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Severe erosive esophagitis help please

Hi I was diagnosed with moderately severe erosive esophagitis and chronic mild gastritis a month ago via endoscopy and biopsy. I have been on 40 mg omeprazole QAM for 4 and a half weeks and 300 mg ranitidine Qhs. I have no relief of my symptoms. Esophagus feels as something is stuck in it much of the time with sharp pains and burning in chest, arms and back much of the day as well. It doesn't matter if my stomach is empty or I have eaten. Symptoms are the same and I am getting very little if any relief from the meds.

Is there anything that can help or am I in trouble? I am very worried. I don't smoke, drink alcohol or eat spicy foods and always maintained a very healthy life style. I am mainly a vegan and exercise every day. I would so appreciate any advice. Thank you!
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Avatar universal
Hello Hayley
This is Ric (short from Ricardo) from Mexico and I just happen to found this forum. I have hiatal hernia and weak LES and I am considering surgery. In one of your posts you mentioned that your investigations show that surgery is not recommended in this situation. Could you send me the references you read? Or post it here?
My email is ***@****

Thanks for sharing

Ric
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Avatar universal
Hi Lilly, Just got back from surgeon and he said I got the pressure sore from being way too thin :(( I feel embarrassed that I caused this myself though I did not get this thin on purpose. He was very nice and is having a nutritionist speak with me while I am in the hospital after the surgery.

Meanwhile he had no other advice besides keep it covered and move positions as much as possible. I cannot lay on my side because of my leg. We have a latex mattress so that helps somewhat I guess. Greg got me a donut to sit on just now but not sure if that will help.Sitting on it right now. OMG the fun never ends.

I messaged you with my email so hopefully you get that. If not I also friended you on FB right after I messaged you so you can contact me that way and we can exchange emails. (((Hugs))).
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Avatar universal
Will definitely do the email-much prefer-didn't see my message from you but will go back and look--I have just started getting on Facebook more..
You are going through so much--I would get a temper pedicure mattress or pad for your bed because it help with pressure being distributed---other than that, I don't know a lot about bedsores but I am thinking aloe Vera pure gel and maybe neosporin once a day to prevent infection...are you able to lie on your side? When I was painfully thin, it would hurt to sit on any hard surface too long--I am going to facebook page now and try to find your message to email you--lots of hugs--hopefully that sore will be totally gone by the 7th
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Avatar universal
Oh Lilly, I am so sorry about your new symptoms :((
My dh had kidney stones and had to have surgery and you must drink a lot to flush it from your system. Just keep drinking and hopefully you can get rid of them that way. I will keep thinking healing thoughts for you!

I have a new issue and I am so worried it will delay my surgery scheduled tentatively for July 7th. I have a bedsore on my butt. Only 5 days in and OMG. How am I going to get through 3 plus months of inactivity if I already have a bedsore. And I cannot tell the doctor or my surgery might be delayed. What do I do? So stressed now and trying to remain calm but my leg hurts so much despite the pain meds and now my butt is so irritated from just sitting all day that it is rubbed raw and almost ulcerated right before it meets my lower back. I know it is from being too thin. I cannot even stand to look at myself anymore but I am doing the best I can to gain weight and regain my health so I can get strong.

Mentally and emotionally  I am strong and will get through this but I need to meet this new challenge so I can get that surgery and start the long road to healing and recovery. I am afraid to tell my doctors though...any advice?

Sending you healing vibes and I hope your kidney stones get flushed easily. Much love and hugs.

Hayley

PS I sent you a message on FB. I am not an avid FB user so I sent you my email in the FB message I sent you because I always forget to check FB and this way it is easier to communicate if you would like via email.
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Avatar universal
I hope you are feeling better and getting some encouragement...
I have a new problem..I was feeling great and Saturday night awakened with severe lower abdominal and back pain. It was better Sunday morning but   returned so I saw my doctor Monday. He ran blood work and urinalysis but just said to take Advil with a PPI-my urinalysis came back with crystals in my urine which is indicative of kidney stones...Today he said to come back in a week and drink lots of water. I am very frustrated and in pain... Sorry to complain as I know you have horrible pain and a long road of healing.
I believe fear is the worst part of any illness or injury and it is very difficult to control.
Have you seen any more doctors and do they have a plan for you? Hopefully, you are still able to enjoy shakes from your Vitamix..is your burning under control?
I read about the Pilon break and it does require expert care and I know you will get that with the doctors you are seeing. Fortunately, you live in a city where expert specialists abound.
Please let me know how you are feeling. Perhaps after you are feeling better, you can try some things ( like painting, joining a book club, writing, etc.) which will keep you interested and enthusiastic..
I know how difficult it is when I can't exercise because for me too, it has been such a helpful outlet for stress and I love it...just remember, you will be back doing it in no time..
Sending hugs, blessings and healing thoughts.
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Avatar universal
Forgot to say what I have is called a Pilon break and it is seen in high impact injuries. I haven't googled it yet despite getting the surgeon's blessings to do so. Have a good night and thank you again for your good thoughts and prayers. hugs and healing prayers to you too :)
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Avatar universal
Hi Lilly, OMG what a terrible accident! I am so glad you are fully recovered. How strong and brave you are and thank you so much for sharing your experience with me and thank you so much for your encouragement.

