Afraid I have cancer - Acid Reflux / GERD Message Board

Vividangel1984 · 06-19-2008, 10:25 AM

I had acid reflux since I was 17 and I'm 25 now. That means I have had untreated GERD for 8 years. I am very scared that I have cancer. My symptoms are severe. Every time I wake up in the morning I feel like I want to throw up but I can't. Is this a sign of GERD? Sometimes I get asthma like symptoms and I feel short of breath from the acid. I want to cry cause I have a feeling that I do have cancer. I have been to the doctor several times and no one has ever told me that this problem could lead to cancer, they would just tell me to take over the counter medications and send me on my way. I want to get an endoscopy done as soon as possible but I can't because I have no health insurance. My work doesnt provide me insurance until next year and they took me off my dad's health insurance this year. I'm really scared. I don't even want to go out into the world cause I can't enjoy it when I know that I might be dying...

Kassie29 · 06-19-2008, 10:38 AM

Hi Vivid
The chances that you have cancer are very small. Most experts agree that it takes years and years of untreated GERD to develop Barrett's esophagus, and even in those who do develop Barrett's, there is less than a 5% chance that it will progress to cancer. So the odds are definitely in favour of you not having cancer. That being said, having the scope can put your mind at ease. Are you able to afford to pay for it yourself? Maybe it would be worth it so you have a definite answer. What does your GP say? Did he/she tell you that you have GERD? Did he/she recommend taking prescription meds? I'm not sure why you say you have GERD for 8 years, but are not being treated?
Kassie

Vividangel1984 · 06-19-2008, 09:10 PM

No, they told me to take over the counter drugs. I'm very worried as well cause i have trouble swallowing. I can feel the food go down and then it feels like it gets stuck. From what I heard, problems swallowing is a sign of cancer. Thats why I am scared.

vic77 · 06-19-2008, 09:19 PM

Seeing as I do not know your income, i an giving this advice blindly; however, most states have indigent medical care for people who have low incomes with little or no health ins. It may be to your benefit to check into this. This program, as far as I am aware, is not part of the department of social services.

Good luck

Vic

Vividangel1984 · 06-19-2008, 09:56 PM

I'm really concerned about this trouble swallowing. Somebody please help. I know its been going on loinger than a few months and cancer usually makes it progress in that amount of time. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm really praying that its a stricture and nothing else.