acid reflux - Acid Reflux / GERD Message Board

Petegriffith · 09-15-2008, 09:35 PM

I have had acid reflux for 4-5 years and more severely in the last 3 years. I have been on Nexium off and on for years, had a stomach fundiplication which has since broken off, had my gallbladder taken out but still am having severe burning in throat, tongue, lips, esophagus with inherent stomach pains at times, some nausea with certain foods, and even burning in the nostrils. I have had my PH tested and pretty much any test administered for this problem. I am at my wits end and am concerned that I might eventually develop Barrett's cells or esophageal cancer.
I have burning if I eat or if I don't; seems to occur pretty all the time. I have gained weight and have swelling in legs also. Am also told that taking acid inhibitors could be part of my problem. Help, I don't know who to believe or from whom to seek help. I am not interested in having another pipe rammed down my throat for diagnostic purposes and then have the treatment of no use. I also have tightness in chest and some minor pain upon deep breathing or exercise; and have had a heart work up which was normal.

Any information to help would be greatly appreciated.
Burning Brenda.

nessie01 · 09-16-2008, 12:05 AM

hi sorry that you are having a hard time. Its sounds like you need to get another surgeons opinion about redoig the fundo, as it can be successfu if done correctly and maybe antoher surgeon could redo it for you and help our problems.. dont give up there is always a solution im sure!!!

have you tried the reverse theory which has helped heaps of people.is taking raw apple cider vinager as some people are actually low in stomach acid so taking PPI are bad for them as they need more acid not less............

its sounds like your swelling could b fliud retentin, you can try natural methods to help this along with reducin salt intake etc

im not a doctor and am strugling with my own medical stuff but i do think seeing a new surgon/doctor for a fresh approach may help

good luck ness

londoner70 · 09-16-2008, 06:05 AM

Are you on nexium at the moment. If all the tests confirm that you reflux, and you have been suffering for such a long time, why not try and findout who is the best surgeon in your area for the fundiplication surgery? I believe that if all the tests you have done point to reflux, why not stop the reflux? since when we reflux we just don't reflux acid, all the enzymes and other fluids are refluxed too, which could cause the side effects that you are suffering from.
In the meantime, have a chat with an ENT or a GI, and check whether increasing your dosage of nexium to twice a day, or adding sometinmg like gaviscon, may provide some relief for you. I know the thought of another endoscopy, or test in unberable, but it is a small price to pay, if in the long term the findings can provide a solution.
I suffer daily with combination of symptoms, and know your frustration.

Good luck

Kassie29 · 09-16-2008, 07:15 PM

Brenda, Did the tests you have confirm that you do have an acid problem? If yes, then maybe you could try one of the other PPI medications. Nexium works great for some, but not for others. Maybe one of the others will work better for you. If your tests did not confirm GERD, then maybe you could try the apple cidar vinegar or go for some other testing. I'm in that situation right now -- I have had an endoscopy, 24 hr pH test, and manometry -- and they came back normal. I am now trying to explore other routes. Going for allergy testing next month, and then back to an ENT since the GI said he can't really help me. I have a chronic sore throat and it doesn't matter if I've eaten or not eaten, if I've taken the PPI or not. It's so frustrating when you live with symptoms on a daly basis but no one can help you!
Kassie