So I had my physical today....

[SparklyUnicorn]

Integrative medicine is something I use. It's a combo of allopathic and naturopathic care, in my case my doctor is an MD but is willing to work outside the box instead of just declaring everything woo that isn't strictly the establishment line. So we deal with my hormones and massive health fail, but we also look at what I'm eating, how I'm sleeping, and tend to focus on least invasive to most invasive solutions. I really appreciate having the best treatment available regardless of whether it is Chinese herbology, a cortisol test, or an MRI. They integrative medicine doctors can handle it all and tend to have staffs with a variety of caregivers - everyone from MD/ANP to certified massage therapists.

 

At least she seemed positive that I eat low carb. 

[Tap]

Although to be positive here.  Some of my other weird symptoms have gone completely away.  For awhile I was getting a lot of swelling in my legs.  That was disturbing, but it has not bothered me in over 2 months now. 

 

The most persistent symptom has been the achiness. 

Do you mind saying what your vague symptoms are?

[SparklyUnicorn]

Do you mind saying what your vague symptoms are?

 

achiness mostly in my legs, but sometimes elsewhere

insomnia, although that went from could not fall asleep, but could stay asleep to now I drop off to sleep almost instantly and wake up several times for no apparent reason and am wide awake at ridiculously early hours

had a weird taste in my mouth for awhile

swelling in my legs (went away)

an eye twitch, but that went away too

erratic blood pressure

[SparklyUnicorn]

crazy...add crazy to the list

 

(mostly kidding...LOL)

 

 

[ILiveInFlipFlops]

Have you looked at lists of thyroid symptoms? Some of that sounds maybe like Hashimotos? Has anyone checked your thyroid numbers?

 

ETA: Also, when my sleep is bad, my legs ache all the time and I have weird muscle twitches all over. Maybe if you can fix the sleep stuff, some of the other things might sort themselves out?

Edited November 16, 2016 by ILiveInFlipFlops

[Guest]

crazy...add crazy to the list

 

(mostly kidding...LOL)

Chocolate and alcohol are the only treatments, but no cures I've personally found ;)

[SparklyUnicorn]

No I haven't.  Looking at the list though the ones that sound like it could be 100,000 other things.  And there are some on there that definitely flat out do not match.  Like thinning hair?  I wish. My hair is thicker than a bear's fur after he overdosed on Rogaine.  Weight gain..no...not so much.  I'm having no trouble trying to lose weight. 

 

 

 

 

[kitten18]

achiness mostly in my legs, but sometimes elsewhere

insomnia, although that went from could not fall asleep, but could stay asleep to now I drop off to sleep almost instantly and wake up several times for no apparent reason and am wide awake at ridiculously early hours

had a weird taste in my mouth for awhile

swelling in my legs (went away)

an eye twitch, but that went away too

erratic blood pressure

It seems that the sleep issues are very common for women approaching menopause.

[SparklyUnicorn]

Chocolate and alcohol are the only treatments, but no cures I've personally found ;)

 

Oh see add that to my symptoms.  I don't like chocolate, but lately I've been craving hot chocolate.  I dream about it. 

 

Of all the weird things.  I never buy it, never drink it, and don't like chocolate all that much.

[ILiveInFlipFlops]

No I haven't. Looking at the list though the ones that sound like it could be 100,000 other things. And there are some on there that definitely flat out do not match. Like thinning hair? I wish. My hair is thicker than a bear's fur after he overdosed on Rogaine. Weight gain..no...not so much. I'm having no trouble trying to lose weight.

LOL. You don't have to have them all. I definitely don't and my endo just put me on thyroid meds because my numbers are all off. Might be worth a look if you could convince her her to order the blood work. There's hyperthyroid as well, and hypo and hyper parathyroid too.

[SparklyUnicorn]

It seems that the sleep issues are very common for women approaching menopause.

 

Yeah I read that.  I am getting enough sleep I think.  I don't really feel tired.

 

I think the only 2 symptoms I find rather disturbing are the erratic blood pressure and achiness. 

[SparklyUnicorn]

Chocolate is high in magnesium.  Just sayin'.

 

WOW, that is so bizarre!

