopy done. I'm not looking forward to this. Has anyone out there had an endoscopy done and what is it like? I do not like any type of procedures where they need to stick any sort of thing in me. Yet I suppose I've got to get it done if I want to figure out what is going on in my esaphogus. But after reading so many different peoples posts all over the Internet and seeing that they have had all of these test performed and tried all of these medications and still have to suffere with living with their problems...I just wonder if it's at all worth it or whether I should just sit back and let myself gradually starve to death. Isn't there any hope?!
If anyone is replying it would be best if you do so by e-mail. ***@****. Thanks! Char
PUT ME ON PREVACID 30MG. HAVE DONE A LOTS OF RESEARCH AND MANY DIFFERNT APPROACHES ON THIS SUBJECT OF GERD, EVERYONE HAS A TOTAL
OPINION. MY DOCTOR HAS PERFORME THREE GI ENDOSCOPIES, DURING THE
TIME OF TAKEN PREVACID I DEVELOP A NUMBNESS IN MY RIGHT LEG,MY DOCTOR WANTED THAT I SEE THE NEUROLOGIST, MY LAST OPTION WAS SURGERY BUT I READ MANY BAD CASES, I LEARN THAT DIET IS VERY IMPORTANT USUALLY WITH PREVACID OR PRILOSEC PEOPLE EAT ALL TYPE
OR FOOD, BUT THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM NEED TO BE RESTORED TO AN ALKALINE PH OTHER WISE IT WILL CONTINUED OVERACID, I HAVE BEEN
EATING ALKALINE AND ACID FORM FOOD COMBINED PLUS I LEARN THA JUICING (NATURAL ORGANIC)VEGETABLES (GREENS) ARE RICH IN ENZYMES
AND VERY ALKALINE AND I CONTINUE TAKE PREVACID, THIS IS A BATTLE
I DAILY BASICS AND IS VERY IMPORTANT TO TIGHT THE ABDOMINAL EVEN
IF PINFULL BECAUSE OF THE INFLAMATION (inflammation) OF THE STOMACH, I HOPE THIS
WOULD HELP. GOD BLESS
PUT ME ON PREVACID 30MG. HAVE DONE A LOTS OF RESEARCH AND MANY DIFFERNT APPROACHES ON THIS SUBJECT OF GERD, EVERYONE HAS A TOTAL
OPINION. MY DOCTOR HAS PERFORME THREE GI ENDOSCOPIES, DURING THE
TIME OF TAKEN PREVACID I DEVELOP A NUMBNESS IN MY RIGHT LEG,MY DOCTOR WANTED THAT I SEE THE NEUROLOGIST, MY LAST OPTION WAS SURGERY BUT I READ MANY BAD CASES, I LEARN THAT DIET IS VERY IMPORTANT USUALLY WITH PREVACID OR PRILOSEC PEOPLE EAT ALL TYPE
OR FOOD, BUT THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM NEED TO BE RESTORED TO AN ALKALINE PH OTHER WISE IT WILL CONTINUED OVERACID, I HAVE BEEN
EATING ALKALINE AND ACID FORM FOOD COMBINED PLUS I LEARN THA JUICING (NATURAL ORGANIC)VEGETABLES (GREENS) ARE RICH IN ENZYMES
AND VERY ALKALINE AND I CONTINUE TAKE PREVACID, THIS IS A BATTLE
I DAILY BASICS AND IS VERY IMPORTANT TO TIGHT THE ABDOMINAL EVEN
IF PINFULL BECAUSE OF THE INFLAMATION (inflammation) OF THE STOMACH, I HOPE THIS
WOULD HELP. GOD BLESS
http://www.druginfonet.com/prilosec.htm
Prilosec®
Prilosec® Delayed-Release Capsules (omeprazole)
ADVERSE REACTIONS :
BODY AS A WHOLE: Fever, pain, fatigue, malaise, abdominal swelling
CARDIOVASCULAR: Chest pain or angina, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitation, elevated blood pressure, peripheral edema
GASTROINTESTINAL: Pancreatitis (some fatal), anorexia, irritable colon, flatulence, fecal discoloration, esophageal candidiasis, mucosal atrophy of the tongue, dry mouth. During treatment with omeprazole, gastric fundic gland polyps have been noted rarely. These polyps are benign and appear to be reversible when treatment is discontinued. Gastro-duodenal carcinoids have been reported in patients with ZE syndrome on long-term treatment with PRILOSEC. This finding is believed to be a manifestation of the underlying condition, which is known to be associated with such tumors.
