Silent Acid Reflux / weird symptoms
Discussion
I was diagnosed in 2018 with a hiatus hernia. The view at the time was, just go on the PPI medication and you'll be on it forever, and an operation could correct it but it comes with a ton of risks so we aren't going that route. This was through private medical insurance at the time.
I have made some dietary adjustments but not what you might call extensive. Largely the medication stops any burning in the throat, but I get all sorts of weird symptoms from time to time, that I am fairly sure are connect to HH.
Bloating, sometimes extreme to the point where I can't fit in my clothes and feel like i could pop, and it's really uncomfortable. Mental bowel movements sometimes... repeated turds in one day. Grogginess, brain fog, migraine like symptoms too. When it gets really bad it is like having food poisoning on top of the other symptoms i.e. nausea and diarrhoea.
The level of symptoms seem to go hand in hand with the level of stomach acid provoking foods I've had e.g. the worst instance was at Xmas.
I feel like the instances of the bloating keeps recurring even though I can seemingly manage the rest by just not having a lot of coffee, cutting out red wine, chocolate etc. The bloating can occur after just one pint of beer, for example.
Keen to know if anyone has any insights or experiences to share that might help or any advice. Thanks.
I have made some dietary adjustments but not what you might call extensive. Largely the medication stops any burning in the throat, but I get all sorts of weird symptoms from time to time, that I am fairly sure are connect to HH.
Bloating, sometimes extreme to the point where I can't fit in my clothes and feel like i could pop, and it's really uncomfortable. Mental bowel movements sometimes... repeated turds in one day. Grogginess, brain fog, migraine like symptoms too. When it gets really bad it is like having food poisoning on top of the other symptoms i.e. nausea and diarrhoea.
The level of symptoms seem to go hand in hand with the level of stomach acid provoking foods I've had e.g. the worst instance was at Xmas.
I feel like the instances of the bloating keeps recurring even though I can seemingly manage the rest by just not having a lot of coffee, cutting out red wine, chocolate etc. The bloating can occur after just one pint of beer, for example.
Keen to know if anyone has any insights or experiences to share that might help or any advice. Thanks.
Diagnosed 6yrs....its a weird one and I'm still learning....sauvignon blanc is a killer think it's very acidic.
I went for tests pre covid but they never got followed up..told me I had diverticulitis....which was horrible btw...I think its all interlinked....I don't touch bread/pasta/ gluten etc and normally okay...
I went for tests pre covid but they never got followed up..told me I had diverticulitis....which was horrible btw...I think its all interlinked....I don't touch bread/pasta/ gluten etc and normally okay...
the main issue i've got is that i want a solution without having to cut everything out of my diet as I am a foodie. Doc says lose a couple of stone which is fine, but i can't imagine it will fix it entirely as I recall getting bloating to some degree for maybe decades. Just a bit depressing really.
It could be worth trying apple cider vinegar or following the other tips from Dr Berg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_UWDPrDR40
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgLdr8Kkz7E
I was on omerprazole for quite a long time which did help however it just treated the symptoms not the cause, also long term use is not a great idea. For me it was going through my diet with a fine tooth comb, no more dairy, or processed crap which resulted in a quite substantial weight loss which helped massively, then I did loads of reading on gut health, that was really the big game changer, so now without fail its pro biotics, digestive enzymes, acv, and stuff like sauerkraut, get your gut biome in tip top condition and you should see a big improvement, and of course stress levels should be addressed too.
I have been on Omeprazole for about 15 years. It has now resulted in blood tests showing AKI warning stage. Acute kidney injury. This is 100% caused by Omeprazole. Do some Googling. I have also had kidney stones treated recently, probably also caused by taking this dangerous medication long term.
I am now drinking 2-3 glasses of diluted apple cider vinegar a day and have gone cold turkey on Omeprazole. I am also slowly losing weight to reduce my stomach size as much as I can. I too have a small HH.
It's early days on the apple cider vinegar but it shows promise. I am rebounding a bit from stopping the Omeprazole, but taking that stuff is no longer sustainable.
