topic Re: Cannot get off Nexium in Wellness

Cannot get off Nexium

Grouchomarx — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 03:35:23 GMT

I have been taking it for years. I like the idea of not being dependent on these expensive pharma drugs, however I cannot exist without it and not have raging, life ruining heartburn. Anybody ever have success with quitting? I’ve googled, I find no hope out there. (I’ve been fully worked up by a gastro.) Thanks,

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

hckynut — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 03:45:06 GMT

@Grouchomarx

What diagnosis has you taking Nexium for years? Have you tried changing what you eat, and when? How about how you sleep?

I also have been on Nexium for years, but I have no heartburn or any noticeable symptoms. I will be taking it for the foreseeable future and I have never had any side effects from doing so.

hckynut

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

Kachina624 — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 03:54:16 GMT

Yes, I kicked the habit. My doctor insisted; all you have to do is read the possible long-term side effects, which I was starting to experience. I started taking 2 acid reducers per day. They aren't quite as effective as the proton pump inhibitors but they're close and good enough without the dire consequences. And they're cheap.

Here are the acid reducers:

I take generic OTC Ranitidine

Acid Reducers for Heartburn

Nizatidine (Axid AR)
Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
Ranitidine (Zantac

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

Icegoddess — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 03:50:31 GMT

Isn't Nexium OTC now?

I was on it for awhile. I went off for awhile. While I didn't get raging, life ruining heartburn, I did get a lot of reflux and grinding stomach pain. I became more dependent on either Pepto Bismol or Pepcid Complete. I had a choking problem, and they ended up doing an endo on me which revealed a constriction that they ballooned open and the surgeon suggested I get back and remain on a PPI. I take a generic now, pantaprazole, so it's not terribly expensive. It's not quite as good as the Nexium was, but it mostly does the job. I do occasionally still need a Pepcid Complete.

Before, when I was off of the PPI, I got to where I was hiding my Pepto and Pepcid Complete because my husband started monitoring (and complaining about) how much I was taking. And the last time I came home from the doctor from my physical saying all my numbers were good he asked did that mean I could get off some of my medications. I said no, I'm sure he would say my medications was why my numbers were as good as they were. Then, I asked him would he prefer to monitor my antacid consumption. He acts like he's disgusted that I have to take meds.

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

Grouchomarx — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 03:55:13 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
Yes, I kicked the habit. My doctor insisted; all you have to do is read the possible long-term side effects. I started taking 2 acid reducers per day. They aren't quite as effective as the proton pump inhibitors but they're close and good enough without the dire consequences. And they're cheap.

Wow good on you. Do you mean like Zantac? I had used that in the past but now it’s not enough. Do you have breakthrough acid? Thanks.

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

Susan Louise — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 04:52:53 GMT

@Grouchomarx wrote:
I have been taking it for years. I like the idea of not being dependent on these expensive pharma drugs, however I cannot exist without it and not have raging, life ruining heartburn. Anybody ever have success with quitting? I’ve googled, I find no hope out there. (I’ve been fully worked up by a gastro.) Thanks,

@Grouchomarx

I had GERD/acid reflux/heartburn for about 5 yrs. It kept getting worse and worse. I have not taken any OTC meds since January. It has been awesome!

Read my OP in the thread (link below). It is very long, but I explain a lot about how I got off the meds. I was taking Prevacid, Zantac and nearly drinking a bottle of Pepto every night toward the end of the insanity!...

HTH

https://community.qvc.com/t5/Wellness/For-those-that-believe-in-low-fat-diets/td-p/5353543

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

Grouchomarx — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 04:00:26 GMT

Just to be clear, a long time ago I presented with symptoms of acid reflux, which for me, were totally foreign. I was diagnosed, treated and problem solved. Many years later I’m just trying to get off the PPi. So I wanted to reach out if anyone has done the same. I had hope I was ok without them, but not so much. Thanks for your sharing and input.

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

Susan Louise — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 06:40:01 GMT

@Grouchomarx wrote:
Just to be clear, a long time ago I presented with symptoms of acid reflux, which for me, were totally foreign. I was diagnosed, treated and problem solved. Many years later I’m just trying to get off the PPi. So I wanted to reach out if anyone has done the same. I had hope I was ok without them, but not so much. Thanks for your sharing and input.

@Icegoddess After I read your post I recommend you read my post (# 6 in this thread) and watch the video highlighted in red below.

@Grouchomarx

I also recommend watching a video on youtube by Dr Ken Berry - 'How to FIX Heartburn/GERD Naturally (and cheaply...)'

And if you have time, read the comments under the video

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

Kachina624 — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 05:19:42 GMT

@Grouchomarx wrote:
@Kachina624 wrote:
Yes, I kicked the habit. My doctor insisted; all you have to do is read the possible long-term side effects. I started taking 2 acid reducers per day. They aren't quite as effective as the proton pump inhibitors but they're close and good enough without the dire consequences. And they're cheap.
Wow good on you. Do you mean like Zantac? I had used that in the past but now it’s not enough. Do you have breakthrough acid? Thanks.

