Long Term issues with Prilosec

[jayaregee]

I have a hiatal hernia and have been living with GERD for 15-18 years.  I was diagnosed in 2004 with a hiatal hernia.  I have been on many different medications and prilosec seems to be working the best.  I've been taking it for 6+ years and have been told essentially that I will be on it for life as the military (in 2004) would not authorize an operation.  I am concerned about the long term effects of medication use.  I don't like taking this medication because I don't like pills that keep my body from doing what it is supposed to be doing.  Over the last couple of years I have started having connective tissue problems.  Last year I had a lap repair on my left shoulder, I am having knee issues (non-joint) and have tendonitis in my right elbow (golfer's elbow (don't golf)).  I know there was a study that showed bone loss in men with long term use of prilosec and drugs in that family but I cannot find the study results.

This study, coupled with the issues with my connective tissue and I feel like this stuff is bad news and that surgery is the way to go to solve this.  I take this medication daily and can't go any loger than two days without before I get gut wrenching burning through my enire esophageal area.

What are the long term effects of this medication and what do I have to worry about?

Thank you

[selmaS]

Well the reason I asked is bcuz I was recently dx'd with a condition called Ehlers Danlos which affects the ligaments...causes them to be lax and joints can dislocate and cause all sorts of problems and it is a connective tissue disorder...u may want to get checked as it also affects the skin and getting stitches can be diff especially for the dr unaware of it as he is trying to stitch u up.

Trust me I know how u r feeling...I am much older and faling apart even longer : )

I pray u get some answers and feel better soon.

Enjoy ur Christmas
"selma"

[jayaregee]

I'm Sorry, I wasn't offended at all.  The connective tissue issues are tendonitis in my right elbow and occaisional pain in my left that is becoming more common, knee ligament issues, left shoulder ligament that was repaired this time last year, and occaisional ankle issues.  I'm having an MRI done on the 30th on my knee.  

Just feels like I'm falling apart.  I don't want to blame it on age cause I'm not even 40 yet but I don't want it to be the medication cause it helps so much even though I don't like taking pills.  I just want this to go away.

[selmaS]

I would imagine, but I did not mean to say u had a weight issue, but more the intent was to say ne fluctuation in ur weight even minimal can affect a hiatal hernia and reflux.

May I ask what connective tissue issues u r having?.....

So glad to hear u r able to have that discussion with ur dr and I pray it goes well for u.

"selma"

[jayaregee]

Thank you Selma.  I do my best with the weight, I have to being in the military.  I stay active and really watch what I eat and drink.

I've opened up a new dialog with my doctor and I am pushing hard for some type of resolution to this.  I don't want meds the rest of my life.

[selmaS]

No sorry I do not have info on that study......

I also have a hiatal hernia and with meds and changes in diet and lifestyle can help the meds in giving u relief.
Weight loss is another variant to how u will feel...or weight gain for that matter.This is especially true for those with a hernia.... fluctuations in weight will affect u and how u feel.

I am struggling with my weight right now and I know from the past, when I lose weight I feel better.....it is just getting the weight off...lol...

If I find more info I will forward it to u.

Good luck
"selma"

[jayaregee]

Selma,

Thank you for your information.  I had never heard of this procedure.  Unfortunately, I don't think this will help.  I'll look into it some more, but my GERD is caused from a hernia causing the sphincter muscle and part of my stomach to move up into the chest cavity.

Do you have the study that talks about the nutrient issues?

Thank you

[selmaS]

Long term effects of PPI's like prilosec is malabsorbtion of vitamins and minerals from food or suppliments.

Another member asked about other methods to help and she asked what this Stretta procedure was...below is what I found doing a search.Please read and then mayb ask ur dr about it if this may help...I am not well informed, but sounds like an option.

The Stretta Procedure to Treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The Stretta procedure is a minimally invasive, non-surgical way to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. The procedure is performed using an endoscope (a thin, flexible, lighted tube which is passed down the throat into the esophagus), involves no cutting or sewing, and leaves no skin incisions or scars.

The procedure can be performed as an outpatient. Patients typically return to normal activities the following day.

Here's how it works:

The Stretta device is a thin tube, or catheter, with a balloon at the end. With the patient conscious but under heavy sedation, the catheter is guided through the endoscope which is placed in the esophagus just above the stomach. There the balloon is inflated, exposing four sharp probes on the outside of the balloon. The probes then discharge high-frequency radio waves into the muscle at the top of the stomach which is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). After several rounds of this process, the LES -- which is too loose in GERD patients -- becomes much tighter. Tightening the LES keeps stomach acid from splashing up into the esophagus.

How Much Does the Stretta Procedure Improve GERD Symptoms?
At least one study has shown that one year after undergoing the Stretta procedure, nearly two-thirds of the patients were able to stop taking all of their acid-blocking medicines. Overall, the patients reported feeling significantly better six months after treatment -- and even better at the 12-month mark.

Individual results may vary and the long term benefits are uncertain. This procedure is also not without risk; there is potential for serious complications.

Other Options for GERD Treatment
A less invasive option for treating GERD without medication includes endoscopic sutures (stitches). The FDA approved this procedure based on its safety but was unsure of its effectiveness. Other techniques are now in clinical trials.



Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology.