Yup make an appointment with your GP nearer the time. It was my GP who prescribed mine after reading my results.

I’ve suffered for a few years now, but what I think is fairly mild by what others describe. Basically I’ve discovered I can massively reduce it if I have a core diet of simple stew and salad type foods. If I have too much bread, pastry, crisps then it flares up.

Been on 30mg Lansoprazole for 15 years, tried omoprazole and ranitidine but lansoprazole best for me.. I noticed I had a problem when I ended up having half a bottle of gaviscon and it didn’t touch it! First the Dr started me on 15mg, it was a wonder drug to start off with it cleared up within a few hours of taking but eventually after a few month the acid started breaking through so he jumped it up to 30mg and been fine on them ever since and can eat what I want although sometimes I do take 60mg if I feel it… Anyways, I’m going for an endoscopy in a few week for first time ever but don’t really know what that’s gonna do as had it so long now but surely taking acid reflux tablets all your life can’t be good for you? I heard somewhere that it depletes the essential minerals in your body?

The Doc has started me off on 30mg straightaway.

Chris85: I ended up severely ill (and really only just getting over it 3 years later) after 6 months on PPI’s dropped my B12 levels dangerously low. It’s likely they were on the way down anyway, but they accelerated the drop massively, to the point of full blown pernicious aneamia, not fun. My folic acid was also very low, and turns out I also had low magnesium that was triggering migraines. All because I’d been told I had acid reflux and had been on and off the PPI’s for the last 17 years, which never helped, as it turns out I had low stomach acid not high acid. They can also mask the symptoms of stomach cancer, so really should only be taken if absolutely necessary, I do find it disturbing how readily they’re handed out like sweeties by my GP’s.

I’m only 27 and I’m currently taking 2x20mg omeprazole a day.

I’ve always had stomach pains, then back in december I was taking ibuprofen for a ankle injury (being really careful to take it with food only), when suddenly I got flu like symptoms that knocked me off my feet (everything but the snot) and couldn’t have any food. Was put on omeprazole 20mg a day for 2 weeks and they started working instantly.

Last week I got the same again, knocked off my feet barely able to eat anything. I’ve been put back on omeprazole 2x20mg a day. Not helping this time – okay I barely get reflux – but I’ve got a constant stomach pain that has sharp periods at random times but almost always first thing after waking up. I can also only run up to a certain pace, if I push myself beyond that I get huge stomach pain and I feel like I’m about to.. you know..

I’ve got to go back to the docs in a couple of weeks as that’s when these tablets run out, not looking forward to some of the tests you guys have been through!!

Ask your doc about the surgery, I opted for it cos I wasn’t keen on chucking the PPI drugs into me every day. I saw those as treating the symptoms and not dealing with the actual problem which in most cases is the loosening of the muscle around the top of the stomach.
Has anyone mentioned the bacteria which cases it as well which can be treated by antibiotics, the doc should routinely test for that if you have any of the heartburn/reflux symptom…….H pylori or something similar.

Chris85: I ended up severely ill (and really only just getting over it 3 years later) after 6 months on PPI’s dropped my B12 levels dangerously low. It’s likely they were on the way down anyway, but they accelerated the drop massively, to the point of full blown pernicious aneamia, not fun. My folic acid was also very low, and turns out I also had low magnesium that was triggering migraines. All because I’d been told I had acid reflux and had been on and off the PPI’s for the last 17 years, which never helped, as it turns out I had low stomach acid not high acid. They can also mask the symptoms of stomach cancer, so really should only be taken if absolutely necessary, I do find it disturbing how readily they’re handed out like sweeties by my GP’s.

Watch out for this. I take B12 as well as magnesium and calcium supplements because PPIs can really screw with your levels.

I’ve had issues for years. Can sort of control it with diet but bloating is never far away.

Last year I started with new pains when eating – coffee out of the blue – caused a massive ache in my back and front if chest. Went to Doctors they gave me something (I think that lansoprazole) and it partially worked.

I reckon I was in ulcer territory – came off coffee and tea switched to decaf and things improved. Starting on Mastika which is supposed to clear the bug H.pylori . Things have got loads better but I know I should go and have one of those camera things but really don’t fancy it.

Still get reflux on and off but eating too fast has been my crime. Luckily the things I live – dairy, meat and potatoes don’t cause me grief, is things like pasta and refined crap that trouble me.

Ask your doc about the surgery, I opted for it cos I wasn’t keen on chucking the PPI drugs into me every day. I saw those as treating the symptoms and not dealing with the actual problem which in most cases is the loosening of the muscle around the top of the stomach.
Has anyone mentioned the bacteria which cases it as well which can be treated by antibiotics, the doc should routinely test for that if you have any of the heartburn/reflux symptom…….H pylori or something similar.

Sounds like he’s been examined for all those. I had loads of tests and examinations before they even considered putting me on meds, I know it comes as a shock but GPs don’t always just hand out meds.

Actually, I haven’t Drac: I went to the Doctor at the beginning of January, told him the symptoms, and he immediately referred me to the ENT unit in Brighton (is was in there all of 5 minutes).

I went there on Friday, they did the endoscope thing, we discussed the symptoms, and the specialist said “there’s no sign of lumps, cancers etc, but you do have signs of acid reflux, which we are going to start off by treating aggressively”, they then prescribed 30mg of lansoprazole AND Gaviscon, which I am now to take for 28 days.

So you’ve had investigations then.

Only in the throat: the specialist did say that if it’s a problem lower down, then I’ll need to see a the gastric department, as they only deal with the throat (and ear, and nose, of course).

I’m confused now. I thought you’d had an endoscopy?

I did, but only to look down the throat (in through the nose).

Ah! Hmmmmm!

Another alternative which should be taken with a meal that contains plenty of protein is Betaine HCL + Pepsin.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/287747-betaine-hcl-between-meals/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/39257-betaine-hydrochloride-side-effects/

So, are people saying I should stop taking the lanzoprazole?

Before being prescribed meds did you make any changes to your diet or take any otc meds?

No over the counter meds. I’ve dropped coffee and tried to stay away from citrus fruit and juices. Plus, I tend to use coconut and goat’s milk products instead of dairy. I’ve also been avoiding tomato-based products. None of which have seemed to help with the “lump” feeling in my throat.

Oh, and in the last week or so, I’ve been trying to cut down on the size of meals and eating more slowly.

mikey – do you have any non-acid type symptoms, ie is your health OK apart from this?

My saving grace and has held out well for 4 months now, was a course of 3 tablets to combat h. pylori. After years of heartburn the gp recommended treatment for h. pylori. The first course of the combination of 3 different tablets didnt work, so i had to have another course where thre was a different combination of the 3. Ive had no trouble since and have not had to change eating habits. worth looking into.

Yes, generally.. I had a fainting episode a few months ago, followed by a full, fasting blood test and ECG, including wearing one for 24 hours. I then had a consultation with a cardiologist who said they couldn’t find anything wrong.

The only anomaly was a slightly high iron level, but the cardiologist said “you don’t look like someone who has haemachromatosis” (it tends to turn your skin a bronze colour).

He concluded the episode was down to low blood pressure.

So, are people saying I should stop taking the lanzoprazole?

I’d say carry on until you’ve spoken to your GP rather than people on a bike forum.

I’d say carry on until you’ve spoken to your GP rather than people on a bike forum.

Very true, and I don’t intend to, I was just asking the question.

Apart from occasional heartburn after a curry or eating late my only symptoms were waking myself up in the early hours with a coughing fit. My GP never sent me for any tests. He just prescribed the PPIs from the off. It was only because a colleague had mentioned the H Pylori that I went back and asked for the test. I then asked for a referral to a Gastric consultant who then discussed the option of surgery with me. From the off the GP suggested nothing about diet changes, bacteria or surgery. In my case he was just happy to prescribe the PPis. I wasn’t happy taking them but that’s not to say they aren’t for everyone.
I must also mention that once having being prescribed PPIs I found that as soon as I tried to stop taking them heartburn would come back with a vengeance permanently (whereas before the heartburn was only occasional) so I found myself dependant on them.
Without doubt the condition shouldn’t be ignored because of the long term problems that can develop. If the medication
suits better then taking them has got to be far better than ignoring the condition.
Good luck. there are plenty of options available, meds (over the counter or prescription) , diet, surgery, lifestyle….it’s just finding the one that suits you best.

Ok some more detail about mine.

I had the following symptoms:

Nausea
Vomiting
Abdo Pains
Coughing
Dysphagia
Palpitations during the day and at night, ECG showed extra R ventricular beats
Heartburn
Low energy
Poor appetite

I had blood tests, faecal samples and stomach samples for helicobacter pylori, stomach lining samples for cancer, endoscope for hiatus hernia, ulcers, cancer plus many other things.

Outcome was that I have an inflamed lining caused by too much acid production.

Then and only then after all those was I prescribed omeprazole which has pretty much eradicated all those symptoms. I get the odd problem now and then but not the daily occurrence I’d get. I’ll get a follow up for the meds at a later date or indeed I can even make an appointment myself if I was concerned.

@drac Where you advised to avoid certain foods? or even move to a more alkaline diet to help?

Nope not at all.

It causes me no real issues but on rare occasions if I’ve had a really heavy session I get bother but once the the omeprazole kicks in it usually goes.

Yes, generally.. I had a fainting episode a few months ago, followed by a full, fasting blood test and ECG, including wearing one for 24 hours. I then had a consultation with a cardiologist who said they couldn’t find anything wrong.

The only anomaly was a slightly high iron level, but the cardiologist said “you don’t look like someone who has haemachromatosis” (it tends to turn your skin a bronze colour).

He concluded the episode was down to low blood pressure.

