Stomach healing place

[[Te...]]

Kristina

So much in your post. I take the probiotics well spaced out from the PPI. I see a medical nutritionist. He thought about antibiotics to rebuild my stripped gut, but decided I'm too fragile right now. In addition to the probiotics he has me on an expensive supplement. I'm on carafate too. I take dexilant  DR 60 mg which is a high dose. I changed my appointment to next week and left a message for my doctor to call me so I could ask if I could go to every other day on the dexilant until I see him. Of course he didn't call.

I think my gut symptoms have different causes.  Certainly the GABA receptors are damaged by the benzos (and in my case use of alcohol as well). That started the cascade of symptoms and withdrawal from the klonopin and gabapentin contributed. I had severe gastritis and a bleeding stomach ulcer. I needed the dexilant and carafate, and I needed the low acid diet. I'll probably need to be careful even when I'm healed because I have a small hiatal hernia. BUT now that I'm off the Klonopin and gabapentin and things are quieting down from treatment, I think the side effects of the PPI are beginning to outweigh the benefits. I think the PPI makes my morning withdrawal palpitations worse (it's a side effect) and may cause or worsen my morning diarrhea. I find the Pepcid complete I take at night to be effective enough and I'd like to taper to OTC H2 blockers.

I'm not sure what's up with my nails. They are less brittle as I've gotten better nutrition. They are responding to OTC and prescription anti fungal meds. Is the cream you mentioned available without a prescription?

Tee

[[Kr...]]

Kristina

So much in your post. I take the probiotics well spaced out from the PPI. I see a medical nutritionist. He thought about antibiotics to rebuild my stripped gut, but decided I'm too fragile right now. In addition to the probiotics he has me on an expensive supplement. I'm on carafate too. I take dexilant  DR 60 mg which is a high dose. I changed my appointment to next week and left a message for my doctor to call me so I could ask if I could go to every other day on the dexilant until I see him. Of course he didn't call.

I think my gut symptoms have different causes.  Certainly the GABA receptors are damaged by the benzos (and in my case use of alcohol as well). That started the cascade of symptoms and withdrawal from the klonopin and gabapentin contributed. I had severe gastritis and a bleeding stomach ulcer. I needed the dexilant and carafate, and I needed the low acid diet. I'll probably need to be careful even when I'm healed because I have a small hiatal hernia. BUT now that I'm off the Klonopin and gabapentin and things are quieting down from treatment, I think the side effects of the PPI are beginning to outweigh the benefits. I think the PPI makes my morning withdrawal palpitations worse (it's a side effect) and may cause or worsen my morning diarrhea. I find the Pepcid complete I take at night to be effective enough and I'd like to taper to OTC H2 blockers.

I'm not sure what's up with my nails. They are less brittle as I've gotten better nutrition. They are responding to OTC and prescription anti fungal meds. Is the cream you mentioned available without a prescription?

Tee

 

 

Ooooooh Thank you TeeCee!!

Health Care in New Zealand is not as thorough, and I've had to jump through hoops to get a Gastro appointment.

 

Nails:  Years ago I had liver problems and the Gastro's spent a lot of time checking my nails, which are somehow refective of our digestive systems...  Mine still look bad, but only one is 'below the quick' and needs dressing.  (also I'm now on the 4th day of 'no pain' in my fingertips, the red palms and fingertips I've had since April is definitely improving, as is the 'wrinkled appearance of the palms and palm-side fingers!).   

 

The cream I used for psoriasis was on prescription (it wasn't initially prescribed for my nails; for my nails she gave me a stronger one called Dermol 30gram).  I'm not sure either helped my nails, but using scissors instead of clippers, and 'dressing/covering' the nails that hurt, helped.

 

Gut:  I'll rephrase.    Five weeks ago I dropped the PPI down to 130mg with awful results, so came back up to 200mg quickly, did some research, asked for Carafate and tried to 'substitute' while tapering, then gave up.  I'm not using the Carafate, and have kept my PPI dose stable (between 200-180) until I see the Gastro and get some expert advice.  However, I HAVE improved in that 5 weeks, which leads me to believe that healing is possible on the GABA receptors and that the Ashton Manual is correct when it says that benzo WD mimics neuropathy.  Only time willl tell.      I use gaviscon before I go to bed, in the hope that if I do have an ulcer, it will assist the healing.  My concern is that the lower intestine is ulcerated;  I don't get pain higher any more, but if I try to taper the lower pain is awful. 

