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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 10/24/2007 3:16 AM (GMT 0)

I have been reading these posts for a couple hours now, and Im so glad I found this forum.  Here is my story...and I'll try to keep it brief...

Im only 26.  Diagnosed with GERD around the age of 17.  Started PPIs around 19.  Have been on nexium for about 7 years.  I did benefit from the meds and most of my symptoms were relieved except for when I ate certain foods or drank too much alcohol which is to be expected.  Recently the severe buring in my throat came back with a vengeance and the nexium wasnt working.  The pain was accompanied by very uncomfortable stomach pain including sharp pains in the upper right abdomen.  I just had my second endoscopy yesterday (first was 4 years ago) and getting a ct of abdomen and pelvis as soon as my ins approves it.  My last endoscopy biopsies came back negative but my doc mentioned stomach inflamation and the possibility of barrets so now of course I think Im dying of cancer.  I wont get the results back until 3 weeks, and Im hoping that thats a sign she wasnt too concerned with what she saw. 

Anyhow, Im wondering if the similar pain everyone is experiencing is a symptom of gerd or a side affect of taking these meds!  My doctor told me to stop taking nexium.  I cant eat, the burning is consistent and only slightly relieved when I havnt eaten anything for hours.  Im trying chinese med/accupuncture with a specialist in a couple weeks.  Has anyone had any luck with alternative therapies for severe reflux?  Also, has anyone had acid damage on their esophogus biopsied?  Is this normal?  I think since Im in so much pain, Im freaking myself out.  Im usually a really laid back but this week has stressed me out terribly.  Any feedback is appreciated.  Sorry for rambling.  I could actually go on...but I'll stop here for now :)

Posted 10/24/2007 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hello there lem, and welcome to healingwell. I apologize for my delay in getting back to you, for some reason my computer is acting goofy, and it isn't letting me post.  Anyway...let me try this again. First off, you have to try to relax.  I am the first person who can say I truly understand what you are feeling.  I get nervous when doctors even do blood work on me. I get nervous when they even do my blood pressure, or anything...I have SEVERE health anxiety, and it isn't any fun.  The thing about health anxiety though is it can truly make you feel worse than you should.  It can often make you think you are sick, when you are really not.  (I am not saying there is nothing going on with you.)  So, I know it is easier said than done, but try your best to not even think about your test results, otherwise you will drive yourself crazy for the next 3 weeks. As for them doing a biopsy, don't get bothered by that.  In my experience, it is common to do, and is probably being used a precaution.  Don't let your mind wander into thinking you have cancer.  I obviously cannot say for sure you don't have cancer, but lets not think that way, unless we have to. The pain you are feeling could very well be from the GERD.  Burning in the throat, and even the stomach pains are symptoms of GERD.  Why did your doctor tell you to stop taking the Nexium?  I might be over reading it, but I don't recall a reason why he said that.  Also, did you stop taking it abruptly, or did he allow you to wean off of it? I have never used alternative therapies for reflux...hopefully some of our other members here have, and they will share their experiences with you. Again, I wanna welcome you to healingwell.  I do hope you will stick with us for the support and information you need, and I hope you will keep us posted as to how you are doing. Remember, try to relax!!!                         
Posted 10/24/2007 10:34 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for getting back to me Tammy!  Anyhow, just to clarify, I know I definitely have gerd.  I have had it for about 8 years.  My recent endoscopy was a follow up from one I had a few years ago and bc my meds stopped working for a little while.  But, to answer your question, the doc told me to stop taking it bc she thought my stomach pains were perhaps a side affect from taking the meds for so long.  I actually agree that it might be after the research I have done, and that I have noticed most people on here have the same symptoms.  The alternative however is severe buring in my throat and no eating...which obviously is miserable.

Thanks again for getting back to me.  I will definitely keep you posted moving forward! 

Posted 10/25/2007 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Lem. Thanks for clarifying things for me. I guess I was a bit confused with your post! Sorry bout that. So yes, keep us posted!!! I wish you all the best.
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