Possible Barrett's, bile reflux, gastroparesis--need help/hope.

Hello. I am new to this site, and looking for some kind of hope. I have had reflux problems (as well as numerous other GI problems) for a few years, which I was successfully able to treat with PPI’s, until recently. Over the last several months my life has turned to hell. I am on the max dose of Nexium (2x a day), and am not able to control my symptoms. I recently recovered from a bout of pneumonia, and still frequently have a hard time breathing (probably asthma attacks). I constantly have terrible heartburn, stomach pain, constant burping, bloated stomach, loss of appetite, headaches, and recently tinnitus. Occasionally I have difficulty swallowing. Sometimes I feel so sick I can barely get out of bed.

I have gone from doctor to doctor seeking help, until I recently saw a different GI doctor, who performed an endoscopy—it showed I have esophageal damage with an abnormal patch that may be Barrett’s esophagus. He was unable to biopsy right now because I am having 48-hour pH monitoring done. Moreover, the endoscopy showed I have gastritis and likely gastroparesis as well, due to the fact that I had undigested food in my stomach. A recent HIDA scan (for gallbladder) was normal. I am having a gastric emptying study done next week, and am then supposed to follow up with the doc.

My esophogeal pH has stayed mostly between 6-7 despite having horrible heartburn and other symptoms. Therefore I suspect bile reflux is the culprit, but I don’t know whether it is causing or being caused by the likely gastroparesis (it appears either way is possible). In any case, I am miserable and depressed. I recently married and will not be having a honeymoon anytime soon. I started a new job, which I was initially very excited about, but now I am having a hard time working and am afraid I will lose it. I am tired of feeling sick all the time, with no answers. I am 33 years old, but I don’t feel I have any real quality of life. I’m sick from the time I wake until the time I go to sleep. I’m tired of hurting. Is there any hope, or point?

Hi, I want to say that I can truly feel for you....I have been sick for a long time too....same type of stuff with the added bonus of pancreatitis....I hope there will be a dr. out there to help both of us.  It is very frustrating...Have you ever tried any other type of medicine?  Maybe nexium isn't for you or you need two types at one time.  Let me know!  I can relate.

sorry that you are not feeling well........you can get better, first wait to see what the doctor recommends

maybe nisson surgery will help you heaps, its for people like you that are still refluxing on meds.......the operation is apparently about 90% successful, so thre is always hope............also if you have gatroparises there is diets and medication that can help wiht this.domperidone is the safer choice of drug rather than raglan but you cant get it in usa, not sure where you live, i have read that people can by it online thou from NZ where i live and have no isses getting it...it helps to make your stoamch muslces contract and push food throu faster..............also you could also try seeing a natropath who may have some herbs etc that may help you.........i no how you feel i have had stomach issues for ages to........oh and take probiotics everyday incase some of your issues are form bacteria overgrowth (candida)  eat lots and lots of natural unsweeted palin yog that has lots of good bacteria.eat it every day this may help.............you couls also try taking yalkult as well.........

hope this helps

ness