Maybe a second opinion?

I had soreness in my upper abdomen that I thought was exercise induced but Cardiology stated the blood thinner (apixiban/Eliquis) causes stomach irritation. She started me on Protonix (40mg) daily 30 minutes prior to food or drink. Haven't had any issues other than my hiatus hernia occasionally. The burping comes about because I was told by a GI Doctor years ago prior to heart issues that PPI's (Protonix, Nexium etc.) kill off the good bacteria in your gut after long time usage. He recommended Align (probiotic) to repopulate the gut. I am on a Vegan diet and chose to use sauerkraut, Kimchi and soy yogurt instead of taking another medication and it has worked for me. No more burping, belching. Interesting about having to wait so long for a procedure. I just got diagnosed with a rare cancer. Rare in the sense that the only protocol for it is removal as it doesn't respond to Chemo or Radiation. So they removed that body part and still in recovery mode at this time. They had me stop my twice daily Eliquis two days prior to surgery and had to wait two days after before resuming my blood thinner. It was major surgery. I wonder if the type of surgery they have you slotted for is worse in that the procedure is very high risk for an uncontrolled bleed? Anyhow the cancer I had (Leydig) as they stated good margins after removal and now active surveillance for the next few years. Basically, Barium sulfate and CT scans with contrast to ensure it hasn't spread. Sure hope that you can find a remedy sooner rather than later. Prayers!!!

I pray that you will be able to have your procedure and that it will be clear of any problems.

Thanks for your answer. My GI doc told me that if he found anything (polps, cancer) he couldn’t do anything. Just checking to see if anyone was able to get off the thinners for a little while for treatment.

I take Eliquis and it irritates my stomach so I am on 40mg Protonix and will probably be for life. Do not want a GI bleed.