I am now drinking 2-3 glasses of diluted apple cider vinegar a day and have gone cold turkey on Omeprazole. I am also slowly losing weight to reduce my stomach size as much as I can. I too have a small HH.
It's early days on the apple cider vinegar but it shows promise. I am rebounding a bit from stopping the Omeprazole, but taking that stuff is no longer sustainable.
Blown2CV said:
Stuff
All very similar to me. Lansoprozole long term, operation risk not worth it. I read different on this forum mind you. I've not had any follow up from the doc/hospital since I started a good few years ago now.
I get a similar bloating with some foods - my abdomen expands like a balloon, I'm instantly full and can't eat anymore. I think it's some milk based products. The worse I ever had was immediately after having a small amount of Mont D'or cheese. I don't generally have a problem with cheese.
Sometimes, I *think* indian restaurant naans do it (contain milk).
It's hard to isolate the problem ingredients, and even though I think it's milk, it's not everything that contains milk.
Also, if I've had a large meal, especially with alcohol, and/or with spice and it's fewer than about 6 hours before I go to bed, I tend to be woken frequently with food reflux, and acid reflux and often my body will reject the food.
I either limit alcohol with spicy food, or accept that I won't be lying down in bed going to sleep for a long time.
It's interesting to hear that I/we are not alone with these symptoms, but I fear the only real headway to a solution is to drastically change lifestyle. I have made compromises on the latter but there's only so far I wish to go and I'm as comfortable as I can be with my compromise. I don't suffer badly, just need to be especially cogniscent of the potential impact of some foods/combinations.
Edit: you mentioned beer - I had a pint of ale once that also sent me bloated. Not happened since, and I can't recall which ale it was.
Edited by number2 on Thursday 8th September 08:56
Blown2CV said:
I was diagnosed in 2018 with a hiatus hernia. The view at the time was, just go on the PPI medication and you'll be on it forever, and an operation could correct it but it comes with a ton of risks so we aren't going that route. This was through private medical insurance at the time.
I have made some dietary adjustments but not what you might call extensive. Largely the medication stops any burning in the throat, but I get all sorts of weird symptoms from time to time, that I am fairly sure are connect to HH.
Bloating, sometimes extreme to the point where I can't fit in my clothes and feel like i could pop, and it's really uncomfortable. Mental bowel movements sometimes... repeated turds in one day. Grogginess, brain fog, migraine like symptoms too. When it gets really bad it is like having food poisoning on top of the other symptoms i.e. nausea and diarrhoea.
The level of symptoms seem to go hand in hand with the level of stomach acid provoking foods I've had e.g. the worst instance was at Xmas.
I feel like the instances of the bloating keeps recurring even though I can seemingly manage the rest by just not having a lot of coffee, cutting out red wine, chocolate etc. The bloating can occur after just one pint of beer, for example.
Keen to know if anyone has any insights or experiences to share that might help or any advice. Thanks.
These are all symptoms associated with acid reflux. I have made some dietary adjustments but not what you might call extensive. Largely the medication stops any burning in the throat, but I get all sorts of weird symptoms from time to time, that I am fairly sure are connect to HH.
Bloating, sometimes extreme to the point where I can't fit in my clothes and feel like i could pop, and it's really uncomfortable. Mental bowel movements sometimes... repeated turds in one day. Grogginess, brain fog, migraine like symptoms too. When it gets really bad it is like having food poisoning on top of the other symptoms i.e. nausea and diarrhoea.
The level of symptoms seem to go hand in hand with the level of stomach acid provoking foods I've had e.g. the worst instance was at Xmas.
I feel like the instances of the bloating keeps recurring even though I can seemingly manage the rest by just not having a lot of coffee, cutting out red wine, chocolate etc. The bloating can occur after just one pint of beer, for example.
Keen to know if anyone has any insights or experiences to share that might help or any advice. Thanks.
In my case I had extreme fatigue, flu like symptoms and the worst hangovers imaginable after even tiny amounts of alchohol. I don't have a hernia thankfully, but it was eventually tracked down to a faulty upper esophageal valve.
Omeprazole plus lots of Gaviscon worked for me for a few years, but slowly became less effective. I eventually started taking apple cider vinegar tablets which were a revelation.
