This is pretty much the million dollar question at this point. There are many of us who are taking PPIs and they are working and getting off of them is not going to be easy. I was able to switch to high levels of H2 blockers (currently taking Pepcid) but I do not get as good of control as I did when I was on the PPIs. Surgery is also becoming a bigger contender in the fight against chronic reflux but it too has risks and side effects.

If you aren't already seeing a GI specialist now might be the time to see one. Take a list of your concerns and your symptoms. Have a discussion about the benefits and risks of the PPIs. In my Mom's case she's been monitored for bone loss but for her the risk of an ulcer is greater than the side effects of the PPIs so she's staying on them. Hopefully by going in with all of this information you'll be able to come up with a plan that takes everything into account.

Best of Luck - Stephanie