Living in South Australia and not knowing anyone!

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

I am 36, female.  I have been living with GERD for a very long time now.  Have confirmed Barrets Esophagus due to a LES dysfunction and have 2 gastric inlet patches.

My problem:  we have moved from South Africa - 2 weeks ago! and now living in South Australia (Adelaide).  When we went for our Doc visits for Visa purposes, I did not declare that I have Barrets or gastric issues - just said that I have GERD, which is common desease.

I am now in the position that I use to take Nexium on a daily basis and now I don't have medication here.  I also need to go for my annual check ups and have no clue where to go or how to do this.

Please help.

[bigkev414]

Hi
Just a couple of things:
First, here in Australia they (we) call it GORD not GERD because the medical fraternity spell esophagus differently. I learnt this when I was diagnosed and called it gerd and the doc told me to stop trying to self diagnose on the internet; it doesn't matter but I thought I would say.
What you need to do is look in the Yellow Pages phone book under medical practitioners and select a General Practitioner in your area (usually will be a 'family medical practice, or clinic) and just make an appointment to see a doc. When you get there just fill in their info form; just name and address etc and then have a consultation and tell the doc about your history and ask for a prescription for nexium; maybe you won't need one, you might just be able buy it from any pharmacy, they will tell you. You can choose whatever doctor you like, and if you don't like the one you see, just look in the phonebook and make an appointment with another one and so on until you are happy. We don't have registered areas for doctors or anything. I was born and grew up in Adelaide but now live in Queensland. What part are you living in? You will settle very quickly and it's a nice place to live. Aust is very like America in a lot of ways and you will get used to things quickly. (especially the flies which you will recognise from South Africa). Let's know how you get on.
best wishes and welcome. Kev

[Flycaster305]

Smiley, nice to see your post!  I trust you and your husband and children are well, and your heart is OK.  
Since our last communication, I had the Nissen Fundoplication surgery and also heart bypass surgery, both very successful.
I'm puzzled, however, why you can't get Nexium.  Is it not available there?  Can't you send for your medical records from your South Africa doctors, and prove the existence of your condition when you meet a GERD doctor in Australia?
If all else fails, I'll send you a supply!  
Thanks for posting.  Happy heartbeats.