How Long Until Reflux Improves?

[tea-and-crumpets]

I suffer from acid reflux which I think is a consequence of the celiac. It has never progressed to the level of GERD or anything. I don't have any hernias, etc -- my doctor checked when she did the endoscopy. She told me just to take omeprazole indefinitely, but I'm concerned about things like calcium and vitamin absorption, plus I hate how if I miss a day or two of the pill I get the rebound effect and have acid worse than before.

I switched to taking Tums on an as-needed basis, but how long until the reflux gets better? I've been gluten free for almost a month, barring two accidental glutenings, and am seeing much progress elsewhere. I just hate the pain!

[cassP]

I suffer from acid reflux which I think is a consequence of the celiac. It has never progressed to the level of GERD or anything. I don't have any hernias, etc -- my doctor checked when she did the endoscopy. She told me just to take omeprazole indefinitely, but I'm concerned about things like calcium and vitamin absorption, plus I hate how if I miss a day or two of the pill I get the rebound effect and have acid worse than before.

I switched to taking Tums on an as-needed basis, but how long until the reflux gets better? I've been gluten free for almost a month, barring two accidental glutenings, and am seeing much progress elsewhere. I just hate the pain!

the problem is that those proton pump inhibitors tell the stomach to stop making acid. Reflux is because that sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach is not staying clamped down. and when we shut off the stomach mechanisms- then it just wrecks our digestion...

im sorry your reflux isnt better yet... unfortunately going gluten free may not be enough. there are a lot of other foods in addition to gluten (gluten was always the worst for me)... but there's chocolate & coffee.. and i dont have a list in front of me right now- you can google, or im sure people will add below.

one of my biggest problems is NOT LAYING DOWN after eating... i do it all the time- :/ i thought it was "dont sleep for 3 hours after you eat".. but its ALSO dont lay down at all for 3 hours after you eat..

in the meantime- i would try to stick to mild antacids like tums (make sure there gluten free)... or some kind of natural concoction with baking soda or something.. maybe a zantac if its burning too much, or zantac at night...

good luck!!!! oh, also dairy i think can cause the reflux too...

AHHH PS- Melatonin is supposed to help strengthen that sphincter to stay down

[Emilushka]

It might be a good idea to take the omeprazole until your throat and stomach have a chance to heal. The stomach doesn't stop making acid entirely when you take a PPI, but it does make less, and that means that the injured, inflamed portion of the stomach wall or esophagus will be less barraged with acid while it tries to heal. You might in fact be slowing your own progress. I'm not saying that you should take omeprazole forever - I'm currently working on letting my own gastritis and reflux heal so that I can get off omeprazole - but I do think it would be worth it to let your body have it easier for a bit so it can jump-start the healing.

The problem with doing what you're doing is that the pain is a sign that damage has already been done by the acid splashing up. You're waiting for pain to act, but that means that damage is continuing to be done. It could be making it a lot harder for you to heal.