 

Omeprazole highest dose is 80mg, and maintenance dose is 20mg.  I was on 40 initially.

 

Thank you so much for the update regarding the antibiotics!!  I only read it somewhere in passing so it's nice to have confirmation. 

 

I just hope we don't taper and realise it was a bit early!  Can I ask what the expensive supplement is???

(At present I'm taking Bcomplex, B12 drops, zinc magnesium calcium combo, starting a probiotic and cod-liver oil this week and 'thinking' about starting the alphalipoic acid - I wasn't able to take supplements earlier, but seem okay now).

 

Thanks for sharing TeeCee!! 

 

 

[[Te...]]

Kristina,

Access to Health care in the US is pretty abysmal unless you have a lot of money.

The carafate and the PPI do different things. The PPI stops the production of acid and the carafate coats the stomach lining to protect it.

No gastroenterologist has ever checked my nails. I took off my gel nail polish and showed my nails to my dermatologist. Culture of my nails was inconclusive as to fungus vs psoriasis. Writing about this makes me anxious so I'm going to stop.

I'm going to ask for a slow taper with either a lower dose of dexilant or a different, less strong PPI or alternating PPI with H2 Blockers. Diet is also very important in preventing reflux.

The supplement is called UltraInflamX plus 360.  It is  made by Metagenics. But I don't get it from them directly. It was prescribed by my medical nutritionist who I think is somewhat clueless about benzo withdrawal. He put me on progesterone, a neuro- active steroid not recommended for those in benzo withdrawal and since he wouldn't talk to me about it unless I went to see him, I stopped it until my next visit until I could discuss it.

I hope we both get better soon! 

[[Ca...]]

Kristina, -a dollar for every time i spoke too soon!!!

 

Hi all,

-i think we all know the story...

my specialists gave up.. -so what i worked out was on my own but with a very supportive GP Dr...

My damage was from the opiates, -and they just kept giving me more for stomach pain for years...

I think it destroyed the nerves in my upper digestive and stopped functional peristalsis and sphincter opening. -it all just went spastic and i had to push food thhrough by sleeping on a folded pillow,  changing position all night and day...

i was never forced off opiates, they assumed i was also in pain from having half my pelvis pulled out of my lung etc. when i C/T off the last oxycontin 25% i think im left a bit protracted... thus the valium , which wont help me heal,so thats going... constipation, bloating and a slow transit are my worst issues.. no loose stools or reflux or gas...

 

I was wondering if anyone knows about prucalopride a 5HT 4 agonist that promotes correct peristalsis?

-i found it mentioned in a ncbi resurch paper on oibs, and my GP scripted it for me to try... it works great and i am so much better from 1-2 forced BM a week to 1-2 SBM a day plus i can eat normal...

My gastro just dismissed it as "just another laxative" -as he sharpened his knife to remove my large bowel, -which was always fine, with a short transit time of about 4-6hrs...

 

Why i ask about prucalopride is because it works so well, i suspect i will become dependent on it as my body doesnt have to do this job now... as with opiates, benzos and all things that work as an easy fix...

i cant find any long term studies over 3mths and most were 6 weeks or so.. but suggestions that its ok long term... (heard this one before??)...

I was hoping to taper off after the valium and i only take a third of the recomended 2mg -anymore causes bad cramping. .

Would b so great if someone did know about it, its very uncommon here in Australia and i have to get chemist to order it... -its not PBS subsidised.

Oh, -i also take osmolax daily with fibre.. thats also key to it all working...

Sorry this is a bit long,

-thanks for reading...

I wish u all the best with your own issues on such a complex subject.. and hope you dont mind if i contribute where i can.. ?

Cheers...

 

[[Kr...]]

Kristina,

Access to Health care in the US is pretty abysmal unless you have a lot of money.

The carafate and the PPI do different things. The PPI stops the production of acid and the carafate coats the stomach lining to protect it.

No gastroenterologist has ever checked my nails. I took off my gel nail polish and showed my nails to my dermatologist. Culture of my nails was inconclusive as to fungus vs psoriasis. Writing about this makes me anxious so I'm going to stop.

I'm going to ask for a slow taper with either a lower dose of dexilant or a different, less strong PPI or alternating PPI with H2 Blockers. Diet is also very important in preventing reflux.

