I really really need some help

Hello everybody,
I have been visiting this board on and off for the last 18 months since I found out I have gerd, I have posted a couple of times but not a lot, I am posting tonight as I really really need your help as I am in a really really bad place right now

I have gerd, I have sypmtoms every day, mainly burning tongue, mucus in the morning, croaky voice, lots of gas I dont get heartburn never have, I find my gerd is much worse when I am stressed

I have tried pretty much all the PPI's you can and they all, every last one of them makes me worse, so I have not taken any since January this year, I have tried to go natural using things like Manuka honey etc, I have also gotten really fit and lost a lot of weight through exercise and diet changes.

but the gerd goes on, I had a scope in May of 09 and they found no signs of Barretts or anything else, the Doc that did the scope talk a biopsie of a small area near my junction as this was red and inflammed and it came back fine,

on follow up he said I should be able to stop the PPI's as everything else looked ok and as I was only 33 he did not really want me to be on them for the rest of my life

the gerd has carried on through all of this, every single day, sometimes I am able to shut it off and forget about it other times it controls me compltetly in terms of thinking and the what ifs etc

the last month has been really bad with my gerd, which has coincided with a really busy and stressful time at work, also my wifes great aunt has just weeks to live as a result of espohageal cancer

I have found with my gerd recently that food it starting to feel stuck when it goes down, well not really stuck as in it wont move but certain things I eat I can feel going down, bread especially, this does give me some very middle discomfort and it goes as soon as I have stopped eating

this has all led me to be where I am today, convinced that I have the big C and that I am going to die and my wife and children will be left without me, I will not see them grow up and be able to be there for them, I feel lower than I ever have in my entire life

I dont know what to do, I dont want to go to work, I dont want to speak to anybody, all I can do is keep searching
on the net for info on Esophageal cancer and survial rates etc in the vein hope I may find something to give me something that says dont worry its not that, but all I find is more and more info about how bad this is and if I do have the C then its game over

could I really have developed C so quickly from my scope last May?

I am only 33 so could it be that its not the big C?

I am off to see my GP on Tuesday, but I dont know what to say or where to start, I just want to curl up into a ball and sleep and not have to think anymore, I am exhuasted from the thinking

Hello Joy,
thanks for the post, I live in the UK so we dont pay to see our GP as its on the NHS, they tend to take the response of its ok, loads of people have reflux here try more PPI's , but for me they just dont work and I feel like its a ticking time bomb,

I feel your frustration this is such a ****** of a condition! I'm with Joy jump up and down and make a lot of noise.
Love and hugs to you

Hi Tourmantiger

I agree with the rest of the members here,  make your self heard and insist on someone checking you out futher.  Be your own best advocate as you are in pain and having sx so don't give up in finding the right Dr.

Take care,

Kitt

Hi Tourmantiger,

 

You need to take a deep breath, and relax. Many people have reflux for a lifetime (longer than you've been alive) and don't end up with cancer.  As Joy suggested, you should get a doctor to do a complete workup...she listed the tests that would be helpful.

Before going off PPI's it would make sense to find out what's really happening. 

Persevere and be assertive until you get answers.  You have rights as a patient, and insist that your doctor speak plainly to you and listen respectfully to your complaints.

Good luck!  You can do it!

Denise

Hi Tourmantiger,
Ranitidine is the generic version of Zantac, which is where many doctors start when treating reflux. Glad you found someone who can give you some medical perspective on what's happening to you. Indeed, you are at very low risk of cancer, and need to stop worrying about it! You're in a doctor's care, and he/she will be sure to follow you closely and ensure the safety of your esophagus. Taking the conservative approach regarding endoscopy is good. You can overdo that, as well.

Glad you're feeling better. If you don't continue to find relief, follow up with your doctor again. There are other meds that are more effective than Zantac in shutting off the acid. If need be, he/she can put you on those for a try.

Take care,
Denise