PPI's like Omeprazole reduce the symptoms by slowing the production of stomach acid. Unfortunately low stomach acid leaves you prone to gastro-intestinal bugs and the upper esophageal valve only closes when it detects acid. So flare ups are very common.
Apple cider vinegar does the opposite. It increases acid levels in the gut, which encourages the valve to close. I take two tablets each day, which has almost entirely solved my problem.
I was diagnosed with a HH 30 years ago (I'm 49 now) so have had plenty of experience in trying to manage it. I don't take any regular drugs to combat it apart from the odd Gaviscon.
I have found by far the biggest influence on symptoms is fitness (including weight). Over the years I've been through times of being fit and others of putting on a couple of stone and being lethargic, I am far, far better the fitter I am and if I'm not carrying excess weight. I'm not talking marathon runner fit either, just able to run 5k a few times a week, do plenty of walking and keep active.
I am a real foodie, I keep to a healthy (but interesting) diet during the week and it allows me to eat meals out/curry's/drink wine as I wish at the weekend without it causing issues.
The other thing I do is eat early, never go to bed on a full stomach. I prefer a good boozy lunch at a restaurant now! I still get the odd bit of indigestion but as I say, a Gaviscon manages it.
I have found by far the biggest influence on symptoms is fitness (including weight). Over the years I've been through times of being fit and others of putting on a couple of stone and being lethargic, I am far, far better the fitter I am and if I'm not carrying excess weight. I'm not talking marathon runner fit either, just able to run 5k a few times a week, do plenty of walking and keep active.
I am a real foodie, I keep to a healthy (but interesting) diet during the week and it allows me to eat meals out/curry's/drink wine as I wish at the weekend without it causing issues.
The other thing I do is eat early, never go to bed on a full stomach. I prefer a good boozy lunch at a restaurant now! I still get the odd bit of indigestion but as I say, a Gaviscon manages it.
Reginald Molehusband said:
I have been on Omeprazole for about 15 years. It has now resulted in blood tests showing AKI warning stage. Acute kidney injury. This is 100% caused by Omeprazole. Do some Googling. I have also had kidney stones treated recently, probably also caused by taking this dangerous medication long term.
I am now drinking 2-3 glasses of diluted apple cider vinegar a day and have gone cold turkey on Omeprazole. I am also slowly losing weight to reduce my stomach size as much as I can. I too have a small HH.
It's early days on the apple cider vinegar but it shows promise. I am rebounding a bit from stopping the Omeprazole, but taking that stuff is no longer sustainable.
Omeprazole reduced my kidney function from 78% down to 14% in a few months & I was in hospital for 7 days. Was a routine blood test that caught it. The consultant told me he sees a few such cases each year; & that's just one hospital. My kidney function only returned to 45%.I am now drinking 2-3 glasses of diluted apple cider vinegar a day and have gone cold turkey on Omeprazole. I am also slowly losing weight to reduce my stomach size as much as I can. I too have a small HH.
It's early days on the apple cider vinegar but it shows promise. I am rebounding a bit from stopping the Omeprazole, but taking that stuff is no longer sustainable.
Edited by Glosphil on Thursday 8th September 09:16
all my blood tests seem to be fine and i've had quite a few over recent years. Important thing to mention is that with the hiatus hernia i am a bit more stuck with the condition and can't seemingly just reduce it with apple cider vinegar or kefir as much as I'd want to. I have tried some of these things.
I've had a HH and been on Omeprazole for years and a lot of what's been posted is familiar. FWIW a g/f#s father had a HH op long before I met him and his symptoms were much worse than mine.
Omeprazole works well but there are a few foods I avoid, mainly Whisky, high fat foods and any bulky carbs but I think what helps most is not eating too much, too late, or both. Recognising when you're full before you get there is helpful. I'll often not eat a big meal in the evenings or not at all if it's got too late. I might try having a main meal lunchtimes some days.
Someone mentioned naans. I avoid them largely. The other night I had a hot curry (not oily), mushroom side curry and a chapati. I could've eaten more, and used to but it was enough and I was fine.
