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.

[cas1]

"How long did it take for the medication to get it under control?" The doctor put me on the Prevacid for about 2 months to give my esophagus a chance to heal.  She wasn't trying to treat the reflux with the Prevacid, she was trying to prevent long term damage.  I'm supposed to treat the reflux itself with diet and over the counter meds, unless it gets too bad and then I go back on Prevacid for a while. It's not good for you to be on Prevacid long term.

"How long after you eat do you start feeling the pressure or uncomfortableness?"  Wow, that's a tough one.  It's usually not right away, sometimes as much as a couple of hours after I eat.  

One of the biggest culprits for me is breath mints.  I used to eat a whole pack of Lifesavers within an hour (I was a breath mint addict).  I couldn't even imagine doing that anymore.  That would kill me now.  It took me many painful episodes to get the  the breath mint to pain connection.

[ashpie3]

Hi, I am glad your going to have the scope done..I made an appointment w/ a GI for next week..I was scoped 4 yrs ago and he said I was mildly inflammed and I had to take prilosec for 8 weeks..I had never suffered from heartburn and from what I hear most people don't..I just have problems swallowing sometimes so I guess it's back.

[iamamy]

Don't  worry littlemo.  I was really scared too, but it wasn't bad at all.  I have always been scared about having anything done, but the hardest part was the IV, and that wasn't bad at all.  My GI is probably going to do one himself, since he  was not the one that did it.  He wants to try the Protonix and Prevacid first.  This is all really scary I think.  But everything will go fine with the EDG.  Good luck and keep us posted.

[littlemo]

Well, I just got back from my D.O. and he has made arrangements for me to have an endoscopy done on Friday at noon.  I've already met the surgeon who is going to do it.  I'm still scared silly, but I want some resolve to my problems.  The dr. doing the procedure has already told me that dialtion and a biopsy might have to be done, but reassured me not to worry.  Easier said that done...will keep you posted on the outcome.  Thanks everyone!

[iamamy]

When it very first started,  I did have some trouble swallowing, and felt as though I had to have liquid in order to swallow my food.  I did have an EDG done, and unfortunately it was not done by a Gastro. Dr.  She did not do any test, just said she saw some irritation, and possible some yeast. (Which is very unusual).  About two week later, I finally got an appt. with a Gastro. Spec.  He was puzzled to as to why she did not do any test.  It is really scary.  I try to keep my mind clear, and not worry, but it is hard to.  I had an appt. yesterday, and since the Nexium was giving me such headaches, he  switched me to Protonix, and  told me to try taking it only once a day (I was  taking the Nexium twice a day).  If still having trouble he  said to double the dose.  Then, if not working, he said to try the Prevacid.  This just seems like such a guessing game.  He then wants to redo the EDG if I am still uncomfortable.  This  just seems so weird, since I have never felt like I have had heartburn before.

[littlemo]

Well everyone, you have talked me into it.  I'm going to make another appointment with my D.O. tomorrow and see what he says...maybe a reccommendation.  Aside from the symptoms I mentioned in my first posting (diffuculty swallowing and lump in throat) I feel great.  In fact, I would never know anything was wrong with me.  I'll keep everyone posted as to how things are going.  I truly appreciate all of the advice and concern.  It also helps to know I'm not the only one out there with this problem.  God Bless.