[kitten18]

Yeah I read that. I am getting enough sleep I think. I don't really feel tired.

 

I think the only 2 symptoms I find rather disturbing are the erratic blood pressure and achiness.

I feel like I sleep pretty well. But when I got my Fitbit it showed that I was actually waking many, many times during the night.

 

 

 

I'm having a bit of trouble following this thread.

You went to the dr two weeks ago and talked about GERD meds but couldn't understand why she was asking about your stomach today.

You want her to advise you in some way about your meds but are against GI testing.

You say you're reflux is good but then say you're waking at 3am with pain, the GERD makes you cough...

I was replying to your post where you list your sleep problems then you come back and say you sleep pretty well.

 

Just seems like a lot of contradictions. ???

[Laura Corin]

I know you are exercising, but are you doing any kind of stretching?  I started to get really achy in my hips, knees and ankles in my forties, but yoga has cured it.

[Liz CA]

I bought some and she said not to take them.  I took one tonight.  So yeah my plan is to just take them.  I want to see if it does anything.  I see her in three months.  If I'm so stubborn anyways I might as well deal with it myself.

 

I don't know what an integrated medicine specialist is.

 

Dr. Carolyn Dean is the magnesium guru. You'll find plenty of stuff if you google.

Jigsaw magnesium is fairly good quality and I heard good things about Natural Calm - a mag citrate drink.

[marbel]

I understand the doc not wanting to start new supplements till the labs come back.  

 

But, her comment about magnesium is odd to me.  Some PPIs now come with magnesium added to counteract one of the potential side effects.  My understanding has always been that most/many people are low on magnesium and it can help with a lot of things.  It's not "not important."  And, as far as I know, it's pretty benign, though too much can cause stomach discomfort (diarrhea).  

 

A comment on achy legs - better shoes helped me with that problem.  Obvs may not be your issue, but just saying.  

 

It also sounds as if you have a hard time asking all your questions.  You mentioned breaking out in hives - were you that nervous during the appointment? Do  you take a notebook or something with all your concerns and go through them one at a time?  Sorry if that sounds condescending, but Sparkly, we all like you and want you to be  healthy, and it sounds like there's so much going on and you're confused and unhappy and not getting the care you need. 

 

Of course nervousness will affect your BP.  Lots of things can do it. Once my doc took mine right after I moved from sitting in the chair by his desk and getting up on the table.  My BP was so high, I was terrified.  He said "oh, hold on, you were moving kind of fast jumping from the chair to the table. Wait a minute and let's do it again."  He had me lie on my left side for like 2 minutes and then redid it.  It was totally fine.  Then he did it one more time during my appointment after I'd been sitting up for a bit.   if he'd gone by that one reading, I'd be on BP meds today.  

 

:grouphug:

[SparklyUnicorn]

I feel like I sleep pretty well. But when I got my Fitbit it showed that I was actually waking many, many times during the night.

 

 

 

I'm having a bit of trouble following this thread.

You went to the dr two weeks ago and talked about GERD meds but couldn't understand why she was asking about your stomach today.

You want her to advise you in some way about your meds but are against GI testing.

You say you're reflux is good but then say you're waking at 3am with pain, the GERD makes you cough...

I was replying to your post where you list your sleep problems then you come back and say you sleep pretty well.

 

Just seems like a lot of contradictions. ???

 

Yeah the stomach thing threw me.  I didn't go in there and say my stomach hurt.  I said to the assistant I'm having some weird symptoms like muscle achiness and erratic blood pressure and I wonder if Prevacid is causing it.  Then the doctor came in and said you were here last time for stomach problems?  The last time I was in there I had a tooth ache.  I never before mentioned anything related to my stomach.  Then when I was there yesterday I was there for a physical.  I answered the general physical questions and mentioned again I have achiness and my blood pressure is all over the place.  Again she walked in and asked about my stomach problems.  I didn't get the connection because I dunno it's not really my problem.  I had some issues when I tried to go off the Prevacid, but that was corrected within about three days of just taking the Prevacid as I usually do.  She had mentioned not eating at night.  I was under the impression this would make it so I could attempt to go off the Prevacid.  She said this all to me as if all along I could have tried this and would not need to take the Prevacid.  Well, no.  It doesn't work that way.

