GERD / Esophagitis

[barb5]

I was diagnosed with these about 18 months ago following an upper endoscopy.  I've been on medicine that's been ineffective. I went to my PCP today and she told me how serious this is. It can lead to cancer of the esophagus.
She advised that i should go back to my Gastro doc.. SOON, and get re-evaluated for new meds.

Here's the deal. I went online to research esophageal (SP) cancer.. and guess what.. Major contributors to this cancer are:
HEAVY DRINKING
SMOKING
OBESITY
DIET HIGH IN SALT
DIET LOW IN FRUITS/VEGGIES

Hmmmm... the gastro doc never said this.
And guess what. I am a HEAVY drinker and I smoke.

I'd like to ask this forum if anyone has experienced adverse severe esophagitis/cancer/etc...
as a result of their heavy drinking?
What were your symptoms? Are you still drinking? When did it start to get worse? Etc..
And, what's the prognosis if you QUIT drinking?

[boogieman]

hello. i haven't had any severe g.i. conditions although when i was still drinking, i did have some rather painful symptoms that may have been precursors to serious issues. drinking and smoking can do a lot of damage to the body, and your md should have addressed these. unfortunately, the burden of obtaining current and clinically tested info is being placed on the consumer more these days. keep doing your own research in addition to any therapies you may be trying, and if you decide to stop the booze, there are people here that will help and shoot you straight. good luck--gm

[TJack]

I really don't know the answers to your questions, but i would advise going back to the gastro doctor and asking him.  In the meantime try to limit these things that irritate the problem.  Good wishes to you.  TJ