Newbie- very confused.

I was just given a diagnosis of GERD today following an endoscope last week. The biopsy clearly shows it but the symptoms I have been experiencing are nothing like the GERD symptoms I have read about. I had no history of stomach problems before. Six weeks ago I picked up a stomach bug ( short term pain, diarrhea) Felt fine for a few days and then developed pain several hours after eating that felt like being punched in the ribs. Doc ordered an ultrasound which ruled out gallbladder, pancreas, and liver. Started Nexium and a bland diet and pain continued. I am sticking to the diet but am losing between 4-5 lbs. every week (very unusual for me) and feeling very tired. I am confused. Has anyone else had symptoms like this with GERD? I have not had any heartburn, regurgitation, nothing like that. Any advice is appreciated.

Dear Couchtater, Thanks for the info. This is all new and confusing and I appreciate your help. Now I can Google Silent GERD. I still do not understand it and Bless you for being there.

Welcome Blue Sky! Nice to have you join with us. I'm sure that you will have many offer help and support. I'd like to ask a few questions and offer a couple of suggestions to consider. I posted something you might want to consider (a process) on my thread "Approaching my 4th open Fundoplication".

What did your report say about the endoscope, in general. What did the procedure include? You mention a biopsy apparently done during the endoscope. What was the biopsy of and why was done for. I have had numerous endoscopic procedures and will have my 4th esophageal surgery shortly which span nearly 30 years, and have not had a biopsy, to date. Others in our group will need to respond to the biopsy. I'm not suggesting it wasn't needed. The doctor must have seen something that led him/her to biopsy. I just think having access to reports so you can knowledgeably discuss what is wrong and what to do about it is important. This information could be important so the many experienced people on this forum can be of help and support.

It seems to me that your symptoms where you had no previous discomfort prior to the "bug" you picked up could be caused by a variety of illnesses, including GERD. If you are unsettled, consult with you doctor specifically as to what he saw in the scope that suggested GERD to him/her and why you are in pain while on medication and loosing so much weight. Bland diets don't cause weight loss...insufficient calories versus amount of exercise or some illnesses cause weight loss. Are you eating enough. With GERD typically, smaller amounts, well chewed, and eating frequently helps.

If after discussion with your physician you aren't settled, get a second opinion. It is important, I think, for you to feel settled that what is being offered in your treatment, makes sense to you.

Questions I would be asking is what part of my esophagus/stomach isn't working properly, and in what ways. How is the lower sphincter working? Is there a hernia present? You doctor seems to be taking the "right" measures...ultrasound, scope, diet, meds, etc. Be sure to follow-up and get curious and ask lots of questions.

For me, when I am confused, I haven't gathered enough information for the situation to become clear (even if I don't like what the clarity illuminates).

I'm sorry to hear that you are not getting relief. I hope you will keep posting so we can help. There are so many who respond that have so much knowledge and experience. Reading different threads has been very helpful to me! Please keep us appraised of your progress.

Dear mysevenpinecones, You are so good at expressing all of the questions that are swimming around my mind right now. OK- the endoscope was done because my symptoms suggested ulcer. The surgeon did the biopsies on three areas to check for H. Pylori and he also was aware of a cancer risk (he did two previous cancer surgeries on my back and also a colonoscopy at age 50. My Mom died of colon cancer at a young age. ) I do think he is a good surgeon and I am glad he did the biopsies. The pathology report says- distal esophagus, fragments of squamous mucosa with lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate and elongated vascular papillae suggestive of gerd, no intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, or malignancy identified. I was very happy not to hear the C -word again! The Nexium is making the pain less severe and I am sticking to the diet. I will keep an eye on the weight loss and I wish I could take you to the doc with me :D Thanks and God bless.

Good morning pinecones, I read through your post on the surgery. Wow, you re a tough customer! My cancer surgeries were not that bad. I just had this moment of clarity that if the worst did happen, I would still be alright. Forced myself up after one day and went outside to work in my garden every day. Did not take pain meds instead naps with my pets. The 1st path report said I required more surgery. So I did it. 2nd path report said the cancer had disappeared. OK- now you must be red-flagging. I was so stunned, but I just accept it as a gift. I do not share the story with most people b/c I know what their perception must be. I am not espousing anything. I am just telling you what happened. I will learn everything I can about the GERD and follow advice but I will keep the same attitude I had with the cancer. It worked. Take care and blessings.

Dear pinecones, My cancer story , well, it s pure Southern Gothic. It begins with a hurricane and how to survive with a car, the clothes on your back, and what is left of your wits. I still can not reframe that ugly picture except as S.Goth. I try to retain my sense of humor/humanity in re: I fought villanous insurance companies and played Survivor- Paperwork Island with the gov. by using the same tactics they teach you to use as a hostage. The details are better suited for a private conversation. I do believe that particular hell brought my cancer. I am so glad you mentioned your rather polite I don t have time feelings. That is exactly how I feel except my response is much less tactful and laced with vulgarities. The pain I have feels almost muscular- along the lines of a spasm and tender aftermath. Pets- I knew I had cancer b/c my cat climbed up on my back, sniffed the spot, and promptly urinated on it (never misses the litter box) several months before I became aware of it. And never billed me! Bless ya.

I've had pain at times with mine. It was when I was bad with my eating.

Bluesky,I know the power of an animal's comforting. when I was coming down with pneumonia my cat wanted to put her head on my chest all the time. It relaxed my breathing.


Joy

Dear couchtater and pinecones, It is amazing how maternal cats are. I thought she was ill and took her to the vet where she was declared to be in perfect health. Today has been a good day. Went outside and piddled around the garden. Signs of spring everywhere and inside my hoophouse which I have neglected for nearly two months was a great surprise- fresh greens still alive and growing. So I ate them. I have spent six years doing edible landscaping and in spite of GERD, I refuse to give up either tending it or eating it. I ll check out the posts on spasms. I am going to ask the doctor about any exercises- there has to be something to strengthen the LES. Thank you both for sharing and listening. You are among the gifts that I thank God for every day. Bless yall (how s that for Southern Goth?)

You two are very sweet.
Bluesky, are you a southern belle? I'm a Georgian through and through. I love the south. There is so much beauty here with the mountains and all.

Also everything I've learned about weak LES is that you can never strenghten it without surgery. Once it's weak it's always weak. It's sad to say. :(

Joy

Wow, pinecones, I've heard the Rockies are beautiful. I'd love to have a river in my backyard. All I've got is a very small pond and it's in my neighbor's cow and goat pasture. Phew!

Joy