He actually based his diagnosis on my symptoms and the short period of time that it took for the symptoms to appear. The PPI was diagnosed because he also believed I had reflux; however, he did not order a scope for the ulcer, he wanted to see how a few days of the PPI would help. The upside is that the Protonix helped with the reflux and stomach pain, the downside is the bloating and constipation. I did call him just the other night and he told me I can discontinue use of the Protonix this week because you can stop taking it 1 to 2 weeks after the symptoms go away. And I agree, I was trying fibery foods, exercise, hot drinks, cold water, etc - and nothing was helping! Luckily I will be off of it this week - but thank you for your input, I'm glad I'm not the only one who went through this!
How were you diagnosed w peptic ulcer would be my first question. Did you have a H. Pylori blood test? If that is positive the treatment is 2 antibiotics and bismuth for 2 weeks. It is a bacteria that can penetrate the thick mucus lining in the stomach and causes ulcers.
Protonix can cause constipation. I recently failed both Nexium and Protonix due to side effects. But the constipation was terrible despite everything I threw at it. I don't like taking laxatives or suppositories as they make you gut 'lazy'. Just drank tons of liquids and fiber, exercise helped. But I had to stop the meds for other reasons, like muscle pain.
My other question is why your doctor went directly to a big gun PPI like Protonix.-( it's expensive too) -why not Prevecid? Or Prilosec? If you are having side effects call your doctor directly and tell him. BTW I'm also an RN and am looking at having a test done to see if I need surgery since my larynx has been trashed for the past 7 wks. Been unable to work. So I have dealt with this issue for a long time.