I was diagnosed with Gerd and Erosive esophagitis about 2 years ago and was placed on Nexium. It helped immensely. What led me to get checked in the first place was the lump in the throat and swallowing problems. Well after things cleared up and we lost our insurance, I stopped the Nexium. I also was not able to get a follow up scope. We still do not have insurance and I have been taking the prilosec otc and since I foolishly did not change all my eating habits, have had acid reflux back for awhile now and this time I feel worse. I am now choking on smaller bits of food so today I have started on liquids. I also foolishly typed something in on a search and saw that my symptoms say it is esophagael cancer. Which I know it could be but when I was scoped I had no Baretts. Do you think cancer could have come on this fast in two years? I am so scared and as I said I cannot get a scope right now. I hope the liquid diet and the prilosec otc twice daily will heal this. I have also had chest pain and upper back pain which I did not have two years ago, just the heartburn and swallowing issue. I guess I hope this is a stricture and not cancer. I just hope someone here can reassure me, maybe if you are having the same symptoms. Thank you so much for reading. And to everyone with Gerd, God bless. This is not a fun condition for sure :(

anyone??!!

Maybe you should go see your regular doctor and see if a referral to a specialist is necessary. Surely, if they think it's cancer your insurance would pay for a scope.

I don't know that I would go into panic mode, however I would consult your regular doctor if you can afford an office visit without having insurance. I was taking prilosec but had the scope done about 6 weeks ago. ( I think I have taken almost every PPI on the market and used to take Prilosec when it was still prescription only). I too was put on nexium for erosion in my esophogus. I also had some incidents with food getting stuck and have had GERD for 10 years.

A friend of mine had a scope last week who was having lots of choking issues on his food. He found out the scope showed a large hernia, which increases GERD and issues related to acid and choking. He hasn't had his follow up appt. yet, but the scope showed no erosion for him. Apparently the hernia is causing all of the problems for him.

I am thinking perhaps you also have a hiatal hernia. I have a small one, but my dr. said nothing needed to be done with the size of mine. Read up on hiatal hernia's and consult your doctor if you do not feel better. At least your regular M.D. can give you their opinion.
Keep us posted on how you are feeling and what you decide to do.

Good Luck,
Stefarina

You may also be having a gallbladder attack with chest pain and upper back pain. That is how my attacks presented last year and I just suffered for 12+ hours of excrusiating pain all 4 times thinking it was just my GERD/heartburn and it would go away.

It did eventually go away each time, but then I had to have gallbladder surgery. The surgeon I went to couldn't believe I had suffered through the attacks without going to the ER. I guess when you have a high pain tolerance, it is not always a good thing.

Best of luck to you, I just thought I'd throw out that thought as well after I re-read your post. You might want to explore gallbladder symptoms online.

PB
I am so sorry you are scared and don't know for sure what is wrong or what to do. I have been without health insurance before so I know what that's like. I recommend seeing a new doctor and finding out for sure what is causing your problems. In one of the other posts they thought perhaps you had a hiatal hernia. I have a hiatal hernia and you do have a lot of the symptoms. There are different conditions that could be causing your problems besides cancer.

Sometimes a doctor will let you make payments. In the state where I live, people who don't have health insurance can sometimes qualify for a medical card depending on their income. Sometimes you can see a doctor at the county health department.

My prayers are with you. Please stay in touch.

Sincerely, Nadine:)

Thank you for your replies. I had my gallbladder out years ago and I don't have any insurance :( still scared. Also I just awoke and it is 3am and I am having terrible reflux right now. I take prilosec otc 2 x daily but the acid keeps coming. I feel awful. Also having upper stomache pains.

I'm sorry your feeling so bad-
I don't think you would have developed cancer in two years though, I think that comes from years and years of reflux, left untreated.
Try taking a PepcidAC or something like that before you go to sleep, I think its ok with the PPI your taking.
I sometimes take a PepcidAC if I'm feeling poorly, even though I am on Nexium.
And try changing your diet, and eating LESS, I have found that helps.
And of course not eating before you lay down.
Have to tried one of those wedge pillows to lift the top of your body, when you sleep?

Hi Mamasan, thanks for your reply and reassurance. I have had reflux for a long time now, it wasn't until 2 years ago that I finally sought treatment but when they scoped me then they found stage 2 erosive esophagitis, at least no Barretts at that time. I used to use pepcid ac alot in the past but it does not help me. I am using zantac along with the prilosec otc but tonight I have no relief. I did not even eat much today so I am sure stress is causing the increase in acid but I wish the PPI would make it stop because the more acid I feel, the more I worry I have baretts or worse. My matress is elevated 6 inches. Right now my throat is burning and sore and my heartburn is back in full force. And the worst problem of all is dysphagia, I can only do applesauce, water right now and even those make me choke. I just wish I could get my Nexium. That healed my esophagus and stopped my reflux before. Thank you again :)

Hey, you know applesauce is really bad for us! Its one of the no no's:( on our food list. I don't know why since fresh apples are OK-
Check out the good foods for us and maybe replace apple sauce with that:) maybe a banana!
Hand in there, try the Zantac then at night:)
And really eat by the rules!
I hope you get some sleep!