I had a long and exhausting day so just wanted to say hello and thank you and see how you are doing. I saw the surgeon at hospital for special surgery today and he said while I won't recover full function I can get back much of it if I am willing to work hard in therapy after I heal and follow instructions to rest. I am motivated so that's not a problem for me. Hope you are well and I am going to contact you on FB.


Hugs!
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Avatar universal
You will DEFINITELY survive---I just feel so badly for you---you are very healthy and the surgery will go very well...you have very capable doctors and they will fix that break...Did you get hit or did the bike flip? About 14 years ago, in Audubon Park in New Orleans, I was riding at dusk on a very familiar trail.. I didn't see a chain barricade and hit it going pretty fast. I flew off the bike, landed on my right shoulder and jaw, knocked out my four back teeth and broke my shoulder and jaw. Literally, I thought I was dying because I hit with such force. They put the shoulder back together and did implants for teeth and I had to wear a neck collar for three months.. I do remember some terrible pain but can't remember some of it because I think I blocked it out.
I am so cautious now when riding but bike accidents are almost unavoidable because bikes offer little protection.i do still love riding but don't ride as fast anymore...plus---although I still feel young and active, I am getting older and the digestive issues have really humbled me..
You are YOUNG and your body is very resilient and I know you will heal quickly-really I do ---and keep saying things like that to yourself---
Do you have family members near where you live?
Please keep me updated... Look at face book and type in Coco Dupont
Lafayette la.
Love and blessings to go to you and your husband ( because I know it is killing him to see you suffer)... Sending as many healing thoughts and prayers as I can....
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Avatar universal
Lilly, thank you. The surgeon wanted to give me anti inflammatories until I told him about my esophagitis history and then he said no not a good idea. Though the swelling is terrible and the pain I cannot describe. It has reduced me to someone who is helpless and truly the most awful pain I have ever felt. Over a 10 at this point in time on the pain scale.

Can you share your fb name again with me. I meant to contact you there and then I completely forgot.

So glad you are coming in October because I pray I will be up and about then though the doctors were not as optimistic and I am very scared. Scared of surgery of surviving it and scared of never regaining my full function. I am going to be strong though and catch myself before the dark thoughts take over.

Sending much love and hugs to you and good luck with your wood floors begin redone. Love freshly done wood floors!
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Avatar universal
Also, wanted you to know that the reason I haven't written is because I am having my wood floors re-done and we are renting a condo for the week-all I have is my I Pad and I was busy with work so haven't been checking emails--but will check a few times a day now
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Avatar universal
Oh, Hayley,I am so sorry about your accident, but am glad you are okay other than the break. Please try not to think too far ahead---you may heal very very quickly in spite of the bad break-you are in great physical shape and have been so active...Hopefully, the pain will lessen very soon--did the give you anti-inflammatories too? Just remember, it is so unfortunate that you had this accident but I know you will be great soon--let yourself grieve it ( you can cry on my shoulder any time) and then try to check what you are telling yourself and change the self talk to positive self talk..I tend to think very negatively when I experience fear, and I have to go back and use the tools I once taught others... I do have a great relaxation visual imagery I made years ago and would love to send it to you....I guess the only way we can exchange addresses or phone numbers is through facebook though because it is prohibited on here.
BY THE WAY, we are going to come to New York in October for a month.. We are trying to rent a home in Woodstock for the month. My son popped in this weekend as a surprise and he is going on a sailing cruise in Saint Bart's for the last two weeks of July, so I will definitely get to meet you and your husband in October.. I believe by then you will be on your way to full healing.. If there is anything I can do to help you, please please let me know. Even though we have never physically met, I consider you a dear friend who has helped and supported me in this journey. Just know I am praying for you...much love
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Lilly, I had a bike accident today and broke my leg/ankle in 2 different places.Tibia and Fibia. Long road ahead. Surgery not for weeks because the swelling is so bad. I am in so much pain even on vicodin I cannot think clearly. Orthopedic surgeon said I probably won't get back to normal for a year. It's that bad a break. I am very depressed. I am a very active person and not being able to work out and bike this year is horrible for me. And I am also scared I won't get back to how I was. I cannot believe this. I was finally starting to get my life back and now this. Very very depressed. Sorry for crying on your shoulder Lilly. I am beyond sad and in so much pain. :((
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Avatar universal
Hi Cliff! Glad you are doing so much better and that you and your doctor finally figured it out! It can be such a mystery and you are very fortunate that your issue was discovered. My doctor tested my thyroid but I wonder if an endocrinologist would be a better doctor to go to for that as I feel my internist is not expecting to find anything wrong with my blood etc and perhaps is not getting into the nitty gritty details he needs to get into to help me figure it out. Thank you for posting and I wish you the best in your continued healing process!
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Good morning Lilly, I agree, a good storm can be cathartic in a way as long as it hasn't been raining/storming for days on end. I love the way it smells after a heavy rain storm :)

