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Not typical GERD symptoms

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Posted 12/19/2010 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
I have been seeing a GI for 2 years now, and my symptoms remain basically the same. Instead of getting a feeling of acid coming up from my stomach, I sart with an ache in my throat, then my esophagus and then in the breastbone area. These symptoms stop within a few minutes of going to bed at night. I do get an ache half way between my naval and my breastbone at night. Unlike most people who have acid reflx or regurgitation my symptoms remain most of the day and are not affected by meals. In fact having a meal almost always makes me feel better.

I have tried all the PPIs, Zantac, AcipHex,Dexilant, Sucralfate and Hyoscyamine, and they havn't helped. I have had an Upper GI, an Ultra Sound and an Endoscopy.

If anyone in the group knows of someone with similar symptoms, I would really appreciate it if you would let me know.

Posted 12/19/2010 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bovar,
Welcome to Healing Well! I'm so sorry to hear about the problems you're having. While I haven't that those experiences, I do know that symptoms vary widely. Often symptoms don't seem like they could possibly be related to GERD, yet they are.

I just visited a surgeon (esophageal specialist) who told me that pain caused by stomach or esophageal irritation can be felt in a variety of locations. You may have a pain high in your esophagus caused by stomach irritation. That was news to me. He said that interpretation of pain by the upper GI tract isn't very reliable.

I can tell you that when I feel irritation in the stomach or what feels like low esophageal irritation, it improves dramatically when I eat something. In that way our experiences are similar.

I expect others will be by to share their experiences with you.
Take care and good luck finding an answer to your symptoms.
Denise
Posted 12/20/2010 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Thaks Denise, your explaination clears up a lot of confusion that I had about my symptoms.
Posted 12/20/2010 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
I've noticed you've hadn't had the barium swallow x-ray, Ph test, or the manometry test. These are valuable in determining GERD. Make sure to ask the GI about these tests.
Posted 12/20/2010 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
Joy,
I've had the barium swallow xray, but haven't had the manometry test or the Ph test. I have a friend who has gotten a prescription for a PH test, but she is afraid to go because she has panic atacks, and she feels that having a wire inside of her for 24 hrs. would cause a severe attack. I told her about the Bravo test. From what I gather the Bravo test is done during an endoscopy, so you don't feel the tube going down your throat. However, from what I read on this site, there seems to be more trouble swallowing food once the capsule is in place. I told her that I think she would be better off with the Bravo test, but I'm not really sure.
Bob
Posted 12/21/2010 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
I had the bravo test with no trouble. Some people have issues because the doctor puts it on a nerve or pinches up too much skin. Make sure that the doctor is very experienced in inserting one or you'll have problems.

Your friend will have issues with the motility test though. No sedation allowed. I had a problem with it, because of my nerves. Plus they didn't tell me what was going to happen until they put the gel in my nose. :(
Posted 12/23/2010 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
I have been searching the internet for a doctor who has experience and skill in doing the the Bravo pH Monitoring procedure. So far no luck. I have found a number of Gastroenterologists who are listed as one of NJ's top doctors who work in hospitals where they do the Bravo pH monitoring, but it doesn't menton whether they do the procedure themselves or if they refer you to a surgeon at the hospital who may not be listed as one of NJ's top doctors.
Joy, do you know of any doctors who have skill and experience in doing the Bravo procedure, or do you know of a web site that might have that information?
Bob
Posted 12/23/2010 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
I went to a GI who put it in himself. I had no trouble.
I'd call the doctors on your list and ask if they put it in themselves. I don't know of a website listing who does it. I'm sure that a top doctor will do it himself with no trouble.
Posted 12/25/2010 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
Since you don't feel it coming up I would think it is post nasal drip from your sinuses. Do you have any congestion, stuffiness and runny noise?

Post Edited (Robby_H) : 12/24/2010 8:34:11 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/25/2010 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Robby,
Thanks for your response. You may be right about the post nasal drip. My ENT told me that I have a little post nasal drip. I can't feel anything dripping down my throat, but I do have stuffinesss. My nose is never completely clear. I'll ask my GI about it at my next appointment.
Bob
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