The supplement is called UltraInflamX plus 360.  It is  made by Metagenics. But I don't get it from them directly. It was prescribed by my medical nutritionist who I think is somewhat clueless about benzo withdrawal. He put me on progesterone, a neuro- active steroid not recommended for those in benzo withdrawal and since he wouldn't talk to me about it unless I went to see him, I stopped it until my next visit until I could discuss it.

I hope we both get better soon! 

 

Hi Tee,

Thanks for this;  I did know how the Carafate worked as opposed to the PPI, and also that Carafate is older, and less effective at treating ulcers.  However, I read a lady who had been on Omeprazole for 8 years and came off it by tapering and swapping for Carafate.  My doctor agreed that i could do this, as long as I still did a slow taper.  What I'm now doing is, instead of 2 x 10mg a day and 30mg (20 and 10) on alternate days, is using the Carafate in the morning, and having only ONE dose of omeprazole instead of two, so that it will become easier to taper.    The woman who dropped hers was prescribed 4 x Carafate daily.  I've only been prescribed 2 x Carafate daily.  I see the Gastro specialist on 14th Feb and hope, by then, I'll be down to 20mg in one dose daily, perhaps 10mg on alternate days and have built up the Carafate to twice daily.    Ooooooh too much information sorry .

 

The UltraInflamX plus 360 looks interesting, and i'd be tempted once I'm off the omeprazole and if my digestion works reasonably.  I'm managing a bowel motion daily and my stomach is emptying okay (unless I eat mince doh).    I think you're right that the average nutritionist just doesn't get that, because our nerve receptors are not picking up the GABA that enables our muscles to relax (or at best getting a weak signal), our stomachs aren't emptying properley and our intestines aren't relaxed enough to do a good peristatic movement.  The key to that is easily digestible, or liquid-type meals, which are easier to move with the weaker signals.

 

Yes I hope we're better soon.  I am no longer gluten free, and am managing dairy and lean meat now, so definite improvements, but it's seems that my digestion triggers my waves.

 

(Also, my hands are still 'not painful' WOWOW - a FIRST since last APRIL - pre my jump!!!!  AND my nails are now actually all above the quick - touch wood they continue and don't split again)....

 

Cheers and love to you for healing

Kristina

 

 

 

 

 

 

[[Kr...]]

Kristina, -a dollar for every time i spoke too soon!!!

 

Hi all,

-i think we all know the story...

my specialists gave up.. -so what i worked out was on my own but with a very supportive GP Dr...

My damage was from the opiates, -and they just kept giving me more for stomach pain for years...

I think it destroyed the nerves in my upper digestive and stopped functional peristalsis and sphincter opening. -it all just went spastic and i had to push food thhrough by sleeping on a folded pillow,  changing position all night and day...

i was never forced off opiates, they assumed i was also in pain from having half my pelvis pulled out of my lung etc. when i C/T off the last oxycontin 25% i think im left a bit protracted... thus the valium , which wont help me heal,so thats going... constipation, bloating and a slow transit are my worst issues.. no loose stools or reflux or gas...

 

I was wondering if anyone knows about prucalopride a 5HT 4 agonist that promotes correct peristalsis?

-i found it mentioned in a ncbi resurch paper on oibs, and my GP scripted it for me to try... it works great and i am so much better from 1-2 forced BM a week to 1-2 SBM a day plus i can eat normal...

My gastro just dismissed it as "just another laxative" -as he sharpened his knife to remove my large bowel, -which was always fine, with a short transit time of about 4-6hrs...

 

Why i ask about prucalopride is because it works so well, i suspect i will become dependent on it as my body doesnt have to do this job now... as with opiates, benzos and all things that work as an easy fix...

i cant find any long term studies over 3mths and most were 6 weeks or so.. but suggestions that its ok long term... (heard this one before??)...

I was hoping to taper off after the valium and i only take a third of the recomended 2mg -anymore causes bad cramping. .

Would b so great if someone did know about it, its very uncommon here in Australia and i have to get chemist to order it... -its not PBS subsidised.

Oh, -i also take osmolax daily with fibre.. thats also key to it all working...

Sorry this is a bit long,

-thanks for reading...

I wish u all the best with your own issues on such a complex subject.. and hope you dont mind if i contribute where i can.. ?

Cheers...

 

Hey CantFly,

You WILL Fly again  despite these specialists who, in their ignorance,  seem to be experimenting on us!!! 

