PPI Stomach Pains

[Vanessa74]

Flower Girl,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with me. It helps A LOT knowing what other people have gone and are still going through. It also helps me to know what to bring up to my Dr.

I guess I wanted it to be (1) thing - stop the Toprol and everything will be fine - but I am realizing now it is a combination of stomach issues, medication side effects, and other things - I guess I need to find the right balance.

I get severe stomach and chest pains at times - but for me the most bothersome and terrifying problem is the breathing - once it starts it is all I can think about - it paralyzes me with fear and worry.

Thank you again - I took my Prilosec last night and will continue taking it daily until I can get in to see my Dr. and discuss everything with him.

[flowergirl2day]

Good luck, Vanessa!

Sometimes it takes a while to get things just right. Please be patient and don't give up hope! You will find that some medications are better than others.
Please keep us posted!

flowergirl

[taape]

Some one was asking about withdrawl's from PPI's. I've been taking Protonix for one year and 10 months. Originally given for an ulcer caused from pain meds. The doctor said it was all healed and to get off of Protonix as I could. I don't have anymore ulcer symptoms except rarely nausea and sometimes I have a little bit of tightness in my throat when swallowing only when I take a pan pill, which is almost never.

Anyways, I've been getting off of Protonix on my own for the past year very slowly. Went from 2 pills per day everyday to one pill one day per week. I found it very difficult and everytime I tried not to take it then it seemed like alot of extra acid was in my stomach and I couldn't get used to it. So I think there are withdrawl symptoms and that this stuff is addicting to the GI system. Plus the biggest side effect for me is nightmares. If all goes well and I feel ok I can deal with one pill per week or less or on the rare occasion that I take a pain pill.

Has anyone else gotten off of PPI's on their own?

[Vanessa74]

I am so sorry for your struggle - how awful for you. I am glad you are almost free from them.

Was extra acid and nightmares your only symptoms?

I got really horrid upper chest tightness and burning in my throat and stomach. I could only take it for 5 days before I went back on - now after only (2) days back on all the yucky PPI side effects are back I am glad you are almost free of them.

I have found that A LOT lately the hard way - you take a pill to make yourself feel better and it makes something else hurt

[taape]

Vanessa74
The nightmares were my only side effect that I knew about. The weird thing was even if I took a short nap or sort of rested I would have weird dreams/nightmares. Not too many patients say they get that side effect.

Sorry your having so much pain and need the medication daily. Yes, medication on top of medication to make you feel better, and you feel worse. It's not fair.