I've been on PPIs for 20 years. Anyone else want to try to wean off them together?

[SilverSmithy]

I've been on Lansoprazole of varying doses for 20 years due to recurring gastritis, erosions and quite extreme reflux. Having read about the side effects of them, I am worried - and I'm scared the damage has already been done with such long- term high doses. We're technically only meant to be on them for 6-8 weeks maximum.

Is anyone medical able to say whether coming off of them reverses any of the possible damage to kidneys and bones? (Like when they say that if you're a smoker, after a period of so many years your lungs will repair themselves?). I'm really keen to try to get off of these tablets because I have had some kidney issues and I wonder if these are the culprit.

I used to take Ranitidine too, but if course that was discontinued. I also take Gaviscon. Over the years I've had mixed responses from GPs, with some horrified about the amount of time I've been on these (which panics me) and some saying that some people just need to take them everyday and it's not uncommon.

What are your experiences? And do you know any good and safer alternatives?

Please seek medical advice and support from professionals.

You can try and wean off yourself, I don't think you're a risk of death or anything from not taking them 😂

you will most probably suffer rebound reflux if you do it too fast. Which means symptoms get worse for a while. I stopped by reducing really slowly like one tablet a week etc over I think a few months. I still take one occasionally (if I have alcohol for example) and sometimes use gaviscon and I feel very pleased with myself.

it would depend on your reasons for starting them in the first place and whether they are still there though I would of thought. I needed them due to such a horrendous bout of sickness I damaged my throat with stomach acid. (Shudder)

@Motnight I have mentioned that GPs have mixed opinions on this. I have also had 3 scopes in the past and the gastroenterologist opinion on my last one was "when you need it take it". But it's quite a self-managed condition and I would like to try to reduce / stop or get to a point where I can just take it as and when needed. It's difficult when you've relied on something for 20 years