HEPATIC: Mild and, rarely, marked elevations of liver function tests [ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), glutamyl transpeptidase alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin (jaundice)]. In rare instances, overt liver disease has occurred, including hepatocellular, cholestatic, or mixed hepatitis, liver necrosis (some fatal), hepatic failure (some fatal), and hepatic encephalopathy.
METABOLIC/NUTRITIONAL: Hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, weight gain
MUSCULOSKELETAL: Muscle cramps, myalgia, muscle weakness, joint pain, leg pain
NERVOUS SYSTEM/PSYCHIATRIC: Psychic disturbances including depression, aggression, hallucinations, confusion, insomnia, nervousness, tremors, apathy, somnolence, anxiety, dream abnormalities, vertigo; paresthesia; hemifacial dysesthesia
RESPIRATORY: Epistaxis, pharyngeal pain
SKIN: Rash and ,very rarely, cases of severe generalized skin reactions including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN; some fatal), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and erythema multiforme (some severe); skin inflammation, urticaria, angioedema, pruritus, alopecia, dry skin, hyperhidrosis
SPECIAL SENSES: Tinnitus, taste perversion
UROGENITAL: Interstitial nephritis (some with positive rechallenge), urinary tract infection, microscopic pyuria, urinary frequency, elevated serum creatinine, proteinuria, hematuria, glycosuria, testicular pain, gynecomastia
HEMATOLOGIC: Rare instances of pancytopenia, agranulocytosis (some fatal), thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia leucocytosis, and hemolytic anemia have been reported.
The incidence of clinical adverse experiences in patients greater than 65 years of age was similar to that in patients
65 years of age or less.
Astra Merck
Wayne, PA 19087, USA
Manufactured by: Merck & CO., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA
I have been on Prilosec for 3 years now. Here's my story.
My original episode 3 years ago that actually sent me to the Dr. was as follows, I had a sharp pain in my stomach, (it felt like I swallowed nail and the nail was poking my stomach). The next day my throat was raw from the back of my mouth clear to my stomach and my inner-ears hurt like an ear infection.
My doctor said it sounded like reflux and the ear problem was an unrelated virus so he prescribed 20mg Prilosec daily.
The Prilosec helped my day-to-day heart burn, I NEVER have HB anymore. However, once or twice a year I will have an episode as described above, stomach pain followed by raw throat and ears. (doesn't sound like Gerd to me)
In the last few months I have started having nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, tightening in my throat and chest, and a low pitch humm in my left ear. I am afraid that I may be experiencing side effects from the Prilosec. I am going to stop taking the Prilosec for a while and see if these symptoms subside.
It is a sad situation that I learn more about my problems from surfing the internet and reading other peoples horror stories than I can from paying countless doctors.
Relief Yet, The First Few Days It Seemed To Help But Woke Up The
Sixth Day With That Burning Sensation Above The Stomach.
I've Read In This Fourm That You MUST Take Prilosec At The
Same Time Every Day An Some People Take Longer To Respond! Like Me! Ive Been On Previcid, Zantac, AN Aciphex All Did Nothing!
Been Through Echo,stress Test, Upper GI(NASTY) An Endo Last January With My Gastro, All Of Witch The Outcome Were Normal.
Upper GI Ruled In Hital Hernia An Mild Acid Reflux!
Good Luck To All!
I actually have an app't with a GE next week, as if I don't take my PPI drug daily, I basically can't swallow anything. The other night I slept sitting up, because my stomach contents were flooding into my esophagus.