I find pro biotics and fermented foods to laxative, and take psyllium tablets to maintain digestive routine, though fibre isn't good for everyone, I read and some high fibre foods I find too bulky now.
The people who did the Covid Zoe app were nutritional scientists originally and there's some useful stuff here https://www.youtube.com/c/ZOE-health
Sleeping on your left side helps or propped up if it's bad https://www.sleepscore.com/blog/the-one-sleeping-p...
Worth noting silent reflux can cause sinus/nasal issues as well as a sore throat and tickly cough.
Omeprazole works well but there are a few foods I avoid, mainly Whisky, high fat foods and any bulky carbs but I think what helps most is not eating too much, too late, or both. Recognising when you're full before you get there is helpful. I'll often not eat a big meal in the evenings or not at all if it's got too late. I might try having a main meal lunchtimes some days.
Someone mentioned naans. I avoid them largely. The other night I had a hot curry (not oily), mushroom side curry and a chapati. I could've eaten more, and used to but it was enough and I was fine.
I find pro biotics and fermented foods to laxative, and take psyllium tablets to maintain digestive routine, though fibre isn't good for everyone, I read and some high fibre foods I find too bulky now.
The people who did the Covid Zoe app were nutritional scientists originally and there's some useful stuff here https://www.youtube.com/c/ZOE-health
Sleeping on your left side helps or propped up if it's bad https://www.sleepscore.com/blog/the-one-sleeping-p...
Worth noting silent reflux can cause sinus/nasal issues as well as a sore throat and tickly cough.
Glosphil said:
Omeprazole reduced my kidney function from 78% down to 14% in a few months & I was in hospital for 7 days. Was a routine blood test that caught it. The consultant told me he sees a few such cases each year; & that's just one hospital. My kidney function only returned to 45%.
Just spotted this thread. I've been on Omeprazole for (many) years, I suffer with acid reflux, I also have no gallbladder (removed with gallstones in '99). What dose were you on? As I'm approaching 50, I recently had a comprehensive health check/MOT with Bupa, and the only thing it flagged up was kidney function, showing IIRC 65% function. I hadn't connected Omeprazole with this at all!Edited by Glosphil on Thursday 8th September 09:16
I've raised concerns with my docs previously about long term use of Omeprazole, but they say the dose I am on is low (10mg per day), and shouldn't cause any problems. Hmm. The problem is, if I stop taking it I get reflux within 24 hours.
Edit to add, I've just checked my results, and it wasn't 65%, it was the eGFR reading, which was 65mL/min. All other function ok.
Test Results Said said:
Your eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) result has been given an amber flag as it is slightly below the recommended range. The eGFR is a measure of how much blood is being 'cleaned' by your kidneys every minute. Therefore a higher figure demonstrates kidneys that are working well, and lower figures demonstrate kidneys that aren't working as efficiently. The eGFR is estimated using your creatinine level and also takes into account your age and sex. The eGFR test is a good way to check for reduced kidney function, especially in conjunction with a urinalysis (urine) test.
It is common to have an eGFR between 60-89, and in the absence of any physical abnormality with your kidneys or abnormality in any urine tests (for example blood or protein), it does not mean you have 'chronic kidney disease'. You don’t need to take any further action, unless we informed you to contact your GP in another section of your report. We also recommend that you now have your kidney function checked with us every 6-12 months. If you are concerned about your results or you need further guidance, we encourage you to use our free Private GP Helpline service.
It is common to have an eGFR between 60-89, and in the absence of any physical abnormality with your kidneys or abnormality in any urine tests (for example blood or protein), it does not mean you have 'chronic kidney disease'. You don’t need to take any further action, unless we informed you to contact your GP in another section of your report. We also recommend that you now have your kidney function checked with us every 6-12 months. If you are concerned about your results or you need further guidance, we encourage you to use our free Private GP Helpline service.
Edited by LeighW on Thursday 8th September 11:22
Interesting thread, and a very suspiciously similar set of symptoms to me.
