I am struggling - had the endoscopy, have been on PPIs, no relief.....what do I do?

[mochamommy0816]

Hello, all -

I had an endoscopy last January that showed 'inflamed gastic cardiac mucosa consistent with reflux esophagitis". They found two benign fundic polyps without a whole lot to say about those.   I have had HORRIBLE burning stomach pains across the bottom of my rib cage for months.   It started last Jan./February and went away after a few months on Omnaeprazole.    I had FIVE OR SIX months of relief after stopping the medication, then it started up again in December.    I started the meds again and am NOT getting any relief.  My questions that I am hoping someone could help with are:

1.  Is my diagnosis of esophagitis different from GERD?  I don't get the feelings in my chest and throat like with GERD, so I am guessing this is something a little different?

2.  Should I ask for another endoscopy since the last one was done a year ago and my problems are continuing?

3.  Should I be worried that this is something more serious since the symptoms have went on for THIS LONG and the fact that meds aren't working?

4.  Should I ask for another type of medication on the chance that maybe there is another one that will work and that this one just isn't the one?

Thanks in advance.  I am in misery and my emotions are starting to really take a toll because of all of the pain :((.  I do have an appointment with a new doctor next week, but would love to hear from some of those with experience.  It's gonna be a long week to wait :(

[mochamommy0816]

Thanks, overit.................I, too, think I am doing the right thing.  I am definitely not finished pursuing other options.  I may not be on the right med yet, but am holding out hope that I will find the right thing :).   My doc actually prescribed Nexxium first and my insurance wouldn't pay for it, which is why I am on the other............I'm wondering now if I shouldn't have bit the bullet and paid for it..........I wonder now if it might have been more effective to begin with :(( Anyways.....thanks for your feedback!  I am keeping a food diary, too.

[overit4now]

I was taking Prilosec 2x a day and it was not really helping. I switched to Dexilant (much more expensive) but it is helping. I think your decision to see a different doctor is the right thing to do. I am also just starting a low acid diet. Mine got really bad in December too. I think it was from eating way too much chocolate (apparently you can have too much of a good thing) Good luck!

[mochamommy0816]

Thanks, patient915.  I am definitely going to ask about switching since the first really isn't helping.  It would make sense that even though they do the same thing, that they are still two different medicines.  I am going to hope for the best that maybe trying a new one will get better results.  Thanks for your insight and comments!

[patient915]

Meds that are very similar (like prevacid and prilosec) can help you differently.  One med might be more helpful than another and the only way to know is to test it out.

[mochamommy0816]

Thank you, patient 915! Yes, I am seeing a new gastro next week just for a second opinion. I have had to wait weeks to get the appointment, and am really happy that next week is finally here.   I definitely want to make sure it isn't something more serious, as the first priority, and the second priority is to get some pain relief.  I guess both priorities are equal, actually.  I wasn't sure if the meds were different and i might respond better to one than another, so I do intend to ask.  Thank you for the welcome!

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenteroloy community!  I would recommend that you see your gastroenterologist about this to discuss your concerns.  You might need another endoscopy.  I don't think this necessairly indicates that this is something more serious.  Another med might work better than the current one you are on.