New Members Check in Here First Part 1

Hi all

I  am so glad I found this site, I have been a member for about a month.  I was diagnosed with Barretts Esophagus in 2001.  I was prescribed Nexium.  In 2003, I was having severe reflux which required me to have a Nissan Fundiplication surgery to repair a hiatel hernia.  Since the surgery, I have had pain under my left rib cage which gets worse when I eat.  When I mentioned it to my surgeon he brushed it off.  I was taken off the Nexium after surgery.  I had my yearly EDG in March and it showed the Barretts Esophagus is worse.  I was shocked.  I wasn't having reflux, so I thought.  Since last September I have been battling a cough and hoarseness.  Come to find out this is a sign of "silent reflux".  My family doctor put me back on Nexium which has helped.  She also suggested I get a second opinion concerning the Barretts.  I went to another surgeon who ran tests.  I have another hiatel hernia.  He suggested I see a doctor at UPMC who specializes in Barretts.  As suggested I met with Dr Rodney Landreneau.  He ordered more tests (i.e., nuclear imaging, pulmonary function tests, brochoscopy, EGD, chest xrays).  I am scheduled for surgery on October 6 to have a portion of my esophagus removed.  Although I am nervous about the upcoming surger I am confident in Dr Landreneau. 

Hi everybody, I'm Maresha and I'm in Tennessee, married to a great guy that is my best friend, and mom of a 23 year old son whom i love deeply, and both of them make me laugh.

I had my first episodes my esophagus problems in 1998, and had no idea what was happening, went to heart specialist, lung specialists, ER, counselors, etc. ...Was put on lung medicine, anti-depressants, and heart medicine... I got worse and worse, and down to 91 pounds, and made out a large will to help take care of my 13 year old son in the event that i died. i was single mom at the time and working was stressful

Finally found out I was in menopause, which shocked my doctor as i was fairly young for it, but she then decided on gastro exams, and endoscopy showed a really messed up Barrett's esophagus inside.
i was put on lots of meds, which made symptoms much worse, and i kept telling them it made the spasms longer and worse. i noticed ice cream made things worse, milk products, so I tried stopping milk products and went through several types of hormones also, to set the female system in order, and some of them were rough, but we found estradiol worked well for me, so i stayed on that and it helped calm the esophagus also, when i settled down the hormones. later went on Evista when time was up to continue on real hormones. (i think Evista can be taken without complications for the rest of my little life.)
so, that episode ended a few years later when i changed my diet, sleeping habits, and hormones. i did not take the purple pills like Prilosec, etc., and i got better, but was checked every year with endoscopy. Barretts disappeared the next year, and the next. Skipped a few years with endoscopy as husband came down with Lymphoma and Leukemia, and we had a tough time, as he went through a bone marrow transplant in 2004. He's 4 years on the other side of it now, and is still clear, and we are thankful. there's some side effects like scleroderma, but we are thankful for the strength he has. he's able to work full time even now and we have a pretty normal life. but, i'm set on "go", any time he gets a little bit sick. and i feel i can't afford to be sick or weak, especially with something as tough and sort of longer term like this, as we never know when he'll take a sick spell. and so i am set kind of on high gear all the time. those were tough years that we went through.

so, to close this introduction, things went haywire again lately in my esophagus, and my neck, and i am remembering the trauma of 1998-2000, and i guess i'm scared, because if he gets weaker, or has a weak spell, i don't know if i'll be able to do the things i need to do to take care of him like i should and take care of myself too. physically speaking, in my fears, i feel like we cannot afford for me to get sick, i've got to be ready and strong in case he becomes sick. that's why i'm kicking myself that i took that zantac, and now i'm back to esophagus spasms like in 99. and so, that's where i am right now. i knew better than to do that, and i'm sort of paying for it now. and i'm praying he won't take a weak spell while i'm weak. i've got to get past this. sorry this was so long.

Newby here!

