Hello,
I am a 31 year old obese Italian male (5'9" tall, 300 pounds) who had been suffering daily heartburn for about 14 months. While it hasn't been severe, it has caused moderate discomfort, and during this period, I have only used Tums to alleviate the symptoms. I've also experienced a globus sensation that would be severe on some days, while mild on others, yet it's always there. In addition, there have been occasions when after getting up in the morning, when I go to blow my nose blood comes out. I have had no problems sleeping though, in fact, it is only when I go to bed that the globus sensation dissipates altogether. In the morning however it starts anew again. I have also had problems with excessive burping everytime I eat.
I am now taking Prilosec, which appears to have alleviated my heartburn symptoms altogether (globus and burping still persists, but not enough time has passed to see whether these will heal as well). I am hoping with a strict exercise/diet regimen that once I draw close to my projected weight (a 125 pound loss), my GERD symptoms can be managed without medication. Previously I had noted that even a 30 pound loss was able to make a notable difference in alleviating reflux.
My main concern though is whether I let too much time pass and that I may now be at risk for Barrett's Esophagus. Is this is a disease brought on by years of acid reflux, or can it present itself even after mere months of daily heartburn problems? Or will my esophagus be able to heal normally itself now that Prilosec is controlling the reflux. I'd like to know in case I need to start drawing up a will soon (and maybe take out some life insurance as well for the loved ones). :-)
Any information would be appreciated, especially to help my peace of mind.