QuestionHi Pamela, I have lost a lot of weight two months ago. I couldn't sleep, lost appetite, had big burp all the time, chest pain, weakness, fatigue,diarrhea (stools with mucus) and gas bloating. Sometime if I can't burp, my left side of the body will feel numbness. I thought I have heart disease or Severn GI problem. One month ago, my primary doctor prescribed me 40 mg of Omeprazole. I felt a little better day by day. My appetite came back, I could taste my foods and I could sleep 7 hours straight (big relieve). I had my EKG and stress test done last week, everything are normal. I went to the psychotherapist, she stated that I am having anxiety attack. I had my upper GI and colonscopy procedure done on Tuesday. My GI doctor said I have GERD and IBS. He gave my 40 mg of Pantoprazole. Today is my second day with Pantoprazole. I have really bad chest pain, bloating so bad, irregular heart beats and can't eat again (lost appetite). Also, since I had to drink those Pre Bowl drink for colonscopy procedure, they made me feel like to go to the restroom for three days. My stools had a lot of mucus again. I told my GI doctor today. I think I am having bad side affect from the Pantoprazole. He told me to switch back to 40mg Omeprazole tomorrow and take one 150 mg Zantac tonight. I am so confuse and scared to try new medicine again. I did some research on line, most of the survey stated that Pantopraole has more side effect to Asian (I am Asian). What should I do? Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Jenn
AnswerDear Jenn,
Focusing on the GERD, it occurs when the lower esosageal sphincter remains open, allowing stomach contents to enter the esophagus. Omeprozole and pantoprazole are both proton pump inhibitors, they work by neutralizing the acid in your stomach. Take the one that agrees with you. Zantac is an H2 blocker. It blocks histamine that causes stomach acid. It is not imperative to be taken if it does not agree with you. It is very important to find the treatment that works. The constant acid from the stomach entering the esophagus can cause esophageal cancer.
Irrital bowel syndrome or IBS, is a disease of the fluid regulation within the intestine. Signals go back and forth from the brain to the intestine. When stress occurs, the signals can become more active, increasing the sensitivity and contraction. IBS affects people differently. Some have constipation, others diarrhea and still others, a combination of both. The bloating, abdominal pain and mucous stools are associated with IBS. The belching and chest pain are associated with GERD.
I would recommend taking the omeprazole, since it agrees with you, and follow up with your GI doc in a couple of weeks. Good luck!
