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Posted 8/2/2021 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone!!

It’s been awhile now. Maybe not that long? 6 months? I honestly have lost track of time. I’m back with GI issues that I think are stress related. I tend to have IBS and reflux flares during high stress times. I’m currently having pain when I swallow and now upset tum. I’m crazy stressed because school starts for my boys soon and I’m sad about it and scared with this recent wave of covid and no mask requirements for the school yet.

Anyway, I feel like I have to get some of this out because it’s literally eating my insides apart. I hope everyone is well!
Posted 8/2/2021 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
I should add that I’m having an endoscopy next week. Kind of wish we were doing my colonoscopy too but that’s still a year out…
Posted 8/2/2021 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Don't mean to add to the stress, but I just read on the net under tittle, vaccine and the variant, that the variant is getting stronger and can be dangerous and from closer distances than the regular covid. I would at the least suggests masks even if they are not required.
Posted 8/3/2021 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
Tim Tam-

I’ve read the same and couldn’t agree more. We will hear more from our school this week and I’m praying that masks will be required. My children will be wearing them either way, until they have the option to get a vaccine.
Posted 8/3/2021 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know what the pain is when you swallow. Is it like a sore throat?

I think you're wise to be concerned about this covid and variant and mask situation.

I don't know what I would do. Maybe get the week's assignment from the teacher and home school? That would be stressful in itself.

Maybe one parent could homeschool 4 or 5 children.

Keep us up to date.
Posted 8/3/2021 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
So far my doctor thinks that scar tissue has narrowed my esophagus and now new acid is making it irritated. I guess I’ll have answers next week. I’m hoping it’s not more serious.

My poor boys have been at home due to covid since March of 2020. They did school remote last year but this year that isn’t an option. Our school did really well with the kids who went in person with masks, so I’m hoping that happens this year too. I’m hoping our governor steps in.
Posted 8/4/2021 11:15 AM (GMT 0)
Keep 💪. HT
Posted 8/4/2021 11:32 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks HT. Good to see you. Hope you are doing well. ❤️
Posted 8/4/2021 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning Park12.

Since you're having an endoscopy, make sure they biopsy you for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). This is a condition (sort of an allergy--typically food related--which causes inflammation) which can cause swallowing difficulty and narrowing of the esophagus. I've had issues with anxiety/GERD/swallowing for a long time. But was not diagnosed with EoE until after a recent food impaction. Really changed how I approach treatment, eating, etc. Honestly though, it has added a bunch to my already-mountain-sized anxiety.

Good luck with your journey through this. Hope you are feeling better soon.

GG
Posted 8/4/2021 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
GG-

The doctor actually brought this up right away, so I know they are planning to do this. Thanks for the tip! I’m anxious but excited because I’m desperate for some answers. The stress plus the discomfort is just a lot on top of everything else going on in the world. Today I feel like you could pop my stomach with a pin!
Posted 8/4/2021 12:54 PM (GMT 0)

Park12 said...
GG-

The doctor actually brought this up right away, so I know they are planning to do this. Thanks for the tip! I’m anxious but excited because I’m desperate for some answers. The stress plus the discomfort is just a lot on top of everything else going on in the world. Today I feel like you could pop my stomach with a pin!

Hi again.

Fantastic news that your doctor knew to test for EoE. Most don't. Sounds like you're with the right doctor.

Did your doctor recommend taking an H2 blocker like Famotidine for your esophageal discomfort? It's OTC. And what about something like .5 Lorazepam to help with anxiety. I don't usually like to take benzos. But they have helped me when I just could not cope otherwise.
Posted 8/4/2021 1:54 PM (GMT 0)
So she doesn’t want me taking anything until after the endoscopy, so that I don’t calm down the problem. Then we’ll go forward and talk about new meds. I don’t know about you, but this much acid ultimately messes with the lower GI systems for me, so my stomach is all upset now too, so I’m eager for meds!

I have taken Xanax for YEARS for my anxiety. I’m very well managed and monitored and my doctor is a firm believer in benzos being the ideal treatment for panic/anxiety. I’ve never had to change my dose and I see my doc every 2 months just because. And now that you mention it, I should be adjusting my med schedule though, so that I’m not letting myself get so wound up during the day, so I can try to avoid some of the triggering of the reflux!
Posted 8/4/2021 2:03 PM (GMT 0)

Park12 said...
So she doesn’t want me taking anything until after the endoscopy, so that I don’t calm down the problem. Then we’ll go forward and talk about new meds. I don’t know about you, but this much acid ultimately messes with the lower GI systems for me, so my stomach is all upset now too, so I’m eager for meds!

I have taken Xanax for YEARS for my anxiety. I’m very well managed and monitored and my doctor is a firm believer in benzos being the ideal treatment for panic/anxiety. I’ve never had to change my dose and I see my doc every 2 months just because. And now that you mention it, I should be adjusting my med schedule though, so that I’m not letting myself get so wound up during the day, so I can try to avoid some of the triggering of the reflux!

Really glad to hear that you're so well managed and plugged in. Once again, best of luck resolving your issues. GG
Posted 8/4/2021 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you!!
Posted 8/4/2021 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
Park! Your children are school age? I remember when one was a couple years old and you were pregnant with the 2nd. My time flies. Good to hear from you. Feel better!
Posted 8/4/2021 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Weary! Hi!! Good to hear from you as well!! Yes….I can’t even believe it myself! My oldest is 8.5 and youngest is 5! How have we been here for this long. I can remember being here with all of you when they were just babies. I hope you are staying well!! I’m glad to see your familiar name!
Posted 8/11/2021 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
good luck with ypur scope- keep us posted
Posted 8/11/2021 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you! Covid test today was negative as I expected/hoped! Thursday is the scope. Saying some prayers because anxiety is running wild.
Posted 8/11/2021 10:42 AM (GMT 0)
Park12:

Did you ask your doctor if it was possible to have the endoscopy and colonoscopy together? It might make sense since you are only a year from needing a colonoscopy.

Sharon
Posted 8/11/2021 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
I did but she felt we should just do the endoscopy for now. However I do plan to talk to her about my concerns tomorrow. Not ideal but if needed I can book the colonoscopy for another date. My anxiety is HIGH today. Almost that time of the month so I’m spiraling.
Posted 8/11/2021 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
Regardless of what your endoscopy outcome, it's always a good idea to try and adhere to a GERD-friendly diet to try and prevent as much acid, and irritation, as possible. You might want to keep a food diary to try and pinpoint your potential trigger foods. It is possible, as others have stated, to develop food allergies and/or sensitivities. I would also try an O-T-C Pepcid at bedtime to see if that gives you any relief.

Sharon
Posted 8/11/2021 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you! I’m waiting for my test before I restart meds because they want to see how things look at my worst. I’ve been told I have reflux, but never a formal diagnosis of GERD. I assume they do actually differ? I also have a small hernia. Ugh.
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