Reflux Esophagitis

[goofysmom]

I am a 36 yo female who has recently been diagnosed with severe reflux esophagitis, Barretts esophagus and esophageal spasms.  My gastroenterologist tried Protonix first, with the hopes that if we could get the reflux under control, the spasms would go away.  I had severe side effects with the Protonix, so she put me on Prilosec OTC and Hyoscyamine for the spasms.  I am taking both medications every 12 hours for relief of my symptoms for the last 5 days.  The spasms are being controlled very well, as is the reflux.  I do notice that I have pain from the esophagitis if I eat the wrong things.  

My question:  how long does it usually take for the esophagitis to heal once the reflux is under control?

Thanks,
Chrisy

[mrwjd]

A long time!

You need to control the symptoms--that's the key to healing.  Think of your most tender skin, raw and open with a terrible rash, and of pouring a mongo strong acid onto it.  Until it gets a break from the acid, it's not going to heal, right?

Later on, you can test forbidden foods like caffeine and chocolate and see how you do, but not until you heal, even then don't ever let them sit in your esophagus, and remember to stay upright until they've cleared the stomach.  Don't lie flat; a hospital bed is nice, but you can probably learn to keep your head elevated with pillows.

The consequence of not getting and keeping it healed is serious, including esophageal cancer.  So don't take risks with the treatment.

I just wrote a few paragraphs under "Esophagitis and heart" or something like that--it may or may not interest you.  It really only tells a story about how serious this can be, and how after it gets a foothold, even being careful for many years doesn't keep it from being very, very sensitive.

Good luck.