unexplained GI Symptoms

Have had "GERD" for 10 years, failed all the OTC antiacids. In Summer 2011 I had (while taking Prilosec twice a day) difficulty swallowing, tarry stools, diarrhrea and vomited blood, I was diagnosed (by EGD) with an Esophageal ulcer and stricture (was dilated), Barrettes Esophagus and GERD. Several months later I again had severe reflux and "coffee ground" vomit, more tarry stools (Was on Prevacid twice a day). Another EGD revealed healing ulcer and negative colonoscopy.     8mos. later, coffee ground emesis, severe reflux (inspite of Protonix 40mg twice and day), tarry stools (EGD revealed "LA grade C esophagitis, Barretts esophagus and now Duodenal lymphangectasis). I was then placed on Nexium 40mg twice a day. What does all this mean??? I'm not getting any answers....Now 2 months later, 5 - 6 soft stools per day (stools are now yellow...like corn and foul smelling), still severe reflux and occasional tarry stools.

[CalGal]

The foul smell to the stool could indicate fat malabsorption, which in turn could suggest gallbladder issues, pancreatic issues and celiac disease as well as inflammatory bowel issues. Go back to the doc and ask for testing that would check for issues other than GERD. Yes, you do have apparent issues with ulcerations, but there could be another process going on that may be contributing to the whole issue. Many have celiac disease and don't know it and testing can be unfortuantely inexact. Symptoms of celiac disease can mimic a myriad of other GI issues including reflux and celiac disease is associated with duodenal lymphangectasis.