Newbie: Barrett's Esophagus and PPIs just don't seem to work

Hey there -

I'm new and thanks for having me in your forum.

Recently I was diagnosed with GERD (doctor suspects I've had LPR for years) and just now with Barrett's Esophagus. For this reason he wants me symptom free pronto. I've completely cut out any of the 'avoid' foods, am eating a very bland low-fat diet, raised the head of the bed, etc. I'm about 5-10 lbs over 'thin' (I'm within normal weight) and am working to lose that (that said, Dr. felt I was thin enough).

I'm a bit stunned by the extent of the damage in my esophagus. I didn't have steady symptoms until last July. Since then my quality of life has really tanked. When the symptoms became daily, I tried Omeprazole (gave me nausea and still had heartburn), Prevacid (ditto), Aciphex (didn't work), then Aciphex 2X a day - sort of worked, and have now been moved to 60mg of Dexilant twice a day starting Wednesday which, I'm shocked, doesn't seem to be working (better than Aciphex but it wears off after about 4 hours just like the Aciphex - why are these drugs wearing off so quickly?!!).

And I type this to you with heartburn, a ton of mucous in my throat and, to be honest, starving. (I cannot seem to figure out the small meal thing - I am hungry all the time.. or nauseous. It's a tough call.)

I'm starting to get to my wit's end. I'm able to work out which helps keep me calmer but my throat hurts all the time, I have really thick mucus in my throat and I just feel like I'm tanking. The tests show I do not have a hernia. So basically I went from a healthy eating, non-smoking, non-drinking lifestyle to being slightly overweight (I've actually gained weight which I can't figure out b/c I don't/can't eat very much), I feel bloated all the time, nauseous a lot of the time and a lot of pressure on my midsection. And then there's the perpetual heartburn, coughing and sore throats/hoarseness....

Anyway, that's me whining. My real question is - has anyone had the experience where PPIs just don't seem to work with their bodies? Were you able to resolve it? What did you do?

Additionally, I'm wondering if may what I'm eating (safe foods) are giving me problems. Like, maybe I've developed a bread/wheat allergy? or something? milk? I'm loathe to cut these out because I feel like I'm already not eating almost all fruits and veggies.. there are nutrients in these items and I keep limiting my diet more and more. Man cannot live on turkey alone (although it feels like I'm trying to!).

Anyway, if you have any thoughts, I'd appreciate them.

Congrats to you! Losing weight is a pain in the butt - so kudos. I feel like I'm not losing weight either - I think I'm eating so much bread as I've had to cut out so many other things. I'm going back to the gym now more frequently. I WAS thinner 2 years ago so I've got it in me.

How was the RFA? Did you have a long recovery? I'm so glad you have had good luck with the wrap. I'm trying to give my meds a few days to fully kick in before I give up all hope. That said, I got HB about 20 minutes after breakfast this morning/about an hour after my PPI dose - really?!! Very frustrating.

Have a good one and thanks for responding. I appreciate it.

Good luck Pat. You are feeling better at least?