I am so glad your detox program is going well. I still haven't checked the Replenish site out. On my list of things to do because I am very interested in healing from the inside out as naturally as possible. I feel like I am almost eating that way-free of gluten/soy/dairy/sugar etc. Only thing I am not sure I can give up are my artificial sweeteners-mainly Stevita. Good luck and keep me posted!

I hear you on the weight gain and weight loss. I hate being even a few lbs over what I consider comfortable for me so I understand. And I hate being so thin also. People at work have been commenting for the last few months-in a concerned and caring way because they know I have not been well and want me to gain a few lbs. My arms are too skinny and the veins show through. Gross :(
I feel like I am gaining a bit though because I am able to wear some skirts now that fell off my waist a few weeks ago so progress and baby steps. All good!

And don't worry about your children and grandchildren-it will be OK. Hoping it all turns out well and that everyone checks out healthy and keeping all of them in my thoughts and prayers!

Have a good day :)
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Avatar universal
All my life I had never any problems with my digestion.  18 months ago, I started to suffer with severe Acid Reflux.  I tried all the self help remedies and researched on the web. Nothing worked and I went to my Doctor who prescribed Omeprozone. Which just made matters worse.   3 months ago I changed doctors.  As a new patient my new doctor  did a blanket screening of my blood to check for any problems.  I did not mention to him the Acid reflux, which I thought was now something I had to live with.  When the blood test results came in, I got a call from him saying that my tests showed a severely underactive thyroid.  He told me that I would have to take Thyroxine for the rest of my life.  Initially he prescribed 100 mg daily.  I still hadn't told him about the Acid reflux.  After two weeks of taking the thyroxine and NO other medicine my Acid reflux disappeared and for the last three months my digestion is back to normal.  On a follow up visit to the Doctor I mentioned that my digestion was now good, and I was sure it was the thyroxine.  He didn't agree or disagree.  This leaves me thinking that the link between thyroid trouble and Acid reflux is not something that doctors think about.  An under active thyroid means that your metabolism is out of synch. Therefore it seems logical to me that these two conditions could be linked and the medical profession don't even know about it.  
After suffering with this miserable condition and now finding a cure for me by pure chance,  I'd like to spread the word that this could work for other sufferers and could be worth getting your Doctor to test for Thyroid problems.   Please spread the word if you try this and it works for you.  I feel sure that this could help many people.   Plus the thyroxine has given me a real boost and I feel much better in general.  Cliff
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Avatar universal
Good morning...I just woke up to a stormy day but I love rain and wind..I am so glad your allergist is being proactive in finding out what your are responding to ( environmentally and with foods)...I believe the steroid inhaler is safe because very little of it becomes systemic..when I went to urgent care three weeks ago, the doctor gave me steroid nose drops to use each day...Of course, I discontinued them after a few days but maybe should start again because I still feel like I have a post nasal drip and also some raspiness in my voice. Whatever respiratory virus we contracted sure doesn't go away quickly. And I have spoken to a few others who say it took weeks to kick the lingering congestion. It seems like it settles in the upper chest/ throat area but lingers..Do you feel better since starting the new protocol?
Your burning should stop after resuming the antihistamines ... I have mitral valve prolapse and anti his timings always cause me to feel a sensation like my heart skips a beat so I hesitate to take them..Since my early teen years, I have worried whenever I have a health issue thinking the worst..Thankfully, I have been pretty healthy through the years.
Now I worry about my children and grand children when they have health issues. My second to youngest has a flat blotchy rash on his back, neck and legs...he says it started three years ago and a doctor looked at it then. However, he said it has gotten worse and the dermatologist he saw a few days ago did a biopsy, so I am waiting with some apprehension until he gets the results.
I really like the detox protocol in that the food is delicious and there really is very little deprivation. The aim is to eliminate chemicals, sugar, gluten, soy and dairy for a month. The recipes are excellent and I love to cook but it is time consuming.. I have always kind of eaten this way anyway although since my digestive issues, I have consumed far too many carbs and I look forward to changing that. I thought weight would never be an issue for me because everyone in my family of origin is/ was very thin, but I am about 6 pounds overweight( for me) so hopefully I will drop a few pounds. My friends tell me I am nuts but I hate my clothes being snug and feeling thick. When I was sooo thin, I would have been delighted to gain even 20 pounds.
Let me know if your inhaler helps--will be praying for your burning to cease --have a great day....
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Avatar universal
Hi Lilly, thanks for asking and you are right. The allergist thinks the reason my allergic asthma started up again after so many years in remission was the upper respiratory infection I had beginning of June. That was the catalyst in his opinion. He put me on a steroid inhaler twice a day (afraid to take this though he said it would be safe and to rinse my mouth out after I use it) and also a ventolin inhaler. I had environmental allergy testing done and will get food allergy testing next time. My next appt is July 21 as he was all booked up. So far no surprises. I am allergic to cats (we have 4 LOL), mold, ragweed and a few other things. Nothing off the charts terrible. He saw some cobblestoning in the back of my throat but cannot tell me if it could be due to acid reflux...I hope not :(

