Anyone taking PPIs?

My Gastro gave me an article of research debunking the issue of PPis being harmful. His opinion is that GERD adds to or can cause Bronchiestasis.

@wandafanda each one’s body reacts differently to medications - and even supplements. Mine reacted badly to Rabeprazole when I took it. Do your pills have any markings on them, e.g., dosage in mg., company logo or name, etc.? Mine were pills with no marking on them - not even the scoring line on one side.

@wandafanda When I looked at the studies about long-term effects of PPI's, most were looking at years of daily meds, not months. So perhaps that can help you feel better about extending your meds for a while.

I also took a look at kelp (algae) as a treatment. Although long, this article points to the usefulness:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6836317/
Their conclusion is helpful:
"In this expert opinion paper, we evaluated the different aspects of alginate treatment in patients with GERD. It is possible to conclude from the existing studies that:

According to the production methods, each alginate has different characteristics, and it is not possible to replace an alginate from one source with one from another source. Basic science studies showed that Laminaria hyperborea was able to form strong, coherent, voluminous and highly buoyant rafts compared to others.

Alginate has a unique mode of action, producing raft formation. The effect is fast.

Alginate monotherapy is a preferable option for the treatment of mild GERD symptoms.

In patients with severe or breakthrough symptoms in PPI-unresponsive GERD, alginates can be used in combination with PPIs to improve symptoms and to reduce reflux events.

Although more data are needed, the efficacy in regurgitation-dominant GERD is possibly higher with alginates.

Alginates have a place in the management of atypical GERD symptoms.

Alginate can be used either long term and/or on-demand therapy following the cessation of PPIs.

In the treatment of GERD in children, alginates have a proven and efficient effect and are safe.

Alginates can be used in pregnancy and lactation as a first-line therapy."
The biggest take-aways are that ONLY CERTAIN alginates are useful, and studies show they can be used to supplement, replace, or wean from PPI's.

I have taken PPI’s for a length of time. It’s a huge quality of life issue for me. Without reflux I can comfortably eat and enjoy my food, and better meet my calorie needs. Also, I think avoiding aspiration is very important for prevention of reinfection from MAC and other organisms that can cause serious infections. The PPI will interfere with absorption of many calcium supplements including calcium carbonate, so choose a calcium citrate supplement. It doesn’t need an acid environment for absorption, Hope this helps.

@sharonednaramsey yes my gastro says he has patients on PPIs for 30 years with no problems. Both doctors feel my BE was caused by or exacerbated by aspiration of my reflux. But I’m gooong to read more info about the kelp. I guess I’ll stay on the PPI a while longer.

@rashida it’s a yellow pill marked y70. I take 20 mg. I do burp a lot with this pill. I read that since your acid is reduced you have more gas.

@cpolich thanks for this info. I will get some calcium citrate supplements.

@sueinmn thanks for all this info. Will read the article you refer to. I do feel better about taking the PPI after reading these comments. Funny how I needed to hear from
Peers rather than my two fine doctors that it was okay to take! Plus I’m 72 so really it’s not likely I’ll be taking for 30 years!! 😬

@wandafanda your pill sounds okay. The generic Rabeprazole pills I was given by my pharmacy had no markings at all, on either side and hey had an adverse effect on me.

@wandafanda I have been on Lansoprazole, a generic of Prevacid, for over twenty years and I have been fine. I have a small hiatal hernia so it is essential for me to stay on the PPI to prevent Barrett’s Esophagus.