 

No contradictions at all.  I didn't go in there and say my reflux is bothering me.  I basically want to know if the reflux meds are causing my symptoms. 

 

[SparklyUnicorn]

In terms of the 3 am thing.  Well that does not happen daily, but I figured with the no eating thing that would not happen at all.  It does happen.  Probably the meds wear off  (I tend to take the Prevacid at around 5 in the morning).  The two dosages available are 15 and 30 mg.  I'm only taking 15.  But what am I going to do?  Take 30 when I wonder if this is causing me problems?  I want to know if it is the cause of my issues.  Then she mentioned taking the Zantac.  I assume this was to avoid the Prevacid wearing off.  But then I'm not thrilled with adding yet another drug without first knowing what my issues are.

 

 

 

[SparklyUnicorn]

I understand the doc not wanting to start new supplements till the labs come back.  

 

But, her comment about magnesium is odd to me.  Some PPIs now come with magnesium added to counteract one of the potential side effects.  My understanding has always been that most/many people are low on magnesium and it can help with a lot of things.  It's not "not important."  And, as far as I know, it's pretty benign, though too much can cause stomach discomfort (diarrhea).  

 

A comment on achy legs - better shoes helped me with that problem.  Obvs may not be your issue, but just saying.  

 

It also sounds as if you have a hard time asking all your questions.  You mentioned breaking out in hives - were you that nervous during the appointment? Do  you take a notebook or something with all your concerns and go through them one at a time?  Sorry if that sounds condescending, but Sparkly, we all like you and want you to be  healthy, and it sounds like there's so much going on and you're confused and unhappy and not getting the care you need. 

 

Of course nervousness will affect your BP.  Lots of things can do it. Once my doc took mine right after I moved from sitting in the chair by his desk and getting up on the table.  My BP was so high, I was terrified.  He said "oh, hold on, you were moving kind of fast jumping from the chair to the table. Wait a minute and let's do it again."  He had me lie on my left side for like 2 minutes and then redid it.  It was totally fine.  Then he did it one more time during my appointment after I'd been sitting up for a bit.   if he'd gone by that one reading, I'd be on BP meds today.  

 

:grouphug:

 

I am afraid of doctors.  I was mistreated by a doctor as a child.  I went to a therapist and talked to her about it, but I didn't find it helpful at all.  BUT that said I can go in there and not be out of it.  KWIM?  I don't think I'm misunderstanding her.  I admit it is difficult to articulate the problem because it's vague.  The blood pressure thing I told her about it and she didn't believe it because it was normal when they took it.  I told her I take it at home and keep track of it.  She assumed my monitor was broken.  Thanks.... I know I'm just a stupid nobody who couldn't manage to track her own blood pressure so what I say must be wrong.

 

I have been going to the gym so I think sure maybe the achiness is from that.  However, I don't push too hard.  I'm not doing anything crazy.  I'm not overdoing it.  Even switching to lower impact has not improved it.  I always warm up and cool down.  I don't just jump on full force.  I think I'm being reasonable/sensible about it.  So let's say I take three days off in between.  Even on day three I have achiness.  That makes no sense to me, but maybe that is normal for exercise?  I have never had that issue before, but sure maybe I'm just old!

 

I'm not confused.  I am unhappy because every time I go to a doctor it's like trying to part a sea to get there in the first place so I want the experience to not feel pointless.  I just want someone to listen to me.  Years ago I had doctors I trusted.  I could just walk in there and they'd listen and they'd consider what I said and often take that seriously.  I'm not getting that with any doctor since I've moved.  They rush me through.  They don't seem to listen.  I wait weeks for a problem appointment.  So I just give up.  I stop going altogether until something comes up where I HAVE to go.  Which I know is not the greatest, but what in heck else can I do?  KWIM?

 

 

 

[SparklyUnicorn]

And honestly I do appreciate the comments/suggestions.  I have absolutely nobody else to talk to about this.  I wish I could bring you all with me when I go.  And if I'm sounding confusing well then maybe that's the problem and I need to write down my problem before I go and hand them the handwritten description. 