 

After I 'jumped' and my CNS started really vamping up the nerve problems (which I don't think would have happened if I'd found the Ashton Manual sooner and done a very very very slow taper?),  my stomach became incapable of emptying;  therefore causing reflux.  I thought the 'feeling' was constipation, and increased fibre, which made everything much worse.    I was prescribed domperidone (for stomach emptying), which I've been told is illegal in USA (it did give me a nasty sx after a few months), and omeprazole (to stop the ulceration).  I was also given colofac (I haven't used it as a Dr at the hospital said I might want to 'avoid it), and Laxol (I used Senna herbal tea instead... but continued to used it and exacerbated the irritation).

 

Interesting that you were given prucalopride, which appears to be some kind of 'relaxant'?  I do think that the lack of working receptors (hopefully transient damage to nerve receptors in the stomach and intestine) do cause a kind of spastic/paralysed stomach and intestine, and my understanding was that with the weakened signals they can both still cope with liquid.  I ate a lot of jelly and yoghurt and homemake pumpkin/garlic soup;  I managed gluten free toast (not bread), with hummus.  And I managed steamed fish and courgettes and more pumpkin or kumara/sweet potato.    Apparently, if the 'cause' of the damaged nerves is taken away,  healing should take place, over time.

 

More recently a doctor told me I had irritable bowel and gave me fibre.  However, I discovered I had irritated it myself with too much Senna tea.    My gut has recovered more than I would have imagined since my CT in June 2016.  Even a month ago I would not have thought I would be able to eat (tonight) Chicken, rice, bean & tomato casserole, a muffin for pudding and 3 x coffees.    It is almost my success story.

 

I'm wondering how fast your valium taper is?    Three months after my CT I was going through so much I thought of reinstating by going on Valium, and doing a taper, that, if it took two years, would be preferable to what I was suffering and the thought that I could have done so much damage by CT too quickly.      I am simply scared of taking anything a doctor prescribes - I didn't even realise that I had to taper omeprazole (but couldn't have managed without it at the time), so I guess it's one precious and wary step at a time, and we just get there, with perserverance, prayer, faith, and.... a little support from our friends.

 

Much love to you xxx

Kristina

 

 

[[Ca...]]

Thanks Kristina... lol, -i been reading your, and others posts, and often saw similar tried and failed treatment plans... atleast i know all the meds u discuss, and understand the frustration...

My problems were all pre benzo, but valium it isnt helping anything... Im in no rush to taper, and am about to slow right down for a gentle step off... -i let my sx guide me...

 

Yes lots describe prucalopride as a relaxant...  but in reality it is an emzyme agonist that stimulates -it gets rather complex when all the info is on the table... not to worry, -it works, no doubt...

BUT, like i mentioned, dependency is my worry... as usual, just not enough info... will just assume the worst, i think...

Thanks for the reply, -atleast i know it isnt something many are using... lol

 

[[Ni...]]

~following ~

[[Kr...]]

... for what it's worth, I DID manage to get an appointment with a Gastro specialist to discuss my difficulty 'decreasing' the omeprazole (when I decreased I'd get constipated and stomach pain). 

 

He told me that the constipation wouldn't have been caused by the omeprazole;  rather that a side effect (for some people) was that omeprazole caused loose or regular motions and he said for me to reduce omeprazole by 10mg per week, and 'choose' my laxative, or a better way to have a regular bowel motion.

 

I am a great optimist and am doing all I can to allow my GABA receptors to heal.    While I was dairy, and gluten free, and, for the first 3 months, almost on a liquid diet (apart from crackers, that made my throat feel better!) to enable my stomach to work properly.  I can now tolerate wheat bran and finally some fruit (kiwifruit), and dairy yoghurt.  I read that there is minimal lactose in dairy yoghurt and aged hard cheese, due to the processing (yay!), so I'm back using my regular acidiophilus yoghurt.    I've also bought some 'sauerkraut juice', to get some kind of fermented food.  I was scared of the build up of bacteria in my gut and while I've cut down radically on forms of sugar, some fruit and honey are still in my diet, and I do still get some bloating and flatulence.   

