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Posted 1/1/2007 12:57 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

For about 7 weeks my wife has complained about a bad taste in her mouth as well as a pain in her upperside, as well as off and on heart burn. Her doctor ordered an ultrasound to check for gall stones/bladder, and it turned out negative.

Next she had an endoscopy which revealed two-toned tissue, or (non cancerous) Barretts esophagus, as well as a hiatal hernier. Her doctor then told her she needed to take protonix and avoid alcohol, spicy food and I guess all the foods that make acid. For the last 5 days she has stuck to the medication and  diet (bland dinner before 6:00), we elevated the head of our bed (6"), but the symptoms have not really changed.

The diet thing will be difficult in the long run as our entire social enviroment is centered around food and wine.

It seems strange that all of a sudden this thing came on (a month ago she was fine!!!!) She has never really had any symptoms of reflux and has always been in good health for a 45 yr old women of 4 children. The only thing that has hampered her has been signs of premenapose for the last few years.

I'm wondering if her uncomfortable condition just needs weeks or months to heal, or if she should be feeling better after the recent 5 days?

We have heard that there is a new surgery (ablation?) to remove Barretts with good success, luckily there are three doctors in our area that perform it.

I actually wonder if the real problem is a lower esophageal sphincter, that is the root of the problem, and if this can be repaired.

I guess the first step is to get her feeling better, then research our options.....it's just awful!!!!!!

Any insight would be so greatly appreciated.

 

Posted 1/1/2007 6:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,I was having pain in my upper right side and middle of stomach,had an ultrasound and negative for gallstones.I had a Hiatus scan and that showed my Gallbladder not working at all.So i had my Gallbladder removed 2 weeks ago and they found 15 Gallstones.I had a endoscope and it showed i have bad Barrets Esophagus,and the Doctor put me on Nexium and i dont hurt anymore and i eat whatever i want so the nexium is working good for me.Y ou should ask for a Hiatus scan to see if the Gallbladder is working properly.My lower esophageal spincter is damaged.you were saying there is a new surgery (ablation)? Tammy
Posted 1/1/2007 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tammy,

I guess your saying that the ultrasound did not spot your gallbladder issue, and that a hiatas scan can?

Also it seems as though you don't suffer from gerd?

Check out this website on the Barrett's procedure

http://www.kenmcisaac.com/barretts2.htm

John

Posted 1/2/2007 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I have had GERD for so many years, I am not sure about the sudden onset. It sounds like her symptoms are pretty bad, and I'm sorry she's not having any relief yet. Maybe you need to let the doctor know that the protonix isn't working. Maybe he can adjust the dose or try a different med. I'm on Prevacid 30's twice a day. I wanted to mention that she should avoid all anti-inflamitory drugs, too. I had been having bad headaches for a couple of months, and taking ibuprofin. That started my GERD worse than ever. Also, wine is a bad trigger for GERD. I know that the diet is annoying, but it is necessary. If she doesn't stick to it, she'll feel worse. Let us know how she's doing. *hugs*

Bear
Posted 1/2/2007 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Mr. dinwoodie,

It does really take more than 5 days for these meds to start working well and she made need her dose adjusted. I have to take two 30 mg of Prevacid a day to make it work well. It's important to tell the doctor if the Protonix isn't working after another few days. I didn't have much luck with Aciphex or Prilosec but now the Prevacid is working pretty good for me but there are times when I have breakthrough acid after eating something.
One thing that helps is cayene pepper. I put it in a capsule, swallow it and in a few minutes I feel much better. Cayene is very good for digestion even though it's spicy. Another herb that is soothing and healing to the esophagus is aloe vera gel (food grade) and DGL which is a form of licorice that soothes the digestive tract. It must be DGL and not just licorice. You can get them at any health food store. I drink a couple of swallows of aloe vera about 4 times a day to keep my esophagus healed.

