very worried about my dad.

My dad has recently discovered that he was diagnosed with GERD two years ago, but was not informed of this - neither by his GP nor the gastroenterologist who cured a bacterial infection which he had two years ago in his stomach. In the meantime he has become very ill. He has lost his voice completely, has lost lots of weight (is super skinny), can hardly swallow, can't sleep at night, has lost all his muscle power (he used to be a strong man, now he has to walk with crutches to prop himself up) and needs to sleep all the time. He has been put on medication now, but after three weeks of taking them, he doesn't seem to be getting any better. Heis also following all the advice of sleeping propped up, cutting out acid foods etc. I am very worried about him, as he is over 70 - and fear that he won't really recover. I am most worried about his voice. Will it come back? The doctors in my country won't say. Has anyone got any advice or similar experience to share? I would be so grateful to hear from someone who will say that he will get better...

Hi Caz38,

Welcome! I'm sorry to hear of your father's difficulties. Have you read the report of his diagnosis two years ago? Dencha's comments are spot on. Regarding the hoarseness, the docs I've talked with don't weigh in on this because it is subject to a lot of variables. I have had intermittent hoarseness including complete laryngitis routinely for over 25 years. In the past 6 months there has been no let up. I asked two surgeons, my GI doc whether post surgery (I have had several esophageal surgeries over the years and will likely have another one soon) about my voice and was told "I hope so" or maybe months, years, or not at all. My experience is that getting the acid stopped and reflux contained, over time, my voice has returned.

I have been put on Kapidex 60mg which stops acid production and promotes healing has helped me some. It does take time. A few days ago, I was put on sucralfate 1 gm 4x day on empty stomach one hour before eating and erythromycin 250 mg 3 times day to coat esophagus and stomach linings and promote healing. Typically used for healing ulcers, which I don't have, but I have noticed that I am a bit more comfortable and less hoarse. This medicine is also used to promote stomach emptying so the reflux is less damaging.

Seems to me with the extreme symptoms your father is experiencing, there should be added tests run and a supervised regimen set up for his recovery. I'd want to know what is causing this, such as a faulty LES (lower esophageal spincter, which is often the source), had know how the motility, stomach emptying, Ph, etc. Also, a Barium Swallow to see the function and anatomy.

I am 67 and have diabetes and have dealt with challenges with my esophagus for nearly 30 years. With effective, well sourced test results, coupled with various symptoms, appropriate treatment can be established and adjusted as needed which typically a productive life results.

I am particularly concerned that your father was diagnosed and ignored for what appears to be 2 very important years. Has he been checked to be sure other illnesses are not causing his problems or in combination with esophagus?

Be diligent, talk with the appropriate (GI) doctors, go with a list of questions and go over the list in front of the doc (I find this very useful) and encourage your father to be active in his treatment. When I haven't been able to eat, I've maintained strength and nutrition with protein shakes (low carb, high protein) I buy these online from quality companies who specialize in these. Weight lifters use these. (Health Food stores carry this, as well, but I got it a lot cheaper online). Sipping these can help. They can be made with milk or water...whatever doesn't irritate him.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

 Tomorrow my dad will be admitted to the hospital to get some intravenous nourishment. He is now so ill and skinny he keeps falling asleep. His face has gone grey and gaunt and he has no breath (nor voice) to speak. He keeps coughing without having the power to cough anything up, and he can only take liquid food. It is taking forever to see a specialist on GERD. I only know of one doctor in this country who knows soemthing about GERD, but waiting to get an appointment with him is taking forever. Every other GI we have spoken to keep saying that they don't think it is his Gerd which is making him so ill (even though he has done a tonne of tests to rule out other things and can't find anything else). It seems to me that they know too little about the complications of GERD-  e.g. they haven't heard that it can affect the lungs and sinuses. I am thinking that I should take dad to see a specialist abroad, e.g. in the UK. Can anyone recommend someone who really knows about serious complications of GERD whom I should take him to see? Also, has anyone experienced getting so ill with GERD? Would really appreciate some advice as I feel time is limited.

Caz, I'm so sorry that your father is suffering so. I will also add my prayers for healing and a safe recovery. It's hard to believe that there's no one who understands the link between GERD and lung problems.
I wish I could help you, but I don't have a clue. Have you tried contacting a major health provider/hospital in the UK to locate GI specialists? You might also contact a pulmonologist, who should have an understanding of the connection.
I so wish I could help. There have been members from the UK here, so maybe somebody will see your post.
How about trying to start a thread mentioning your search for someone in the UK?
Best wishes,
Denise

Dear HealingWell friends,

thought I would post a last note on this forum. The terrible news is that my very sweet dad has spent 5 weeks in hospital and has been diagnosed with the fatal disease ALS. So all his symptoms of choking, coughing, losing his voice, shortness of breath etc. were due to losing control of the muscles in his lungs and throat and not caused by his GERD. He now gets fed through a tube in his stomach and uses a breating machine at night.  The diagnosis is incredibly hard to take onboard as he probably won't have much time left and nothing can be done to stop the disease. I can't believe it would take so long before he was diagnosed, but I am also happy that he hasn't known these past two years. At least he has been able to live with the belief that he would live till he was much older. Thank you again for kind words and encouragement earlier. And to all of you suffering from GERD - look after yourselves and continue to take comfort in sharing with others here on the forum. love to all, Caz

prayers go out to you and your family during this trying time - keep the faith! we are all here for you!

I am so sorry to hear about your dad!! you will be in my prayers. God bless you, and every day you get with him!
Lila