[SparklyUnicorn]

I'd be willing to do a scope if the doc can convince me there is a useful purpose.  I don't want to go there and have that be the focus because that's not my  main problem.  My main problems are erratic blood pressure and achiness.  So if I walk in and say these are my problems, could the Prevacid cause this, and he says let's do a scope I'm going to hit the roof because the scope is not going to investigate whether or not the Prevacid is the problem.  Sure maybe I can't go off the Prevacid (not thrilled, but there are worse things), but then maybe I can do something to help counteract the negative effects like simply take a supplement! 

 

 

[Guest]

I'd be willing to do a scope if the doc can convince me there is a useful purpose. I don't want to go there and have that be the focus because that's not my main problem. My main problems are erratic blood pressure and achiness. So if I walk in and say these are my problems, could the Prevacid cause this, and he says let's do a scope I'm going to hit the roof because the scope is not going to investigate whether or not the Prevacid is the problem. Sure maybe I can't go off the Prevacid (not thrilled, but there are worse things), but then maybe I can do something to help counteract the negative effects like simply take a supplement!

So the scope can rule in or out a hiatal hernia, or an ulcer which are both big causes of reflux. They have other tests for the HH that don't involve a scope- I think they can do an upper GI with the barium, but personally I'd rather have the scope. Barium is disgusting. If it is a hiatal hernia, they repair it and your reflux goes away. That's part of why I think you should go to a GI. One problem at a time.

 

I'm not a fan of GP's for much except viruses or minor things. For everyone else, I think specialist is the way to go. But reflux honestly isn't just one of those normal things you should have to deal with (unless you're pregnant and it's temporary) . What she's doing is slapping a bandaid on it. I mean you could have a hernia, an ulcer, who knows. I'm not trying to scare you. I'm just trying to tell you something is causing it. Don't settle for a bandaid approach when something as simple as a round of antibiotics (if it was an ulcer) could cure it.

[Guest]

I'd be willing to do a scope if the doc can convince me there is a useful purpose. I don't want to go there and have that be the focus because that's not my main problem. My main problems are erratic blood pressure and achiness. So if I walk in and say these are my problems, could the Prevacid cause this, and he says let's do a scope I'm going to hit the roof because the scope is not going to investigate whether or not the Prevacid is the problem. Sure maybe I can't go off the Prevacid (not thrilled, but there are worse things), but then maybe I can do something to help counteract the negative effects like simply take a supplement!

For answering your question about the Prevacid- go to PDR.net or call a pharmacist and ask. The pharmacist is honestly going to be better versed thana GP is regarding adverse events from a drug. A GI doctor might be better informed, but honestly for your questions right now, I would call a pharmacist (not the tech) and ask since you aren't wanting extra doctor visits. I tried to look it up on the PDR for you but wasn't sure which version of the med you were on. You want the Physicians Desk Reference online. Look at the Adverse Event section for sure.

[SparklyUnicorn]

For answering your question about the Prevacid- go to PDR.net or call a pharmacist and ask. The pharmacist is honestly going to be better versed thana GP is regarding adverse events from a drug. A GI doctor might be better informed, but honestly for your questions right now, I would call a pharmacist (not the tech) and ask since you aren't wanting extra doctor visits. I tried to look it up on the PDR for you but wasn't sure which version of the med you were on. You want the Physicians Desk Reference online. Look at the Adverse Event section for sure.

 

Well I didn't pull this idea out of nowhere.  I found that info on-line.  But ya know, it's on-line so I don't want to go in there and say...the google doctor said so.  But in fact the google doctor and the google pharmacist said so. 

 

I'll go look at that site right now.

[SparklyUnicorn]

FDA has determined an osteoporosis and fracture warning on the over-the-counter (OTC) proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication "Drug Facts" label is not indicated at this time. Following a thorough review of available safety data, FDA has concluded that fracture risk with short-term, low-dose PPI use is unlikely.

The available data show that patients at highest risk for fractures received high doses of prescription PPIs (higher than OTC PPI doses) and/or used a PPI for one year or more.

In contrast to prescription PPIs, OTC PPIs are marketed at low doses and are only intended for a 14-day course of treatment up to 3 times per year. FDA acknowledges that consumers, either on their own or based on a healthcare professional's recommendation, may take these products for periods of time that exceed the directions on the OTC label. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the risk for fracture if they are recommending use of OTC PPIs at higher doses or for longer periods of time than in the OTC PPI label.