 

The good news is that my bowel motions are now regular.... not perfect motions, but at least regular.  And I've gotten my weekly omeprazole usage down to 10mg on 4 days, 20mg on 3 days (and continuing to decrease, without discomfort at 10mg per week).  The gastro said not to bother using the Carafate as well until I'm right down to virtually ZerO omeprazole and if I'm getting some pain from the increased rebound acid (which happens 2-3 weeks after decreasing/stopping).    He also said that if I get reflux pain, it's likely that I'll have to stay on intermittant or daily low-dose omeprazole for life, but, to 'give it your best shot by having either no coffee, or no coffee after midday;  although decaf is okay).    I've been taknig Gaviscon before bed to ensure no reflux symptoms;  I would like to see if there is improvement generally once I'm off Omeprazole, although, not to knock it as it has been an absolute lifesaver for me.

 

Years ago, I was told I had irritable bowel, and I had also been using opiates which totally slow down the digestion (it all makes sense now....), and I was recently told, again, that I had irritable bowel.  Well, I think I have sluggish healing receptors, and I am pretty determined to heal my gut, and that, once I heal my gut, the rest of my health with also benefit.

 

Another interesting bit of info that I gleaned was that black tea antagonises GABA, but that Ashton said she wouldn't restrict her patients.  The naturopath who mentioned this said she couldn't tolerate the caffeine, but I seem to be able to, and, if I wake in the night now and can't get back to sleep, a cuppa tea seems to do the trick (it may not have 2 months ago, but almost ten months down now, I'm getting some real improvements)......  almost confidant that I have a future  .

 

 

[[Ca...]]

... for what it's worth, I DID manage to get an appointment with a Gastro specialist to discuss my difficulty 'decreasing' the omeprazole (when I decreased I'd get constipated and stomach pain). 

 

He told me that the constipation wouldn't have been caused by the omeprazole;  rather that a side effect (for some people) was that omeprazole caused loose or regular motions and he said for me to reduce omeprazole by 10mg per week, and 'choose' my laxative, or a better way to have a regular bowel motion.

 

I am a great optimist and am doing all I can to allow my GABA receptors to heal.    While I was dairy, and gluten free, and, for the first 3 months, almost on a liquid diet (apart from crackers, that made my throat feel better!) to enable my stomach to work properly.  I can now tolerate wheat bran and finally some fruit (kiwifruit), and dairy yoghurt.  I read that there is minimal lactose in dairy yoghurt and aged hard cheese, due to the processing (yay!), so I'm back using my regular acidiophilus yoghurt.    I've also bought some 'sauerkraut juice', to get some kind of fermented food.  I was scared of the build up of bacteria in my gut and while I've cut down radically on forms of sugar, some fruit and honey are still in my diet, and I do still get some bloating and flatulence.   

 

The good news is that my bowel motions are now regular.... not perfect motions, but at least regular.  And I've gotten my weekly omeprazole usage down to 10mg on 4 days, 20mg on 3 days (and continuing to decrease, without discomfort at 10mg per week).  The gastro said not to bother using the Carafate as well until I'm right down to virtually ZerO omeprazole and if I'm getting some pain from the increased rebound acid (which happens 2-3 weeks after decreasing/stopping).    He also said that if I get reflux pain, it's likely that I'll have to stay on intermittant or daily low-dose omeprazole for life, but, to 'give it your best shot by having either no coffee, or no coffee after midday;  although decaf is okay).    I've been taknig Gaviscon before bed to ensure no reflux symptoms;  I would like to see if there is improvement generally once I'm off Omeprazole, although, not to knock it as it has been an absolute lifesaver for me.

 

Years ago, I was told I had irritable bowel, and I had also been using opiates which totally slow down the digestion (it all makes sense now....), and I was recently told, again, that I had irritable bowel.  Well, I think I have sluggish healing receptors, and I am pretty determined to heal my gut, and that, once I heal my gut, the rest of my health with also benefit.

 

Another interesting bit of info that I gleaned was that black tea antagonises GABA, but that Ashton said she wouldn't restrict her patients.  The naturopath who mentioned this said she couldn't tolerate the caffeine, but I seem to be able to, and, if I wake in the night now and can't get back to sleep, a cuppa tea seems to do the trick (it may not have 2 months ago, but almost ten months down now, I'm getting some real improvements)......  almost confidant that I have a future  .

Kristina... -Thanks for the post.. I see some similarities, and agree with your thoughts, where applicable... I dont have any reflux or stomach issues... But lost all peristalsis to my small intestine... so i have done the upper constipation thing... I think you are so right, a healthy GI is a happy person... working out the right laxative was an issue for a while...

