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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 7/21/2011 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
I have some questions -

I finally did my upper GI and my doctor said I had no erosion, anything, just reflux. I don't think an UpperGI (Barium swallow) can detect Barrett's right? I have had on and off acid reflux for about 4 years now and I don't think I'm at risk... what do you think?

Ever since taking nexium for one month, I decided I need to stop. More and more studies are finding negative effects of PPIs (I'm sure you've experienced some). I have switched to the primal diet (or near it, I'm transitioning) and so far I'm doing well!

I still get a sore throat when I wake up and a bit of chest pain (not as bad as it was, not even close), and a little reflux. Is this normal from stopping the pill cold turkey (I know that's bad, I'm away from home so I will discuss this with my doctor when I get back)?

Thanks.
Posted 7/21/2011 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
I had a normal scope first time round, but I was on a ppi at that time so that may have been keeping things at bay.

I have tried coming off medication - the rebound kicked in each time around 10 days.

Have you tried just taking ranitidine? It may help bridge the gap and cover some of the rebound. If you wake with sore throat then you must still have some degree of reflux and it may be worth covering it with Ranitidine, at least for a while.

Have you been on the "paleo" forum - I came across another GERD forum on a site that covers "going paleo" ?!

Good luck with your diet - let us know if it holds the GERD at bay!
Posted 7/21/2011 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
A barium swallow can't detect Barrett's. An Endoscopy with biospy needs to be done to identify Barrett's.
You can still be experiencing Silent Gerd which is just as bad for your esophagus as the Burning type of GERD.
Have you had a pH test done? Manometry study? These are important.
Posted 7/22/2011 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your input guys!

Yeah I feel great after going near paleo. I think I'll continue. And you guys are right about possible rebound of GERD and silent GERD.

I'm relatively young (under 20) so my doctor doesn't think I need an endoscopy. But im switching doctors so I will request these tests be done, hopefully my insurance will cover it.

I haven't had a chance to go see my doctor as I come home in 2 weeks. For now I'll decrease my dosage of nexium then... I will ask her about ranitidine.

When they say chronic GERD for Barrett's, how long is it?
Posted 7/22/2011 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
Gerd is a lifetime thing. Even when you have the surgery you still need to be on the lookout for changes.
Posted 7/22/2011 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
couchtater (Joy),

What (in your experience) differentiates between GERD and regular reflux?
Posted 7/22/2011 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Gerd is everyday reflux and takes perscription meds or surgery to help it.
Regular reflux comes from over indulgance that stops with a tums. It seldoms happens more than once a week.
Posted 7/22/2011 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks again for being so helpful, Joy, I'm just going to bug you again and ask what's your take on the relationship between GERD and Barrett's? I hear the percentage is about 10%-15%, and the percentage of Barrett's developing into cancer is even slimmer. I just want to know whether that's a realistic way to think about it...

Sometimes it's really hard and I'm really glad I've found such a good support group. There are times I've just want to give up on my health.. :(
Posted 7/22/2011 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
The chances of developing barretts is slim. I can't quote numbers, but from everything I've heard Barretts only develops when your esophagus changes to adjust for the acid wash. Your esophagus grows stomach cells which is a no-no.
Posted 7/22/2011 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
It's not so much the change to "stomach cells" as the massive increase in cell turnover; any site in the body that has repeated injury and high replacement and repair rates is at risk of cancerous changes - basically the monitoring and disposal of faulty cells just can't keep up with demand!
Posted 7/23/2011 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks again for the information. It's really helpful and relieving. If I find out any new information I'll for sure post it here!
Posted 7/31/2011 5:23 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know whether to continue this thread or continue but, I'm now taking OTC tagamet 200mg twice a day (what I was prescribed before so I'm familiar) until I get prescription strength H2 blocker.

I have a new problem now.... :(

I have a sore throat that won't go away (there are no white spots). My mouth feels dry. It has gotten worse since yesterday and I was wondering whether this is typical? I'm going to keep taking tagament... or should I continue nexium? What's GERD sore throat like?
Posted 7/31/2011 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
Nexium is much stronger than OTC anything. I'd stick with the Nexium.

You sound like you've got an acid throat going on.
Posted 7/31/2011 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Couchtater -

Yeah you're right. Darn trying to get off nexium. I guess I best talk to my doctor first. Will take nexium again and see whether throat goes away. I'll update.
Posted 8/10/2011 10:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hey CupCake,

How are you doing?
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