 

FDA is informing the public that prescription proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs may cause low serum magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) if taken for prolonged periods of time (in most cases, longer than one year). In approximately one-quarter of the cases reviewed, magnesium supplementation alone did not improve low serum magnesium levels and the PPI had to be discontinued.

In contrast to prescription PPIs, Over-the-counter PPIs are marketed at low doses and are only intended for a 14-day course of treatment up to 3 times per year. FDA believes that there is very little risk of hypomagnesemia when OTC PPIs are used according to the directions on the OTC label.

Low serum magnesium levels can result in serious adverse events including muscle spasm (tetany), irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), and convulsions (seizures); however, patients do not always have these symptoms. Treatment of hypomagnesemia generally requires magnesium supplements. Treatment in patients taking a PPI and who have hypomagnesemia may also require stopping the PPI.

Healthcare professionals should consider obtaining serum magnesium levels prior to initiation of prescription PPI treatment in patients expected to be on these drugs for long periods of time, as well as patients who take PPIs with medications such as digoxin, diuretics, or drugs that may cause hypomagnesemia. For patients taking digoxin, this is especially important because low magnesium can increase the likelihood of serious side effects. Healthcare professionals should consider obtaining magnesium levels periodically in these patients.

Information about the potential risk of low serum magnesium levels from PPIs will be added to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS sections of the labels for all the prescription PPIs.

 

FDA is revising the prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) labels for a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to include new safety information about a possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with the use of these medications.

PPIs work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. Nexium, Dexilant, Prilosec, Zegerid, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex, and Vimovo are available by prescription to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach and small intestine ulcers, and inflammation of the esophagus. Prilosec OTC, Zegerid OTC, and Prevacid 24HR are sold over-the-counter (OTC) for the treatment of frequent heartburn.

The new safety information is based on FDA's review of several epidemiological studies, some of which found that those at greatest risk for these fractures received high doses of PPIs or used them for one year or more. The majority of the studies evaluated individuals 50 years of age or older, and the increased risk of fracture primarily was observed in this age group.

Healthcare professionals and users of PPIs should be aware of the possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with the use of these drugs, weigh the known benefits against the potential risks when deciding to use them, and follow recommendations in the product labeling when prescribing PPIs.

The data suggest that the increased risk may be dependent upon dose, duration of use, or both. At the present time, there is uncertainty about the magnitude of this risk. In light of this uncertainty, when prescribing PPIs, healthcare professionals should consider whether a lower dose or shorter duration of therapy would adequately treat the patient's condition.

 

Symptoms of low magnesium:

 

Here are 16 signs of a magnesium deficiency.

• Calcium deficiency.
• Poor heart health.
• Weakness.
• Muscle cramps.
• Tremors.
• Nausea.
• Anxiety.
• High blood pressure.

 

[SparklyUnicorn]

So the scope can rule in or out a hiatal hernia, or an ulcer which are both big causes of reflux. They have other tests for the HH that don't involve a scope- I think they can do an upper GI with the barium, but personally I'd rather have the scope. Barium is disgusting. If it is a hiatal hernia, they repair it and your reflux goes away. That's part of why I think you should go to a GI. One problem at a time.

 

I'm not a fan of GP's for much except viruses or minor things. For everyone else, I think specialist is the way to go. But reflux honestly isn't just one of those normal things you should have to deal with (unless you're pregnant and it's temporary) . What she's doing is slapping a bandaid on it. I mean you could have a hernia, an ulcer, who knows. I'm not trying to scare you. I'm just trying to tell you something is causing it. Don't settle for a bandaid approach when something as simple as a round of antibiotics (if it was an ulcer) could cure it.

 

I've taken antibiotics three times in the past 6 months.  The same antibiotics that would be used to treat that infection.

 

The hernia is not impossible though.  So that does strike me as a compelling reason to test. 

