Hi friends,
I haven't responded to many folks lately as I spent a couple of nights in the hospital. I have doing well with LC; no diarrhea for months, normals in the AM, lots of magnesium, Vit D, strictly watching what I eat, etc. But, on August 14th the sour taste in my mouth really acted up. I hadn't had that for awhile and even then it wasn't as much as this. A few days later I began to have some upper abdominal discomfort. I've never had heartburn. Then, a day or so later, mild nausea that would come and go. My appetite was greatly compromised and I was eating little.
On Thursday I ate a small sweet potato in the morning and then half a banana a little later. At dinner time I had a mug of soup and it came right back up. By then I was having upper abdominal pain. I threw up and had pain all night. In the morning I saw a PA at the gastro clinic that diagnosed my MC. I was given pain med and antiemetic for the nausea. The PA said there were tests that could be run but didn't order them at that time.
I ate nothing on Friday and Saturday until PM when I had clear chicken broth with a small amount of rice. I woke up at 3:30 AM with pain and nausea, took the meds and remained uncomfortable enough that my husband took me to the ER. I stayed Sunday night and part of Monday.
Long story short, a barium x-ray test showed that I was gurgling with "excessive stomach acid." (An ultrasound showed no issues.) As much as I have not wanted to, I am on 2 PPIs a day. The PPI has yet to completely take away the foul, sour taste in my mouth and my appetite varies. I am trying to eat more. My understanding is that PPis can take a few weeks to work. Of course, I am very careful with what I eat and drink.
I see my regular GI doc on Sept 6th and will have lots of questions. I'll also give him my Enterolab results and explain what foods I have avoided and how much it has helped my LC. I'm curious as to whether he thinks my severe GERD is tied to MC.
I've read posts daily and continue to think of all of you.
Susan
Hospital/"Excessive GERD/PPI
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Susan,
You may already realize this, but I'll explain it in case you aren't aware of it. PPIs are a cruel hoax. They cause the very problem for which they are prescribed. A PPI doesn't stop the reflux — it merely destroys your ability to produce stomach acid. The reflux will become even worse as the PPI takes over the parietal cells of your stomach, because your lower esophageal sphincter will become weaker and weaker without acid on the backside (stomach side) to remind it to remain tightly clinched. The reflux will be present, but because the PPI will destroy the ability of your stomach to produce acid, you won't be able to feel the burn (because it will no longer be acid). If you continue to use the PPI for more that a week or two, when you try to stop using it, you won't be able to because the acid rebound effect will make the symptoms worse than they were to begin with. Just ask anyone who has tried to wean off a PPI.
There is no way that a barium x-ray can determine that you have excessive stomach acid. It might show gurgling, but that's gas, not acid. "Gurgling" is not something that "excessive" acidity causes. It's impossible to test for acid level with a barium x-ray. Furthermore, I doubt that they have any way to determine whether your stomach acid production is "excessive". Sad to say, I'm afraid that you've been "sold a bill of goods", a pig-in-a-poke, or whatever you want to call it. This treatment cannot address the problem you were/are having — PPIs just neutralize the stomach acid so that you don't feel it. As is usually the case with drug treatments, it treats the symptoms without addressing the cause of the problem. The sour taste in your mouth is continued reflux, of course, minus the normal acidity.
The real question is, "What's causing the digestive problem, which is causing the gas, which results in the reflux. Something has thrown a monkey wrench into your digestive system.
I hope you can figure out what's really wrong. PPIs are not a solution, they're just the start of another problem.
Tex
You may already realize this, but I'll explain it in case you aren't aware of it. PPIs are a cruel hoax. They cause the very problem for which they are prescribed. A PPI doesn't stop the reflux — it merely destroys your ability to produce stomach acid. The reflux will become even worse as the PPI takes over the parietal cells of your stomach, because your lower esophageal sphincter will become weaker and weaker without acid on the backside (stomach side) to remind it to remain tightly clinched. The reflux will be present, but because the PPI will destroy the ability of your stomach to produce acid, you won't be able to feel the burn (because it will no longer be acid). If you continue to use the PPI for more that a week or two, when you try to stop using it, you won't be able to because the acid rebound effect will make the symptoms worse than they were to begin with. Just ask anyone who has tried to wean off a PPI.
There is no way that a barium x-ray can determine that you have excessive stomach acid. It might show gurgling, but that's gas, not acid. "Gurgling" is not something that "excessive" acidity causes. It's impossible to test for acid level with a barium x-ray. Furthermore, I doubt that they have any way to determine whether your stomach acid production is "excessive". Sad to say, I'm afraid that you've been "sold a bill of goods", a pig-in-a-poke, or whatever you want to call it. This treatment cannot address the problem you were/are having — PPIs just neutralize the stomach acid so that you don't feel it. As is usually the case with drug treatments, it treats the symptoms without addressing the cause of the problem. The sour taste in your mouth is continued reflux, of course, minus the normal acidity.
The real question is, "What's causing the digestive problem, which is causing the gas, which results in the reflux. Something has thrown a monkey wrench into your digestive system.
I hope you can figure out what's really wrong. PPIs are not a solution, they're just the start of another problem.
Tex
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.
Tex and Gabes,
I told the docs in the hospital that I didn't want to take PPIs. But I was so miserable that I sought relief above all else. Tex, thanks for explaining PPis again although I have read plenty.
Dilemma: What do I do now? Obviously, I have reflux! Other tests can be performed to show the acidity in my stomach. And what if they do show severe reflux? The H2 blockers were not working for me and I was taking 3-4 per day. The damage to my esophagus is a big concern. I have a good friend in CA with Barrett's Syndrome. She didn't know she had reflux and went to different doctors for years because of a cough and hoarse voice. Finally, with a GI group, and after going through every test possible, she had surgery to repair a large hiatal hernia and then her stomach was wrapped around her esophagus. Lots of issues as she recovers and her diet and life will be greatly restricted forever. That is not where I want to be!
