The findings reveal that 92% of people prescribed PPIs have not had proper testing to confirm whether they actually have GORD. This may mean many are taking acid-suppressing medicine long-term without needing it, which can have unintended health consequences.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/features/digestive-health/is-it-really-reflux-why-you-might-be-mis-prescribed-ppis
While I have been tested, the dose prescribed (Lansoprazole) was 30mg. My dose has now been halved and appears equally as effective. Worth a thought. No doubt psychological, but I do feel better for it.
Yes, I am also on a repeat prescription for the same medication but have never had any actual testing done, my GP says I have something called silent reflux, I might have to look at getting a second opinion incase the medication is unnecessary.
I have been on Omeprazole for over 25 years have been taken for a hiatus hernia if I try to reduce but get chronic acid
I have found that lansoprazole 15mg works almost immediately and covers me for a day. So I only take it when I expect a day with either lots of bending forward (e.g. gardening) or will have have spicy food or alcohol. Usually that’s only once or twice a week. On other days I a Rennies to stop any heartburn, if I get any, (I won’t let any heartburn last) and that is maybe 3 a week. I think taking the absolute minimum of either has to be a good long term plan. I do intend to discuss it with my GP, if i can gat an appointment!
Hello
I suffer reflux and gord
I was tested when I was 18.
Bearean meal where they get you to swallow a fluid and you lay down and a machine examination as you turn around.
Also acid goes threw the bottom when sat on the toilet
The pain when really bad is agonising
I wouldn’t wish this on anyone
I’ve been prescribed Omeprazole for many years, but I’m a grown-up. After a couple of days, I realised that I only needed it when things were really bad. So I did what anyone should do - I adjusted my diet. I gave up caffinated coffee, which I identified as the main culprit. Then ice-cream. And finally, booze! (This last action was paricularly effective!) I now carry Omeprazole with me, but only take it once or twice a year. I’ve had one or two nasty reflux attacks over the last 20 or so years, but easy to endure compared with the devastating effects of taking it regularly - don’t you think? Many of the doctors with whom I am in contact seem to agree with this approach. One in particular told me that if my symptoms were particularly bad, I should take Omeprazole in the morning, and in the evening - but not need to take it perpetually!
Gastro doctors will tell you that you don’t always feel the acid. Just commenting on your post because you said “I only needed it when things were really bad.”
You are right. Some doctors tell me to either take it every day or not! But plenty of other doctors tell me I’m right. What I feel is that the occasional reflux is worth bearing compared with taking the stuff all the time, which in the long run is far more harmful. I’d like to add that being prescribed Omeprazole is a signal that one needs to change one’s diet. It would be crazy not to. The changes I made to my diet were significant boosts to my health!
Well, it’s possible your stomach flap doesn’t work properly, that is the reason for why some people have acid reflux go into their throat. It’s funny your doctors will critique the Omeprazole drug, my Gastro doctor defends acid pills, no matter what. She says that the only drawback is that it might affect absorbing vitamin B. I know she’s full of ■■■■, these doctors always tell you the drug is fine, because they’re paid by the drug makers! Someone told me before that he had acid problems, and once he stopped eating a few hours before sleeping they went away. I always eat before bed, I’ll never get to that point. I do take the acid pills 2-3 times a week though. 20 mg is the amount I take, my Gastro doctor wanted me to take 40 mg.
To say that doctors prescribe drugs because they’re paid by the drug companies is unhelpful, inaccurate, and reveals the person who said it to be a conspiracist (!). Besides that you are impugning the honesty and intergrity of thousands of innocent doctors. Shame on you.