A bland diet doesn't necessarily make any difference...you want to eat more alkaline forming food rather than acid producing foods. Here's a website that lists alkaline/acid foods:
http://home.bluegrass.net/~jclark/alkaline_foods.htm

We all understand your predicament because we live with this GERD thing everyday but with a positive attitude and a supportive husband like yourself, she will be able to socialize when she gets to feeling better and gets it's under control. Good luck and more good health in the new year.
Posted 1/5/2007 12:31 PM (GMT 0)

Well we're into it (diet and medication) about 10 days and she could't be worse. She will have a few bites of food, need to burp and then gets the acid burn up high in her throat. She basically can't eat in the morning, and little better by the afternoon. As a whole she seems to feel worse after every day. I thought by now she should be feeling better? She is also taking that aloe drink for the burn.

Does anyone know when she will start to feel better?????????

Posted 1/6/2007 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

 

I developed acid indigestion whilst on holiday in August last year which lasted for a few weeks! then disappeared but kept coming back on and off....then I developed a lump in my throat...bad taste...acid indigestion...stomach aches etc etc! went to see ENT specialist and had a scope and he said I had GERD and scarring where acid had 'burned' my thorat...he px proton pump inhibitors...but a friend suggested I try regular use of gaviscon...and I did for  a week...and the symptoms went...they come back sometimes but I just gulp down the gavuisocn and its gone in a day or two--much better than taking px medication...

 

 

Posted 1/6/2007 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
One thing I just found out from my doctor is that another source of burn that can come up is bile from the small intestine...this could be the case if your wife is having some constipation or a slow digestive tract. Unfortunately, I think these PPI meds can cause constipation...I know they do in me...also, we aren't producing acid to help digest our food, so this antagonizes the problem.

Gaviscon can give some immediate relief, but it is full of aluminum and salts and overuse can exerbate the problem. If your wife has GERD and the meds aren't working, then you need to talk to the doc and see if something else is going on.
Hope she finds relief soon...I know she must be miserable...
Posted 1/13/2007 3:43 AM (GMT 0)
Boy, does all this sound familiar.  I had never in my life had a problem with acid reflux, etc. until 2 years ago...it started with this horrible horrible taste in my mouth--all the time.  Finally after seeing several Drs and tests, I was diagnosed with Barretts....was totally shocked.  My husband had GERD for years and was afraid of Barretts....never me.  I could eat anything, anytime.  Anyway, things have changed.  I've been on Aciphex, Nexium and now Protonix, and I still have so many problems.  I still dont have the typical acid reflux symptoms...occasional heartburn, but mostly just the terrible taste in my mouth and a constant feeling of stuff in my throat, or a mouth full of saliva.  Recently I lost my voice for 3 weeks...the ENT said it was from reflux.  I've completely cut out soft drinks, no coffee, etc.  Over the hoidays I had a few drinks and ate some pastries, and now I'm battling again.  It took several weeks the first time for the meds to help at all.

I have terrible problems with constipation, and recently had a gastric emptying test and found that my food doesn't leave my stomach fast enough.  The Dr. gave put me on erythemicin (sp) for motility problems but it makes me so nauseous that I can't take it. 

It's hard to believe that 2 years ago I was fine.  I just turned 51, am not overweight, have always been very active, so this is such a shock to me.  I blame it all on menopause....all my problems started with the first hot flashes. devil  

I would appreciate any help at all.  I'm worried about the Barretts because I obviously don't have this under control at all.  I keep taking the meds (Protonix 2X a day) but I still have all this trouble.  It really is life altering. My heart goes out to everyone with these problems.

Posted 1/13/2007 12:11 PM (GMT 0)
Janiepain,
Use Benefiber for constipation. It's the newest NATURAL fiber on the maket. I think it will help you. Try an alkaline diet and DGL licorice to coat the esophagus 20 minutes before you eat anything. It cured me of GERD in one month. You have to be extremely DISCIPLINED though. I ate very small meals and always at home.
Look back to my posts, I list everything that I did.
Good luck,
Danie
Posted 1/13/2007 5:56 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks so much for the advice...I hate to be stupid, but what is DGL locorice and where can I get it?  At a health food store?

