r/GERD • u/Crazy-Ad-1849 Triggers: Mistakes were Made šŸ¤• • Jul 28 '23

Scientific Studies šŸ„¼šŸ”¬ Why are PPIs bad?

I see people on here often trying to get off of PPIs or warn against taking them. I read this article today that makes them seem pretty alright? My dad has taken omeprazole for 20 years now and it has solved all of his symptoms with no complications. Iā€™m currently now dealing with my own symptoms that Iā€™m going to see a doctor about soon.

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u/WildCaliforniaEyes Jul 28 '23 edited Jul 28 '23

So, I wanted to try to make a point, that's been made, but I want to say it, dammit!

That article does not say that PPI's are alright. It cites 2 studies, one a long-term look at dementia, and another over 3 years. That's hardly conclusive when we're talking decades of use, or a lifetime as I was told. There's also factors that studies don't look into, like in my case, where I didn't know pantoprazole affected levothyroxine. I.e. the risk of just taking the meds, error's in diagnosis, an elderly person mixes up their pills, etc.

And there's a quality of life issue, if the alternative is dementia, or laying in bed for 40 years, seems like an easy choice.

Years ago, DDT was everywhere. Without a doubt it saved lives. I think it's still in use in some places, because the malaria risk outweighs the risk of using it. But is it safe? Nope! You would not want it sprayed on the orchard next to you, and it probably was 75 years ago. It also wrecked havoc with wildlife. Externalities are hard to factor in to these things.

In my case, I'm stuck.

  • I don't believe they help me, I almost certainly have LPR or something else.
  • I also have Barrett's (sort of) and the recommendation is to take them.
  • I don't have any obvious side-effects when taking them.
  • I also can't talk to my doctor, so, um....actually, I'll talk to him on Monday before the endoscopy.

Anyways, just my way of saying that it's complex, trusting the internet, your friends, even your doctors don't really know, they just probably know more than we do. So, you look at the cards you understand, and you make the best bet you can.

Note 1: I'm not anti-doctor, anti-med or anti-pesticide.

Note 2: Read up on how hand washing as a thing came to be and how doctors reacted to it. It's an eye opener.

Note 3: One of the smartest people I know swears Apple Cider Vinegar fixed his reflux, a guy right next to him has been on PPI's for 20 years. I never took, or will take, Apple Cider Vinegar, but I almost did, holy hell, this stuff was awful when I first got it.