I am really considering just getting the preliminary tests for having a Nissen fudoplasty done.
Just wondered if the side effects of the surgery outweigh the side effects of long term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors.
--Bob
midway of the throat that is interrupting the passage of food and also an intense lump in the throat feeling. Any thoughts?
I have been looking at fundoplication...anybody out there had this procedure done?
It's creepy!
Are doctors really doctors anymore?
Every time a magazine comes out have you ever
NOTICED the NEW ads for the LATEST WONDER DRUGS?
Always with a smiling, happy go lucky model
that gives the rest of us miserable creatures hope!!
Yet, turn the page over and WHAM! In teeny tiny print
that you need a magnifying glass to read,
is the host of "Contradictions" and studies that would
make the smiling, happy go lucky model search out a
faith healer!!! Pharmacies have much to gain and
we have much to lose....
I too was on Prilosec.
Read Patty's post on October 27,2000!!
I took this wonder cure about five months after my gallbladder
was removed. I also quit taking it on my own accord listening to my body and how it was reacting. Geeeeezzzzzzzz.
(Backing up a bit, my GP in 12/99, gave me an RX for priolosec as I tild him, I was having soem burning (not bad) I took it when i thought I needed to.)
I went to an ENT doc in 8/00, who said he could not see anything in the Laynyx (vocal cords) that indicated reflux coming up. He said he can tell if a person is expereincing a reflux problem.
Went to a pulmonay doc as I was also having breathing problems and noises in my respiratory tract, mainly on exhaling.
CT SCAN of the chest, spiromrty breathing tests, chest x-rays, broncoscopys really did not show much that would answer for my distress. (teeny cysts found on lungs)
Had loads of blood work. Normal.
He sent me to an allergist and more Costly test. etc.. She prescribed boo coos of inhalers and Prevacid. I took Prevacid and then I would add a prilosec here and there and vice versa. This was my idea. But, it seemed the more I took of this stuff, the worse I felt.
Finally saw a gastro man in November. He was nice to me and assured me that he could get me well by Xmas but first must do an EGD and colonoscopy. He told me that I had GERD. He gave me samples of Achifex (spelled wrong) and told me that I would start feeling well in 3 days. WRONG!!! I kept taking this stuff
until my EGD, in late November. I was miserable. I had more pains, felt goofy, itched like &*$%$%^& and headaches. I went back to the Mylanta Extra Strength and tried a prilosec here and there. I was still miserable.
The EDG showed slight inflammtion and a lil stricture that he lanced? and a hialtal hernia. Biopsy ruled out Barrett's esopsagitis and H-Pylori Bacteria. I also had an Ultrasound of the Abdomen which was negative,
The Gastro man that was nice before the EDG had turned cool when i did not respond to proton pump inhibitors and was down right surprised of the side effects I told him I was having with Achifex (sp) as he told me that I was his only pateint that EVER had side effects with one of these meds, I.e. Prilosec, Prevacid, Achifex.
This Gastro man (whom by the way I will not return to see ) should read up on this site. He made me feel like some kind of nutt case by indicating there were no side effects to these meds.
I told him that there was another problem as I am much worse. He said I need to try Meditating as the brain was telling the stomach to act up!
I saw another doc and he told me that I need a 24 hour ph monitor probe done to see just what is going on with the reflux. He said some people have a Motility disorder that acts just like GERD. (I hope i have related this correctly) This doc would not take me on as a patient as he is not an expert in Motility disorders.
He also mentioned various surgeries, which I really did not want to hear. He said there were 3 kinds. Two are still investigational. (do not want surgery unless it is the VERY last resort) he also mentioned an ERCP test but he said he use to do them but patients were getting Pancreatitis after this test, so he quit doing them. He told me that if one has this test done it had better be with one that has done it over and over and over again and with good success.
He only mentioned this to me as I am/was having pain also in the upper right back and under the right rib cage, sporadically. I wonder though if these could of been a side effect of one of the meds??
