Weaning off PPIs and taking a new B12 Supplement

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amberlink09
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Weaning off PPIs and taking a new B12 Supplement

Post by amberlink09 »

So I've decided to start weaning off the PPIs, I'm taking them every other day. I've been wanting to do this for a while but how awful I have been feeling in combination with my the discussion my virology professor gave on immunity and the importance of stomach acid today finally pushed me to do it. I'm already on an acid-free diet thanks to interstitial cystitis, so I'm hoping that helps. I'll keep you all updated on how it is going!

I've been trying to find an alternative to my twice weekly b12 shots for a while now, because no matter how many times I give them to myself I still hate it, and I think I found a supplement that's actually working because today I actually have energy and my numbness seems to be going away. It's called Superior Source Microlingual no-shot Cyanocobalamin. I looked up their website and they make a lot of different vitamins in microlingual form, which is great news. Unfortunately, they do contain some dairy, so I know a lot of people here won't be able to take them, but I wanted to let those who can know about them!
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tex
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Post by tex »

Amber,

While cyanocobalamin will work for most people (it's the most common form of B-12 available, and it's the cheapest form available), I don't understand why it would be used in a sublingual product, because cyanocobalamin is not particularly absorbable, and some people may be unable to convert it effectively into the active form, so that their body can use it. "Microlingual" is just a registered trademark that means "sublingual".

Methylcobalamin is the active form of B-12 (meaning that it does not have to be converted into the active form by the body before it can be utilized), and methylcobalamin is the form typically used for sublingual products, by people who have trouble maintaining an adequate B-12 level. It's more expensive, but it's more effective when the chips are down.

That said, it's hard to argue with success, so if you are actually feeling better, then the product must be working for you.

Is your doctor providing any help for weaning off the PPI? I'm sure you're aware that discontinuing the use of a PPI can be a very difficult project. You may need an H2 type antihistamine to help your digestive system adjust to the change. PPIs are notorious for causing a rebound effect when they're discontinued, meaning that they cause worse reflux than existed before they were used.

Good luck with your plan.

Tex
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It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
amberlink09
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Post by amberlink09 »

Thanks for the advice Tex, I saw when I bought the B12 that they had cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin and wasn't sure of the difference, but I knew my shots were cyanocobalamin so I went with it.

Unfortunately my doctor is pretty much useless, he just keeps trying to prescribe me higher doses (he wants me to take 60 mg of dexilant twice a day now!) and I really think the PPI is causing me more problems not helping. So, I'm cutting down to one every other day and taking zantac on the days in-between, or when I feel I need it. I read that it can take about 6 weeks to finally get completely off them. Hopefully it works out well, I'm definitely worried about the rebound effects.
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Post by tex »

It sounds as though you've done your homework, and your plan looks good. Please don't feel discouraged, even if it takes longer. If/when the rebound occurs, remember that at least a couple of members have found that a daily dose of vitamin D in the 10,000–12,000 IU range can help to suppress reflux, by helping to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.

Tex
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It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Post by jgivens »

I have just started taking my Prilosec every third day after taking it every other day for about 10 weeks. I have had some reflux, but nothing I can't live with. I am hitting the Vitamin D hard and am hoping that it is making the difference for me. I've also noticed that I have reflux more if I've eaten something w/ sugar in it or fruit (same thing--fructose). So far, so good.
Jane
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amberlink09
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Post by amberlink09 »

That's great news! I am taking Vitamin D as well, yesterday was my first day not taking the Dexilant and I didn't wake up with reflux this morning for the first day in about a week so I'm feeling hopeful! I have to avoid a lot of foods for interstitial cystitis, I think mostly because they are acidic, and one of the groups I've had to cut out is fruit. Though I am allowed to eat blueberries, cantaloupe, and watermelon. So if you stick to those they may have less of a negative effect on your reflux? Good luck!
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Post by Leah »

Good luck Amber and take it slow.

Leah
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Post by mzh »

FYI, I bought methylcobalimin sublingual from Sam's Club. Wasn't pricey but don't remember the price.
Also have sleep apnea
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Post by Bama12 »

Amber-
Are you lactose intolerant?
The reason I ask is because I also recently weaned myself off of ppi's
I found that if I sipped Kefir throughout the day it kept that burning away.
Plus is I ate on an empty stomach without sipping kefir before the meal
My reflux became so bad that I could not eat.
I have not tried the vitamin d yet but running to the store tomorrow.

"CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG TEX"

Plus Tex shared with me a way to help with the feeling that something was pushing
Up into my throat, or that I had something stuck in my throat.
He said drink a full glass of water, stand on your tip toes and drop down to your heals.
I have to do it sometimes 2-3times in a row and a few times throughout the day
Especially before I lay down to bed, which seems to help prevent the reflux throughout the night.

Hope this might help
-Lynn
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Post by mzh »

He did say that. I did it. It works. :)
Also have sleep apnea
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