Am now trying an intensive organic carrot addition to diet...

Wondering if you have ever heard or tried D-limonene -a citric oil extract type thing... Am going to try it, and it is said to work well for GORD...

Anyways,  best wishes...

 

[[Te...]]

 

Interesting. Carafate is essential for me as I had an ulcer. Carafate allows mybstomach to heal from the gastritis, which I believe has less to do with what I eat than than the damage to my GABA receptors. Your doctor and  mine have different views.

The culprit in coffee and tea as far as gastritis is concerned is not caffeine (although that can wind us up) it's the acidity. I drink one cup of half caffeine coffee with a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acid.

Twenty two weeks out  and I may be moving from overactive bowels back towards the constipation that plagued me most of my life,

 

... for what it's worth, I DID manage to get an appointment with a Gastro specialist to discuss my difficulty 'decreasing' the omeprazole (when I decreased I'd get constipated and stomach pain). 

 

He told me that the constipation wouldn't have been caused by the omeprazole;  rather that a side effect (for some people) was that omeprazole caused loose or regular motions and he said for me to reduce omeprazole by 10mg per week, and 'choose' my laxative, or a better way to have a regular bowel motion.

 

I am a great optimist and am doing all I can to allow my GABA receptors to heal.    While I was dairy, and gluten free, and, for the first 3 months, almost on a liquid diet (apart from crackers, that made my throat feel better!) to enable my stomach to work properly.  I can now tolerate wheat bran and finally some fruit (kiwifruit), and dairy yoghurt.  I read that there is minimal lactose in dairy yoghurt and aged hard cheese, due to the processing (yay!), so I'm back using my regular acidiophilus yoghurt.    I've also bought some 'sauerkraut juice', to get some kind of fermented food.  I was scared of the build up of bacteria in my gut and while I've cut down radically on forms of sugar, some fruit and honey are still in my diet, and I do still get some bloating and flatulence.   

 

The good news is that my bowel motions are now regular.... not perfect motions, but at least regular.  And I've gotten my weekly omeprazole usage down to 10mg on 4 days, 20mg on 3 days (and continuing to decrease, without discomfort at 10mg per week).  The gastro said not to bother using the Carafate as well until I'm right down to virtually ZerO omeprazole and if I'm getting some pain from the increased rebound acid (which happens 2-3 weeks after decreasing/stopping).    He also said that if I get reflux pain, it's likely that I'll have to stay on intermittant or daily low-dose omeprazole for life, but, to 'give it your best shot by having either no coffee, or no coffee after midday;  although decaf is okay).    I've been taknig Gaviscon before bed to ensure no reflux symptoms;  I would like to see if there is improvement generally once I'm off Omeprazole, although, not to knock it as it has been an absolute lifesaver for me.

 

Years ago, I was told I had irritable bowel, and I had also been using opiates which totally slow down the digestion (it all makes sense now....), and I was recently told, again, that I had irritable bowel.  Well, I think I have sluggish healing receptors, and I am pretty determined to heal my gut, and that, once I heal my gut, the rest of my health with also benefit.

 

Another interesting bit of info that I gleaned was that black tea antagonises GABA, but that Ashton said she wouldn't restrict her patients.  The naturopath who mentioned this said she couldn't tolerate the caffeine, but I seem to be able to, and, if I wake in the night now and can't get back to sleep, a cuppa tea seems to do the trick (it may not have 2 months ago, but almost ten months down now, I'm getting some real improvements)......  almost confidant that I have a future  .

[[Kr...]]

Hi TeeCee - I met a lovely woman (who had nothing to do with WD or benzos) who had an ulcer that the specialists cured with a combination of omegprazole and gaviscon.  She was told not to eat inbetween meals and have a gaviscon (tums?) straight after the meal and before bed (as well as the twice daily omeprazole), until the ulcer healed.  Apparently (a study I read) omeprazole has a better 'cure rate' within 3 months than the Carafate.  Omeprazole restricts the amount of stomach acid (via brain chemistry?) whereas Carafate lines areas of the stomach that need lining AND any area that is ulcerated.    The original Dr who gave me the Carafate did so on my suggestion that it would help me taper the omeprazole.   

