Wellness

[Pink123]

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@NickNack wrote:

@Pink123   That's interesting about PPI's causing malabsorption.  I've been on 40 mg. Nexium twice a day for about two years.  I've been on PPI's for probably close to 20 years.  I just had an endoscopy, and there is a little damage to my esophagus so my gastroenterologist told me to continue with the Nexium twice a day.  My reflux had gotten much worse even while on that dose and he prescribed amitriptyline (not for depression) 10 mg. at night.  That took care of the lower abdominal pain from IBS and helped with the reflux but not as much as I'd hoped.  He increased the amitriptyline to 25 mg., which has helped tremendously.

I had complete blood work in January, and my Rheumatologist just did bloodwork recently and found the low protein levels.  He sent the bloodwork to my Internist, and I'm seeing her tomorrow.  I did have low ferritin levels last year and had iron infusions which raised it.  I had a colonoscopy a couple of years ago, and my Gastro said that I did not have Crohn's.  He has done a couple of biopsies to check for Celiac, and I don't have it either.

I will mention Crohn's to my doctor tomorrow and see if she thinks I could have developed it in the last two years.  I will also discuss what your hematologist said with her about the PPI's.  I know she was shocked that I was still having reflux when on that much.  

I have a follow-up appt. with my Gastroenterologist at the end of August (because he started me on amitriptyling) but can see him sooner depending on what my regular doctor says tomorrow.  

I appreciate the information that you and everyone else here has given me.  I'm glad I posted before my appt. tomorrow.

What do you do for your malabsorption issues?  I've read several things and am not sure what they would do.

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Your welcome @NickNack  I too had damage to my esophogaus several years ago and it healed.  What helped?  I take "prilosec" twice a day but some times I need to up it.  I do take a swallow or two of mint flavored Gaviscon (it's magnesium) and helps me so much.  I would suggest it at bedtime. That's what got my esophogaus normal again after several months.  Gaviscon, mint flavor liquid.

I am on a relaxant myself. Stress causes stomach problems leading to anxiety.

  No the hematologist/oncologist wasn't shocked at all.  I too have been on these antacids for over 20 years.  I had my last coonoscopy/endocsopy in January and I have a slight ulceration in my tummy.  No wonder I've been having nausea again.

Reading your post you seem to be up do date on bloodwork, and doing everything right.  

My ferritin levels have been low for 10 years now.  All it gives me is a bit more tiredness than others.  I have noticed this, however he is not concerned and is chief at a big hospital.

My gastro does not seem concerned with the extra prilosec, the alrernative is far worse right?  I do have Barrett's Esophogaus too by the way.  

You might want to try a tablespoon full of Gaviscon mid day between meals or at bedtime (a bit after pills).  My gastro says it's fine and it's soothing.

This stops me from taking more ppi's.  Let me know how it goes tomorrow.  They will find the culprit.