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"Tested Positive" for GERD?

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Posted 3/5/2012 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone! I'm new and while I came to Healingwell.com due to IBS, I looked over the GERD board as well since I have been on PPIs since 1994 (until this January, when I stopped them, thinking that they might contribute to my IBS.)

What is this "tested positive" for GERD with a "score" of x? Back in my day (LOL) there wasn't a test, that I know of.

Thanks
Moon
Posted 3/6/2012 12:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

There isn't one simple test really - usually it's gastroscopy with biopsies (my first was done without biopsies) and depending on whether or not that is conclusive some people have manometry and pH studies. Here in the UK they tend to only do the latter if they are considering surgery - response to medication can be sufficiently diagnostic in itself. Helicobacter should also be ruled out at the first round of tests and it's common to test for anaemia too. The score relates to a test (I think) that can measure the pressure of the LES - again we don't much bother with it in the UK as the response to medication determines the management!

MMM
Posted 3/6/2012 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
Ah, I see. I have had the biopsies - they showed nothing. No inflammation, no Barrett's. No Heliobactor or whatever that other one is. I have not had Manometry or a pH study. I'm interested in what the pressure of my LES is- I have considered surgery but ruled it out due to how many people had a return of symptoms. The medication is not acceptable to me anymore though. I guess I'll continue experimenting with how much food I can eat. I have cut the amount of food I eat daily in half. Omeprazole really allowed me to just eat eat eat, but I also had terrible cravings and wonky blood sugar-like issues. Without the Omeprazole, my hunger seems a normal level. Before it was just this relentless drive to stop the hunger. Now it barely takes anything at all. That being said, there are some days I wonder about gastric emptying and some where I feel like a chipper/shredder. :/

Thanks for the reply!
Posted 3/6/2012 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
I think most people do well with surgery - have you looked at the clinical studies to gauge what the "failure rate" actually is?

I also have very little visible evidence, just mild inflammation and a hint of Barretts (very tiny). I changed from Omeprazole to Lansoprazole which reduced some of my side effects, but I do have a frequent sort of false hunger sensation which makes me want to eat all the time. I just try to keep busy and I eat raw carrot or crackers if I know the hunger isn't genuine!

Welcome to Healingwell!

MMM
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