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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 4/26/2008 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hey

I'm new here, and am looking for some help with my GERD. I'm a 25 year old male, I've struggled with this pretty badly for well over a year now... the symptoms had eased up a little for a while but in the past month or so have returned full force. I'm not sure but it may be stress related; I was just hospitalised due to a cardiac arrythmia, which has thankfully been sorted out now.  

I was put on a PPI when I was first diagnosed, Omeprazole, first 20mg and then 40mg, which did'nt seem to do a whole lot. After three months on the medication I was no better, the only thing that seemed to help was dropping 20 or so pounds and altering my diet. I quit smoking as soon as I was diagnosed. The symptoms were stilll there to some extent, but at least I could function. I'm an ideal weight now, and other than the GERD, am quite physically fit. I make sure I get plenty of exercise and try to keep happy, as I know stress can worsen GERD.

To say the least I'm pretty upset about the symptoms being so bad lately, they make work, my social life, and everyday activites a nightmare and really, the past year of my life has'nt really been a life, I've been so miserable. The reflux has been a constant, all day long affair for a few weeks now, and I'm afraid to eat anything. Does anyone else experience this? I don't really get "typical" heartburn (I was suprised when my doc told me it was GERD, in fact) just discomfort, trouble swallowing, regurgitation, and that horrible burning throat/mouth. I've cut out all caffeine, alcohol, carbonated stuff, eat small meals, but not much seems to help. The only time I feel half ok is when I have'nt eaten anything all day, and of course, that only backfires when you have an empty stomach churning with acid.

I'm not sure what to try, and thought I would ask. I live in the UK, and waiting times for treatment are not the best... I'm seriously considering taking all my savings and paying privately for surgery, because I've had enough of this now. I admire the people who have dealt with this for years and years... 12 months is more than enough for me.

There's always been a lot of cancer in my family, so I'm paranoid as hell about Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer. In fact the idea terrifies me. Does anyone know much about this?

 

Post Edited (steve82) : 4/26/2008 7:51:51 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/26/2008 8:16 PM (GMT 0)

Steve,

I've had Gerd for almost 2 years now and your situation sounds just like mine although I am older than you.  I'm proud of you that you took charge so quickly and lost the weight and changed your diet to help yourself. That's a huge step in the right direction. 

After you have been on the medication for a while, it begins to not work as well, especially if your body is good at getting rid of it which is what my GI told me.  I have been on all the main PPI's and Nexium (the strongest of all PPI) was the only one that stopped my GERD for many months until last 4 or 5 months.  Now, my new GI did all the tests and I really need the surgery...I have severe GERD.  I'm in the process of finding the right surgeon. 

I had GERD for over a year and my old GI just kept telling me to take the meds and never tested me.  When they stopped working I determined to get a new GI and the first visit he said we need to find out what's happening with you and that's when I had the Bravo test (it measures how much and how long acid stays in your esophagus by measuring the PH) and it showed a very high score for GERD; then I had an endoscopy which shows how much irritation is in your GI tract.   He suggested I see a surgeon who gave me two tests; a manometry test and upper GI, which indicated I was a good candidate for surgery.   You should get a good GI doctor and have the tests to determine the severity of your GERD.  Even if you don't need surgery, you will have more peace of mind after finding out exactly what's going on with you.   

This is too serious to just keep guessing...best of luck to you. 

Posted 4/27/2008 2:49 AM (GMT 0)

I understand, I have been suffering with GERD for two years now, and yes, it is all day everyday for me too.  It has made my life a nightmare for the past 2 years.  I cant escape the pain it causes me day in and day out, and it doesnt matter what I eat, its always there.  I have taken PPIS but they do not work, and I am seriously in need of major help for my condition, I have been so sick with this I cannot even function at work anymore.  You are not alone, believe me

-Gabbs 

Posted 4/27/2008 11:31 AM (GMT 0)

Gabby,   Have you had any tests to see why you have these symptoms.  If PPI's don't work at all there is a good chance that it might be something else.  Do you have a good GI doc?

Posted 4/27/2008 12:46 PM (GMT 0)
i cant even explain my symptoms....food does not digest it just ferments, i hav gastroparesis, tried to take many things to kill yeast or bacteria overgrowth but nothing has helped, i cant swallow pills anymore, am taking daily probiotics and they are not working,  the only thing i can eat with my throat being so burned is yogurt but that makes me so sick....ppis dont help my condition at all, my GI doc sent me to Shands clinic cause he said he couldnt help me anymore

-Gabby

Posted 4/27/2008 4:13 PM (GMT 0)

Hey guys, thanks very much for taking the time to respond. Looking at both of your posts and just reading some of the others on the forum, it's so sad to see so many people suffer with this horrible thing.

Lilly, I'm not even sure where to begin with finding help to be honest. I'm entitled to free treamtent on the national health service here, but the waiting list to see just a gastroentrologist is 3-6 months in the area I live! God knows how long you would have to wait for the tests you mentioned or surgery if it was required (I'm sure I would be looking at years rather than months), which is why I was considering going private. I had a barium swallow x-ray done in hospital when I was being treated for the dodgey ticker because I was always complaining of the pain, and it showed reflux, but no other tests. I really need to do my research on this. I've only just started reading up on the ins and outs of GERD because of this bad reoccurence, and a lot of it's shocked me. I was reassured initially that as long as I lost the weight, gave up smoking, and took this temporary course of pills I would be "cured" or something. A heart condition AND one hell of a case of stubborn GERD all at the ripe old age of 25. Maybe I'll win the lottery next. eyes

I never realised this condition could be so serious and gave so many people so much trouble. Its a bit worrying that these PPI's are meant to be these wonder drugs that benefit 90% of people or whatever the statistic is, yet they did nothing for me ("don't worry, EVERYONE feels better after taking this for a while", I was told). Granted, I have'nt tried them all, so I guess that'll be my first step in sorting this out. You'd think they would all be pretty similiar though, right? Thanks for your advice Lilly, I'm seeing my doc tomorrow (for like the 100th time, I don't think he realises the severity of the situation) and I intend to put my foot down on it. Good luck with finding a surgeon.

I'm sorry to hear of your situation, Gabby, this thing has driven me to desperation a hell of a lot, so I sympathise with anybody who feels the same way. I hope you can find the cause of your problems at this clinic you mention. Good luck!

Thanks again

Steve

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