[hornblower]

achiness mostly in my legs, but sometimes elsewhere

insomnia, although that went from could not fall asleep, but could stay asleep to now I drop off to sleep almost instantly and wake up several times for no apparent reason and am wide awake at ridiculously early hours

had a weird taste in my mouth for awhile

swelling in my legs (went away)

an eye twitch, but that went away too

erratic blood pressure

 

so fwiw, I think these are all reasonably normal things as we age but they're also common symptoms of stress & anxiety. 

 

The bp is not unusual in middle age & I think unless the differences are huge or you consistently stay hypertensive, it's probably just a sign to watch diet & exercise to keep the heart & arteries healthy. 

 

echoing that reflux is a stomach thing so to a hcp it would have made sense to ask about stomach 

 

I think your idea of writing things down is good. Point form - main concerning symptoms & what you're worried about them meaning. 

 

I think getting your blood results - the lipid panel esp - will help in evaluating your bp & will give you much more info about what, if anything, is going on. 

 

 

I hope you get some reassuring answers from your dr!  Worrying about health sucks. 

 

 

Oh & many of us supplement with magnesium like Natural Calm etc.  When you get your blood tests, I'd ask the doctor if there's any contraindications to trying a mag supplement.  

 

 

[SparklyUnicorn]

oh gawd don't get me started on the lipid stuff

 

That's a whole can of worms.  I don't buy into the hype. 

 

That said, I haven't gotten the results yet...nope. 

 

 

so fwiw, I think these are all reasonably normal things as we age but they're also common symptoms of stress & anxiety. 

 

The bp is not unusual in middle age & I think unless the differences are huge or you consistently stay hypertensive, it's probably just a sign to watch diet & exercise to keep the heart & arteries healthy. 

echoing that reflux is a stomach thing so to a hcp it would have made sense to ask about stomach 

 

I think your idea of writing things down is good. Point form - main concerning symptoms & what you're worried about them meaning. 

I think getting your blood results - the lipid panel esp - will help in evaluating your bp & will give you much more info about what, if anything, is going on. 


I hope you get some reassuring answers from your dr!  Worrying about health sucks. 


Oh & many of us supplement with magnesium like Natural Calm etc.  When you get your blood tests, I'd ask the doctor if there's any contraindications to trying a mag supplement.  

 

 

[SparklyUnicorn]

The stomach comment now makes me feel like she was talking to me like this: "Oh did you faw down and get a boo boo?" 

 

I didn't say my stomach was bothering me.  I also didn't say my reflux was bothering me.

 

 

Edited November 16, 2016 by SparklyUnicorn

[Scarlett]

The stomach comment now makes me feel like she was talking to me like this: "Oh did you faw down and get a boo boo?" 

 

I didn't say my stomach was bothering me.  I also didn't say my reflux was bothering me.

 

 

Can you go off of the previcid for a week or so and see if your BP normalizes?  Or is your reflux too bad for that? 

 

My dh is suffering terribly with not only reflux but what is called nutcracker esophagus.  He can't do without the meds for reflux and we are still trying to find a med to work for the esophagus issue....but his BP is sort of wonky and borderline too high..so doc put him on bp med...I have a theory though that the esophagus issues are causing the bp issue. 

 

So I am sure that is not helpful to you....but I feel your  pain.

[SparklyUnicorn]

Can you go off of the previcid for a week or so and see if your BP normalizes?  Or is your reflux too bad for that? 

 

My dh is suffering terribly with not only reflux but what is called nutcracker esophagus.  He can't do without the meds for reflux and we are still trying to find a med to work for the esophagus issue....but his BP is sort of wonky and borderline too high..so doc put him on bp med...I have a theory though that the esophagus issues are causing the bp issue. 

 

So I am sure that is not helpful to you....but I feel your  pain.

 

When you go off it after being on it awhile you get the most horrible reflux of your life (rebound reflux).  It's completely unbearable.  I first tried to do that before going to a doctor.  They say to cut down on the dose, but OTC they don't make lower dose pills so that's not possible.

