Gerd and Back pain

[Tommy5858]

Last June I was diagnosed with GERD.  As the disease progressed I started having trouble swallowing because esophagus swelled.  When they did the endoscopy on me, they found a fungal infection called Esophagitis Candida.  I was treated with antifungal drug and actually got worse.  I ended up in the hospital on July 4th.  Much to my surprise, when they re-scoped me, my esophagus was completely healed.  There was a slight narrowing and they stretched that out, and my swallowing became much easier.  In addition to the two Prilosec I was taking, I started taking Carafate and Zantac at night.  Within two weeks I felt fine again.  About two weeks later, I reduced my Prilosec to once a day, and stopped taking the other drugs.  One week later, I started getting these symptoms again. This time I am notice a lot of upper back pain that is going along with the heartburn.  I went to the Dr. today and he assured me that Upper Back Pain is not uncommon with GERD,  Dr. did a blood test to check my Pancreas and results showed Lipase level was slightly elevated.  Dr. said there might be some irritation in the Pancreas and that could be causing the back pain.  My question is - Has anyone experienced Back Pain with GERD?  and Do you have problems sleeping because of this?   Your response will be greatly appreciated.   Regards, Tommy

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

How long will you have to wait to get results from the Bravo test?  I know it is going to be a hectic waiting-game and we're with you all the way :)  one thing you don't want to do now is hit the Internet and be overwhelmed with all the what ifs and worse case scenarios...

The Chrico muscle dysfunction is neurologic and most of the swallowing issues are neurologic as it is a disturbance in the normal and complex muscle co-ordination.  You may have to use long term medication and see a Dietician?

Please keep us posted on development :)

[Tommy5858]

I had my Bravo capsule installed yesterday. The Dr. had a bit of a challenge getting in, I had a very strong gag reflex. Once it was in I hardly notice it is there. I must confess I`m really getting scared, the swallowing problem is worst then ever. I really have to focus on chewing my food and swallowing does not seem natural. I`m worried this might be a neurological disorder. I could use some words encouragement.      Thanks in advance!!!

[Smiley2000]

The Chricopharengeus is the upper sphincter (UES) and also involves the swallowing of food and it is also connected to the voice box.

I was just thinking about something that I read in one of your other posts (that dilatation of the throat gave you temp relief) and that may as well be connected to a UES dysfunction!

Please mention this to your Doc!  and ENT was able to diagnose it for me with a flexible tube down the nose test.  yuk, but effective.

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

I am thinking of you today and wish you all the best!  you sure have alarming reflux symptoms!  the breathing issues can be caused by acid reflux irritating the lungs now!

Hugs and prayers coming your way!

Keep us posted, we're here for ya.

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

I am also surprised to see that the Doctors did not do an Endoscopy while you were in Hospital.  But I also know that it all depends on the Medical Insurance, type of Hospital, whether their were Specialists available, etc.

I am glad to see you have an upcoming Endoscopy scheduled.  Hang in there!  The GI Doc would be able to see if their is bile in your stomach.

Please remember to ask your Doc about the possibility of stones in your Gallbladder as that would explain the bile reflux.

I had a 24hr Impedance study done (similar to the normal 24hr PH study) and that was able to detect bile reflux.  I have long and complicated history with GI issues and had various surgeries for it.

All the best and keep talking to us.  We are here for ya.

[Tommy5858]

Last Saturday I felt really good, In fact I had a beer for the first time in two months. It was so weird after I swallowed it the beer just hung in my chest. You had said there was chricopharengeal muscle they had to treat. I`m wondering if I have the same problem. let me know your thoughts. THANKS