Hi Gail,

Do you still have your gallbladder by chance?

Also new this month for me is Neuropathy of the feet! Have you been diagnosed with GERD? It's pretty common with this MCTD stuff as well. Maybe you need rx strength for your heartburn. Lots of things to monitor with the esophagus too I've been reading - so keep an eye on that heartburn.

This sounds familiar! It is ruining my singing voice. I take 2 Prevacids per day, one AM and one PM. Hope you get this under control. It can cause cancer!
Mary Ann

Thank you for your comments! I no longer have my gallbladder. Last year I had an EDG and Colonscope. I have had GERD for over 20 years, but this last EDG my doctor found the bile gastritis and heartburn. No Gerd. That kinda blow my mind. I am on 4 Carafate a day. Every 5 years they increase my Carafate so now I'm at 4 times. I also take RX prescribed highest strength Nexium. I have had a bad stomach since I was 14 year's old when I got Rheumatic Fever and was put a hospital wing by myself. They gave me 18 aspirin's a day for my RA. It ruined my stomach and hearing. I got my hearing back but not my stomach. Later they gave me RX'd (back then) Celebrex. 6 Celebrex a day. That ruined my stomach even more. I can't even eat black pepper. I have never had Mexican food because its too spicy. Sorry, I got side tracked. Anyway, last year I was so sick a gastro doctor I had to pay for myself, they checked my gallbladder. It was full of slug. It was seriously inflamed. It took two hours to get it out. It had ruptured over 5 times causing scar tissue everywhere. So its gone and I have 6 holes in my stomach area. Last year we moved to DFW here in Texas. We got a PCP and he took me off all my meds and put me on what he wanted. I have been sick for a year! He refused to handle my heathcare because I was too complex. I asked all year to refer me to specialty doctors. He gave our list to his staff and they refused to refer. When we told him he said, "I don't think they know how to transfer." We fired him in May 2016. I now have a new PCP and he has referred me everywhere, because I am to complex. Its just my life but he is supportive and helping me out the best he can. Now I'm trying to set up new doctors everywhere.

Wow! You really do have some GI issues! I hope your GI Dr can help you.
Mary Ann

Yes I do.

We have similar stories! I have Barrett's esophagus from bile gastritis. I had my gall bladder removed also and it was so damaged during the removal, they clipped a bile duct and I ended up with a drain tube and stent for about month. The bile caused stomach ulcers and I also took Carafate for quite some time. I take Protonix for my GERD. The doctor finally checked my gall bladder after night sweats is what prompted my asking about your gall bladder.

I hope you can get in with new and CARING doctors in your area. Complex is def the case! Hope you feel better soon!

Cap1972
Thank you! I will check Barretts out. Who knows, that could be the answer. Good news all! I have an appointment on 7/27/16 with my new Gastro Doctor and her staff!! Things are looking up. Everyone was great!!

I recently found that taking Fish Oil helps me with the Acid Reflux better than Prevacid. I'm taking Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega. Over the past week I have only taken Prevacid 1x. Did have to use TUMS one other day.

You know, my previous Rheumatologist used to recommend fish oil for me to take. I never knew why but I did whatever she told me to do. My previous PCP that I fired in May this year, took me off all meds that my Rheumatologist had me on. Isn't there something called Mega something? I remember telling my Rheum doctor that fish oil tasted horrible and she put me on Mega something and I no longer could taste fish after that.

There is WholeMega that is supposed to be pretty good.

Is WholeMega sold over the counter (OTC)? what store sells it? Thank you!

Hi there,
The fish oil without the fishy aftertaste may have been MegaRed Krill http://www.megared.com/why-omega-3-krill-oil/. No fish burps for me anyway.
I do hope you are able to see a doc soon about the chest pains & cough. They might be related to a lung/pulmonary problem (instead of GI) and those are common with MCTDers. http://www.mollysfund.org/2014/06/mixed-connective-tissue-disease/

I hope things are better for you soon.

Yes, MegaRed was the medicine I use to use. Seriously? Lung or pulmonary problems! Oh no. I pray I don't have another disease. I have so many now. I go to a new GI doctor in 1 1/2 weeks. I'll tell her about all my symptoms. God is with me. He will handle this and help me if need be. Thanks for your comment! Best wishes to you all!!

You are in my thoughts and I hope everything goes well. Very best wishes to you and I hope the new GI doctor is able to help.

Rene, I truly appreciate your kind words. Twenty years ago my astrologist told me I would always have to take pills for my stomach. I appreciate you so much. I'll keep everyone posted. Thanks for caring. Gail