GERD & Heartburn Support Group

I've also lost 18 lbs in 3 months BUT that seems to be tapering/leveling off (but i also had no esopahgitis symptoms for 3 weeks and was eating everything b/c i was SOOOO excited to eat again).

I have had esophagitis on and off since I was an infant. I was put on prilosec around 8yo and then switched to nexium at 12yo but finally June of this year I turned 19yo and said I am tired of never enjoying eating and having reflux constantly.
They did a 24hr bravo test and found I had almost 300 episodes of reflux per day... they don't know what causes this. Surgeon said I really needed to have stomach surgery as even on nexium the acid has a chance of ulcerating the lining of my esophagus if it continues. He said I could wait up to a year but I chose to do it that summer... had a nissen fundoplication July 29, 2009. Unfortunately it was unsuccessful and I am currently undergoing tests to see what the next step is. I currently have an episode of esophagitis and I've lost about 10lbs in four weeks, so I know what it's like to feel like there is something in your throat (pressure) and the meds not work.
My advice is to try and keep staying calm and trying meds, because that is all you really can do. Doctors will tell you if your esophagus has a chance of being damaged. Find a doctor you trust and with whom you feel comfortable sharing your discomfort and concerns. I know people say bland foods are boring but you can have fun with them and be creative. Sometimes its beneficial to try a blended or liquid diet for a couple of days and give yourself some relief from the unpleasant symptoms.

Wishing you well,

rtannerj

I HAVE BARRETT'S DISEASE AND IT'S AWFUL. I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW I HAD IT UNTIL THE DOCTOR LOOKED DOWN MY THROAT SINCE HE WAS DOING A COLONOSCOPY ANYWAY. IT MAKES ME FEEL AWFUL ALL THE TIME, FEELS LIKE BREAD IS STUCK IN MY THROAT, AND I HAVE TO REALLY WATCH WHAT I EAT. IT REALLY DOESN'T SEEM TO HELP TAKING ANY OF THE MEDICATIONS. I DID RAISE MY BED BY 6 INCHES, GAVE UP SUGAR AND FAT, LOST 17 POUNDS WITHOUT TRYING, AND IT DOES SCARE ME BECAUSE I LOST A CLOSE FRIEND TO BARRETT'S. MY SYMPTOMS ARE BACK WITH A VENGEANCE AGAIN SO I'M GOING TO GO HAVE THE SCOPE DONE AGAIN. FEEL FREE TO E MAIL ME IF YOU GET NERVOUS OR SCARED ABOUT IT. I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL. I WILL NOT HAVE THE SURGERY UNLESS THEY DO THE NEW ONE THAT IS DONE WITH HEAT. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE I CAN DO EXCEPT STOP EATING! I HOPE YOU START FEELING BETTER REALLY SOON. I SYMPATHIZE WITH YOU!

thank you both...i feel very upset tonight but exhausted so it doesn't really show. I am soo sick of the esophagitis & the meds side effects. This is truly awful....i hesitate to call my dr b/c he will try to put me on yet a new med (i have had two bad reactions to nexium & protonix). I do have faith & hope and it is very helpful to hear others to since i can't seem to find alot about it & have no friends or family that have had it.

Rtanneri~i am so sorry about your failed surgery and your long battle with this. I wish you lots of hugs and hope.

ps. i went & bought manuka honey today b/c i read some good things about it & esophagitis and i thought why not....nothing else is working, wish me luck :)

I had esophagitis due to an infection and was treated w/medication. I have a follow-up endoscopy scheduled to see if the infection is gone. I also have Barrett's esophagus and other gastro-intestinal problems. I hope that your esophagitis is successfully treated and that you're able to regain the weight you lost.
Good luck.

I have had it where it lasts for 3 months at a time and it makes me so stressed.I take the nexium and tried aciphex with no improvement.It gets to the point where I feel like I just should stop eating and just sip soup.I will feel a strong pressure sensation in my throat that radiates to my chin.And so much gas and burping.Its horrible.Yesterday it felt like a choking sensation around my throat like someone had their hands on my throat.i told my pdoc and he gave me more xanax.I think the xanax might be the problem

yeah...i personally think it has triggered this for me, this is awful and hellish and i'm pissed, these dr's have no idea whats going on. All of a sudden now my gallbladder has been hurting and i just got back from off hours clinic and i have to go get tests done, I AM YOUNG, I WAS PHYSICALLY SO HEALTHY BEFORE THESE MEDS. I probably shouldn't be writing now b/c i am really upset, i have a raw throat, can barely eat and now a swollen gallbladder that needs attention. I am honest to goodness so frustrated right now.

ps. be careful getting off of the xanax, lots of people are ok, but some (like me) have trouble if you do it too quickly.

I ALSO HAVE THIS. SOME DAYS ARE BETTER THEN OTHERS AND I FEEL LIKE I DONT NEED THE MEDS,BUT I KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I DONT TAKE THEM. I HATE THIS DISEASE AND WISH IT WAS GONE. I ALSO TAKE CARAFATE 1G 4 X DAY. WITH MY PREVACID,AND CHEWABLE TUMS

I was recently diag. with Barrets. No dysplasia. I also have esophagitis and gastritis. I NEVER had stomach or digestive issues ever. This is all new. My symptoms feel like a heart attach waiting to happen. Heavy pressure under the sternum. No burning, no throat issues. Just this achy chest. Nothing the Dr. prescribed is working. I have tried, Nexium, Prilosec, Zegerid. All have not reduced my pain. Which probably means I am not getting better. I have also taken out wine, tomatoes, spicey foods and caffeine. All of my favorites. Still not feeling any better.. I am going to check out the "Nissan Fundopliation" treatment recommended by another story I read on this site. I heard that Red Delicious Apples, Apple Cider vinegar, and raw honey are very good. Although none worked for me. I am just hoping that my Barrets does not turn into the next stage whih would be low dysplasia. I also read that possibly I could have not enough acid, as opposed to too much acid. Lots of info out there on that.