Canyonbabe
12-27-2002, 11:30 PM
I had an endoscopy late October because of excessive gas. It was determined that I had Barrett's esophagus and esophagitis so obviously had had acid reflux over a long period of time. However, I was not aware of this, no burning, no belching,etc. Since the Endoscopy I have burning, belching and am in worse shape even though I am on meds.If it had been this bad I would have been to gastro MD much quicker. He does not seem to believe me and says there is no reason for this to happen. Having colonoscopy on 1/8 to see if something is going on there to cause gas buildup. Reflux now is close to unbearable at times. Sometimes I am OK for days and then wham, it is awful but more days than not it is bad no matter what I eat. He just says it takes time to heal but why is it worse. He is top gasto in city. Great reputation. Any suggestions?
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Shanny
12-28-2002, 01:47 PM
Sorry I dont have any suggestions, but it is strange because the same thing happened to me. After my endoscopy and the GI doc telling me I had had relfux disease b/c of the inflammed tissue in my esophugus and stomach, i have had heartburn and reflux problems galore since. I dont know if it is just because it is brought to your attention or if something weird just happened. I have found Pepcid AC to work pretty well for the heartburn along with the medication i am already on for GERD. WIsh i could help more but I am in the same confused state :)
~Shanny
~Shanny
Canyonbabe
12-28-2002, 07:03 PM
Thanks for your response. I have tried to tell myself that it is because I am more aware but I really don't think so. I am sure that I would have been aware of something this distressing. It really is bad. I just bought some Pepcid AC today before I read your post so hope that will help some. I know this has to stop. I feel like my esophagus is bursting sometimes and that I swallowed a bowling ball. It does feel better after I release gas. we can't be the only two people in the world to have this happen. Frankly, I would like to have another done to see if something is amiss but doubt I could get the to do it again. I am thinking of asking for an antibiotic like they use for ulcers. Just waiting now for colonoscopy to be done as he thinks that is what is causing gas.
Shanny
12-30-2002, 08:04 PM
hey canyon! I hope everything turns out ok with yur colonoscopy! I am still as clueless, maybe someone else will post with some help? I have seemed to calm down a little with the heartburn episodes but have been watching what i eat really carefully, but it doesnt help to much. its been almost two weeks since the endoscopy. Try not to eat too much chocolate, that is what myGI doc told me but i really love chocolate and its been hard for me to do that. Well, let me know if u get ne better! Wishing good health, Shanny
groundhog
01-03-2003, 11:48 AM
Hi,
This is my own idiotic theory, and I'm not a doc, but...
I've also had gas/burping problems recently. I was wondering if the valve or whatever at the end of your stomach gets damaged for some reason (endoscope or by disease), will that let gas that normally would go down through your digestive system now come up through your stomach and out your mouth?
See, when I'm active during the day, my gas mostly clears out of system and I burp. At night, when I lay down, I don't burp and bowels start to get the gas.
Maybe there's a doc or someone knowledgable out there.
groundhog
ps. I'm getting my second endoscopy at 2:30p today, so say a little prayer if you read this. My first one didn't cause any gas problems and was about a year ago.
This is my own idiotic theory, and I'm not a doc, but...
I've also had gas/burping problems recently. I was wondering if the valve or whatever at the end of your stomach gets damaged for some reason (endoscope or by disease), will that let gas that normally would go down through your digestive system now come up through your stomach and out your mouth?
See, when I'm active during the day, my gas mostly clears out of system and I burp. At night, when I lay down, I don't burp and bowels start to get the gas.
Maybe there's a doc or someone knowledgable out there.
groundhog
ps. I'm getting my second endoscopy at 2:30p today, so say a little prayer if you read this. My first one didn't cause any gas problems and was about a year ago.
New Dx at 50
01-05-2003, 08:57 PM
Hello - it is a relief to hear that others are having problems too after the Endo. I had my procedure Dec. 3, 2002 and the diagnosis was Barrett's esophagus.. I was doing ok for a few days on the Nexium and then about 5 hrs. after taking it, I would develop this feeling like I swallowed a golf ball. It feels better when I eat but then it comes back and lingers for the next 10 hrs. I called the doctor and they switched me to Aciphex.. it wasn't as bad of a golf ball but still there.. What is happening? The doctor's nurse acts like she has never heard of such... i have had some really bad nights with nausea and pain that would make me quiver..when I guess the acid touched my esophagus.
I am trying to eat bread, potatoes, yogart and drink only water.. I stopped the PPI and tried a Pepid AC and it lasted about 6 hrs.. Please help if you have suggestions, recommendations.. I thought the Aciphex made me feel weird..kinda of spaced out at times.. I am nuts or just really senstive to this stuff..thanks
I am trying to eat bread, potatoes, yogart and drink only water.. I stopped the PPI and tried a Pepid AC and it lasted about 6 hrs.. Please help if you have suggestions, recommendations.. I thought the Aciphex made me feel weird..kinda of spaced out at times.. I am nuts or just really senstive to this stuff..thanks
Canyonbabe
01-06-2003, 02:47 AM
To New DX-is there some way we can communicate? I have Barrett's also and your symptoms are so much like mine. Are your symptoms worse than before the Endo? Mine are. I am going back to Rolaids after I eat and Maalox about an hour after that. I would like to follow your progress and compare notes. I thought I swallowed a bowling ball but it was probably only a golf ball, also. It is an awful and painful feeling. Don't you think that is gas? I am scheduled for Colonoscopy Wed. because of trapped gas. Was having problems thre also but they seem to be resolved at the moment. Overdue for it 66 and never had one. Yuck!