I've never tried Benefiber, but will...but my problem is colon inertia.  It's been my whole life....I only go when I take a laxative.  Been to many drs. my whole life; only option is a colon removal.  I've been taking zelnorm for over six months with no help.  But I'm always willing to try something new.  At this point, I don't want surgery, although if I knew for sure it would help with the reflux issues as well, I might do it.  I am convinced that the consitpation has alot to do with the reflux.

Thanks again!

Posted 1/14/2007 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
Check back on my postings under DANIE, you will get all the information on DGL licorice.
Posted 1/15/2007 11:19 PM (GMT 0)

gardengate said...
Hi

 

I developed acid indigestion whilst on holiday in August last year which lasted for a few weeks! then disappeared but kept coming back on and off....then I developed a lump in my throat...bad taste...acid indigestion...stomach aches etc etc! went to see ENT specialist and had a scope and he said I had GERD and scarring where acid had 'burned' my thorat...he px proton pump inhibitors...but a friend suggested I try regular use of gaviscon...and I did for  a week...and the symptoms went...they come back sometimes but I just gulp down the gavuisocn and its gone in a day or two--much better than taking px medication...

 

Uch, the ENT I went to didn't even look down my throat!  Lucky you that you actually went to one that scoped you.  that's what I need!  Did your lump ever go away?  i don't know what to do about mine...
Posted 1/17/2007 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
if you cant take anti inflamitory meds like ibprofin, this is tylonol okay to take? and if not what is?

tangerine bear said...
Hi,

I have had GERD for so many years, I am not sure about the sudden onset. It sounds like her symptoms are pretty bad, and I'm sorry she's not having any relief yet. Maybe you need to let the doctor know that the protonix isn't working. Maybe he can adjust the dose or try a different med. I'm on Prevacid 30's twice a day. I wanted to mention that she should avoid all anti-inflamitory drugs, too. I had been having bad headaches for a couple of months, and taking ibuprofin. That started my GERD worse than ever. Also, wine is a bad trigger for GERD. I know that the diet is annoying, but it is necessary. If she doesn't stick to it, she'll feel worse. Let us know how she's doing. *hugs*

Bear

Posted 1/18/2007 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Interesting and distressing-sounding posts.

Are any of you with the sudden onset of symptoms facing any particular stressful times in your lives, such as work stress, taking care of elder parents, etc.? Are these symptoms trying to tell you something?

To the person saying that their life revolves around wine and food, I would say this. Don't let anyone convince you to change your diet for the rest of your life! You may have created an acute condition that needs to be healed, but once it is healed, your body, tough as it is, should be able to go back to normal food and drink. I am very suspicious of doctors blithely telling people to "never eat that food again." There was already a study that disputed that alcohol is a problem for the LES and of course avoiding spicy foods for ulcers was wrong, yet recommended by doctors for years.

Be wary of a diagnosis like Barrett's. What does it really mean? Are there perhaps thousands of a-symptomatic people with Barretts or weak LES, just as there are thousands with low grade prostate problems, that will kill them when they are 150 years old. The cure is to listen to your symptoms, listen to but question your doctors and have some faith in your body's healing power. There is an epidemic of chronic ailments and it is in part due to overzealous doctors and pharma companies.

No easy answers and severe symptoms should not be ignored, but I am still on a totally normal diet and only suffer symptoms when tired, stressed or angry. Food or drink is not the cause for me.
Posted 1/18/2007 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
On October 30, 2006 I had my gallbladder removed. and ever since ive been suffering with acid reflux i have been doing a little research on the net. and there is so many with the same problem ive been searching for help but cant seem to find it, whats the best medicine? has anyone heard of gastro-ph which is for acid reflux heartburn and indigestion, If anyone knows about this product please

let me know. Thank you.

