Just got back from my endoscopy

And it showed that I have a hiatal hernia (1cm with the z-line at 40 cm...don't know what that means).  He said that it wasn't that large. I also have esophagitis. 

What kind of upsets me is that his nurse called and said that they usually treat someone with esophagitis with 8 weeks of Nexium.  My doc must not have read my chart...I have been on 80 mgs of Nexium since January plus supplementing with Mylanta!!!  They did mention that Nissan Fundoplication may be an option, but that the risk of swallowing difficulties and the fact that I do have a slow emptying stomach isn't good either. 

I am going to be on this medicine for the rest of my life!!! If I miss one pill, I am sick as a dog.

Lindsay 

Good to know.  Did they run a bone density test on you originally and that is how they found your osteopenia?  Is there a blood test they can do?  What does the bone density test entail?

Just over 2 years ago I was told that I would be on PPI for the rest of my life. Bit of a shock as before then I rarely saw the dr. We did consider surgery but I am really pleased that I didn't go for it as the surgeon told me that if I needed to be sick I would have to go to hospital. Well just recently I ate some bad food, you know the rest   but U was very glad I didn't have the surgery done.

Over the last 2 years I have learnt the foods which aggrevate my condition and I only drink water. Okay so its not fun, but it enables me to really manage my condition and I now lead a normal life and I actually eat more healthly now which is good and everyone comments on how much weight I have lost.

Taking a PPI every day is not that bad and no one has ever mentioned bone loss as an issue.

In reply to knight:  I am glad the PPI's are working for you.  Unfortunately, for some of us they don't, especially if there is a mechanical problem which is the case with me.  I have a small sliding hiatal hernia and yesterday, I spoke to the nurse practioner and she said there was a problem with my LES (something about the pressure was off), I had the esophageal manometry test.  This was her observation and the gastro doctor was going to intrepret the test today and would call me on Monday because of his tight schedule.  But, definately she said there was a problem.  I have taken tons of PPI's in fact, right now I am on Prevacid 30mg twice a day and at night I supplement with Zantac 300 and still I am on fire and the chest pain is unbelievable and I am on the strict gerd diet.  Also, when they took out my gallbladder 3 plus weeks ago I also had an endoscopy and the surgeon said my esophagus was very inflammed and what has probably saved it some is the high dose of PPI's I have been on for so long. 

As far as the PPI's goes, you can do research on the internet regarding bone-loss and the use of PPI's.  Of course, this is more prevalent when you have been on the PPI's for years.  As far as myself goes, I have the proof that this is actually the case.  My doctor said that my osteopenia had gotten worse and it had spread to my hips (but don't forget I have been on double doses for almost one year).  I am pretty darn sure when I get the bone density in Dec 07 it will more than likely be worse.  I am not trying to scare you but I know this is the truth in my case.  Also, many people who are on these PPI's for years can also develop anemia such as vitamin b-12 deficiency and of course the bone loss (more prone to bone fractures).  No matter what, in order to absorb calcium, minerals you need stomach acid.  Please do the research on this and you will be surprised at what you will find. 

Yes, gerd can be very frustrating and causes a myriad of symptoms and it can totally change your life.  I am so glad we have the gerd board where we can share information and get the support this dreaded disease causes. 

Lindsay:  I am sorry to hear you are having so many problems with your stomach.  I thank God I don't have the gastroparesis and the colonic inertia, I have never heard of that one before, I think your condition is more complicated than mine.  If the doctor said the surgery wouldn't benefit you they probably know because they give you lots of test and the surgery is always the last resort after you have exhausted all avenues and nothing has basically worked.  How much Nexium do you take and for how long have you been taking it?  The bone loss doesn't occur over night, it takes a good while because in my case it took over a year but don't forget I had a hysterectomy over 9 years ago.  I also wear a hormone replacement patch (estrogen).  What I would do if I were you, I'd make sure I am taking enough calcium like in a calcium supplement and make sure you are getting a bone density test at least once a year.  The reason I say this is because the only way you will ever know if you are losing bone mass is through a bone density test.  They can also give you a blood test to check for anemia and you can also supplement with B complex vitamins.  I have been taking large doses of calcium but I still have bone loss but I have only started to wear the hormone patch about 3 months ago.  I will truly know the truth when I go back in Dec of 07 for my follow up bone density test.  Also, I was on double doses of PPI which probably is the reason I lost some bone mass so fast. 

Lindsay:  Yes, the 80 mgs is a high dose but you are on the right track with getting tested for the albumen/anemia defiencies.  Next time you go the doctor ask for the bone density test.  Most people at your young age of 26 don't usually get a bone density test but I am sure they won't have a problem giving you the order since you have been on/off the PPI's for quite a while and you just want to be reassured that everything is ok.  As far as the bone density test it is so easy (if only the gastric/stomach test were this easy).  You will lie on this table and the machine scans over you (you don't even have to take your clothes off) if I remember they may ask you to slightly lower your pants/jeans while the machine is scaning.  Let me reassure you, that you are on the right track taking the vitamin supplements.