I have some GERD concerns

[littlemo]

About six months ago I was diagnosed with GERD after visiting my D.O. with stomach and throat burning.  He prescibed two meds that seemed to have worked up until 2 weeks ago when the burning in my throat returned accompanied by a constant lump in my throat and difficulty swallowing solid foods.  I went back to my Dr. and he felt I was having a "flare up", so he prescribed Nexium for a two week period to get it under control.  Well, the burning has subsided but there is still a constant lump in my throat and I still have constant difficulty in swallowing.  I would like to know if these two symtoms will also subside in time or should I seek the help of a specialist.  I must admit, I am terrified to have an endoscope done.  I know that stress sometimes makes the symptoms worse, but I am just beside myself in worry about this.  Can anyone give me some advice?  Thank you.

[littlemo]

I had my endoscopy today!!  I'm relieved it's over.  I think the worst part was the spray they put in your throat to deaden
the gag reflex.  I don't remember much else...thank goodness.  I was shown pictures of my esophogas after the procedure.  They didn't look too bad.  I have a hiatal hernia, I've come to find out.  I had a biopsy taken of an inflamed area, but the Doc didn't seem to concerned about it.  I also had dilation done to help me swallow.  From what I can tell so far, it is helping.  I have an incredibly sore throat though, but thats something I can deal with, as it should only last about 24 hours.  I was told to stay on Nexium for another two weeks and then go back to my D.O. for further instructions.  My surgeon sounded very encouraging with the results of the endoscopy, now we just have to wait for the biopsy to come back.  I want to thank everyone for their encouraging words when I first posted on this board.  I appreciate all of the advice and support.  This site is a great "lifeline".  Will let you know the biopsy results as soon as I hear.

[marygold]

That's the main reason I was never diagnosed properly for 4 yrs. I had pain in my throat, and the acid made it all red and inflamed, so my doc had me on antibiotics for 4yrs straight because he diagnosed it as tonsilitis. Then I told him just to take them out, and he found out it wasn't anything to do with the tonsils at all. I just wish that there was more info available to my doc or somebody that could have pointed away from tonsils, but docs like to pin anything on tonsils when you're that young because it's almost a catchall diagnosis. My gastro doc was great, when I actually got one. He also has GERD and is more knowledgable because he has that experience and personal interest. I could barely talk, and still now, cannot raise my voice although my GERD is under control. I think my vocal cords were permanently damaged or something.

[Meli]

I have the throat irritation that comes from GERD. Most Gastro doctors don't seem to know much about GERD in the throat. Mine sure doesn't. I rarely have heartburn except when I wake up in the morning. My real problem is coughing and choking on food. I can only eat liquids like ensure or soft foods like oatmeal and plain pasta. I found out a lot about GERD and the throat on the Wake Forest University site about 'Voice Disorders and Reflux.' If your problem is mainly in the throat, check this site.

[marygold]

Yeah, GERD can cause feelings of a lump in your throat and difficulty swallowing. Also, my last GI (who was really good) told me that under no circumstances am I allowed to burp. It's hard not to sometimes, when you really want to. My LES is so weak that burping will weaken it more, and it can cause a bout of reflux. I haven't burped for so long. Even when I want to burp, I just keep swallowing until it doesn't want to come up again, and then take some sort of gas reducer. I haven't found a good gas reducer yet, so don't ask me which one I use. I haven't settled on one. Other people here can give advice on good gas reducers, though. But in my experience, burping is not good for people with reflux.

And as for scoping, talk with your doc. It depends on how severe your GERD is for how often you have to be scoped. I think I have to be scoped every couple of years, but my GERD is chronic and severe, and there's already lots of damage. (I saw the pics they took, and they ain't the prettiest.) Don't get too upset about cancer. How long have you had GERD? I've had serious, untreated GERD for 6 years, and finally found a treatment and got scoped this last year, but I don't have cancer. I don't even have Barrett's Oesophageous. The path to cancer goes through stages. I think there's 4. (I think they're listed somewhere in another posting.) Anyway, there's GERD (your basic reflux), Barrett's Oesphageous (where your cells mutate from prolonged exposure to acid, but it's not cancer), something else (really sorry, but I just can't remember this one right now), and then carcinoma (cancer). Many people with GERD and the right treatment never reach Barrett's Oesphageous, and many people with Barrett's Oesphageous never progress further. Read some of the other questions and postings on GERD here. Other people have posted this better than I have here. Sorry I'm not doing a very good job of this.

[marygold]

just to be sure and put your mind at ease, check it out with your doc. Also, look at a question I posted on the 25th. It's near the bottom of the pg called "long term effects of taking Nexium?" It's gotten quite a few postings and is lengthy, but worth the read. Chicken Soup has some really good advice that s/he posted. Take a look.

[ashpie3]

thank you so much for your advice..i am going back to my GI doc on tuesday I'm assuming she'll probably want to do the scope again since the swallowing thing is back..I haven't taken anything for the reflux in 4 yrs..the doc I was mildly inflammed when I had the last scope and I know he did a biopsy that was negative and I think he may have dilated me too..we'll see..