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@poppy1946

I have taken omeprazole for over 10 years, first prescribed after an endoscopy. I have never had typical GERD symptoms but I have had trouble swallowing, excess mucus and chronic cough. I think now it's called LPR. Reflux, just at the throat level. I als have Barretts although doc says it's not always discernable. I want to stop omeprazole as my kidney function is decreasing and I have osteopenia (I am 77). I am very afraid of losing kidney function and/or of breaking bones. My GI has told me that changes in diet won't do anything and I have to stay on omeprazole. I saw a suggestion here about seeing a nutritionist and that will be my next step. I stopped omeprazole on my own 3 days ago and very little in the way of symptoms, but I am nervous about it.

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Replies to "I have taken omeprazole for over 10 years, first prescribed after an endoscopy. I have never..."

I'm surprised you got off omeprazole without doing it gradually.
If you feel some of the LPR symptoms, then you need to treat but I can suggest trying something other than omeprazole:
famotidine (an H2 blocker instead of a PPI),
or Gaviscon Advance (the one with alginate - it creates a barrier that blocks the acid from moving from your stomach to your esophagus. you can take before bedtime, or if needed also after meals), or Tums or pepto bismol.
Also, don't eat too big meals (don't drink after your meal), move around after you eat or when you feel fullness (so the food pulls your stomach down out of your esophagus), I find that taking probiotics helps, and small amounts of pomegranate juice. And don't eat 3 hours before bedtime. You can sleep on a wedge and/or raise the head of your bed. If you continue to have Barretts esophagus and can't manage with other ideas, then you might need to go back on omeprazole so as to avoid esophageal cancer. Good luck

I have been on omeprazole for about 10 years. In February I was taken off of it immediately because I was diagnosed as stage 3 kidney disease. I was given another medication and it doesn’t really work too well. I too have Barrett’s Esophagus. I didn’t know much about kidney disease prior to this, but it a horrible disease and involves much pain and suffering! Do all you can to avoid it!