 

However, now that my digestion has improved and my stomach is handling 'bran' and fibre (at last!!!), it seems I'm okay lowering the omeprazole very slowly.  If there is any pain I will use the Carafate.  I 'think' the acidity was a problem with me because my stomach wasn't emptying, hence the stomach acid was rising to give me reflux.  Now that my stomach is doing it's job better, I believe the acidity will be less of a problem (although omeprazole stopped it from being a problem when I had the reflux).

 

Ha!! Nearly ten months out, and I've had constipation and sluggish intestines since prior to CT (tolerance WD for some years!), I'm finally getting some regularity - almost overactive (haha but celebrating that at present!).  A friend of mine uses baking soda;  I haven't needed to because with omeprazole I have minimum acid in my stomach anyway, but I'll take it on board for future reference.  I have decaf if I have coffee after lunch, but mainly until I get off the omeprazole, to try to limit any irritation.  Thanks for sharing <3

[[Te...]]

Hi Kristina,

My last EGD showed my ulcer healed, but significant gastritis. Thus I take Prevacid, and Pepcid as needed. The carafate protects my stomach in between.

I don't remember why we discontinued gaviscon, but I suspect it's because my bowels have been overactive. Too much magnesium gives me diarrhea.

My reflux is quieter today and so are my bowels. I won't taper the Prevacid until I'm sure this is a real improvement. And I'll taper under my doctor's instructions because you can get rebound reflux if you do it too fast.

This conflicting advice just shows you how much of what doctors tell you to do is a preference, not a fact.

Best,

 

TeeCee

 

Hi TeeCee - I met a lovely woman (who had nothing to do with WD or benzos) who had an ulcer that the specialists cured with a combination of omegprazole and gaviscon.  She was told not to eat inbetween meals and have a gaviscon (tums?) straight after the meal and before bed (as well as the twice daily omeprazole), until the ulcer healed.  Apparently (a study I read) omeprazole has a better 'cure rate' within 3 months than the Carafate.  Omeprazole restricts the amount of stomach acid (via brain chemistry?) whereas Carafate lines areas of the stomach that need lining AND any area that is ulcerated.    The original Dr who gave me the Carafate did so on my suggestion that it would help me taper the omeprazole.   

 

However, now that my digestion has improved and my stomach is handling 'bran' and fibre (at last!!!), it seems I'm okay lowering the omeprazole very slowly.  If there is any pain I will use the Carafate.  I 'think' the acidity was a problem with me because my stomach wasn't emptying, hence the stomach acid was rising to give me reflux.  Now that my stomach is doing it's job better, I believe the acidity will be less of a problem (although omeprazole stopped it from being a problem when I had the reflux).

 

Ha!! Nearly ten months out, and I've had constipation and sluggish intestines since prior to CT (tolerance WD for some years!), I'm finally getting some regularity - almost overactive (haha but celebrating that at present!).  A friend of mine uses baking soda;  I haven't needed to because with omeprazole I have minimum acid in my stomach anyway, but I'll take it on board for future reference.  I have decaf if I have coffee after lunch, but mainly until I get off the omeprazole, to try to limit any irritation.  Thanks for sharing <3

[[Bu...]]

Been following this thread too-very informative, thanks.  I have a lot of GI issues (even before benzos) but, gastritis, hiatal hernia, bile and acid reflux and sphincter of oddi have been big problems.  Has anyone tried DGL (deglycerizzed licorice root) for their ulcer or gastritis?  My doc suggested Gavascon but, it didn't do anything.  Been taking DGl.  I take aloe vera capsules for all the GI inflammation, too and it has helped-very soothing.

[[Ca...]]

Been following this thread too-very informative, thanks.  I have a lot of GI issues (even before benzos) but, gastritis, hiatal hernia, bile and acid reflux and sphincter of oddi have been big problems.  Has anyone tried DGL (deglycerizzed licorice root) for their ulcer or gastritis?  My doc suggested Gavascon but, it didn't do anything.  Been taking DGl.  I take aloe vera capsules for all the GI inflammation, too and it has helped-very soothing.

Hi Burnedout... -yup, you sure got it good too... I so hope things get better for you too...

Im getting to the stage where i can start to move away from regular laxatives, and am going to start alovera... -good to see it has helped you...

Maybe you might know... -have you heard of D-limonene, mainly used for upper GI -GORD etc?

 

[[Te...]]

I used DGL for a while. But it also had sorbitol, mannitol, and I think, magnesium. Made my diarrhea worse.

