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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 8/24/2011 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
you mean to tell me someone can have symptoms of acid reflux their entire adult life and not develop Barrets? I think I read GERD increases risk of esophageal cancer even if you don't develop Barrets, though it must be by much less...

I am having such a hard time adapting to the new reality of being "unhealthy" or having a health problem
Posted 8/24/2011 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
It is hard to accept a chronic condition as your reality. It is hard! I know! Sometimes perspective helps - think of the parts of your life that are going really well, and how grateful you are to have that, because others don't. Your illness can be managed and you can function, even if it hurts to eat sometimes. Give yourself a break for feeling bad occasionally, too.

I am not a Barretts expert, but I thought the term was reserved for the dysplasia in esophageal cells that you can find BEFORE a cancer develops. Can you have esophageal cancer without finding this dysplasia?

Can you have Barretts without developing cancer? I think yes, because they can treat the esophagus and hopefully prevent the damaged cells from propagating into cancer.

Symptoms of acid reflux include pain and other things, but the issue with regard to cancer and/or Barretts is how much damage is being done to the tissue by the misplaced acid.
Posted 8/24/2011 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hey ARM,

Your post triggered something in me, so just I'm just gonna commiserate for a quiiiiiick moment :D

26 has always been my lucky number. I always knew that when I turned 26 it was going to be a great year for me. I have (hands down) never been happier in my life. I married the man of my dreams and we took a huge risk moving to Finland and it totally paid off, and I love living in Europe.

Since I turned 26 in January, I declared this 'MY YEAR'. My husband and I went to Paris, we have seen two of our favorite bands in concert (so far), and we've been having THE most fantastic time exploring Helsinki and being madly in love with each other. I applied to nursing school not ever thinking I would get in on my first try, and I did!

And then BOOM... four months ago I started getting chronic heartburn, went to the doctor, got meds, and despite:

-raising the head of my bed 6"
-losing 40lbs
-exercising every day
-eating minuscule portions
-eating completely bland food
-giving up alcohol, pizza, soda and coffee (NONE of which I had in excess before)

MY SYMPTOMS HAVE GOTTEN WORSE! Gaaaaaablaahbkvkga!!!!!! (<--That was me screaming).

Whew! Well! Thanks for letting me get that out!

But the bottom line is... I also have no idea how to deal with this 'new identity'. I have never been someone who likes to tell people what's wrong with me, but I'm missing so many social engagements that I find that I have to. Now, my best friends ask me how my stomach is doing all the time. I loathe this, I really do. Of course I appreciate the concern, but I don't want to be sick :(

So, to slap a smile on my face, I listen to good music as much as I can and when people ask me how I'm doing, I say, "Great!"

Grin and bear it, right? It may be weird coming from a stranger, but a ton of love to you, buddy. You too, Kazbern! I have garnered such appreciation for people on this site who take time out of their own suffering (past or present) to share their experiences and comfort others. I really don't want to think of how much worse off I would be if I didn't have this site to come to for advice and encouragement.

Healing hopes for everyone,
Ashley
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