Good luck with your detox program starting today. I am excited for you. I just made a delicious breakfast smoothie for me and my dh. It had Kale, pear, banana, walnuts and ice. And it was a lovely rich light green and tasted yummy. I hope you enjoy your detox and that it helps you improve even more.

I had burning the last few days but I wonder if that was because I had to stop all antihistamines 4 days before the allergy appointment. I have high histamine response (derm did scratch test a while back and it was high and he put me on 2 antihistamines a day) and stopping them cold turkey I hope was the cause of the return of the burning. I started them again last night and I hope the burning will go away again.

Have a good day and let me know how your detox is going...
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Avatar universal
Hi Hayley
The shakes sound delicious and so healthy...I am definitely going to look at the Vitamix this week as I am starting the "tick tock detox" with Andrea Nakayama tomorrow...It truly is just a healthy diet plan eliminating gluten, sugar and dairy.. I really need it because my eating habits have been less than optimal for awhile..When I had the burning, I are mostly carbs which are like eating pure sugar which I also have been eating. I weigh more than I ever have in my entire life so hopefully, this new plan will get me back on track.
I am so sorry you are experiencing the breathing problems but I believe it will pass..I caught the flu from one of my grand daughters two years ago right after Christmas.. I had the flu shot but contracted it anyway...I was really sick and in the weeks following I had asthma too and had never had it before in my life..My internist gave me an inhaler which I used a few times a day but it took a few weeks to recover..I have never had it since but it was miserable because I always felt short of breath during those weeks..My niece's husband( who is an obstetrician) told me it is a type of allergic response to the virus... You are in excellent physical shape so it will dissipate..Someone suggested I take oil of oregano which helped. I bought it at Whole Foods....
I am looking forward to planning our trip this week. My friend who has a summer home in Old Lyme Conneticut is returning from Italy Tuesday and I need to get with her before I schedule our flights. I grew up with her in New Orleans and we have tried getting together at least every other year since college..She is an attorney living in Kentucky and has become somewhat famous and has settled most of the Dow breast implant litigation. She is a very kind and interesting person...
I do look so forward to meeting you and your husband who sounds like a wonderful guy...
Let me know how your appointment with the allergist goes...
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Avatar universal
Hi Lilly, it sounds like you are feeling a bit better? I hope! I am feeling better but my voice is not back to normal yet. Just a bit of a raspiness to it.