At this writing I am in Limbo. he did give me the name of a gastro doc who specialized in Motility Disorders. I have to take a brwak before i call him. I am tired of seeing and talking with doctors. I am watching every lil thing that goes into my mouth. I also have had soem success with Zantac (over the counter) and followed the directions to a tee. I may also try Pepcid Complete that was advertized on TV last night too. This is also over the counter.
I know this is long but I feel this site has helped me in the realization that I am not alone and I am not a nutt case.
I also am now aware that just because a doc is logged into a specialty does not mean that he knows everything about that specialty. I am also aware that some doctors do not want to admit defeat so it is all the pateint's fault that she/he is not getting well.
I have learned and still learning about physicans and how the system works.
I vow though, that in 2001, I will know what is wrong with me and
pray that i will feel better. I have a wonderful family and grandbabies. Now only do I owe this to myself but to them also.
I will not sit back and be intimidated by any physician.
When I do make an appointment with the "supposedly" Motility specialist, I will ask for a consult only. This way, I will do the interviewing and will come well prepared with questions. If I feel this doctor is kind, compassionate and a knowledgeable doctor, and can help and direct me, then I will become his patient.
Again, I apologize for the length. I certainly can relate to many of you on this site. I have and am walking in your shoes.
God Bless Us.
Caroline.
My story is pretty straight forward and I hope it helps people with the same condition. I am a 30 year old male and I had heartburn since I can remember. When I was 14 my mother finally decided to take me to the doctor. At the time I was diagnosed with gastritis and the doctor just suggested to watch my diet. Since keeping a diet for long periods of time is quite difficult, it did not last for long. Regardless, the symptoms never went away. So I figured that this condition was going to follow me for life.
By the time I was 25 the heartburn started to combine with some abdominal pain which took me to the ER room a couple of times. Finally I decided it was time to see a gastro. The doctor suggested an upper endoscopy with biopsies to check everything out considering the fact that I had been suffering from it for quite some time.
When the results came back I was quite surprised. To start I had GERD and due to the length of my condition I had developed Barret's esophagus (It is a condition that results from chronic GERD. After a long exposure to acid reflux the esophagus starts to develop an abnormal tissue that begins to cover the affected area, in a way to protect from stomach acid. Unfortunately this tissue is a very early pre-cancerous condition, therefore undesireable). He also said that the Barret's was showing a beginning of a Low Grade Displasya, which is the next step up towards cancer. He also said that the dysplasia could be a result of severe inflammation in the affected area due to the reflux and the fact that I was infected with Helycobacter Pilory bacteria (the one linked to the cause of a great number of stomach ulcers). The plan was to put me on antibiotics for the bacteria and a proton pump inhibitor to stop the acid reflux and then come back in three months for another endoscopy.
I took the antibiotics for two weeks and I started taking Prevacid 30 mg. twice a day. Within a week all the symptoms were gone and I had absolutely no side effects whatsoever, except some stomach discomfort, which I had anyway before I started taking Prevacid.
Three months later I came back for another endoscopy and when the results came the doctor was very quick and unhelpful. He was unclear explaining any changes on my condition or any other alternative treatments. He just said that I needed another endoscopy within a year and that I only needed to take Prevacid once a year.
I am not very good developing habits as far as taking pills, but I did my best with the Prevacid. As long as I take it every day, I don't seem to have any symptoms at all. That was quite a relief after 30 years of heartburn; though it wasn't as bad as other people's (Three to four times a week, or when either drinking or eating acidic or irritating foods like alcohol, vinegar, citric fruits, tomatos, chocolates, coffee, tea, etc.). After missing a pill it would take 24 hours before I felt any heartburn mainly if my diet was a bit undesirable (fast food, pizza). As far as side effects I have not had any.
After six months I started to think about the last visit to the doctor and I felt really bothered. I didn't like the lack of information or help that I got. So I decided to do a little bit of homework on my own. I started reading articles in the internet, magazines, and books about my condition and decided to change doctors.