My problem started in June.  I had this funny feeling in my chest, which felt like indigestion.  I started taking some Mylanta.  That worked.  Then the weekend of the 4th of July, I awoke with nausea, and also a terrble feeling in my stomach and chest.  I took some mylanta, finally burped and was able to go back to sleep.  It really scared me.  The next day I was able to talk to the Doc who was on call at the Medical center where I go.  He told me to buy some Prilosec.  Made an appmt to see my doc, and she agreed and had me take two Prolosec per day, which I did for 30 some days.   I wasn't feeling better, but a lot worse.  Next appmt doc said, I had a virus.  Quit the Prilosec.  Of course all this time, they did not help me with what to eat, so I continued with the chicken soup, oatmeal, applesauce and some other  very mild other foods.  All things which I searched out for myself on the net.  I also went the apple and honey route.

Next visit, doc said, I had a nervous stomach, put me on some ativan.  Doc wanted me to take Paxil, it made me stare at the wall all night---did not take anymore of that.

Then, the doc was sick and I was unable to see her.  Her assistant, then prescibed Prozac.  I did not take that either, but was so anxiety ridden I continued with the 0.5 mg ativan, twice a day.

I had become so nervous about what in the heck was wrong with me, that I was wreck!  I worried and worried! 

Next, I went to see the doc who I use to work for, and he ordered lots and lots of blood work.  18 tubes worth!  He deals mainly in wholistic medicine, so he had me do a stool analysis test, plus a few others which I did not do.  I was too sick to read and follow all the directions!  I did not feel this was the right route.  Then our nurse there, was able to get me onto the list at a Gastroenterolgy Center, and they had a cancelation, and  WOW I was called right away.  The gal at the desk did us a favor and put me at the top of the list. 

Since then, I had a scope!     I have an ulcer in theduodenal bulb, had biopsies taken for H. Pylori, LA Class A, erosive, reflux-induced esophagitis in the esophagus.  3cmhiatus hernia in the esophagus.

Now I know!  Better to deal with when knowing! 

GEEEE I started with all this in June, suffered July, August, and most of September till I found out what the heck was wrong with me.  That is why I am such a wreck!  Then again I am a big baby too! 

I get really angry when I think about my doc not ordering a scope in the first place.  She was guessing in her diagnosis of first----acid-reflux- then she said, a virus, then she said a nervous stomach!!!!! 

I don't know, but something went very wrong along the way.

The Gastroenterologist I am seeing is terrific!  She cares and has worked with me!  She will call me if I call in with a question, and she has been great.

So now I am taking Prevacid--4 days now.  I still eat very carefully.

In a few weeks I am scheduled for a colonoscopy.  Also, I have to stop the ativan, and the Gastroenterologist recommended I try Lexapro, along with some ativan for the initial getting use to the Lexapro, then i will be able to stop the ativan.    She says, the Lexapro makes one feel evened out or leveled out or something.  Hey, I am game for that!  I need to feel leveled!     I am kinda a nervous person anyway, which didn't help with the 4 months of not knowing what was really happening to me!  I was always thinking the worst! 

One thing that does help me the most, is eating a Delicious Apple, well only a few slices.  I found that little bit of advice on the net.  Also the Honey works too.  I never was brave enough to try the apple cider vinegar thing.

Well that is my story, most of it, as I'm sure there is something I am forgetting.  LOL I am tired, did I mention that?  I lost a lot of weight, 30 some pounds, so life is a bit different, but I am hopeful to get past this and get my life back, and most of all I want to think of 'good things' and keep on truckin!

I have a wonderful husband who I have to keep up with, and two daughters who are worried about me, and also two lovely granddaughters who want their Nana to come visit them.

So I am hoping the Prevacid will kick in and things will get better!  I am being positive I will 'Level' out and feel like my old self.

Thank you for this Forum, I read here now and then and it has been a lot of help and comfort.

I praying for everyone here! 

Thank you stkit for the warm Welcome!     I'll be around, for sure! 

Hi - I just rudely posted my first question without introducing myself first... sorry!

I am 35 years old and was born with a hiatal hernia so spent the first few months of life vomiting blood and it went from there. At 16 yrs and 18yrs I had a Nissen Fundoplication and the second has been very successful. After spending 18 years sleeping either in a car seat, an armchair or a raised medical bed - being able to now lie fully flat is fantastic.

I have Barretts Oesophagus (so get biopsies every two years to check for cancer) and have referred pain to the shoulder from the diaphragm damage during surgery. Damage to the vocal chords also from surgery gives me a deep sexy voice when I'm tired (which is quite fun). I can't vomit and totally sympathise with those of us with gas problems! However... compared to my teenage years I have a great quality of life now.

