Untreated GERD

[acz1981]

Somehow I think I've managed to let a pretty bad case of acid reflux go untreated for at least several years or who knows how long (I'm 30 years old) and I've been attributing my symptoms to other things. What are the chances that I may have developed erosion or esophageal cancer at my age with untreated GERD? Can anyone else relate? I'm very concerned because I've never had an endoscopy done yet. I just started taking Tecta for it but my doctor never stressed to me that an endoscopy is really necessary. Can anyone else relate or has had the same experience with going untreated for a long time?

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

I am 36.  Never knew I had reflux problems until I was diagnosed with Barrets Esophagus and now I have had so many Endoscopies and PH studies and Impedance and a Manomatry done that I am consulting with a Surgeon to get the Nissen Fund. operation and to ablate or treat the Barrets sells.  The only symptoms I've had so far is chest pains (have heart problems so I always thought it is just the heart issues) and then all these ENT related symptoms of coughing and clearing throat and constant throat infections and voice braking/hoarseness.

You need to get an Endoscopy done to see if you have a Hiatal Hernia or a LES dysfunction and what damage the reflux is doing to your esophagus.

The ideal would be to get proper treatment before the Barrets sells complication.  Unfortunately Barrets is pre-cancerous and even after they fix the valve (Nissen op) the Barrets will be there and once cancerous can be tough to treat or even fatal.

All the best and look after yourself.

[selmaS]

  Sorry getting to a GI Dr is so difficult....wish I could offer some suggestions, but not knowing how things are done in Canada, not sure how to advise u.

  All I can suggest is to push for the testing.

      "selma"

[acz1981]

Thanks for your reply and advice. It was actually my family doc that didn't stress concern for an endoscopy. And since I live in rural Canada, it's sometimes quite difficult to get to a specialist, especially a gastro doc.

[selmaS]

  Hi, it is very possible to not realize u have reflux, one type is known as Silent reflux as u may not have the typical symptoms.

And just as it is possible to have it, it is possible to develop barretts if u do not act and treat asap.

Express ur concerns about the scope, and ur GI dr will explain y he feels it may  not be necessary...

The meds they have for this can heal ne damage already started...so do take the meds, adjust ur diet, lifestyle...as they all will help.

  Talk to ur GI dr!

   "selma"