Prilosec Forever

[penguin]

I went to the Dr. on Friday for pink eye and apparent impetigo and of course celiac came up. Before the pink eye actually...

Anyway. My former GI (idiot) finally sent my Dr. my records from two years ago. My Dr. was insulted when I called the guy an idiot, but then I explained that the only time I saw him was while I was unconscious and when I called about the nexium not working for the pain, his nurse said I was taking it wrong. Then my Dr. said, "ok, maybe you have a reason to call him an idiot."

She said that the endoscopy showed long term irritation in my stomach caused by too much stomach acid, which, over time could cause cancer. Great. So she said that I have to be on prilosec until further notice. She gave me a script at least, so it'll be cheaper since I can go mail order. It seems to work when I'm gluten-free, it didn't before, but at least I feel better with it, so far.

She also said that celiac disease is a "faddy diagnosis" right now. She also said she doesn't know if it's because the medical community is becoming more aware or if dr's don't like everyone having IBS. She also said it's probably because the more accurate blood tests make it easy for PCP's to test for, and the biopsy is falling out of the loop. She also says that she tests a lot for celiac disease, and only 1 out of 10 or so come back with funny bloodwork.

I'm not sure whether to feel confident in my dx or not, though she does appear to think that I'm celiac. I said that I was at a point where I don't feel *good* but that if I get gluten from cc that I feel much worse. She said, ok, it's helping but you're not at 100%.

I don't know what to think...

Maybe I'll do a weekend long gluten challenge this month and see what happens.

[carriecraig]

She also said that celiac disease is a "faddy diagnosis" right now.

Hmmm, I don't like the sound of that! I really think more people are becoming aware of the disease, and it is finally getting diagnosed.

I hope you feel better soon...

[RBC]

I went to the Dr. on Friday for pink eye and apparent impetigo and of course celiac came up. Before the pink eye actually...

Anyway. My former GI (idiot) finally sent my Dr. my records from two years ago. My Dr. was insulted when I called the guy an idiot, but then I explained that the only time I saw him was while I was unconscious and when I called about the nexium not working for the pain, his nurse said I was taking it wrong. Then my Dr. said, "ok, maybe you have a reason to call him an idiot."

She said that the endoscopy showed long term irritation in my stomach caused by too much stomach acid, which, over time could cause cancer. Great. So she said that I have to be on prilosec until further notice. She gave me a script at least, so it'll be cheaper since I can go mail order. It seems to work when I'm gluten-free, it didn't before, but at least I feel better with it, so far.

She also said that celiac disease is a "faddy diagnosis" right now. She also said she doesn't know if it's because the medical community is becoming more aware or if dr's don't like everyone having IBS. She also said it's probably because the more accurate blood tests make it easy for PCP's to test for, and the biopsy is falling out of the loop. She also says that she tests a lot for celiac disease, and only 1 out of 10 or so come back with funny bloodwork.

I'm not sure whether to feel confident in my dx or not, though she does appear to think that I'm celiac. I said that I was at a point where I don't feel *good* but that if I get gluten from cc that I feel much worse. She said, ok, it's helping but you're not at 100%.

I don't know what to think...

Maybe I'll do a weekend long gluten challenge this month and see what happens.

I had the same issue with my drs. One thought I had it, another thought I did not. My best advice would be to see another dr. and get another opinion. The whole diet thing about immediately feeling better also was confusing bc it took me a while to feel better, or to realize what feeling good actually was. Ask to see your records if you haven't already, then you can ask specific questions about what things really are. In my case, my second dr. was not interpreting the biopsy correctly, therefore it was plainly obvious why he though I did not have it, bc he was interpreting a Chrone's disease biopsy and not the celiac one. Crazy! Good luck and just explore your options when it comes to drs. Your best doctor is yourself!

[penguin]

I had the same issue with my drs. One thought I had it, another thought I did not. My best advice would be to see another dr. and get another opinion. The whole diet thing about immediately feeling better also was confusing bc it took me a while to feel better, or to realize what feeling good actually was. Ask to see your records if you haven't already, then you can ask specific questions about what things really are. In my case, my second dr. was not interpreting the biopsy correctly, therefore it was plainly obvious why he though I did not have it, bc he was interpreting a Chrone's disease biopsy and not the celiac one. Crazy! Good luck and just explore your options when it comes to drs. Your best doctor is yourself!

My endoscopy was 2 years ago and they only did one biopsy, and only in the actual stomach. He was checking for cancer, celiac wasn't mentioned, and I had never heard of it. That GI is in another state, so I'd have to find a new one.

She said to stay on prilosec because I still have burning. It seems to work as long as I am gluten-free, so no worries there. It's just annoying.

I have all of my medical records, and I was the one that sent my dr records, since the old GI's office is uncooperative. The endo showed long term stomach irritation, and he didn't go past the lower sphincter in the stomach.

I'm assuming celiac until I'm diagnosed otherwise, but I'm going to do a big challenge in a week or so.

[key]

Caffeine is a HUGE cause of heartburn for me. I can no longer consume it in any amounts. It brings on IBS symptoms and just seems to slow my GI tract down. Prilosec seems to make my stomach hurt.

I hope you feel better and the prilosec continues to work.

Monica

[shai76]

I've had reflux my whole life (now 30) and my son has had it his whole life (almost 2). We both take prilosec twice a day for LPR (we reflux into our throats and it causes lots of damage), and it works great! There is a proper way to take prilosec and other proton pump inhibitors. If you do not take them the right way they may not be having an effect. Just take it 30 minutes before you eat anything in the morning. That gives it time to get into your blood stream and "deactivate" those acid pumps, then the food is what activates the stomach. PPIs do not work unless you have food in your stomach, so make sure you eat a good breafast. If you take it twice a day take the second one a half hour before supper. It won't do anything if you take it before bed. Some people take zantac before bed if their reflux bugs them when lying down. Prilosec works better for day because there is food in your stomach, and zantac works better for night time reflux.

Gluten intolerance can definitly increase reflux symptoms since your body ain't digesting that stuff properly. Plus you have gastritis which is an uncomfortable condition as well. Stay away from fatty and greasy foods as well as the gluten. I bet with the meds and a special diet you will feel so much better.

Remember that doctors are just people and have varying opinions. You know what is best for your body. Everyone is different.