Anyone seen research on long term Proton Pump Inhibitor use and PN?

in reply to @blearyeyes I have been on Protonix for years and now getting off of it because of the possible effects of long term use. Here is some information for you:

Best of luck

Interesting.. I took Protonix for a good 8 years or so, as it was the only med that controlled my acid reflux. So I was very surprised and nervous when I was taken off about a year ago. Doctors didn't explain why, either.

I was in a lot of other medications at that time, though.. and I assume that it was to get me on as few medications as possible. I don't want to be on a lot of meds either. However, I also don't want esophagitis (sp?) again. It just makes me a little nervous when I remember.

Hope that your transition goes smoothly as well.. hugs!

I've been taking various PPI meds for well over 20 years, so much more convenient than baking soda and longer-lasting than Tums. Most of that time I was on half a dozen other meds as well, all of which I gave up 3-4 years ago. Two years ago a doctor told me my omeprazole was counteracting my calcium, which I took for osteoporosis, so I asked the pharmacist for clarity. She told me to stop the PPI, that it would get worse before it got better, and to take calcium citrate for my bones. The simmering cauldron that was my stomach turned into an active volcano. Like most people, I am part stoic and part wimp, and my stomach has always been where I'll do anything to stop the pain as long as it's fast. I stopped the calcium citrate, instituted an extremely bland diet, and still suffered many weeks before finally resuming omeprazole, which now doesn't work nearly as well as it used to and I'm stuck on bland. I spread out my calcium over the day hoping to get enough when the antacid is waning so my bones don't lose excessive density, but that may be wishful thinking. Comments?

Oh, dear, completely forgot to mention that neuropathy did turn up five years ago, but till now I hadn't heard of the PPI connection. Plus, I'm not convinced it really is neuropathy ... so there's that. All comments welcome, of course.

Misu,
I can relate a lot to being on lots of meds. I was 50 years old, and talking a *lot* of medicine every day. There were effects. I became overmedicated, and going through all kinds of issues, as a result. Now, I am only on medicines that I absolutely must take and certain issues I've kinda needed to find new ways to deal with and accept. . So, I can understand, to an extent ,where youre

Sorry Misu. I accidentally hit the wrong button! 😕 Anyway, I an somewhat relate to where you're at.

Regarding my personal experience with PPI, Protonix, I had tried absolutely everything beforehand, and had gotten NO relief. I remember being in serious agony, as the medications that my insurance wanted to cover did nothing to relieve my symptoms. The esophagitis was excruciating to me. My doctor and I went down the road, trying more and more intensive treatments, in hopes to control my GERD. Finally, my doctor wrote a letter to the insurance and explained my condition as it worsened to finally get my onto Protonix. Once I got on it, my symptoms finally became controlled for those 8 years. So, when I went off it, I was pretty nervous about the GERD blowing up again. But, so far, so good. Thank goodness!!

Anyway.. Are you working with a well-respected and knowledgeable provider that regularly handles neuropathy? If so, I'd recommend asking for clarification and reasoning on how they believe that you're being affected. Perhaps from there, you can then ask how they believe their recommended treatment can help you through this.

I wish you the very best in finding the right treatment for you. .. Hugs!

Heather

My other has an on off relationship with PPI - if u look for it, the research on these pills causing tendinitis in all your tendons is a biggy, plus it destroys your gut biome which is vital, and leaves you with a gut reliant on PPIs. He gives them a break once he can't take anymore tendon pain and just deals with the bloating, throat choking and in-between the should pain for as long as he can. He takes Gaviscon Advance (not just standard Gaviscon and not Double Action either.) Which he thinks helps but who can tell? Helpful in pharma terms is a very low score, like maybe 20% improvement. But basically it's a nightmare that a huge amount of the population are walking into. Hasn't found a solution despite being on bland diet, Gluten and lacto free, no cruciferous (so v good for u espe bone & Gutwise) veg, but then at times that DOES HELP and it's all managed pretty well, and then it flares up real badly again.
Long post, no answer I'm afraid - and yes neuropathy IN BOTH feet on the top part (where shoes tighten) so walks round in loose shoes to avoid extra pain, which isn't gd for your gait and joints obvs. Bodies, really need some universal re working , or maybe we're working them wrong ??)