Is this Acid Reflux? It's driving me crazy!

[April2]

A few years ago they ran a bunch of tests on me because they discovered a mass in my small intestine, which they later took out and determined was Crohns. During all these tests they told me I also have Acid Reflux. I didn't believe them because I never had that burning feeling or feeling like things were coming back up so I kind of poo poo'd that idea. I don't know why. I guess I just didn't want to deal with it! They did put me on Nexium for awhile along with flagyl and an antiobiotic to help with the inflammation they saw in my stomach and intestines (from the colonoscopy and endoscopy I had). They weaned me off all of that after a few months and I seemed to go into remission.

However, I would still get the heartburn off and on since then, which I usually tried to ignore or treat with Tums. It's gradually been getting worse and worse. I've been having awful heartburn and PVC's lately. The day before yesterday I had the heartburn so badly that I decided to not eat anything yesterday till evening to give myself a rest. I just had some tea in the morning then some chicken soup with saltine crackers last night. It didn't work. I had that feeling in my throat like there's something there, as if things are backed up. I had that all day, even though I didn't eat.
I'm assuming this is Acid Reflux? This backed up feeling? I'm feeling it again this morning and I haven't even eaten breakfast yet! It's driving me crazy! It just won't go away. I've got that backed up feeling in my throat, chest discomfort and PVC's. Is this all related to Acid Reflux and if so, what can I do about it? I'm tired of feeling like this!

[selmaS]

Hi April,
Ur GI dr will do some testing to look for a hiatal hernia and the bacteria.

U may do a barium swollow study and x-ray...... or an Endoscopic Examination
of the esophagus and stomach is performed by the doctor passing a thin, flexible tube through the mouth and into the esophagus and stomach. The tube is called an endoscope, an instrument with a tiny viewing camera at the end that allows the doctor to see the esophagus and stomach directly. By passing mini-instruments through the channel in the endoscope, the doctor also can take samples of tissue for examination under a microscope

Acid Testing
Certain tests (the "Bernstein Test" and others) can be performed to determine if the symptoms originate from acid in the esophagus. Testing for acidity levels (pH) over a 24-hour period may also give the doctor more information that will help in selecting the most appropriate treatment.


Four tests are used to detect H. pylori:

Blood antibody test. A blood test checks to see whether your body has made antibodies to H. pylori bacteria. If you have antibodies to H. pylori in your blood, it means you either are currently infected or have been infected in the past.

Urea breath test. A urea breath test checks to see if you have H. pylori bacteria in your stomach. The breath test is not always available.

Stool antigen test. A stool antigen test checks to see if substances that trigger the immune system to fight an H. pylori infection (H. pyloriantigens) are present in your feces (stool). Stool antigen testing may be done to help support a diagnosis of H. pylori infection or to determine whether treatment for an H. pylori infection has been successful.

Stomach biopsy. A small sample (biopsy) is taken from the lining of your stomach and small intestine during an endoscopy. Several different tests may be done on the biopsy sample. For more information, see the medical test Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Try and stay away from dairy......do u have alot of phlegm? Post nasal drip can cause gerd too.

The small bowel follow thru  may show if u have ne polyups or inflamation.And ur dr may want to do an upper GI as well.

"selma"

[April2]

I saw the GI assistant today. My symptoms had been gradually getting worse. She does think I have Gerd. How would I be able to tell or get tested for a hiatal hernia or the Gerd? I don't know if there's a specific test for either one or not. They said it did sound like I had Gerd, though. They want to test me for H Pylori, and do a small bowel follow through. Will that show anything?
I told them today my throat feels like it's closing up. It seems worse. They gave me a new prescription and told me to double up the Nexium and take it twice a day. I sure hope something works here pretty soon.

[selmaS]

HI April....sorry I  was in NY the past 2 days.

I have a hiatal hernia and have known about it since I was in school......my DD is going to be 25 so that tels u how long I have lived with it.

U may be able to start treatment with ur PCP and then see what the GI dr says when u get in.

Do watch ur diet...foods can trigger a flare or make it bigger.And try to get rid of stress....try meditation or what ever u can do to relax.Ur thoat can feel sore if u have alot of acid reflux moving up into ur espohagus via ur LES bcuz of an issue probably from  a motility problem.

Dairy can slow this down......so u may want to stay away for awhile...get some meds and elevate the head of ur bed.

I hope u feel better soon

"selma"

[April2]

Someone suggested I may have a hiatal hernia. I'm starting to get nervous and I don't really even understand what that is. All I know is I seem to be getting worse. I have that horrible lump in my throat and heartburn again today. I got some Nexium from my pcp awhile ago and I'm taking that right now. I still have to wait at least a month before I can even see the GI assistant and I won't be able to see the GI doctor till October, I guess.
I don't know what to think. I've been so used to ignoring things for so long but now I'm starting to get a little nervous now that things seem to be getting worse by the day.

[April2]

Hi Selma, thanks for writing back. Just today I noticed I have a sore throat. I can feel it mostly on the right side up to my ear. I also have a couple of sores on my tongue today. Could this be from Acid Reflux or am I just getting sick or something? I didn't know if it could cause sore throats.

I can't see a GI doctor for a couple of months, it looks like, as he's full. I really do want to get in to be seen soon as I feel like I'm getting worse by the day!

[selmaS]

Hi..in the Health Pages it suggests u keep a journal to know what foods r a trigger for u and also what amount of stress u were in .

I have had water affect me, so when u r in a flare foods that are normally safe for u may not be.

ASk ur Pharmacist ot reccommend which OTC med may be right for u and ur symptoms...u will at least feel a little better.

It can be damage being caused by the reflux...u can be swollen.....I would also suggest when u get to the dr to have ur thyrooid checked as well.
But it does appear what u r feeling is reflux.

"selma"

[April2]

Thanks for commenting. I am planning on seeing a GI because of all my digestive problems but I won't be able to get in till October.

I am trying to figure out what I can and can't eat. It's frustrating because some things I can tell but some things I still can't tell and even certain healthy foods like salad bother me. I don't feel like I can eat anything anymore that agrees with me!

I do get heartburn real bad any more. Is that lump in the throat feeling, that "backed up" feeling in my throat a sign or symptom of Acid Reflux?

Sorry so many questions. This is all still kinda new to me.

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the GERD froum.

Stress and anxiety can flare this condition.And u can have silent reflux, which means u would not have heart burn and some of the traditional "symptoms".

Try an d eat several small meals during the day instead of 3 meals......try to avoid dairy as much as possible...since u have the reflux dairy slows the LES and it does not close quickley enuff and allows the acids to back up.

U can also have acid reflux from not eating......

The Health Pages here on MedHelp have a list of foods that r safe and a list of foods to avoid....and tips like - elevate  the head of ur bed...this keeps the acid down in the stomach and does not let it in the espohagus.

U need to see a GI dr and get on Meds.....u can try OTC meds until u see him- ask the Pharmacist for dosage suggestions.

Chewing gum helps cut back on the acids also- the saliva created by chewing helps with the excess acid.( chew sugarfree if possible- note; mint sometimes upsets stomachs )

Ur chicken soup was probably too greasy for ur stomach ......as u cut the acids back u will be able to have this again.

Try meditation and try  to relax.

Please keep us posted on ur progress

"selma"