@Grouchomarx. Yes, generic Zantac. I do watch my diet and don't eat spicy or greasy foods....except for some occasional green chili. I gave up coffee mostly because I got tired of it. Very little chocolate. I rarely have any break through.

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

Susan Louise — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 05:24:56 GMT

@Susan Louise wrote:
@Grouchomarx wrote:
Just to be clear, a long time ago I presented with symptoms of acid reflux, which for me, were totally foreign. I was diagnosed, treated and problem solved. Many years later I’m just trying to get off the PPi. So I wanted to reach out if anyone has done the same. I had hope I was ok without them, but not so much. Thanks for your sharing and input.

@Grouchomarx
I also recommend watching a video on youtube by Dr Ken Berry - 'How to FIX Heartburn/GERD Naturally (and cheaply...)'

And if you have time, read the comments under the video

@Kachina624 I recommend watching this video if you get a chance

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

FlowerBear — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 10:00:53 GMT

Have you talked to your Doctor first? Have you tried following a very strict reflux (or gerd, not sure the difference) diet? Some of my family members are trying to get off this medication too!! Best wishes

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

cherry — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 10:54:29 GMT

Everything doesn't work the same ,for everyone. I got off, and it came back. I was suffering so bad, I am back on it again

I am lifting weights to protect my bones. I have slight osteopenia( bone thinning) but not on any meds , because I don't need them yet, and may never need them. I have put more calcium in my diet, which is hard, because milk upsets me again

Do the best you can for yourself. Even the Dr that make the report about side effects said if he needed them he would take them

All of you life is important, today is all we have, tomorrow might not happen, and it is important to feel good, and be able to function

I watch my diet and exercise daily..I am feeling well again

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

LTT1 — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 11:24:35 GMT

@Grouchomarx @cherry @FlowerBear @Susan Louise @Kachina624

I take Omeprazole, but am weaning off of it successfully now because of this Probiotic:

It is fairly new and was recommended to me by a friend who is seen at the Cleveland Clinic.

There are reviews on Amazon.

I have also changed what and when I eat.

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

cherry — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 11:30:58 GMT

I am glad it is working for you. I take one everyday, and it does help me. But, I have chronic gastritis, and if I don't take meds I suffer terribly

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

NicksmomESQ — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 11:37:08 GMT

I too was on Nexium for heartburn. I got off of it .I now take Andrew Lessmans’s Digest Assure before meals & Ultimate Friendly Flora before bed. They have greatly improved my situation. I carry Tums on me for the occasional flare up. Very satisfied. I feel like a new person.

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

Vivian — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 11:50:13 GMT

Yes, I kicked the habit. I had to do it...doctor’s orders. I have chronic sinus and allergy problems. What does this have to do with my gut? PLENTY! Since I had no acid in my stomach, due to the PPI, the bacteria in my nose and sinuses entered my digestive tract and caused a really bad intestinal infection. I never had the other side effects, thank goodness, but they are very serious for those who suffer them. I do, however take an over-the-counter Prilosec when the GERD is bad, e.g., if I have tomato sauce late at night or have a glass of cognac, neither of which I do often. I found low acid tomato sauce on Amazon and take Pepcid every day. I feel safer now, even though nothing works as well as those da**ed PPIs.

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

LTT1 — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 11:54:18 GMT

As WE ALL know, I have had some rather weird health concerns over the last two years. Well, these concerns (which have been thoroughly inspected by doctors)

have “morphed.”

AL digestive products have been part of the solution, and I take them every day, including the friendly flora.

The probiotic shown below was created to deal with the biome barrier. I do not intend to take it forever, but for now it is really solving my IBS issues and maybe others.

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

NickNack — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 12:02:18 GMT

I've been taking omeprazole for years. Last year I started having breakthrough reflux again, and my doctor added Zantac at night. My gastroenterologist said it would be worse to quit taking it than to continue. Reflux can cause Barrett's Esophagus, which is cancer. I have had no side effects from taking omeprazole.

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

Slainte — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 12:06:00 GMT

@Vivian from a long time GERD sufferer, have you read Dr. Jonathan Aviv's The Acid Watcher's Diet? The diet is strict but does work especially if you take ranitidine along with it. So many things trigger acid reflux, but once you learn to avoid them, it does get easier, coffee, chocolate, citric acid which is in so many food, alcohol, etc. The book also teaches you how to eat foods that help neutralize the acid in the stomach.

For very severe cases there is a surgery, Nissen fundoplication, http://ddc.musc.edu/public/surgery/laparoscopic/fundoplication.html, which makes a stronger sphincter to the stomach. This surgery is also used in hiatal hermia cases.

Have you been checked for hiatal hernia? This often makes GERD worse.

Good luck.

Re: Cannot get off Nexium

I am still oxox — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 13:09:32 GMT

I have asthma related reflux and tried to get off Prevacid and my relfux can back with vengeance. It was horrible. I have tried twice and not sure what to do the acid reducers did nothing.

I have to try again and will in the near future