It took me about a year and a half to finally make an appointment. I did some research trying to find someone specialized in my condition. I got another endoscopy and the results were very promising. The low grade displasya had reversed therefore the inflammation was completely gone (even though the Barret's was still there since it is a permanent condition). The doctor was very happy with the results so he was going to send me home on prevacid and a yearly endoscopy to monitor the barret's. That's where all the reading and research became helpful. I started asking questions about certain issues with Barret's and GERD.
First I asked him if the bacteria was gone and he admitted that he had overlooked that. An honest mistake, but it would have gone unnoticed if I hadn't asked. So he sent for some blood work.
Then I asked him what was the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors since I had read some articles stating that asymptomatic patients could still have severe reflux without noticing it. And that is crucial information for people with Barret's since continuous reflux will increase the chances of esophageal cancer. So he decided to send me for a PH Monitor test which would test the acidity levels in my stomach while I was taking prevacid.
Finally I asked him about the long term effects of proton pump inhibitors. And so far so good with no major side effects, but they have only been tested for periods of up to ten years. Any longer than that, who knows. And that is when he suggested surgery to correct GERD. Considering that I am young and otherwise healthy. I still have to decide what to do about that. But this time around I was a bit happier about the outcome of the doctor's visit.
I have learned a few things during this crusade. First of all, if it is possible, do some research before you go to the doctor. It pays.
Make sure you do your homework when you choose a physician. I found doctors working at university hospitals tend to be a bit more informed than the rest.
As far as Prevacid. I have not had any problems with it. It eliminated all my symptoms and I have not had any side effects. I have been taking it for over two years now.
If you had had either heartburn or GERD for a long period of time, get an upper endoscopy to make sure you have not developed Barret's. It is a condition that has to be monitored and one in ten cases will develop into esophageal cancer.
Also if you are already taking prevacid it is a good idea to get a PH Monitor test, even if you are asymptomatic, to make sure that your reflux is controlled.
Anyway, I hope this story is of help to answer some of the questions in this forum. Good Luck to everyone. You will need it.
Fernando
Pls. do your research on any surgeries. You do not want to get worse.
I live in a big city and there are 2 teaching universities here. The doc that i will be eventually seeing is supposedly the best in the city for motility disorders. I hope so and I hope he is a nice one too. (:
Pls. keep us posted.
Caroline
He too has suffered since his teens with heartburn and always shrugged it off and took Tums and the likes. Until the past two months when it became so unbearable he thought he was having a heartattack. Which with running a few tests turned out to be Barrett's.
I wish you the best and hopefully you and him will beat this and not be a statistic. Good luck.
Therese
My girlfriend was diagnosed with it and she has to have an EGD every year with biopsy to make sure it remains in the benign state.
My gastro man acted surprise, almost dumb, when I asked for a ph Monitor. Plus, I want the Barium swallow x-ray also of the Esophagus.
Good Luck to all of you.
The drug by greatly reducing acid also greatly reduces the body's ability to abosrb iron. Iron is essential for the body to absorb the "B" vitamins and in particular vitamin B12.
Although, B12 is stored and can be called upon to make-up needed defiencies, eventually the well runs dry. Defiencies in iron and B12 create muscle pain/weakness, exhaustion,numbness and tingling in extremities, bloating,etc., even weight gain, many of the symptoms described in your responses.
Test for Iron and B12 levels should be run and compared with any pre-Prilosec tests to determine if there is a significant reduction and what actions may be needed. To say that somemone is within the "normal range" is not appropriate in this case. What is normal for you may not be the same for someone else. If you are experiencing some of all of these symptoms, a notable reduction in your levels is significant.
Unfortunately most Doctors prescribe meds in an assembly line manner, with a "one size fits all" approach. Many doctors are excellent in diagnosing a condition, However, few have detailed understanding of the meds they prescribe and how they may interact with other influences or medications. Instead of being an "expert", most Doctors tend to rely on limited information and word of mouth provided by the drug manufacturers that are trying to sell a product.
