Hi jancookz,

Did you check with your pulmo about your specific risk related to the PPI and pneumonia?

Do you also take NSAIDS for pain or inflammation? (Ibuprofin, Aleve, aspirin, etc.) Recently I switched from ibuprofin that I was taking for arthritis pain, and went to Tylenol (acetaminophen). Since then my heartburn flare-ups have gone away. However, acetaminophen is processed by the liver, so you have to be very careful what other medications you are taking, including OTC cold/flu remedies.

In fact, my pulmo has said to cut my acetaminophen doses in half when I start taking NTM antibiotics because one of them is hard on the liver.

I've been on a PPI (omeprazole, brand name Prilosec) for over 10 years due to GERD. I plan to talk to my PCP soon about whether I need to stay on it, whether I could reduce my dose. My pulmo and I have discussed whether the GERD is responsible for my COPD, and whether we should do a study to really see if I'm aspirating stomach contents. (Sounds gross, I know.)

You probably already know that for some people, not everyone, going off a PPI can actually cause a rebound of increased heartburn. Maybe a trip to the GI doc would be good?

I use vinegar and water - start with the tiniest of vinegar - take before each meal - It may take several days to know if it will help you - good luck - norma

forgot to mention that I use organic apple cider vinegar with the mother - norma

Thanks for all your help! I do not take NSAIDs at all. The rebound acid is becoming too much for me, with chronic indigestion and chest pain day and night. I am going back on the Nexium. I plan to talk with the pulmo doc, since I know GERD is a major factor for problems with COPD and NTMI. I have tried the cider vinegar in the past, without success. Right now, I would rather face the negative consequences of the PPI than live with this nausea, headache, indigestion, chest pain, etc. Life is short, so I simply must decide on the pros and cons--I just took a Nexium and will welcome the relief, side effects notwithstanding.

I have silent gerd and take the generic prilosec my daughter thinks I should try nexium instead.

Kandy, I have tried them all but find that Nexium works best for me. It just depends on how your own body reacts. My husband has taken Protonix for many years but has never had good results with Nexium. You just have to experiment on yourself to find what works best for you.

I was perusing this information and discovered the following on page 11. Scary.

Abstract Book-

2nd World Bronchiectasis Conference

10C19 [137] PREDICTORS OF REQUIRING HOSPITAL ADMISSION IN BRONCHIECTASIS EXACERBATIONS

"Conclusions: Hospitalization in the previous year, use of proton pump inhibitors, higher age-adjusted Charlson score and severe BE scores are risk factors for developing exacerbations that require hospitalization. Pneumococcal vaccination was protective.

http://www.world-bronchiectasis-conference.org/wp-...

I have been slowly weaning myself off Nexium, with my NP's permission, since earlier this year. PPI's are not meant for long term use and I have been on them for years. I do have rebound acid, controlled with Levsin as needed every 4 hours, and the acid has decreased greatly as I've progressed in the weaning process. I take Nexium every third day and Zantac twice a day the other two days. I hope to be off Nexium completely by the end of the year.

I have silent gerd and so was put on omeprazole and been on so long thought wasn't working anymore so asked to be put on Pantoprazole 40 mg. Seems to be working ok.

I have been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and they think my GERD condition caused it. The GERD drugs weren't helpful to me and I continued to have problems even with the meds. I'm having the GERD surgery to try to prevent more lung damage.

MK,

What type of procedure are you having done

I will meet with the surgeon soon to discuss the options. It will be either the Nissen Fundoplicatio or the LINX procedure. I have been struggling with GERD for over 30 years and it has caused my Bronchiectasis condition and the resulting NTM infection. I took the PPI drugs for many years and they didn't work very well for me because I have both acid and non-acid reflux. Also, the PPIs suppressed my immune system, causing me to be sick often. I tried apple cider vinegar and it works well, but doesn't do anything to eliminate the condition. So I'm on the 3 antibiotics, trying to kill the NTM. However if something isn't done to prevent the reflux, the Bronchiectasis will just get worse and I most likely will get another infection.

MK,

Hello! Sorry to read about your current GI challenges. I have heard little about the Linx or Missen procedures from other patients. I had asked my doc about these procedprecentky and he was not in a rush to push them since these are fairly new processes.

I would definitely inquire about the number of procedures your surgeon has perfect and info on the outcomes for patients similiar to yourself.

I have an appointment w a GI doc in January and diagnostic tests as well.

This GERD issue can really lead to major pulmonary progression ; this is why I posted so many article on food, nutrition and reflux in the past.

Keep us posted

The Nissen Fundoplication surgical procedure has been around since the 1960s. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissen_fundoplicatio...

There is a newer method, using a magnet called the LINX. After reading about it I'm hoping I am a good candidate for this newer method because there are less side effects.

There are studies in England and Australia involving the use of surgery for people with Bronchiectasis. The drugs don't stop reflux, it only helps prevent acid. Non-acid reflux can damage the lungs too. That is why the surgery is a good option.

MK,

Thank you for the information on the Nissen Procedure; I will research more on it later.

My doc was reluctant for me to even think about the Linx procedure since it was a fairly new procedure; he reported that it has caused bronchospasms and other issues that respiratory patients do not need. However, I realize it may lessen the GERD issue which contributes to so many respiratory issues...

Helli! Has anyone been on carafate for esophageal issues? If yes, did it help and how much time did it take to show improvement in symptoms

ksmiles, yes I have taken Carafate, it helped coat my stomach and I take it when I feel I have bad acid bothering me and coming up - I have severe GERD and esophagus problems, in addition to Bronchiectasis, so I go around and around.

About your bed situation though. Pillows are not going to be enough. Try putting that pillow under your mattress, or buy a wedge from a medical supply company. A Nissan can't be undone and not all of them work, it's a big surgery. Before you do that, try elevating your bed, or a wedge. I used a wedge successfully for a few years and then bought an adjustable bed. That was the best money I ever spent!!

Hi I have been on poi for years due to derisive gastritis and h-pylori. Even that doesn't always help and take over the counter drugs too. When I stop I really suffer. I did have whooping cough at five years old..who knows. Dr's don't a.ways know either.

Take care