Prilosec & I Are Breaking Up!

I am trying to wean myself off of long-term use of Prilosec and it is not going well! Why now and why not? Let me tell you about it.

I have been taking Prilosec for very close to 20 years. I have always had problems with acid reflux, beginning in childhood, right up until I was first given the wonder drug Prevacid (which back then was not available over-the-counter or OTC).

It was like magic, the pain which I had experienced forever ended, my damaged esophagus healed and my quality of life vastly improved. Our insurance changed several times back then and eventually my miracle drug, (which was unaffordable otherwise) was no longer covered.

The good news was that many acid reflux disease drugs had become available in OTC versions; Prilosec among them. Once again the fire in my stomach and throat was brought under control and life was good again.

Then the scientific studies started rolling out; acid reflux medications have been linked to everything from bone fractures, to worsening heart disease, to (most recently) kidney failure and increased risk of dementia. My siblings have been after me forever to stop taking these meds and after reading up on the most recent reports, I decided to give it a try, if for no other reason than to quiet my worried sisters.

I'm usually fine until about midday, but at that point it doesn't matter what I consume from fresh fruit to fiery jalapenos, the burn begins and doesn't end until I take Pepcid chewable antacids so I can get to sleep at night!

Ben says to try lemon juice in water (which is one homeopathic suggestion). Other natural remedies include: chewing gum, (which I'm doing right now, even though I hate it because I always bite myself!) eating licorice, and aloe vera juice. Of course there are the recommendations to lose weight, raise the head of your bed and the list goes on.

Truthfully, even when I was at my thinnest, reflux was still a huge issue, so the losing weight thing, although overall health-wise is a great idea, is not the answer to the problem. I know there are some surgical options out there, but who can afford it? So I'll grab some more gum, try to drink more water, chew on some licorice and - hope.

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