Lifetime PPI use

I'm scared that I may need to take PPIs for the rest of my life. Is this you too? If so, how do you help yourself feel safe in this situation? What has your doctor said?

Edit:

This large Swedish study just published showed that PPI use seems to actually increase esophageal cancer risk!

: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187778211 8300687?via%3Dihub

I have this fear as well. I'm hoping for a revision if it doesn't subside. Not that I WANT another surgery per say. I'm tired of acid, tired of a sore throat for just laying down. I'm scared.

i'm going To talk to my surgeon soon. I'm away from home today or i'd Call today. Freaking out just a bit over it.

I'm in the same boat. I actually just started a PPI today because the acid suddenly intensified a few weeks ago and now I have a horrendous sore throat all the time. I had surgery in Mexico and so have been told to see my PCP, but I've moved and can't find a PCP taking pts in my area. All the local gastroenterologists require a referral from a PCP. So I've started the PPI and am planning to try to wean off in 4-8 weeks once my throat has healed. I also stopped drinking coffee and eating within 3 hours of going to bed. I'm so scared of esophageal cancer and I simply can't imagine getting RNY.

You do well to be very concerned.. Not only do PPI's control acid. they also limit the ability of your body to absorb your nutrients esp magnesium and calcium..

High acid does permanent damage to your throat and can damage vocal cords. There is a drug that used to be prescribed to coat the esophagus... it was called Carafate... it comes in a chewable, for a reasonable price, works to coat all irritated areas..., liquid is pricey.. you should ask a PCP for something to coat the irritated areas.

There are some things to do NOW to decrease those symptoms.

eat nothing close to bedtime... goal is to get stomach to empty... cut off fluids at least an hour before bedtime.

Eat no high acid foods. this includes many fruits pineapple, and citrus.

You should also cut all nightshades.. these include tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, regular potatoes. You should put a wedge under your mattress or 5-6 inch blocks under the head of your bed to change your sleep position.

You should ALSO consider ... gall bladder issues, if you still have yours and these symptoms are just starting, it could be a sign of increased gastric pressure from early gallstones or duct blockage... If so milk thistle may help, used daily for 3 weeks.... as may ginger tea. Had a friend that took ginger and curcumin capsules for antiinflammatory effectively. for gall stones..( she took each one 2x a day.

How far out are you? My WLS said I would be on them for the first 3-5 years then see how everything goes. My Aunt, who is 11 years out was on them for 6 and all of a sudden didn't need them anymore.

Good Luck,

Liz

That's so good to hear! I am 1.5 years out.

Feeling safe and being safe are two very different things. With what they know about long term PPI use, I'd find a way to get off of them. I hope you can.

agreed.

It's actually just my first day back on them since the month after surgery. The acid intensified a few weeks ago and now I have a constant sore throat. I'm hoping to use them for 1-3 months to let my throat heal and then wean off. Even with what we know about long-term PPI use, I'm not convinced that getting RNY would be better than being on PPIs for the rest of my life.

Life with ANY is pretty damn good. I live like a normal person. I eat like a normal non-obese person. And I don't have to sleep sitting up, wake up choking on acid, live with a perpetual sore throat, or constantly worry about esophageal cancer or dementia. Im not saying you are there yet, but you shouldn't discount the very real necessity of revising.