Mikey, acid reflux / hiatus hernias can and do cause ectopic heartbeats and arrhythmias. I get them when my reflux symptoms are bad. Took me years to find a GP / consultant that acknowledges this is the case despite loads of scientific papers written on the phenomenon. I’ve been told its all harmless but it feels very weird when it happens.

The fainting is caused by a vasovagal response, usually when your vagus nerve (which runs down your esophagus, the bit that gets irritated by reflux) becomes overstimulated.

Pepsin

If you are meaning taking pepsin enzyme then I think that is a very bad idea for reflux sufferers, certainly the supplement my sister had had a huge warning saying not to take if you suffer from reflux as it can lead to perforation of the oesophagus, leading to internal bleeding and ulcers. It’s a protein digesting enzyme so will digest your own body quite happily if it ends up outside your stomach via reflux.

So, are people saying I should stop taking the lanzoprazole?

No, but I stopped my omeprazole and after a few weeks I’d say my reflux is better than when I was on it, but I’m relatively careful about avoiding trigger foods and acidic fruit juice. Having said that I’ve been demolishing pringles, beer and fried breaky this weekend with no reflux… yet….

I’m not sure why they only looked at your throat and not your oesophagus though, reflux stems from the bits below your throat. I’ve a friend with the lump in the throat feeling and trouble swallowing liquids and he’s self diagnosed silent reflux, endoscopy didn’t show anything for him.

I’m not sure why they only looked at your throat and not your oesophagus though, reflux stems from the bits below your throat. I’ve a friend with the lump in the throat feeling and trouble swallowing liquids and he’s self diagnosed silent reflux, endoscopy didn’t show anything for him.

They made it clear it was an ear, nose and THROAT unit. Anything below that is someone else’s business. Apparently.

Doing a good bit of googling has resulted in me coming to the conclusion it’s silent reflux I have: Heartburn has never been a big problem for me (although I do get it): It’s mainly the lump in the throat feeling.

Apart from checking for more serious condition like Helicobacter pylori etc …

I suggest drinking some yogurt with milk after each meal.

Try not to:
1. Over eat … eat 70% or 80% full.
2. The last meal should be eaten 2 hour before bedtime at least.
3. Reduce alcohol consumption – wine is the worst.
4. Reduce smoking … hmmm … nahhh …
5. Reduce spicy food … only certain spices like chili powder, paprika powder or cayenne pepper powder. I find that only certain brands will give me pain if I take too much of them.
6. Avoid oily food. But somehow “dry” Fish & chips do not affect me but oily spaghetti with plenty of red wine will …
7. Coffee & tea … hmmm … nahh …

🙂

I suggest drinking some yogurt with milk after each meal.

That often made things worse for me.

1. How do you know?
2. Made no odds to me.
3. Red wine was terrible for me.
4. Never started.
5. Made no odds for me it was pastry and fatty food.
6. Yeah the like this but not olive oil based.
7. Made no odds to me.

Drac – Moderator

I suggest drinking some yogurt with milk after each meal.

That often made things worse for me.

1. How do you know?
2. Made no odds to me.
3. Red wine was terrible for me.
4. Never started.
5. Made no odds for me it was pastry and fatty food.
6. Yeah the like this but not olive oil based.
7. Made no odds to me. [/quote]

Ans.1. Not full as in bloated feel. You should know or take away 20% to 30% of your normal consumption before you start eating. Healthy too by not eating to the max.

Ans.2. When I had serious acid reflux I slept sitting down for two years as lying down made pain worst especially after meal. My whole upper stomach was sore.

Ans.3. Alcohol especially wine is worst for me but drinking nearly a bottle of whiskey with friends a night did not do harm … hmmm … not sure why.

Ans.4. Good. In fact Very Good … Now I smoke pipe but have to cut down to one or two bowls every 2 to 3 days as I get smoke stain on my teeth. Putting off birds with smoke stain teeth … dammit.

Ans.5. Only certain brands that pack their spices in UK so watch out coz it hurts even when little is added. If you wish then use fresh chilies Not the powder form. Now I use traditional Spanish Paprika and so far no problem.

Ans.6. I use olive oil too but the changes of stomach pain if the oil is too much remain.

Ans.7. No problem with coffee or tea me.

“mikey74 – Member
Any good small, but often, meal suggestions. Eating decent meals is quite difficult at the moment as I’m at Uni three nights a week and have to grab whatever is left in the canteen during the break.”

long time but was diagnosed with and GP prescribed some sort of ant-acid – conversation about diet came after hand over of prescription:

I was living on black coffee and mid morning toast until early evening being dumb so snack wise I’d pack:
ryvita or other with cheesespread
carrots
dried apple rings
muesli bars
plain wholemeal rolls
ritz crackers

I’m due to go back to the docs at the end of the 28 day med cycle but I might book an appointment now, just to discuss this with him and see if is the right way forward.

Stopping the production of stomach acid doesn’t seem a particularly healthy thing to do,and may just mask another issue.