XOXO

jeesh, I thought applesauce was okay. Dang it already! Bananas are a huge no no for me, don't know why but they have always given me bad heartburn. Really what the heck are we supposed to eat?? Especially when I MUST eat soft food. I can't exactly eat an apple...this is so awful. Actually today I don't even have to worry about soft food because I am even choking on water. I will be starving today but I am not going to go through the choking feeling. Does anyone have a loaded gun?!

Packer

In Sept 06 I was in your same boat. I wrote a post back in December of 07. I don't want to repeat my post so you can go back and read it if you want. the title is "Swallowing issues and anxiety". I had a reply from someone who had a scope recently. Her scope came back normal this person just had reflux issues. She asked her doc that if she continues to have problems should she come back every year for testing for barretts or the C word. He told her NO five years to come back. Her reply made me feel much better. I am on perscription prilosec becasue the over the counter does not work worth crap to me. I know its alot cheaper than nexium and it is working great. Maybe you could call your doc and get that.

I appreciate your reply and I read your post. I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot even imagine it. As far as this Gerd stuff, the thing is, you said you had a clean scope but I did not, and two years since the acid is back in full force and since I haven't been able to take Nexium, I can only imagine the new damage being done, actually I don't need to imagine it as it is happening to me and this time around it is much much worse, before, I didn't choke on food, didn't have ear or coughing problems and now I am having both of those. So I know the acid reflux is much worse and the fact that it is not being treated is making me worried of the damage. I may not have had barretts then but I surely would not be suprised if I have it now.

I know that you do not have insurance (I am very sorry for that) - but could you maybe afford a Drs. visit and ask for some samples of Nexium - maybe enough to get you through a month to see if that would help???

I hope you find an answer/solution soon.

Maybe a trip to the ER???

Thanks Vanessa, Yes, I called my fam doc today but they don't give out Nexium samples. I actually went to the er last week because I had unusual chest pain and they attributed it to my gerd of course and gave me a dose of Nexium! I was so mad because all they will give is the one dose and I told them that I didn't have insurance and could not afford it so I didn't know what good a single dose would do! So yes, those options are out. I am in the process of trying to get our state health care for low income families so God willing we will get that and then I can get my drugs!

WOW- I am sorry that they would not help you more :( -- I will pray that you get the medication and assistance that you need. And also, that it is nothing but GERD.

God bless you.....:angel:

Thank you Vanessa :0)

Packerbacker,
After thinking about your post and reading the other reply's I recall someone I know not having health insurance and some of the pharmaceutical companies granting prescription medications for lower costs. I can't recall the name of the organization that I have seen advertise this on television.

Perhaps you can ask several pharmacies if they have knowledge of this program or can get you information in order to obtain the Nexium at a cheaper price. Maybe someone on these boards will read this and respond with the organizations name.

Just a thought.... hang in there, you are in my prayers. Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

Stefarina

Packerbacker - I definitely would not freak out. If you stop taking these meds or switch meds and dont watch your diet and change your lifestyle the symptoms can become severe. Do you know how many times I thought my throat burned so bad I had to be getting cancer at that very minute? ha Its not funny really. Anyhow, I would try to relax...bc stressing out is going to make it ten times worse! And go to your doc as soon as you can. I am sure you are fine and just having overactive symptoms to your gerd. Take care and keep us posted.

Thank you Jade and Stef, I am trying not to worry but I cannot swallow even mashed potatoes today. I have a feeling when I get scoped again, if I get insurance, that they will have found Barretts or worse. I feel like I went way to long without meds (because I felt better for awhile) and now it has done the worst damage. How many of you have this severe of swallowing and do not have Baretts? This is a nightmare for all of us.

Packer

I meant to get back to you earlier to thank you for your condolences but with work and my 13 year old daughter life is busy.

First of all you need to try to relax. Believe me when you concentrate on the swallowing it makes it worse and I am sure there are many people on this board that can testify to that. Before I had my scope I had done so much ******ing that my symptoms could not be anything but the c word. When they finally did the scope I told the doc whats the point I am a goner. my sis was dx with barretts in May of 06 so I was even more worried. At the time I was as stressed out as you. Someone told me that the chances of EC are so much smaller. Getting breast cancer there is a 1 and 8 chance you will get that. I actually in reading posts don't think I have ever run across someone on this board who had developed EC. Try and I know its difficult but try to relax believe me it makes a huge difference.

