Chronic GERD & uncommon symptoms
Posted , 9 users are following.
Hi,
I am 32 year old male.It has been an year, I really have been struggling with GERD.An year back, it just started with little irritation in my upper esophagus and my doctor prescribed PPI. Then a week later, was diagnosed with some inflammation in my esophagus through endoscopy procedure. Also esophageal candidiasis was diagnosed.Follwed which, a complete immunity tests were done, everything came back normal inclusing HIV.With the treatment for candida and regular PPI, I felt better for 3 to 4 months, though I had dysphagia, it was ok and manageable atleast. Then started the bigger problem. Started experiencing nausea, pain in esophagus, discomfor in stomach (pinching sense, hazy pain, etc) but my bowel movements are ok. Had back to back endoscopy in just 6 montsh of time, resulted the same. Just GERD with erosive esophagitis. The latest endoscopy showed no yeast infection. The problem is the persistant nauseated sense, discomfort in stomach, sense of food struck in esophagus are very annoying and really hijacked my happiness. Every day in and out, I am suffering. These symptoms become part of my life and am gradually losing hope of finding any recovery. The scariest part risks associated with this GERD (Barrett's, cancer). Also did complte blood work, evrything came back perfectly normal except h.pylori antibodies positive (but endoscopy biopsy said no infection) Vitamin D and B12 deficiency and the abdomen ultrasound showed 5 amm and 3 mm polyps.With all these stuffs, I really do not know where my life is going and affected teh quality of my life like anything. Kindly guide/suggest me what shoukd I do to atleast manage this. I want someone to give me some hopes.
Thanks.
1 like, 11 replies
Jonathan57679 saravanaselvan
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aryt saravanaselvan
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saravanaselvan
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No I am seriously thinking about taking up a 24 hr pH study, if the acid level is high, I am planning to go for Linx surgery which I got to know from this discussion thread: https://patient.info/forums/discuss/linx-surgery-for-acid-reflux-103868
This Linx seems to be an intelligent solution, as they fix a titanium ring sround the lower esophagus which acts as artificial LES. Logically it should work and I see testimonies conforming it is producing fantastic results.
Dixieb saravanaselvan
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Jonathan57679 saravanaselvan
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I was also interested in the LINX surgery. I missed the free trials when they were first testing. But, I'm glad I did. There is nothing to keep the magnets in place, so they could roll up higher. Some people have stated that they can feel them in their chest.
I was in very bad shape 8 months ago. Acid Reflux; Gastritis; intestinal enlargement; bloating;nausea;vomitting. Mostly, from a steroidal nasal spray. After I stopped that medicine, I found a way to naturally strengthen the esophageal sphincter. It changed my life. I will continue in a new box.
Jonathan57679
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Dixieb Jonathan57679
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pappu37660 Jonathan57679
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thanks
Jonathan57679 pappu37660
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debbie89808 saravanaselvan
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Have you had treatment for H Pylori - if so for how long and what medications were used. H Pylori can be very resistant to treatment and can cause a lot of the problems you are experiencing - I know because I've got it. The first round of treatment for H Pylori should be a course of 2 antibiotics and a PPI for at least 10 days and better if it is 14 days. If you have been retested whilst taking PPIs you may have got a false negative result. You have to stop them 2 weeks before any retest whether it be breath test, stool test or biopsy at the time of an endoscopy. H Pylori can deplete levels of vitamin b12 as can the PPIs. PPIs also make you more prone to yeast infections such as Candida. You don't specify whether you are seeing a gastroenterologist, if you aren't you need to ask your GP for a referral for specialist care.
I have problems that are very similar to yours and have lost a lot of weight due an inability to eat for the pain. I am going for a 24 Oesophageal PH test next week where they insert a nasogastric tube with a probe on it to test for acid levels in the oesophagus.
Maybe keeping a food diary would help you to identify any food that may trigger your symptoms. You may need an adjustment in your medication. I am taking 80mg of Omeprazole and 300mg of Ranitidine - these were prescribed when I was admitted to hospital recently when unable to eat or drink - it took 3 days before my acid levels came under some control. Most people are only prescribed about 20mg a day of Omeprazole - which for someone with symptoms like yours may not be enough. Sometimes switching the PPI to another can give better results - you could ask for a change.
Hoping that you get some relief soon.
calista534 saravanaselvan
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I'm wondering how you are doing now? My daughter (13 yrs old now) has been suffering with digestive issues for the past few years. She has been diagnosed with candida esophagitis three separate times with endoscopy. After her last endoscopy we were told she has acid reflux, bile reflux and dysplasia of esophagus. She still has chronic nausea and feels acidic most days. She lost 25 pounds after this first started but has regained back to a healthy weight now but is mostly homebound with her nausea.