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Anyone with GERD, this really helps.

Posted , 2 users are following.

youngatheart1
youngatheart1

I have suffered with IBS/Acid/GERD since I was 15, I am now 57. Having read so many people asking for advice, I will explain what I do.  I take 150mg ranitidine (Zantac) first thing in the morning (GP will need to prescibe this dose, but you can buy 75mg over the counter and take 2, you can have 300mg per 24 hours safely), 3 hours later I take my PPI, then take another ranitidine after dinner.  PPI and ranitidine are different, one stops production of acid the other mops it up (according to my gastro).  I usually just take 20mg esomeprazole which is enough to control my symptoms, but when I get a flare up which I have now after taking antibiotics with coloured plastic covers I start taking both together.  Yes, it would be great not to be on any medication but after all these years, despite trying I have never managed it and I have been on some kind of acid medication for as long as I can remember.  Word of caution both together is not meant for a long term solution, my GP said perfectly ok for a couple of weeks, which is all it should take to get it under control and if you are less stressed it is easier to deal with and then just a PPI will help.  Also PPI's are meant to be taken daily, if I miss just 1 dose I know about it, so if you are new to them take them regularly and after a few days you should get some relief, it took me 4 different types to find the one that was best for me.

2 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Bad_reflux
    Bad_reflux youngatheart1

    Posted

    Hi , iam 36, i am having GERD since a yr.Ranitidine 300mg twice daily was prescribed by my dr ,but i have no continous relief, it relapsed and iam suffering now with excessive burping , heart burn and v uncomfortable. I even used omeprazole OTC dor 14 days . PLS ADVISE WHAT TO DO ? iam worried that my throat will get damaged ...and not hopefully cause barettes oesophagus.pls explain how to get rid of this. I avoided any caffeine or spices. I am really suffering. . sad
    • youngatheart1
      youngatheart1 Bad_reflux

      Posted

      Hi, unfortunately, I am not sure it ever goes, it just becomes bearable, I too get off days and then take gaviscon as well.  You have to take ranitidine and PPI at regular intervals for a couple of weeks to really get benefit, not just as and when.  The omeprazole over the counter are 20mg you can have up to 80mg a day to settle things, I would go back to GP and ask for them on prescription as they are so expensive OTC, and you can get a higher dosage with one prescription charge, that is assuming you are UK.  I am no expert, believe me just have lived with this most of my life and some days are good some are bad, I have had 2 endoscopies which show nothing at all, even though the acid was so bad I was making myself sick to get of it, nothing showed. I would not worry about Barratts, PPI's are what they give you if you have Barratts anyway so my understanding is that you are safer taking them.  Take care

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