Chronic heartburn/reflux

[BlytheElena]

Hi all, hoping for some advice/remedies for my chronic indigestion.
Back at the start of 2020 I was prescribed oral metronidazole for BV which I started taking- it triggered the most severe heartburn I have ever experienced. I was then prescribed metronidazole in pessary form which took care of that issue but ever since I have been plagued with upper digestive problems which include: over production of stomach acid (which leads to vomiting of acid), burping, horrible taste in mouth, lump in throat, tightness in my neck and the general burning sensation of heartburn.
I was prescribed lanzsoprazole which didn't really cut it so now take eszomeprazole (40mg daily for a few months and now reduced to 20mg). This lessens my symptoms hugely but I can feel that if I stop taking it they will return with a vengeance.

I am just wondering if anyone else has ever experienced something similar and could advise? I don't want to take this for the rest of my life- I assume that the metronidazole knocked out my stomach and I want to help it get back to a steady state.
P.S think twice before taking Metronidazole in oral form.
Thanks

Have you been checked for h pylori?

Yes, negative

I had this problem for two years after very strong antibiotics, and what eventually got rid of it was strong probiotics. Not Yakult and stuff, but proper 20 billion live microorganisms in tablets. Got them from a pharmacy. I took them for a month. It might be worth a try?

Have you had an endoscopy? May be worth checking it’s acid causing your problems not bile…. You have my sympathies - also struggling long term with a gastric issue☹️

It does sound like h pylori it just be awful for you. Are your doctors being helpful? Looking into it for you?

Did they tell you to stop taking all heartburn meds for at least two weeks before testing for h pylori?

Thank you for your replies and advice.
The doctors have been helpful after initially trying to fob me off with 'it could be stress related'. It definitely started because of the antibiotics.
I am waiting for an endoscopy which I hope won't be too much longer and I have tried probiotic capsules (Probio 7 advanced) but perhaps I should look for a stronger version.

Thanks again

@HorseGallopingOnATomato

I had this problem for two years after very strong antibiotics, and what eventually got rid of it was strong probiotics. Not Yakult and stuff, but proper 20 billion live microorganisms in tablets. Got them from a pharmacy. I took them for a month. It might be worth a try?

Which probiotics did you use?

WrongKindOfFace- no they didn't tell me to stop meds. Meds can hide H.Pylori?

@BlytheElena

WrongKindOfFace- no they didn't tell me to stop meds. Meds can hide H.Pylori?

Yep. Recent PPIs or antibiotics can mask the infection. I’d ask for a retest as a starting point.

@MiaRoma Optibac, cost about £12, but there are loads of brands that do the same thing.

Thank you 🙂

I get periodic flare-ups of excess acid, gullet infection etc. 12 months of omeprazole/lansoprazole usually does the trick. And yes, PPI's will interfere with H.pylori results, so get off the PPI's for at least a fortnight before you give your test sample. Ranitidine or similar can be taken instead without botching the test, but I find it's far less effective at suppressing the symptoms than PPI's.