PN & Acid Reflux?

Posted by Ray Kemble @ray666, Feb 8 12:04pm

I'm sure there have been earlier discussions on PN & acid reflux. I hope you don't mind my asking again. I have large fiber multi-neuropathy (no pain but poor balance), diagnosed in 2022. Oddly enough, for the past 6-8 weeks, I've been bothered by what I'm calling acid reflux (burps, gas, some shortness of breath, especially if I bend or twist). I sent a message to my PCP about this through the patient portal but haven't received a reply yet. I'm wondering if any others with PN, whether large or small fiber, have ever been told there's a connection between PN and acid reflux-like symptoms.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

Who knew that neuropathy (any kind) could be related to gastrointestinal (GI) issues? After my pancreas transplant (a whole different story) I had omeprazole prescribed. I was told that it is mainly for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) but in my case it was to prevent any GI issues that might arise from my many post transplant meds. I never had symptoms of GERD and was never diagnosed with GERD. I weaned off of omeprazole with the approval and supervision of a Mayo provider. Sometime during those years I was diagnosed with gastroparesis (an autonomic neuropathy). How strange! Surely it must all be connected! The body is a wonderfully complex thing.

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@domiha

Hi, @ray666! I've been taking something for GERD for decades, long before any symptoms of PN. But as soon as I found I had the neuropathy, I began the R-ALA and Benfotiamine.... and now I'm taking MetanX, as well. So far, my GERD doesn't seem to be worse, but I DO WONDER at times what effect these supplements may have on my stomach. I know you take some supplements, as well. You may want to read up on those particular supplements to see if any of them have GI side effects that could be causing your symptoms of late. Do you take them along with food, or on an empty stomach?
As to your doctor's "odd response," I think they can sometimes have so many things going on that they may miss a note on a specific med. And over the years, I have changed meds for my GERD several times.... so it might help to add the OTC Nexium just to see if it will help. If it does, you may ask the doc for the prescription-level Nexium to replace your Prilosec. Best wishes! Mike

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Alpha Lopaic Acid at times gives me a wicked acidity stomach /throat…within minutes of taking it.
Steve

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Small fiber neuropathy causes reflux and gerd gastroparesis that causes the above. See a go doctor have an EGD to get officially diagnosed. They recommend medication you can take over the counter nexium.

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@ray666 - Ray - I started with minor signs of small fiber PN around 2008 - 09 and around that time, I went to a GI doc due to acid reflux and since then, I've been on two meds. Doctor does an EGD every 3 years and so far, all good. The concern is damage to esophagus which can occur, not common but can happen. I take sucralfate and omeprazole daily and has worked well and I drink half caffeine coffee. Now, caused by small fiber PN? I'm not sure. More important to keep it under control. Ed

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@njed

@ray666 - Ray - I started with minor signs of small fiber PN around 2008 - 09 and around that time, I went to a GI doc due to acid reflux and since then, I've been on two meds. Doctor does an EGD every 3 years and so far, all good. The concern is damage to esophagus which can occur, not common but can happen. I take sucralfate and omeprazole daily and has worked well and I drink half caffeine coffee. Now, caused by small fiber PN? I'm not sure. More important to keep it under control. Ed

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Hi, Ed (@njed) - I'm keeping a tight rein on it. I spoke to my PCP as soon as I realized my acid reflux had come to stay. She has me taking omeprazole, too, and I've voluntarily cut waaay back on caffeine coffee (I'd been a guzzler). I still have the burpees, but far fewer. A PN connection? Me, too: Who's to know? -Ray

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@inminn

I, too, was diagnosed with peripheral small fiber neuropathy and developed GERD despite not ingesting “aggravating” food or liquids. I had not been told the two could be related. Thank you.

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I too have sudden intake of air..I was on a Gerd medication a few years ago , but never had this happen until recently. I’m going to ENT soon to see what is called this.

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