Been following this thread too-very informative, thanks.  I have a lot of GI issues (even before benzos) but, gastritis, hiatal hernia, bile and acid reflux and sphincter of oddi have been big problems.  Has anyone tried DGL (deglycerizzed licorice root) for their ulcer or gastritis?  My doc suggested Gavascon but, it didn't do anything.  Been taking DGl.  I take aloe vera capsules for all the GI inflammation, too and it has helped-very soothing.

[[Bu...]]

Hey Cantfly,  I've heard some good things about D-limonene but, don't know a lot about it.  Gonna look into it, too.  Glad you will be able to move away from the laxatives and start aloe vera.  It has an ingredient in it that does have a laxative effect but, some brands take that ingredient out for folks that don't want that effect.  Hope things get better for all of us 

 

Sorry the DGL made your diarrhea worse TeeCee.  I forgot that sorbitol and mannitol can have that effect. Glad your ulcer healed though!  I just bought a book called, Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox,.....& other Acid Blockers by Martie Whittekin, CCN, for my husband who would also like to taper off reflux meds.  It looks really good.

[[pe...]]

Oh my goodness! I am so glad to have been pointed to this thread. I am very far off these meds but have had terrible belly stuff for almost a year now. Most everything has been checked out but I have daily gut pain and now my digestion is off too. Ugh. Looking forward to reading back and getting some guidance.

 

Peace

 

[[Ca...]]

Hey Cantfly,  I've heard some good things about D-limonene but, don't know a lot about it.  Gonna look into it, too.  Glad you will be able to move away from the laxatives and start aloe vera.  It has an ingredient in it that does have a laxative effect but, some brands take that ingredient out for folks that don't want that effect.  Hope things get better for all of us 

 

Sorry the DGL made your diarrhea worse TeeCee.  I forgot that sorbitol and mannitol can have that effect. Glad your ulcer healed though!  I just bought a book called, Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox,.....& other Acid Blockers by Martie Whittekin, CCN, for my husband who would also like to taper off reflux meds.  It looks really good.

Thanks Burnedout, It came well recomended, the only difference is my problems are all below the stomach, but some resurch suggests benifits here that will suit me... a try n see thing i guess...

For the Aloe, some laxative effect will probably be good, while peristalsis returns...

Thank you...

Best wishes

 

Hi peace2

 

[[Kr...]]

I found DGL quite helpful, and will use it again when I'm off omeprazole.  In fact, I'm not trying anything much until I'm off omeprazole and can see what kind of a state my digestion is 'really' in.    Sorry you've still got gastritis TeeCee;  but hopefully it will remedy before too long.  I thought I had gastritis before being put on omeprazole, but it wasn't checked, and omeprazole kept it 'in check' almost instantaneously.  having dropped from 40mg daily down to 10mg 4 days/20mg 3 days, without too much problem;  I'm thinking I'm doing quite well.  I'll keep you all informed!  - 10months Out on 5th April.....yay!

[[Te...]]

How do I start a new question on this board?

[[Te...]]

For months I've been saying that my gastroparesis and nausea went away post taper. Now 22 weeks out, the morning nausea is back with some mild  gastroparesis in the a.m. This is where I was summer of 2015 when I was on benzos and didn't know that the benzos were the cause. Anyone else get over these symptoms only to have them reappear? 

[[Ca...]]

For months I've been saying that my gastroparesis and nausea went away post taper. Now 22 weeks out, the morning nausea is back with some mild  gastroparesis in the a.m. This is where I was summer of 2015 when I was on benzos and didn't know that the benzos were the cause. Anyone else get over these symptoms only to have them reappear?

No... Mine is rather persistent at 8 months off that med... mine is below stomach loss of peristalsis in small intestine mainly... nil reflux -stomach empties ok... sorry

[[Te...]]

Reflux seems to be improving. Bowels still overactive. No gastroparesis at any other time of day, but I'm waking up in the middle of the night and in the early morning with nausea these past few days. I'm going to hope it's my body moving towards healing but still confused. Sigh. I need something to get substantially better. This is so discouraging.

[[Bu...]]

My GI had been fairly normal for the last month or so but, now in the eveninings, it's moving slower again and the fullness after eating is back...ugh   But, if I experience some big stressor, it goes into overactive mode for awhile-go figure... 

 

Hang in there TeeCee    I believe that we are healing even through these waves.