PPI's no longer working, scared of surgery, need help...

Hi everyone,

This is my first time posting here, and I could use a little support. I'm a 32 yr old male, I've had GERD for about 5-6 yrs now, and have been on OTC Prevacid for the majority of that time. Up until about 3 months ago, it was fairly well controlled and I hardly ever though about it, but for some reason my condition seems to have rapidly deteriorated almost overnight, and the Prevacid no longer works.

After talking with my doctor, he recommended that we do an endoscopy to see what's going on down there, and to my dismay, I have Barrett's Esophagus. Thankfully, it's only at the very base of the tube right where it connects to the stomach, and there is no cell displasia as of yet, but still not something anyone wants to hear.

I was put on 30mg Dexilant 1x/day, which did not work well for me at all. Then, I was put on 40mg Nexium 1x/day, which was better, but still not great. I took that for a couple of weeks before finally switching over to Protonix today, and so far, this is the worst I've felt yet. Of all the PPI's I've tried, this one seems to be the least effective by a substantial margin, as after breakfast I'm already writhing in pain. I'm struggling with whether or not to give it more time, or just go back to the Nexium until I figure out my next move...

At this point, I am strongly considering surgery, but am scared of what it could mean for me long term, and I really don't like the options available right now. The Nissen seems to work well, but carries with it the potential for life-long side effects, possible need for future redo's/tune-ups, and due to the invasive nature of the procedure, the recovery period after surgery is fairly long.

I was interested in the Stretta procedure, but the outcome results seem to be fairly lackluster and inconsistent from what I've read, and my gastroenterologist doesn't think that it's even worth considering. So, the only other options that I see are the Esophyx TIF procedure, or the Linx, and of those two, I think Esophyx sounds more appealing if for no other reason that I would worry about erosion from the Linx device.

I feel so discouraged and depressed right now, and would love to hear from those of you who have had similar experiences and/or the surgeries that I am considering. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my story, and I look forward to getting to know all of you.

David

Hi David I had the nissen operation in 2001 and was fine for 9 years.i am having a few problems now which may be with the wrap or may not be with the wrap tests are being taken but I would do it again in an instant. It is of course a decision only you can make. I wish more people would post on these forums with their positive comments but I suppose to them it is history that they have dealt with and moved on. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Thanks for the replies, everyone - it's nice to know that others have gone through similar experiences. I still don't understand why my condition seems to have worsened almost overnight, though - seems so strange to me. Anyway, it sounds like you are all pretty happy with your Nissen procedures, but Bill, when you say you can't vomit - that freaks me out a little bit. While vomiting is not something that we need to do very often (thankfully), it is necessary from time to time. Are you truly incapable of vomiting? I know there are going to be trade-offs and compromises no matter what route I choose, but I just wish there was another option...

Hi DC123,

I have been on Protonix since August of this year. I do really well with it, haven't had any problems thus far. I have been trying to ween myself off them onto something more natural. I have GERDS/ hiatal hernia. I'm seeking out more natural approaches myself. However if you need immediate attention for your condition that may not work for you as trying to heal naturally is a process. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. But also research your disease/ illness and see what natural approaches are available to you. The right diet can be an excellent remedy to just about any health problem.

I think you're right about your analogy with the car seal, Stephanie. We just had a little girl 6 months ago, and with constantly having to bend over to do things like change diapers, I think my LES finally just gave out. I was fine for the first 3 months or so, but I guess it finally caught up to me. :(

Meka, I wish I could do the natural thing - I tried for years to wean myself off the Prevacid, taking it every other day, then every 2 days, trying various supplements, etc., but it always got so bad that I had to go back to daily dosing - I think the Barrett's is probably a result of allowing too many reflux episodes to occur during that time period, so I would be very careful if I were you (I'm right there with you on not wanting to take these meds because of what they can do to us long-term, but it is better to not have Barretts)...

Teacherman, I will try the Gaviscon - thanks for the tip (I've been using Pepcid at night for extra coverage when needed, but hate taking such a strong medicine since I already take 40 mg nexium in the morning). Since you are considering surgery as well, which one are you looking at doing - the nissen, EsophyX, or Linx? Please let me know what you decide on, and if you go through with it, how you feel.

Thanks again everyone!

I agree with the others - get it fixed. The Nissen is not as scary or bad as it sounds. Once fixed, you may be done with the drugs and done with the worry that the barrets will advance.

I was like you terrified of having the surgery. I was a wimp when it came to anything invasive. I had the surgery about four years ago. I wish I had done it sooner but I've never felt better.
The pain is managable, the diet do able, my wallet was the only thing that suffer major damage. ;))