[marbel]

So, if you went to a GI doc, she/he could give you more information about the long-term risks of PPIs and perhaps discuss the things you're concerned with and tell you if they might be related.  My GI said that for me (based on my own medical history) the risks of continuing to take them are lower than the risk of untreated reflux.  The only concern he had was for osteoporosis, because I have several risk factors for that besides the PPI use: early menopause and mother of European ancestry with osteop ; but on the plus side I have a larger frame (built like the Polish side of the family) and have always consumed plenty of calcium and took cal/mag supplements, get outside in the sunshine and supplement for D.  I am getting a bone density test next month - is that an option for you?   I'm guessing you are below the typical age but given the PPI thing, it might be reasonable to do it.   

 

The doc could also give you reasons for being scoped, if that was advised (my guess is, it would be), and let you know treatment options.  When I had my scope, the doc did find some questionable areas in my esophagus and severe gastritis, but the biopsies were negative.  He said if they'd been positive for precancerous cells, there were things they could do to remove (not sure that's the right word) them.  There is also surgery for hiatal hernia if that is bad enough (mine isn't).   

 

But you could refuse the scope.  They can't make you get it.  But maybe you would get some other answers.  

 

The advice I received was to stay on PPI (40 mg omeprazole) for 6 months, then start to taper off.  Of course do all the things they tell you to do for GERD, you know that drill.   I am less afraid of the PPI since having that appointment.  I'm also relieved to know that I don't have any serious issues from 25+ years of reflux and being on and off PPIs and H2 blockers.   I might change my mind after the bone density test, though, I suppose.

 

Hope you are able to find some answers, Sparkly.   

 

 

Edited November 16, 2016 by marbel

[SparklyUnicorn]

So, if you went to a GI doc, she/he could give you more information about the long-term risks of PPIs and perhaps discuss the things you're concerned with and tell you if they might be related.  My GI said that for me (based on my own medical history) the risks of continuing to take them are lower than the risk of untreated reflux.  The only concern he had was for osteoporosis, because I have several risk factors for that besides the PPI use: early menopause and mother of European ancestry with osteop ; but on the plus side I have a larger frame (built like the Polish side of the family) and have always consumed plenty of calcium and took cal/mag supplements, get outside in the sunshine and supplement for D.  I am getting a bone density test next month - is that an option for you?   I'm guessing you are below the typical age but given the PPI thing, it might be reasonable to do it.   

 

The doc could also give you reasons for being scoped, if that was advised (my guess is, it would be), and let you know treatment options.  When I had my scope, the doc did find some questionable areas in my esophagus and severe gastritis, but the biopsies were negative.  He said if they'd been positive for precancerous cells, there were things they could do to remove (not sure that's the right word) them.  There is also surgery for hiatal hernia if that is bad enough (mine isn't).   

 

But you could refuse the scope.  They can't make you get it.  But maybe you would get some other answers.  

 

The advice I received was to stay on PPI (40 mg omeprazole) for 6 months, then start to taper off.  Of course do all the things they tell you to do for GERD, you know that drill.   I am less afraid of the PPI since having that appointment.  I'm also relieved to know that I don't have any serious issues from 25+ years of reflux and being on and off PPIs and H2 blockers.   I might change my mind after the bone density test, though, I suppose.

 

Hope you are able to find some answers, Sparkly.   

 

I don't know how the prilosec compares with the prevacid in terms of dosage (other than prevacid works better for me), but at this point I'm taking only 15 mg.  I think it is prescribed up to 30 mg.  So it's not even the highest dose.

 

I wish I could go off the damn stuff, but gee I don't know how to go slowly off. 

 

[SparklyUnicorn]

yeah taper off...again this makes me scratch my head....HOW how does one actually do that.  I'd have to make adjustment in terms of number of hours in a day.  That is just not going to be possible with my schedule.  I'd be having to set alarms to get up at weird hours.  Or if I'm out somewhere find some way to be reminded.  It's hard to remember to take pills when you don't take many pills.

 

 

[Tap]

yeah taper off...again this makes me scratch my head....HOW how does one actually do that.  I'd have to make adjustment in terms of number of hours in a day.  That is just not going to be possible with my schedule.  I'd be having to set alarms to get up at weird hours.  Or if I'm out somewhere find some way to be reminded.  It's hard to remember to take pills when you don't take many pills.

can the capsules be opened up and some poured out?  It wouldn't be very scientific but will allow you to decrease the dose. 

 

When you go off, you will want to replace it with an antacid or H2 blocker.