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Is this GERD?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 10/15/2015 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
about me: 30yo caucasian male, ex-smoker (pack-a-day for 12yrs) and ex-drinker, fatigue/hypotension problems for 2 years but no other known medical conditions, 60kg/174cm.

Over the last 6 months I've had progressively worsening reflux like symptoms. Here is a rough timeline:

6mo ago - chronic mild heartburn in chest
4mo ago - chronic heartburn rising to throat and chin
2mo ago - (started Nexium) chronic heartburn, sore throat, vitamin capsule getting stuck in throat (at neck level) and burping up powder
1mo ago to present - (on Nexium) chronic heartburn, sore throat, dysphagia at neck level; can only eat soft foods like yogurt and need to clear throat and cough and swallow multiple times

Since 2mo ago I've been on and off Nexium (about 2 weeks at a time) since it hasn't seemed to have addressed any of my symptoms at all. I saw my doctor 2 days ago to ask for a different medication. I was told if one PPI doesn't work it is unlikely any other would and that PPI not working indicates my symptoms are not caused by acid. I only rarely feel acid rise to my throat; maybe once a week

Since starting Pantoprazole I've felt a feeling like thick mucus is in my throat that I need to swallow. My appetite has been lowering and today I've noticed that everything I put in my mouth tastes slightly bad, including water. I also feel a bit of nausea but haven't vomited yet.

I have made most of the recommended lifestyle changes for GERD people: not eating large meals or within hours before bed, raising head of bed by 15-20cm, avoiding acidic foods, eating probiotic foods and apple cider vinegar with the mother.

I have a Barium Swallow scheduled for 10 Nov and Endoscope some time after.

While I'm waiting I wanted to know if anyone had any clue on what could be causing my problems, or any other general advice to help. I am losing weight and a bit worried that I will become malnourished if my appetite and swallowing doesn't improve.

Thanks for reading and good luck to everyone.

Post Edited (arthur) : 10/14/2015 9:42:01 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/15/2015 10:46 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like GERD or a motility problem, there's not much else that causes these kind of symptoms. It's unfortunate that the PPIs don't help, I'd be inclined not to take them if they don't but did you give them a good trial? It can take a few weeks to notice the difference and you have to take them properly, on an empty stomach and 30 mins after eat a meal.

You could try domperidone or Reglan, they help with dysphagia.

There are also some supplements you could try, DGL licorice or pepzin GI for nausea.

Hope you feel better soon and that the barium gives you some answers
Posted 10/17/2015 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Arthur, I have been going through a similar experience for the last year. It started for me with chest pain ,difficulty breathing, sore throat and that feeling of being congestion all the time. I had an endoscopy done and it came back that I have eosinophilic esophagitis. Your symptoms sound similar so I would be interested to hear about your results after your endoscopy. Please let us all know what the doctors find.
Posted 10/18/2015 4:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Arthur, welcome to the forum. Sounds like GERD but proper check up will always be good.

I had PPI for 6 weeks but that did not work for me. I just was taking it, as my doctor told me that it will take sometime for it to work. But I got weaker and kept loosing weight. So I wean myself from PPI and used H2 blocker(Zantac 3 x a day 150mg). Did that for around three weeks and wean myself after. Make sure you are doing the GERD diet. The forum moderator have a lot of info about diet and triggered food. Some of the food might work or not work for you but just introduce it to your gut little by little. i'm eating small portion and chewing my food to liquid. I do a lot of prayers and meditation. This had helped me a lot.
God bless.
Posted 10/19/2015 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone I have suffered from gerd for years never thought much of it. But this time around it affect my esophagus I feel as if I can't swallow solid food. I get chest pain if for my self to eat solid foods. For anyone has had this happen I would like to know how long will it take for my esophagus to heal? I did see a gi doctor and will get an upper endoscopy. Just wonder if anyone ever had this happen?
Posted 10/22/2015 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
It will take a while to heal, are you on meds and a GERD diet?
Posted 10/23/2015 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
I have cut out almost everything that I was told will trigger gerd. I only drink water and take pantoprazole. The upper part of my esophagus seems better but still have on and off pain in the middle of the esophagus. Lost about 12 pounds not purposely just eating smaller meals and scared to eat things. I have an upper endoscopy tomorrow to see if it's esophagitis. Hope all goes well
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