Hello, XXXXXX,

Thank you for contacting XXXXXXX with your query.

You do have a long history of GERD dating back ten years or more. The recent endoscopic findings of multiple erosions indicate that you have not been adequately treated for this condition. The doctors also found H.Pylori at the time of examination and you were treated with probable triple therapy with two antibiotics and a PPI for 14 days, which is sufficient to eradicate the infection.

One unfortunate effect of treating H.Pylori is , it might make GERD symptoms worse. The important thing to remember is to take the PPI properly. Rabonik, which is Rabeprazole, is also a good PPI. 10 mg. dose is not sufficient. The effective dose is 20 mg. once or twice daily. The drug has to be taken about 60-90 mins. before your bigger meal in the morning and evening.

You should stay on the medication for about 8 weeks since you had multiple erosions or small ulcers for them to heal completely.

I want you to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen family of drugs. Cut back on caffeine (Coffee & Tea ,Chocolate milk). Cut back on spicy, fatty, greasy and fried foods. Dairy products like cheeses
and excess whole milk can make your acidity worse. Do not eat anything at least two hours before bed time. PPI drugs have been in use since the 70's and they are pretty much safe except for minor side effects such as constipation, headache, occasional nausea, etc. There is no evidence that these drugs cause stomach cancer or tumors (Polyps).

After the 8 week period, if you are still having symptoms, you should contact your gastroenterologist for further follow up. If you take all the steps that I mention, I am confident that you will feel a whole lot better and avoid any complications.

Improperly treated, erosions can turn into big ulcers and bleed. They can form scar tissue and cause stricture or narrowing of the lower esophagus. Long-term complications are "Barretts's Esophagus" which is pre-cancerous leading to cancer of the esophagus.

Hope I have been able to explain your problems adequately.
I wish you the very best.

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Hello, XXXXXX,
Rabonik-DSR is a combination of Rabeprazole 20 mg.
and Domperidone 30 mg. This is a combination of
a PPI with a motility drug.
In your case , I prefer that you take the Rabeprazole 20 mg.
plain twice a day to get the maximum effect to heal the
erosions. It is safe to take the drug for extended period.
After the healing of ulcers , a single dose may be needed
for maintenance for additional 6-8 weeks and after that
you can use it only as needed for any recurrrent
symptoms.
As I mentioned before , the PPIs are safe and some
concerns about increase in pneumonia or other infections
is minimal. There may be mild enzyme changes (Liver) very rare.
Serious side effects have not been reported , more exceptional.
Domperidone has a lot of side effects and here in USA , it is not
approved for use. Headache, dizziness, dry mouth,nervousness,
flushing,irritability,trouble sleeping,hot flashes,leg cramps all
have been reported.It can also cause irregular heart beats and
difficulty urinating.
I hope I have given you enough information that you can discuss
with your doctor.
I wish you the very best.

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Hello,
I am glad to be of help. You are most welcome
and have a great day.
Thank you for your kind comments.

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