I thought it would be interesting to post an update. After aggressively seeking more diagnostic tests, my doctor had me undergo an endoscopy. It showed signs of celiac disease. Shortly thereafter, I had a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. I have been gluten free for a year and am 100% back to normal (but of course, will have to maintain a strictly gluten free diet for life). Because my symptoms were not "classic" celiac disease symptoms, it was by sheer luck (and by being a strong advocate for myself) that I got the diagnosis. In fact, I posted on another forum here and the doctor told me that "celiac disease does not cause heatburn". Actually, untreated celiac disease has upwards of 300 different symptoms (including heartburn). I hope this information helps someone else!
Hi Josie, I have a lot of the same issues. Have you got any answers?
The specialist appointment did not go well. Basically they told me that they will schedule me for a scope, but that it would likely show one of two things: hiatal hernia or GERD of "unknown origin". Said that this is likely a chronic condition I'll have for the rest of my life. They also said standard treatments are lifestyle modification and medication - neither of which are working for me. They acknowledged this and when I asked how I was supposed to live, they had no answer. They mentioned the Nissen Fundloplication but said it was not without complications. From the research I've done, it seems to have a lower rate of success for people like me who do not respond to PPIS. I'm in dire straits at the moment.
Good Luck on Friday.,...and do let us know how it goes : )
Seeing a specialist on Friday. Thanks for the suggestion.
Hi....u may want to try seeing a GI Dr and have other testing done.......
My acid reflux completley went away 24 hours after I stopped eating gluten. Don't have any ever since.
Thank you for your responses.
I have modified my diet 100% (for the last 3 months). It is "pristine". I work closely with my doctor and a dietician on this. I am very active and have always been a healthy eater. I eat zero processed foods (never have), have never had a pop in my life, don't drink coffee, tea or alcohol. I suppose that is why this is so frustrating - I seem to be doing everything right. Per my doctor's recommendation I have eliminated basically all fats (including healthy fats like olive oil), tomatoes, garlic, onions.
The doctor just prescribed domperidone to take on top of the Losec. After 4 days my symptoms seem to be getting worse, not better.
I have just been seeing my GP (although he is the head of a private clinic). He told me I don't have a hiatial hernia (though I don't know how he knows that). Other than the h-pylori test, they have run no diagnostic tests.
I don't feel like the medications are helping at all. In fact, it just seems that we are layering up medications to "cover up" the problem and not really dealing with any underlying cause.
HI,
In reply to your questions:
1. it sounds like acid reflux disease or GERD, you may have developed oesophagitis.
2. difficult to be certain. You may have developed a hiatus hernia suddenly. The acid reflux is caused by a lax valve between the esophagus and stomach - the LES
3. the diagnosis is usually mad on the history and most gastroenterologists do not recommend endoscopy initially, but this may be advised if your symptoms persist or recur.
4.lifestyle and dietary changes - complex - see this article:
http://www.enetmd.com/content/gerd-diet
5.nutrition
6.depends on your location. the author of GERD articles in specialist medical books is: Joel E. Richter, MD
Professor of Medicine
Chair for Esophagology
University of South Florida
Director, Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition
Director for Swallowing Disorders
10. losec reduces acid production by the stomach lining.
14. rebound worsening of symptoms is a well described and common problem with ppi's like losec. the answer is to come off it gradually.
15. if losec fails to work then nexium (esomeprazole) is more effective. If this fails then the options include adding motility agents like domperidone. the last resort is surgery
17. you have to be careful with medication when trying to fall pregnant. take advice form your doctor. antacids are generally thought to be safe as are drugs like ranitidine (Zantac)- though always take advice from the prescribing doctor and ideally your specialist obstetrician- you need to take great care with medications if pregnant. you will need to pay very close attention to your diet and lifestyle to minimize symptoms if you are pregnant.
for detailed advice about acid reflux disease check out:
http://www.enetmd.com/content/acid-reflux-disease
best wishes Lucy
Hi and welcome to the GERD forum.
First, try to relax...stress can cause GERD symptoms to flare and with all the questions I get the feeling u r very anxious.
Next, the Dr u saw and got the meds RX'd from, was he a GI Dr or a PCP and were ne tests done?
Low acid levels can cause the same symptoms....so do see a GI Dr get tested to see what is going on so u r treating it the best way.
and again, try to relax <3