What type of acid reducers are being prescribed after esophagectomy?

Posted by seanski @seanski, Mar 17 5:15am

Hello,
Two years ago I had an esophagectomy. The surgeon told me I would have to be on stomach acid reducer for the rest of my life. I've been taking 40mg of Protonix in the morning ever since, but it seems to be loosing it's effectiveness. My oncologist put me on 20 mg of Pepcid at night as well. This combination work pretty well but I don't like being on that much medication. My oncologist says to experiment with it & find what works best. He told me some patients aren't taking any acid reduces at all. So, I'm getting mixed signals. One doctor says I have to be one them, the next says to just experiment.
So, if you've had an esophagectomy, what are you doing for stomach acid control?
Thanks

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suensteve | @suensteve17 | Mar 17 3:02pm

I'm also 2 years down the track. I take Omeprazole, acidex (which is like pepcid) and sucrulphate (caraphate).
Sleeping elevated sufficiently is key tho. I also do not eat after 6 pm

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 3 days ago

@seanski, good question. @suensteve17 your reply reminded me of this discussion that @lori57216 started a little while ago.

- Adjustable bed frames: Acid reflux after esophageal cancer treatment https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/adjustable-bed-frames/

Sean, what has been working for you?

seanski | @seanski | 3 days ago

I am taking 40mg of Pantoprazole in the morning and 20mg Pepcid before bed and that works pretty well. I tried cutting down to 20mg of pantoprazole in the morning and the same at bedtime, but that wasn't working. It would be nice to find a lesser dose of something that would work.

stever1 | @stever1 | 2 days ago

I had gastroesophagectomy with the anastamosis in the neck. I sleep flat and am not on any acid reducers. The only time I wake up coughing is when I am on my back in a lazy boy. I'm a side sleeper and don't have any problems flat in a bed. I am told that this is unusual. I guess I caught a break on this topic.