                                          

Posted 5/23/2008 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
If you are on PPIs but still have the feeling of stuff coming up your throat 24/7 then its most likely your LES is so weakened it can't recover. I've read a report on how oesophogael inflammation releases chemicals that travel down to the LES further disabling it. Its a downwrd spiral that can only recover if caught early enough. I have this LES dysfunction and also have Barretts. I'm 27 and have asked to be sent for manometry test and pH monitoring. After my recent endoscopy my GI wanted me to continue on the PPIs and gradually wean myself off. I have tried but its not happening. He played down the Barretts thing saying it was nothing to worry about but I know that it is the bile salts refluxing and not just the acid that causes the progression of Barretts. This makes me very anxious of the constant bubbling of stuff up my throat, which is especially bad at night. Also I have read the the Nissen Fundo op if successful can induce regression of Barretts because it prevents both bile and acid refluxing. I have been against the idea of an op but now it seems my only option.
Posted 5/25/2008 7:29 AM (GMT 0)
I've now had GERD for many years...now that I know what my symptoms WERE! I'd wake up choking, etc., and only found out when I went on fosomax, and started having trouble swallowing - which led to EGD, which led to doing a 'rotor rooter job' on my esophagus - in 2004. A follow up EGD in Sep of that year showed all was well, but...the next day I woke up violently ill. They kept me for observation (didn't have $'s for zofran), and found out later that was a miracle...I spiked a temp that night, and in two days, blood tests showed speticemia...had I not stayed....

There began an 8 month nightmare - one-two weeks/month in the hospital with recurrent pneumonia, tests galore, and nothing really found. Only symptoms releived - i.e., anemia yielded to blood - all 5 units of it in 6 months. A bronchoscopy - finally - 8 months later - with a bronchial washing (and bx - negative), kept the pneumonia at bay for about 8 more months, then it struck again. Another biopsy kept it at bay for a full year! However, my luck did't last...

In spring of 2007, I had pneumonias and what I thought were kidney stones (now, that I've been dx'd with colitis, that might have been that!). Fall of 2007 brought two more pneumonias and a potential MI.

After New Year's, I still couldn't shake my penumonias, and was hosp. in Feb, March, April, and May. A bronchoscopy, blood transfusion, endo and colonoscopy were done - due to blood loss, hemecult positive, severe anemia, etc. I just was discharged - again - from the hospital with recurrent pneumonia. I'm HOPING this is the end, but deja vu says it's not :/ I've had too many repeats to believe it IS the end. My biggest problem now is my veins - or lack of them. Stay before last, they found a vein in my shoulder to tied me over until I could get a PICC line in. This time, it was my thumb - same reason. Next time...??? They say they can't keep a PICC line in (I had them keep one in for months in 2004-2005 - between 12/04 and 4/05, but they say that because I wasn't on prednisone then, it was less risky. However, I'm going to run out of access sites FAST, and then I don't know what we're going to do! A friend of mine, wh was in end stage renal failure, died, when she ran out of sites for her fistulas (where they connect vein/artery to hook up the machine to).

?????

Gina
Posted 5/26/2008 12:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys, I do have gerd, maybe almost 2 years, recently do my own finding and research, as and asian we do like hot and spicy food, and sour too. I remember I do really love that kind of food. That time I was still very young , 15 to 29 yrs. old. But as we grew older as now I'm 46, the effect came. I've gone tru a lot of examination, even endoscopy and also anuscopic (Hope I said it right) they find nothing of any harmful thing. Then I was told that i have GERD, the doctor told me million of people have it. I was advise to change my lifestyle, less spicy food, no coffee,alcohol bla..bla... I took almost any medication people and Dr. recomended to me. Nothing change, only short period. It happen again, Reflux and heart burn. Finally I meet a lady, she is a Pharmacy, she recomended me PROBIOTIC , it either in capsule or liquid form. Wallah after 3 months no more attack. But not just that, I took also guarana, one of my friend recomended me, it getting better and better, I can take spicy food again, and drink what ever I like. Why dont you try it, find out at the pharmacy near your place. If you want me to help buying for you email at [email protected]. Before that check out near your area. Good luck
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