Can anyone relate to any of this please?.

Hi everyone

I am a middle-aged male with a long history of GERD, Gastritis and IBS along with GAD (which I understand can be associated with GERD), and Panic Disorder. Anyway, I've been dealing with the GERD since I was a teenager. I have a lot of other things wrong with me but thats for another post :) .

I've also had a number of colonoscopies and endoscopies over the years and polyps are always found and removed. The last time I had a colonoscopy I was told that I had Diverticulosis. Then, about a week ago I had an endoscopy and the report said that...


1) The nasopharynx was normal.
2) There was an LA Grade A mucosal break less than 5mm but not extending between the tops of two mucosal folds.
3) Reflux esophagitis was found in the lower third of the esophagus
4) A small hiatus hernia was found.
5) GERD.
6) Diffuse moderate inflammation characterized by erythema was found in the gastric body and the gastric antrum.
7) Diffuse moderately erythematous mucosa was found in the second part of the duodenum.
* Acute gastritis.

3-4 biopsies were taken for testing and histology. I was told to have another endoscopy in 2 months (I usually only have one every year or so).

My symptoms over the years (which have gotten progressively worse) are...

1) Abdomen feels sore (like I've been punched in the stomach) after doing housework or bending over (especially vaccuming) for long periods of time.
2) Leaning with my belly against something even slightly makes it feel like my stomach is coming up through my throat and makes it difficult to breath.
3) Mild esophageal spasms that are not painful and not triggered by eating or drinking anything (I get these from time to time).
4) Mild to moderate pain/pressure at times in the top part of my chest and around my collarbone (just kind of achey).
5) Lots of acid reflux, heartburn, "waterbrash", I drink a LOT of milk each day (lowfat) and take TUMS to put out the "fire".
6) Throat feels tight, constricted, lump in throat feeling, clicking sensation, swallowing a lot at times, etc.

Do any (or all) of these symptoms sound familiar to anyone here?. What do the initial test results/findings mean?. I've lived with many of these conditions/symptoms most of my life. A few have been getting progressively worse over the years. A few have just recently been discovered as a result of my recent endoscopy. I have been under TONS of stress for over a year now and have faced a number of crises in my life (a few nearly caused me to have a nervous breakdown). Could that have caused some of this?.

Thanks so much for your input!.

Post Edited (Sethp) : 2/16/2013 5:56:13 PM (GMT-7)

Yeah I have # 5 and 6, had a fundo, still waiting for complete results. Are you on a PPI? They helped me quite a bit.

Hi

I am a 57 year old woman and I have been fighting acid reflux since I was about 30. I now have Barrett's esophagus I have to be scoped again tomorrow. The Barrett's was diagnosed Feb. 2012. I have almost all of those symptoms that you listed. I feel sick everyday. I take Dexilant but sometimes after a few months I switch back to taking 2 Nexiums instead. I eat tums like candy. I have attacks in my abdomen sometimes. It can be in my throat, upper, middle or lower abdomen. Don't know what else to do. I hope the barretts isn't worse. Hope you feel better

That 'clicking' or 'lump' feel in your throat CAN be caused by the PPI's as well. Mine stopped after I was off them for a couple weeks, and has never came back.

Stay away from milk products too - positively can cause reflux!

Howdy Gastricman!

I can't say if others have, but I'm giving you a link that clued me in on a LOT of side effects from PPI's (as well as cholesterol meds, which I think are the most evil thing given by doctors truthfully, but I digress...). It's a bit difficult to maneuver through it, but there is a wealth of info on the side effects. I love this site because it uses REAL people who are taking these drugs rather than a drug co that is in it for profits (and most doctor's do NOT know how many others suffer from these - I learned that first hand sadly).

My own experience was primarily with Achiphex, although I had tried virtually everything out there (Nexium just destroyed me!!!). But I always had a dry, scratchy throat., and what could best be described as feeling like there was a 'lump' in my throat. It completely disappeared soon after I stopped the PPI's. It scared my doc because that is a sign of esophageal cancer. But between the PPI and cholesterol drugs I FINALLY figured out what was causing what reactions. At one point it was so bad they sent me to a psychiatrist to see if it was mental (seriously! But I'm happy to say they found me saner than the next guy, and the report said that 'the problem' was my doctor's couldn't find the problems!!). Anyway - take a gander through this link below. You might be very surprised how often you see the same symptoms over and over and over again - that your doc will tell 'can't be from that'. I know - because I heard it myself from my own!

http://www.askapatient.com/comparedrugs.asp?class=DISORDERS,%20ACID+PEPTIC

EDIT TO ADD: Anxiety is one of the biggest side effects with PPI's, and most doctor's have no idea. And the next thing you know, they have you on pills for that as well. BUT NOTE: I had NO GI ISSUES AT ALL - until I was started on cholesterol meds (statins). At that point 'all h*ll broke loose' and nothing has been 'right' since :(

Post Edited (vinylmasters) : 2/18/2013 7:09:54 PM (GMT-7)