Groundhog-Acid reflux is caused by LES valve at the base of the esophogus relaxing and allowing the acid to come up. It is supposed to be a one-way valve going the opposite direction. Meds that relax the smooth muscles can cause this as can smoking and I think alchohol. It can be surgically fixed but not always successful. People with acid reflux usually have an hiatal hernia also. Check out google search engine for acid reflux and it explains it on several sites or put in LES valve.
Groundhog-Acid reflux is caused by LES valve at the base of the esophogus relaxing and allowing the acid to come up. It is supposed to be a one-way valve going the opposite direction. Meds that relax the smooth muscles can cause this as can smoking and I think alchohol. It can be surgically fixed but not always successful. People with acid reflux usually have an hiatal hernia also. Check out google search engine for acid reflux and it explains it on several sites or put in LES valve.
New Dx at 50
01-06-2003, 08:42 AM
Canyon,
Is your golf ball in your esophagus/throat? I could not tell if you meant that you had a bowling ball feeling in your stomach. With the Nexium, I did have a lot of gas and swelling it felt like in my lower stomach but the golf ball feeling is upper esophagus or throat. I am surprised that they didn't do both the colonoscopic exam when they did the endo.
You will do fine with your exam on Wedn. As always the preparation and worry is much worse than the actual procedure. I am just frustrated with the backwards progress and no explanation about the golf ball feeling.. I don't want to damage something with these pills. I think that I will try the Pepcid AC today - twice a day and see what relief I get. Last night was not a good night and I had a poached egg and one piece of toast at 5:30 p.m... My stomach was empty when I went to bed at 10 yet I had pain and some nausea during the night..
Let me know how you do.
Is your golf ball in your esophagus/throat? I could not tell if you meant that you had a bowling ball feeling in your stomach. With the Nexium, I did have a lot of gas and swelling it felt like in my lower stomach but the golf ball feeling is upper esophagus or throat. I am surprised that they didn't do both the colonoscopic exam when they did the endo.
You will do fine with your exam on Wedn. As always the preparation and worry is much worse than the actual procedure. I am just frustrated with the backwards progress and no explanation about the golf ball feeling.. I don't want to damage something with these pills. I think that I will try the Pepcid AC today - twice a day and see what relief I get. Last night was not a good night and I had a poached egg and one piece of toast at 5:30 p.m... My stomach was empty when I went to bed at 10 yet I had pain and some nausea during the night..
Let me know how you do.
New Dx at 50
01-06-2003, 08:48 AM
Canyon,,, forgot to tell you that yes my symptoms are much worse after having the endo procedure. I was just having occassional heartburn and belching but Gaviscon was helping. My mother has Barrett's and my doctor recommended the Endo and colon study because I was 50.
I didn't have any problems with the procedure..just a minor sore throat on one side of my throat and I did pretty well for a week or so afterwards and then my crazy symptoms appeared.. I wish we could get help.
I didn't have any problems with the procedure..just a minor sore throat on one side of my throat and I did pretty well for a week or so afterwards and then my crazy symptoms appeared.. I wish we could get help.
Canyonbabe
01-07-2003, 02:42 AM
My bowling ball in in my esophagus. My symptoms did not appear until about a week after, also. I think the main reason they didn't do it at same time is they didn't want to stress me out that much. Also, I have emphysema and they do not like to sedate me for very long. As it was I was awake for endo, just mildly relaxed. On oxygen for proceedure. For colonoscopy they will have to sedate me more, I know. He said he will only go as far as he can with my comfort in mind but he is aware of my problems. My breathing has been good so I imagine that as long as I have the O2 on I will be OK. He is really experienced. I skipped my Nexium today and seem to feel better. The problem is that even though the Barrett's will never get any better the Nexium, etc. are recommended for severe esophageal problems and it should heal or prevent the esophagitis. The Pepcid doesn't but is more of a preventative. I will talk to him either after colonoscopy. He always comes in before you go home and if I am too out of it or if there is crummy news on the C I have an appt. the following week to talk "turkey" I wish he were doing the endo again Wed.Maybe I can con him in to it but time probably won't allow it.Keep a good thought. Guess no one minds if we chat this way. Do they? I think that bowling ball is trapped gas in esoph. Phazyme works well for me for gas.
