Acid Reflux

yes yes yes! going to doc tomorrow! never had it before pmr and pred. diet is lean and mean. will let you know what he says. funny i was gonna post same question today.

I was diagnosed with PMR in June 2019. I have back pain that radiates to my chest or upper abdomen. I had CAT scans of chest and abdomen and nothing was found. I get short of breath with mild exertion. The prednisone can cause some of these side effects.

When I had GCA and on prednisone and as it a side-effect, I was given Omeprazole - 'used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers). It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and persistent cough'.

Hope this helps.

Yes. I have severe GERD, esophagitis, and ulcers (bleeding) in both the esophagus and belly. I was having EGDs every 2 months, plus taking carafate and I still take Pantoprazole.

My dose is 40mg mid way of all my other meds.

PMR , 2.5 years ago really complicated things. The GERD was 4 years prior to the PMR.

During all this i developed PEs and DVTs, meaning I am on eliquis.

The blood thinner makes all the tests difficult. My gastroenterologist is outstanding, he sees me every 6 months, more if necessary.

Study the GERD diet.

I am not supposed to eat for 6 hours before bed. There are lots of good tips on the internet. Elevating the head of the bed is suggested, too.

If you have no ulcers, this is good! Your diet might prevent them.

My ulcers bled.

Hope you feel better. Good that you have a doctor watching you carefully.

My own lesson through the PMR journey is that other things happen, some independently. If they are related, it is hard to tell. My heart is now an issue, the aorta.

I have been told my health plan is "maintenance. " Surprisingly, I am o.k. with this. Knowing I am on Eliquis, Pred, and possibly azathioprine for life helps me not fight it any more. Am happy to be able to move and have have a life. PMR had me all but paralyzed.

Will never say never, but there is acceptance. If the Dr. sees improvement, he will think about slow reduction. (Have lost count of my months at 10mg pred. began at 20, went to 60, bounced a while..stable at 10.)

My best to you. It is good to know how others manage. it is wonderful to read when others reduce the meds.

MariGrace on the journey...

I was given Pantoprazole to supposedly prevent stomach issues. The doc who did the endoscopy recommended I stop taking it. I stopped 3 days ago and am also changing my diet big time, no acidic food, drinking kefir every day, no alcohol, no coffee or tea. I know this sounds harsh but I am desperate as the chest pains were getting worse. Thanks to all for your responses.

It is difficult to say as I recall having chest discomfort at the start of taking the Pantoprazole

Because an endoscopy showed no other problems it was suggested that acid reflux was the probable cause of my persistent chest pains with deep breathing.

For the last few weeks I was woken in the morning with very bad pains so I am changing my diet and also stopping the Pantoprazole as suggested by the doctor who did the endoscopy. So far I am feeling much better, no morning discomfort and I am hoping in time the breathing will also improve. Kefir is mu new friend as I find this to be a great stomach comforter. Also staying away from all the food and beverages that can cause acid reflux is a necessity that I am willing to endure.

This may be a completely different problem but some months before I seemed to get PMR symptoms and about 1 1/2 years before diagnosis, I did something to my chest when doing a simple yoga stretch. My doctor at the time said I had dislocated a rib and it would go back into place. Well I'd say it was only within the last year that discomfort from this has gone away, and even so once in a while it comes back, but only briefly. It's nothing to do with my gut , definitely something in, or surrounding the chest, and now I wonder if the "dislocated rib" triggered costochondritis which we hear can be a PMR add on.

ok, i dont have chest pain, just acid reflux. saw gp today (who treats my pmr); he said pred is notorious for causing stomach issues. told me to try some over the counter stuff like prevacid or nexium so im off to the drugstore tomorrow. my diet is already squeaky clean, has been for years. hope i get some relief. best wishes to you.

Chiming in with my resounding YES YES YES. Heartburn that is killer, typical on Prednisone treatment, escpecially on the high doses necessary for GCA. All across the back and chest and yikes.

I was prescribed protonix and it does not work as well as omprezanole for me, but we are all different. I've figured out the foods to avoid, and you will too. I was really surprised when artificial sweeteners turned up as huge heartburners for me, as I work to keep my blood glucose steady.

There's a lot to juggle! Hope you get the reflux under control, it is a painful thing.