What this means to us, the people that have the highest stake and the most to lose in the effects that meds generate, is that we need to our homework. Patty, on her 10-27th response stated it well; read the detailed information contained in the insert in the packaging from the manufacturer. But take it further. Check out any newly prescribed meds with several Pharmacists to see what food/drink, inviormental issues, and other influences may effect the effiency of the meds and you.
The problem of Doctors having little time or interest to develop high skills in pharmacology is a real problem. So much so, that there is now a movement to develop "Pharmaceutical Consultants" that would be available to Doctors and patients for consultation before issuing or using a prescription.
Whatever you think, believe in yourself and listen to what your body is saying. If the "cure" is worse than the problem, it may be that the cure is the "problem".
Good luck!
I am on aciphex 2x a day and am still having bad symptoms. asthma, chest pain and burning throat. i have a wedge under my head at night and have cut out fatty foods, tomatoes citrus chocolate mint and caffeene. I have been a good little trooper and still have only experienced temporary relief. i have gone through axid and carafate and pepcid and prilosec and prevacid until I have reached the new game in town aciphex.
Has anyone every tried going "back" to an older medicine to see if maybe we just develop resistance to some of these meds after a while on them? i am thinking of asking my new gastro guy if that might be an option. i know I did very well on a combination of axid and carafate but was switched just because i had to switch doctors when i moved. anyone ever take those in combination?
I am about to see a new gastro guy because the last one thought the way to "help" me was to try and bully me and not talk to me about facts and options. He actually did the endoscope, yelled at my husband to be in his office friday because i was going to need his support in case i had cancer and walked out of the waiting room. (I did not have cancer or barretts) we were told this was how this particular doctor treated a lot of his patents and was quietly given the name of several other doctors that we might chose to move to by the kindly hospital staff (a Florida hospital) by the way, i am a nice person who never did anything to deserve this kind of rude behavior! (is it your experiences that most gastro guys have personality disorders?) I am told that this new one is a very kind man who will actually take time with me and listen to me and explain to me ALL of my options and the availabiltiy of new and experimental techniques. That is all i ask. someone who will take the time to listen and try and explain.
Most of what i have found out about this condition i have found out on the internet. Thank-god for places like this.
The clicking throat, which seemed to be emitted from the upper esophogeal rings, or even the neck spinal bones... Queer as it sounds, I felt it rivot through my body one day while a cricket was chirping - it felt as though it were resonating with my entire upper body, in an extraordinarily unpleasant manner. I went inside, and some of the vibrations stopped, but I was getting strange clicks on swallow, which were immensely perturbing... I was under a lot of stress at the time, and this did not assuage it...
As for food getting stuck in the throat, that was what started this whole rollercoaster adventure of maladies while aging - I couldn't hardly eat any longer with the sensation that the food would lodge itself in my esophagus - apparently there was no aperture there, upon GI, but it sure felt that way! Taking Prilosec for a while now, *definitely* helps with chest pains and acid reflux, but did little for the throat. However...
It repaired my stomach enough that I am able to smoke again, and as onerous as it may be, smoking actually diminishes the sensation in the throat, if not completely cures it. Well, now my lungs will be in for a bout, but the throat problem occurs only most rarely. I think lactose intolerance plays a factor in the throat affair, but I am most definitely unsure. Keep your head high, and your back straight,
When, I read your comments about your experinece with one, I immedialtely thought you had seen the same doc I did )-:
But reading further, you are in Flordia and I am in Texas.
I also was given a list of names of various gastro Docs by the nurses at the hospital where I had my procedure done. I too, was treated very poorly. This doc had no respect for me.
I did report him to the hospital, to the referring physician
and to the staff.
BUT, after weeding out the "new names", I did find a kind gastro doc. A female, at the same hospital. Good/Kind Doctors are out there..just have to do your homework and ask a lot of questions.
They think I have GERD but in the Vocal/Larnyx area. I am being treated now and will see her again soon. I am not responding to any Proton Pump Inhibitors so far. I do not have Barrett's but I do have a Hiatal hernia and I had a small stricture and throat and voice problems.
Please keep us posted how you are doing.
note: heart is in A-1 condition.