New Dx at 50
01-08-2003, 11:04 AM
Canyon,,
I am sure everything will go well today. I guess we are just the unusual people on PPI. I tried Prevacid 15 mg yesterday and that was much less of a golf ball but did not hold back the hot acid feeling..However, I have still had the nausea at night. I have not slept well in over a week. I woke about 1 am with a terrible nausea and felt extremely weak and in a panic state. I had my husband drive me to the ED and after registering and waiting for about 30 mins.. I had calmed down and realized that I had an anxiety attack. I am just exhausted from the constant aggrevation and uncomfortable feeling.. I have called the doc this morning and begged them to see me.. I took the Nexium this morning... i can handle the golf ball better than I can the anxiety. I have never in my life said this, but I am going to ask for medicine for the anxiety and something to help me sleep.It felt like something in me just released last night with that nausea attack . My stomach actually feels good right now...but I have not had any food. Stay in touch and let me know how you are doing..
I am sure everything will go well today. I guess we are just the unusual people on PPI. I tried Prevacid 15 mg yesterday and that was much less of a golf ball but did not hold back the hot acid feeling..However, I have still had the nausea at night. I have not slept well in over a week. I woke about 1 am with a terrible nausea and felt extremely weak and in a panic state. I had my husband drive me to the ED and after registering and waiting for about 30 mins.. I had calmed down and realized that I had an anxiety attack. I am just exhausted from the constant aggrevation and uncomfortable feeling.. I have called the doc this morning and begged them to see me.. I took the Nexium this morning... i can handle the golf ball better than I can the anxiety. I have never in my life said this, but I am going to ask for medicine for the anxiety and something to help me sleep.It felt like something in me just released last night with that nausea attack . My stomach actually feels good right now...but I have not had any food. Stay in touch and let me know how you are doing..
Canyonbabe
01-09-2003, 01:29 AM
Hi, New DX! Well, everything was fine with colon. A couple polyps sent for biopsy but he told me they are definetely not malignant. It is just required. Did not want to discuss other problem with Endo. Told him I would see him next week. He really cut me off but perhaps not the best time. Wanted my friend to tell him that what I was saying was true so he did not think I was a ding-a-lling. I am high strung so that is always what they think and sometimes true but I know differnce. I take a very low dose Xanax for sleep and have for years. Have never had to increase dose. I took one when I came home today. They DID NOT sedate me and I got to tell you it was very painful at times when I said STOP or knock me out. Neither happened. He said he would not because of lungs. So glad I don't have to do that for a few years. Hope yours in gone. I just went back to Rolaids and Phazme. Going to just try that for a couple days.Let me know.
farscape66
01-09-2003, 09:09 AM
I too have Reflux, haital hernia, massive stomach problems. Dr put me on Prozac to relieve stress. I didnt like it much so went to the all natural SAM-E instead. It helps a lot to have a general mental well being feeling.
New Dx at 50
01-09-2003, 07:52 PM
Canyon, good news for you! Glad that is over with. I did get to see the doctor's Nurse Practitioner and she believes that my esophagus golf ball is related to anxiety. So she gave me Lexapro, she called it an very mild drug for depression and anxiety. So I took one at lunch time and I must admit that I did feel calmer and the esophagus relaxed some. If I exercise it also relaxes some. She also gave me a drug ..can't recall name now.. that you mix in water and drink and it coats your esophagus. I have taken Nexium for two days and will continue with it .. I return to the doctor on Jan.20. Hope the Rolaids will help with the heartburn...take care and rest up.. I can't imagine having the colonscopic exam being awake...wow and ouch!
Canyonbabe
01-10-2003, 02:21 AM
Is it Carafate? Let me know name. I don't think mine is anxiety. I think my problem was the Protonix. Still having some problems but I think it is subsiding some. I know the bowling ball feeling us gas buildup. Yeah, no fun yesterday. Never again unless I have lots of symptons.
New Dx at 50
01-10-2003, 06:52 PM
Canyon, yes it was carafate... I could not take that Nexium today...i was miserable all day yesterday ..felt like someone was pulling my esophagus out....i felt like i even had a minor obstruction last night, eating crackers... I had some heartburn today.. i finally took a Pepcid Complete..hope it will help.. This is just so wierd that we are worse after the endo and for me the Nexium.. Were you taking Protonix too? I thought you were on Nexium...
Hope you have a good day/evening.
Hope you have a good day/evening.
Canyonbabe
01-11-2003, 02:14 AM
I was taking Nexium for a few months before endo from my regular DR but when I went to gastro Doc. after endo he put me on Protonix because it was cheaper. 2 a day the first week and then one a day. As I got worse I went back to 2 a day until I started the itching which took me a while to connect to the Protonix. That was when I switched back to Nexium and took 2 a day. Had no problem when I took it before endo. I did not take for a couple days and felt OK but took yesterday and today and felt terrible after lunch. Did not eat that much but bloated like a pig and the pressure in my throat(neck-left side) that causes me to cough up junk until bloating starts to subside in a couple hours. By that time I am exhausted. Just ate dinner and have terrible pain in esophagus. Just too Pepcid complete. Belching like a low life. There has got to be a reason for this. I am frustrated as hell.
[This message has been edited by Canyonbabe (edited 01-11-2003).]
[This message has been edited by Canyonbabe (edited 01-11-2003).]