Questions about Esophageal Strictures (should I consider surgery?)

Hello,

I been feeling down lately, but I guess this is what everyone goes through with this stupid condition=[.

Anyway, my question..does a stricture usually mean that your acid reflux is not in control? I been on medication for a year and half now and i been encountering them when I was diagnosed a year and 4 months ago.

My first endoscopy procedure detected slight esophagitis + inflammation and a stricture at my GE Junction (a year and 4 months ago); dilated

My 2nd endoscopy, 4 months ago, detected a stricture again at the GE Junction, but the esophagitis and inflammation was gone.; dilated

And now I'm feeling that the stricture may be back after 4 months because it feels like food sometimes around my chest, etc. I'm visiting my GI to maybe get another scope (getting a bit ridiculous on getting scopes). I have never regurgitated or spit out food..so I don't think its swallowing issues (but who knows since the GI never ordered a motility exam).

I'm reading online (which is probably making me MORE paranoid), that continuous stricture could lead to something worse..or bad...like barret's. The stricture is causing me to feel that something is stuck in my neck/throat, but the pain/acid reflux is mild. I feel slight burning below my chest bone but it doesn't wake me up at night, but I do feel it in my waking hours.never goes away! =(. Is this considered serious, where I should consider surgery (would like an opinion from anyone)? I'm considering Endostim, even if I have to go overseas and use my own funds for the whole operation. I don't think I should have any issue of getting linx approved (if i'm qualified) as the insurance provided to fed employees are pretty good.

Also, I was going to talk with an academic clinic for motility (Stanford University), if I should go for surgery or what options I could consider, but they had a 5 month backlog; lol waiting until end of February 2014 for this.

thanks!

Thanks for the reply, Denise!

My primary doctor told me to wait it out for Stanford (and eat softer foods/chew more too), rather than go to my current GI doc. My current GI doc hasn't provided too much info..he's one of the "take medication and go on a reflux diet", even after my 2nd endoscopy! BLAH. GI said I shouldn't consider surgery (or need it). I thought about going to a different GI, but I think waiting for Stanford might be the best option.

I will be sure to ask a lot of questions at the Stanford Clinic. Its a hr initial consultation, so I'm sure they will be providing a lot of information, too.

I also did contact the USC Hoag, regarding Linx, to see what I would need to do to qualify or be considered. Just all this anxiety and constantly feeling of reflux had me feeling down lately. And I wouldn't mind the linx surgery to be free of this--even if I have to pay out of my own pocket! Maybe, Linx will be at Stanford when I have my 4-5 month appointment (fingers crossed lol)

Just talking on the forums makes me feel a lot better =).