If you have any suggestions, i would certainly appreciate them.
Thanks,
Susan
I told the docs in the hospital that I didn't want to take PPIs. But I was so miserable that I sought relief above all else. Tex, thanks for explaining PPis again although I have read plenty.
Dilemma: What do I do now? Obviously, I have reflux! Other tests can be performed to show the acidity in my stomach. And what if they do show severe reflux? The H2 blockers were not working for me and I was taking 3-4 per day. The damage to my esophagus is a big concern. I have a good friend in CA with Barrett's Syndrome. She didn't know she had reflux and went to different doctors for years because of a cough and hoarse voice. Finally, with a GI group, and after going through every test possible, she had surgery to repair a large hiatal hernia and then her stomach was wrapped around her esophagus. Lots of issues as she recovers and her diet and life will be greatly restricted forever. That is not where I want to be!
If you have any suggestions, i would certainly appreciate them.
Thanks,
Susan
I hear You. It's a tough situation to be in. When you need relief, you need relief, because as you say, the lining of your esophagus is at risk from the acid. The problem is, the PPI is just going to make the reflux worse. It definitely doesn't help to stop the reflux, it makes it worse. It turns a short-term problem into a long-term problem. But it does help to prevent esophageal damage by curtailing the production of acid in your stomach. Of course reducing acid production results in compromised digestion. You really need to determine whether your stomach actually produces too much acid (that would a rare condition), but you can't do that while taking a PPI. But mainly, you need to determine why you're suddenly having the reflux in the first place. The ER docs' job was to stop the damage to the lining of your esophagus. It will be your PCP's job to determine why you're suddenly having reflux problems and to stop it before the PPIs turn it into a permanent problem.
Do you know if they checked out your gallbladder at the ER? Those symptoms sound like they might be caused by a gallbladder issue. That's the first thing I would check (if I were your doctor).
Tex
Do you know if they checked out your gallbladder at the ER? Those symptoms sound like they might be caused by a gallbladder issue. That's the first thing I would check (if I were your doctor).
Tex
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.
Tex,
I have no gallbladder. My lab work was fine for liver, pancreas, etc.
My thought is to try the Paleo Diet without any grains at all. Of course, I will have to moderate it for my LC. And, my goal is to go down to one PPI a day, filling in with Gavescon or the like, as needed. Then, stop the one PPI if I can manage with other antacids. I know that they, too, are reducing acid but at least I would get off of the PPI. What do you think?
Yes, I am anxious to talk to the GI doc to find out why I "may" have so much stomach acid.
Susan
I have no gallbladder. My lab work was fine for liver, pancreas, etc.
My thought is to try the Paleo Diet without any grains at all. Of course, I will have to moderate it for my LC. And, my goal is to go down to one PPI a day, filling in with Gavescon or the like, as needed. Then, stop the one PPI if I can manage with other antacids. I know that they, too, are reducing acid but at least I would get off of the PPI. What do you think?
Yes, I am anxious to talk to the GI doc to find out why I "may" have so much stomach acid.
Susan
True, H2 blockers and antacids reduce acid, but they don't destroy the functionality of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and cause an acid rebound effect when stopped, like PPIs. Using a PPI is like playing Russian roulette with a cobra. One way or another, it's going to get you.
I think your plan is the only option available. You need to get away from the PPIs ASAP.
Ask your doc why your stomach acid production is increasing, while everyone else's is declining as they age.
Tex
I think your plan is the only option available. You need to get away from the PPIs ASAP.
Ask your doc why your stomach acid production is increasing, while everyone else's is declining as they age.
Tex
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.
Your question for the doctor, Tex, is a good one. I am down to one PPI a day and tomorrow will try none at all.
I am interested in this guy, Norman Robillard and have ordered his book on the Fast Tract Diet-Heartburn. Here is the link:
https://digestivehealthinstitute.org/author/normjr1/
Susan
I am interested in this guy, Norman Robillard and have ordered his book on the Fast Tract Diet-Heartburn. Here is the link:
https://digestivehealthinstitute.org/author/normjr1/
Susan
Hi Susan,
Have you tried a bile binder, like cholestyramine? Bile acid malabsorption is present in up to 60% of MCers and is also often a downside of gallbladder removal. It is a very safe med and worth a trial, IMHO. It gave me my life back!
Polly
Have you tried a bile binder, like cholestyramine? Bile acid malabsorption is present in up to 60% of MCers and is also often a downside of gallbladder removal. It is a very safe med and worth a trial, IMHO. It gave me my life back!
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
That's something to think about, Polly. I have read about it after reading posts on the forum. Because I haven't had diarrhea for a long time now, I have assumed I didn't have a BAD problem. I veer more toward constipation but if I eat enough soluble fiber, I have normals. Isn't it more for those with chronic diarrhea?
Of course, my GI doc said, right after my Sigmoidoscopy and Endoscopy (when MC was detected) "Prilosec, a PPI, will take care of bile acid," when I asked him about it. If I decide to pursue that tract, my internist would be amenable to prescribing cholestyramine.
Susan
Of course, my GI doc said, right after my Sigmoidoscopy and Endoscopy (when MC was detected) "Prilosec, a PPI, will take care of bile acid," when I asked him about it. If I decide to pursue that tract, my internist would be amenable to prescribing cholestyramine.
Susan
Questran, Questran Light, Cholestyramine Light, and Prevalite are available brands, but the lite versions usually don't work for MC patients. Some members claim that only the version by Sandoz works for them.
Tex
Tex
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.