I remember clearly sitting in a lecture theatre at uni back in September 2000, minding my own business, when I was suddenly overcome with a searing pain in my chest - then a racing heart rate and the sweats. Convinced I was having a heart attack at the age of 18. Made my way to the local health centre, was given an appointment for later that day, quack diagnosed a suspected HH & prescribed Omeprazole. I was an overweight smoker who liked a drink - overnight I became teetotal, stopped the fags, and over the course of six months lost about three stone.
Anyway, over the intervening 20 years I have been through the whole PPI medication family - Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, have now settled on Esomeprazole as each one becomes ineffective. I've gradually gained back all the weight I lost back in the day with extra. Tried the Keto diet for a few months, which seemed to lessen symptoms and helped me lose some weight. Over the last few years symptoms have become somewhat more varied and interesting, for example my body likes to mimic a heart attack - chest pain, arm pain, neck & jaw pain - after eating or when under stress. Been to A&E a couple of times to be checked out, but all tests come back clear.
Engaged a private cardiologist & gastrointerologist - heart checks all come back fine, blood pressure & heart function 100%, no signs of valve problems or blockages. Had a number of endoscopes to check for esophagus or stomach valve problems, or any signs of acid reflux damage - none found. Their only advice was to lose the weight, and monitor what I eat for signs of reaction.
Have taken a food allergy test via blood samples, that showed an intolerance to gluten, dairy, eggs and pork, so I try to avoid all those things. I do tend to get bloated very quickly - if my wife and I are eating the same meal, I will tend to eat about half of what she does before feeling full, and then inevitably spend the next three hours trying to expel trapped wind and relieve discomfort. Sleep on three propped up pillows, as lying down tends to produce the chest pain. To add to the amusement, occasionally the chest pain/acid reflux will trigger the Vagus nerve, and induce a series of heart palpitations. That's always fun, and just what you want when experiencing chest pain, arm pain, neck & jaw pain. Not panic inducing at all.
I've tried several times to get off PPI medication, and can manage it for about three days before the reflux / rebound symptoms become intolerable.
I remember clearly sitting in a lecture theatre at uni back in September 2000, minding my own business, when I was suddenly overcome with a searing pain in my chest - then a racing heart rate and the sweats. Convinced I was having a heart attack at the age of 18. Made my way to the local health centre, was given an appointment for later that day, quack diagnosed a suspected HH & prescribed Omeprazole. I was an overweight smoker who liked a drink - overnight I became teetotal, stopped the fags, and over the course of six months lost about three stone.
Anyway, over the intervening 20 years I have been through the whole PPI medication family - Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, have now settled on Esomeprazole as each one becomes ineffective. I've gradually gained back all the weight I lost back in the day with extra. Tried the Keto diet for a few months, which seemed to lessen symptoms and helped me lose some weight. Over the last few years symptoms have become somewhat more varied and interesting, for example my body likes to mimic a heart attack - chest pain, arm pain, neck & jaw pain - after eating or when under stress. Been to A&E a couple of times to be checked out, but all tests come back clear.
Engaged a private cardiologist & gastrointerologist - heart checks all come back fine, blood pressure & heart function 100%, no signs of valve problems or blockages. Had a number of endoscopes to check for esophagus or stomach valve problems, or any signs of acid reflux damage - none found. Their only advice was to lose the weight, and monitor what I eat for signs of reaction.
Have taken a food allergy test via blood samples, that showed an intolerance to gluten, dairy, eggs and pork, so I try to avoid all those things. I do tend to get bloated very quickly - if my wife and I are eating the same meal, I will tend to eat about half of what she does before feeling full, and then inevitably spend the next three hours trying to expel trapped wind and relieve discomfort. Sleep on three propped up pillows, as lying down tends to produce the chest pain. To add to the amusement, occasionally the chest pain/acid reflux will trigger the Vagus nerve, and induce a series of heart palpitations. That's always fun, and just what you want when experiencing chest pain, arm pain, neck & jaw pain. Not panic inducing at all.
I've tried several times to get off PPI medication, and can manage it for about three days before the reflux / rebound symptoms become intolerable.
I tried drinking it (once), then decided to buy these instead:
https://alpha01.co/products/organic-apple-cider-vi...
I have 2 in the morning with breakfast.
https://alpha01.co/products/organic-apple-cider-vi...
I have 2 in the morning with breakfast.
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