Hello Stephanie,

I sincerely thank you for your comments on PPI's and the recent news that bone fractures increase dramatically when taking these medications for some time.

For 25 years, I had trouble swallowing and then 1 1/2 years ago, the gastroenterologist discovered that I had eosinophilic esophagitis and the beginning stages of Barrett's Esophagus.  This shocked me, since I had been following excellent nutrition, much exercise, no going to bed for 3 hours after a meal, etc. But this was the diagnosed.

The kind doctor gave me a an edoscopy and I began to abstain from acid foods (really good foods--citrus, etc.), plus discovered that I had severe airborne allergies and allergy to corn, rye, eggs, barley, etc.  I also began Nexium every day, plus a nose spray for the eosinophilic esophagitis.  It worked!  For 1 1/2 years, I have had no trouble swallowing food--after 25 years of bearing with that problem!

Sadly, at the same time, I also discovered that I have osteopenia, something I could not figure out since I had high calcium intake and ran 4 miles a day for 30 years.  Plus, they discovered that I have degenerative disks in my spine and stenosis.  All of this came on me.

Now, Stephanie, I've been reading that taking Nexium for a long time (it has been 1 1/2 years for me) has serious consequences.  The doctor said that I would be on it for life, since I had some Barrett's Esophagus, something that can lead to cancer--a very serious cancer.  So I am presently weighing what to do. Do I turn away from Nexium (against the Doctor's instructions) and try to preserve my bones, that are not in good shape now?  Or do I continue with the Nexium, and expect that there will be bone fractures--of the hip, wrist, or spine?  These are not good choices to make.

Your discussion was helpful and it is good to know that others are facing this same dilemma.  I must consider the choice that you have made, in leaving the PPI behind and going to that other medication.  Perhaps I should discuss this with the doctor, though I don't think he will approve.  Thank you so much for your helpful comments and I'll be looking forward to your next article on this subject.

God bless you!

Richard

Stephanie, Health Guide

6/ 4/10 12:11am

It is a good discussion to have with your doctor now that there is new information. And especially in your case with so many factors, the benefits/risks need to be figured out. Maybe you could stay on the Nexium but have closer monitoring for the osteopenia. Also, as there are different levels of osteopenia - the severity should be monitored. In your case though, it's definitely not something you want to try doing on your own - you should be monitored. Also, you could consider getting a second opinion. The 2nd opinion may substantiate the first or may lead to some new ideas.

 

You are absolutely right that your profile does not at all fit the osteoporosis picture, but I'm so glad you wrote about it here. A lot of men won't even think of having their bones looked at and being a runner on top of it........

 

Thanks so much for sharing your story - I wish you luck in talking with your doctor.

 

Stephanie

Anonymous

6/ 4/10 11:24am

Stephanie,

 

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply to my post.  It gives me something to think about.  The problem was such a perplexity to me, a real enigma, that it was good to write about it and be open to your thoughts.  So much of this just doesn't make sense, especially after being utterly conscientious about my health/nutrition/exercise commitment during my adult life.  Well, I can hope that the doctor will be open to discussing all of this, although it seems that perhaps he is not really up on those aspects that are not in his field of expertise.

 

I wonder if any other reader to Health Central/ AcidRefluxConnection will venture to answer also?

 

Have a good day and God bless you,

Richard

 

 

colleen

6/30/10 3:08pm

I recently had a discectomy and my neurosurgeon noticed signs of osteoporosis. I am 53 and NOT post-menopausal but I had been taking Prevacid for about 10-12 years. My primary doctor recently changed my Rx to Pantoprazole and Omeprazole. The combo seems to work for my acid reflux problems but are these also PPIs?

Stephanie, Health Guide

6/30/10 7:23pm

Yes, they are both PPIs. You may want to take this info to your primary care doctor. I've found that unfortunately as they can't be on top of everything, sometimes they've missed out on this info. Also, make sure your doc is aware of what the doc found when doing your discectomy. Your primary may want to do a bone scan to determine the level of bone loss.

 

Stephanie