New and Advice wanted

I'm a 29 year old female in otherwise good health. Well my story starts about 2 months ago. I woke up and felt like I had a golf ball in my chest/lower throat. I then got some pains and felt pressure that made me worried I was having heart issues. Got all of that checked out and it was determined it was likely acid reflux. Went on omeprazole (40mg) and didn't really get much relief. Most of the symptoms I felt at first were like a lump in my throat or chest (and kind of like stabbing pains?) and it made eating very difficult. After a few weeks on the omeprazole (and major diet modifications), it got to where I could eat again, but I'm so limited on what I can and can't have. My major symptoms were pain in my chest and back between my shoulder blades, and lots of burping.

What I have had so far:
Gallbladder scan: no stones found but possible fatty liver

Xray: chest is fine no noticeable issues

Endoscopy on 4/17: non erosive gastritis, 2 cm hiatal hernia, and possible short segment Barrett's esophagus, it was biopsied and still waiting on test results back but it looked like it was

Hida Scan on 4/20: low functioning gallbladder at 15%, recommended removal and waiting on referral (this explains some of the stomach pains I have been having, and possibly the back pains?)

Today: I mostly feel a tightness in my throat (kind of like a collar that is too tight around it) that persists all day long. I wake up with a sore throat and it feels like irritation or burning at the back end. I can breathe fine, and I am able to drink fine and swallow mostly fine (i can feel that lump type feeling in my throat when eating but its not making it impossible to eat). I haven't had as much pain in my chest, but I also have such a limited diet right now. I am 5'3" and weigh 135, but I'm dropping weight fast because of this struggle.

I am strongly considering getting surgery done and am just looking for some support I guess. I didn't go years feeling like I had heartburn or GERD. I felt fine up to a few months ago, but obviously the Barrett's means I likely have had this issue for a while.

Does anyone else have the feeling of tightness in their throat? Anyone else had gallbladder issues as well? I haven't had the follow up appointment after my endoscopy yet, so I have just mostly been thinking about the surgery, but what is your guys' advice? I can't imagine living the rest of my life so limited on what I can eat and drink... it's miserable right now. Were you guys able to go back to eating and drinking normal foods for the most part?

Thanks for listening, it helps to get it all out there.

I just worry about still feeling painful symptoms despite being on omneprazol 40mg for over a month. It doesn't appear to matter what I eat or drink either I've been following the special diet for the last two weeks pretty much exactly and haven't really had any relief.

CathyAnn:

Gastritis takes a while to heal, and PPIs are not effective right away. You may need to switch medications to find one that gives you relief. I know that the symptoms are hard to handle, but you are only a couple of months with symptoms - just give yourself some time to heal. Stress, anxiety, and NSAIDs are huge contributor to gastritis. I'm surprised your doctor recommended surgery this early after your diagnosis.

Good Luck, Sharon

The gall bladder can make you miserable when not functioning properly. I had mine taken out many years ago. And yes, among other symptoms it got rid of the back pain. If the dr is recommending removing the gall bladder I would get it out. They do them by laproscopic & not a bad recovery. I was back to work a week later.

As far as talking surgery for the other issues, its like SharonZ said, you need to take things a step at a time & not put the cart before the horse. Granted I know it feels like this has been going on a long time, but the key to it, is getting a proper dx & get on meds that work for you.

Take care.

CathyAnn,
I was on PPIs for 12+ years. They mostly worked for me but I was dependent on them and the last year they were becoming less and less effective. When I was diagnosed with the hernia I had small children at home and since the medications did the job I waited. Lifting restrictions with babies in the house and all. From a personal perspective I would have had surgery earlier rather then later. The recovery is a big deal but it's a short period compared to what's ahead of me. Another thing to keep in mind. The surgery doesn't provide the type of fix that enables you to eat and drink anything afterwards. Carbonation, alcohol and gas producing foods don't mix with a wrapped stomach.

It's a tough decision to make and I was scared going into surgery. I'm really glad I'm nine weeks past it.

-Mark

P.S. My wife had emergency gall bladder surgery while we were on vacation and her recovery was difficult under the circumstances but it was days not weeks or months.

Your in good company when it comes to desiring a solution to what your going through now. There's hope. I have coffee, salsa and can season my food like I did before surgery. Just in moderation. If it triggers discomfort I learn from it and move on. No more PPIs, episodes of painful burning and my sinuses are amazingly clear.

Do you know what the typical time frame is for symptom relief? I'm on the 40mg omeprazole now for about 1.5 months and not getting any symptom relief. I am thinking I may have silent reflux as well? I wake up with a very sore throat and it doesn't go away, but I also regularly have the chest pains and discomfort, and occasionally the heartburn.