However my allergic asthma (which hasn't bothered me for over 7(?) years or so has been acting up quite a lot this last week and I am using my dh's emergency inhaler every few hours without much relief. I was able to make an appointment with an allergist for this Monday afternoon with a new allergist. My dh wanted me to go to his allergist but she is all booked up for a couple of weeks and I cannot wait at this point as my breathing is so labored. I just hope for once I have something that is easily treatable and this also doesn't become some elusive mystery diagnosis and trial and error treatment yanno? LOL

I love the Vitamix so much we just got a second one to keep in our NY home and the first one is here at our Beach house. I am making healthy and yummy smoothies for breakfast usually and sometimes if I don't feel like eating dinner because it's too late I make a smoothie instead. Example of my morning smoothie- honeydew, banana, pineapple, power greens and blueberries and lots of ice. I make 1/2 of it greens and 1/2 of it fruit.  It is very tasty and I hope healthy enough. I haven't tried the protein powder yet because it was mailed to our NY home and we are at the beach house every weekend but this Monday I might try it in my smoothie. And my dh is enjoying the vitamix smoothies I am making too :)

Let me know when you plan on coming to NY. We are at the beach house every weekend and also July 4-13th and August 10th-20th I believe but we can certainly make arrangements to come into the city if you will be here during those times. Also, as I wrote before you are more than welcome to come visit us at the beach house (only a 35 minute ferry ride from downtown Manhattan or 45 minutes from Midtown!). At least you know the food served by us would be good for our acid reflux and other sensitivities LOL.

Enjoy the warm weather!
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Avatar universal
I am so glad you are enjoying your Vitamix---maybe I will have to go buy one...Actually, my stomach is okay but I still have some congestion and a raspy voice..it gets better and then it seems to get worse...Are you well now...The respiratory illness stated 3 weeks ago tomorrow with a sore throat and congetion mainly in my throat...then the laryngitis started and I had no voice for almost a week..
I have a client who is sick and have been around him quite q bit...he has had fever and congestion and I am hoping I am not catching something on top of the thing I already had...
Also, I saw a friend at the grocery store who told me her respiratory problems started around Easter and it waxes and wanes ...I am ready to be over this...I took Mucinex this morning but haven't taken it for almost a week...
I hope you are not going through the same thing...
The weather is so HOT here- already in the 90s so I am ready to head north...I do know it can get really warm in New York during the summer...I think we will be making reservations on Monday...
Still sending healing thoughts and hoping your tummy and your cold is better...I think the Vitamix will really help you support a healthy lifestyle...
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Avatar universal
Hi Kay, thank you for your warm and kind comments and I am sending good thoughts your way. I hope your procedure goes smoothly and that the doctors can figure out a way to bring you much needed relief! Best wishes and (((hugs))) to you. As you said, one day at a time. Please let us know how you are doing and good luck this Monday!
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Lilly, I am still loving the Vitamix so much so that I am going to get another one for our NY home because the NutriBullet is not even close in comparison. Loving having a healthy smoothie each day. I had a bit of avocado in last night's smoothie with banana, pineapple, walnuts, kale/baby spinach/chard, blueberries ice and water and OMG delicious and creamy.

I hope you are feeling much better and thank you for all your healing vibes and support. I am sending loads of healing vibes to you as well and big (((hugs))) too.
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Avatar universal
Hi Kay
I had never heard of the Stretta procedure but looked it up and it sounds very sound and could be helpful after a few months ( as per Web MD--how long ago did you have it done? Also, did your doctors determine whether it was acid or bile reflux? I sure hope you eventually get some relief...
I believe what I had to the past two weeks was a viral respiratory illness which cause bronchitis, laryngitis and a general malaise.. So many other people around where I live have had very similar symptoms and I believe the white tongue coating is probably a component of the viral infection..According to the limited research I did on candida, I believe the coating would be much more extensive so I didn't continue the meds for it although I did complete the Z- PAC....i hope your next EGD comes back  clean...you have been through so much--- sending healing thoughts you eay
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Avatar universal
Hello, Ladies:  I am  new to this forum and hope you don't mind that I've been watching and reading all your comments because I can relate to ALL of them, believe me.  This last weekend my throat started hurting and there was an increase of post nasal drip, besides the "usual" amount of congestion in my throat.  I also checked my tongue, and it is coated with white, which surprised me.  I don't believe it has been that way before, but there have been rashes and yeast infections elsewhere in the past.  I'm suppposed to have another EGD with the Bravo capsule monitoring this upcoming Monday, in Boston VA with my GI specialist, and not sure how it will go.  I will also NEVER have that 24 hr. test with the tube through nose and throat again.  I did manage through it, and even though it wasn't very effective, it was enough to determine and confirm severe reflux and Esophagitis.  Instead of going through the Fundoplication surgery, I eventually had a Stretta procedure,which helped some, but not enough to get rid of the throat discomfort and lots of burping.  It does help a lot of people, though, and is less recovery and harmless compared to major surgery.  I have been a LMT, and also believe in alternative healing, spiritual practices, etc....just don't get enough done for myself, though...go figure.  You are so wonderful to support each other. That is what it takes, each day at a time.
God bless, and take care!
Kay
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