My next challenge is we are trying for our first baby...

Happy to help with any questions I can... and thanks for the forum (all the way from New Zealand...   )

 

Hi

My name is Rachel. I am very glad that I have found you all. I am one of those people who feel a big lump and something "hanging" feeling in my throat. I have been treated for GERD for the past year and half. Earlier this year I thought I was fine and I stopped taking the meds (I was taking some natural herbs and i thought I actually was better)- big mistake- GERD came back really viciously after about 6 weeks and I have not recovered from that. In fact I also started getting this terrible feeling in my throat and so now I have GERD and LPRD. I am back on GERD meds. I feel OK with the GERD but my throat sometimes really scares me. SO I am happy to find you all to talk with, share, support and learn from each other.

By the way, I went back to the country where I was born and did a lot of medical tests-endoscopy, X-rays, CTscans, saw GI docs and ENT docs and they all said there was nothing wrong with me except GERD and LPRD (oh! I do have a small hiatal hernia). But somedays I swear I feel like I have some big problem going on in my throat. I feel like there's strings of small marbles stuck in my throat going down to my chest.....anyone feel that?

Rachel

PS: I think I posted this in the wrong place before....I'll try aned take it off

bump to top for new members and members returning to the site.

Welcome CordeliaGray

I read a post by you today and it was very warm, thoughtful and educational.  I am so glad you posted a bit about you here in this forum.  Sorry I missed it until just now.

Just know we are all happy to have you join us.

Welcome aboard.

Hugs,
Kitt

Hello, to all my name is Melissa and have suffered with gerd for years. Mine turned into Barrett's and ended up with a hernia. So, May 9th I had the nissen surgey, hernia repair and had my gall bladder removed along with gall stones. I am still in the eariler stages and healing and it hasnt been easy. I just want to thank you for this site and the people that post, its so nice to know that you are not alone. Thank u so much God speed and wish you all a speed   recovery.

xena5380

Welcome to the nicest GERD and Heartburn forum on the web.  This can be a wild and crazy disease or a not to bad one. I would bet many people do not recognize the sx and just keep looking for other reasons for their problems.

You had quite the surgical procedure and I am sure you are in pain.

You are in good company as the members here are very knowledge about this disorder.

Do start a thread of your own and keep us updated on your recovery.

Questions, please ask away.

Again Welcome

Kitt

Hi, my name is Argie, I just joined the forum, I am suffering from Gerd for 4 years, I really was so glad to find this forum to share with all the people here about new procedures, medications and any other ideas. I have been researching how to heal Gerd for a long time. As of now I am not doing well, and will be having an endoscopy next week. This will be my second one. All the proton inhibithors such as Nexium and Zegerid have lots of side effects, I would really prefer not to take any of these meds, but, so far I have change gastroenterologist and is the same story. I do hope that some of you in the forum have some feedback regarding the subject.
I am very glad that I found this site, at least I have a support group besides my other friends that don't have any of the symptoms or any idea..
I welcome any input or suggestions....
Happy Halloween!!!!
Argie

Hi,  I just joined also.  I won't go into all of my problems cause I just posted a very lengthy message about my condition.  To summarize, I have had constant (24/7 every day) severe stomach and chest pain for atleast 4 months.  Have seen many Dr.s, and have had many test performed.  Not sure what my next steps are, might try calling either the Mayo Clinic or John Hopkins on Monday and see if I can get in.
I am very cautious on what I eat (have even gone several days before without eating or drinking anything except water, and still no change to the constant pain).  I have also raised the head of the bed 5-6 inches.

Okie

Hello,  This is my first time to register, but I have been reading for a while.  As for my story, it is like many of yours.  I have been suffering with GERD for about 10 years, although at times it seems like a lifetime.    I have had endless tests and I belived 5 or 6 endoscopies and one colonoscopy.   I'm thankful for places like this because at times it seems no one understands the constant heartburn we have.  It is very difficult to put on that smiling, happy face when the inside of you feels as if you could rip it out and stomp on it.  I'm sure many of you feel the same way I do, and that is to wish for just a normal day when you feel well.