Jade, that's so very true- when my throat is at its worst, I'm sure I must have cancer. Its so extremely painful.
But last time I was scoped its showed nothing, I was so shocked!
I think our bodies can take more than we think:)

thanks mama and mskubik, believe me, I would relax more if I could swallow...I totally agree worrying makes it worse, but I went through this before and this time is alot worse and more new symptoms. I just pray I at least can get the nexium and hope that it will stop the reflux. I think I have more acid now than when I was able to eat. I usually don't have heartburn in the day so much but now I have it 24-7. Maybe the Nexium won't even stop the acid, I have heard that sometimes if you stop taking ppis and then restart they don't work the second time around. I know I am being really negative which does not help matters. I know that what is making me the most negative next to the not being able to eat is the fact that I don't have insurance and cannot really get the treatment I need. I do feel for those who cannot get their necessary meds for financial reasons. :(

Packer

I know this is not a political forum and I should not bring up the medical system in the US but I will say a few words. Its not fair that those with money can get treatment and those who don't cannot afford the quality health care. I am lucky I work for a good company that has wonderful medical benefits. there was a period right after 9/11 where I was unemployed and uninsured for 3 years. I hope you will be able to get some sort of help from your state system. I am thinking of you alot because you remind me of myself. I hope something good happens for you so you can get it taken care of and move on with your life.

I am not sure where you live but there is a program called helthy new york. Anybogy can get insyeance tghrough them. It is a state helth insurance they base your monthly charge on your income.

thanks mama and mskubik, believe me, I would relax more if I could swallow...I totally agree worrying makes it worse, but I went through this before and this time is alot worse and more new symptoms. I just pray I at least can get the nexium and hope that it will stop the reflux. I think I have more acid now than when I was able to eat. I usually don't have heartburn in the day so much but now I have it 24-7. Maybe the Nexium won't even stop the acid, I have heard that sometimes if you stop taking ppis and then restart they don't work the second time around. I know I am being really negative which does not help matters. I know that what is making me the most negative next to the not being able to eat is the fact that I don't have insurance and cannot really get the treatment I need. I do feel for those who cannot get their necessary meds for financial reasons. :(

No, I have been off and on PPI's, and your worry that they will not work - NOT TRUE!
Don't worry about that:)
You do need to eat something, crackers/toast maybe to absorb some of the acid.



XOXO

Hi Mamasan, thanks for your reply. I am unable to eat any food except smooth yogurt and broth/soup right now. I forgot to mention that I had my gallbladder removed several years ago so I may have bile reflux. Not sure if that is any different than regular ol reflux. lol...I also forgot to say that I was able to get Carafate and 7 nexium pills (have a coupon) I took two today and have three more days worth, I hope some good will come of it because the prilosec otc has stopped working for me. So even after taking the 2nd Nexium my acid is coming in full force, I don't want to lay down, even on my elevated mattress because I still get the acid coming up. I know that one day of Nexium is too soon to stop the acid though so hopefully tomorrow will be a bit better :) Thanks to everyone responding. You all are wonderful here. Here is hoping we all get relief!

Packerbacker-I know how you are feeling. I have acid reflux and also barrets
which was diagnosed two years ago. I go for my check up scope this March.
My sypmtoms come and go but right now its acting up pretty bad as to the lump in the throat, chest and back pain, heart palps and difficulty swallowing.
I go through these episodes during times of stress and bad diet. Today I had
a spicy taco pizza while watching football. Bad combination that I'm sure started this episode. My point is I have Barrets and also the same symptoms you have, but I try not to worry because that causes stress which makes it
worse. You may also have some anxiety which I have also been diagnosed
with. I have anxiety attacks that tense your muscles and also cause the lump
and difficult swallowing. I take medication for that and it does help and is cheap. Your G.P. can check you for anxiety. I have done all I can do medicaly
wise, E.R. visits, many trips to G.P., and E.N.T. I just have to relax and watch what I eat and take Zantac and Gavisacon as I have bad side effects to all PPIs. Take it easy, don't worry, watch what you eat and see a G.P. for
Anxiety. I know there are rescources in your area where you can see a G.P
based upon what you can afford. PS - go Pack go!

Hi 2bnorm, I am sorry to hear about your Baretts. It is 12:17am and I had to get out of bed because acid is coming up into my throat. It is like someone turned in acid pump on and it won't stop. I did get 7 pills of nexium with a coupon and I have Carafate. Been on both for two days now but the acid is not letting up yet. I hope it does soon because I am on a liquid diet now. This is so scary. A few years ago when I was first diagnosed, I did not have the acid coming into my throat, only into my chest. I also did not have the spasms that I am experiencing. I really want to go to sleep (don't we all?!) But am so afraid of the acid/choking/damage it is causing. :(

also can someone tell me if they have or have had pain in their esophagus when they move a certain way? If I turn or bend or stretch out I feel the pain more. Once again, I have that paralyzed with fear feeling thinking the worst. I apologize for all my questions. I am also sorry if I am sounding like a whiner. I am just scared.

also can someone tell me if they have or have had pain in their esophagus when they move a certain way? If I turn or bend or stretch out I feel the pain more. Once again, I have that paralyzed with fear feeling thinking the worst. I apologize for all my questions. I am also sorry if I am sounding like a whiner. I am just scared.I;m sorry for all you are going through. I'm new to this sight and I'm amazed how many people are suffering with severe reflux/gerd/hiatal hernia. I also have the above conditions and have tried all the PPI's with side effects. I was really sick with endocarditis(heart infection) a couple of years ago which was the result of an infected tooth. I can't believe the responses from people who have teeth problem and reflux. Funny I mentioned this to the dentist and doctors and they laughed. Several of my family members have teeth problems and reflux. Here is what you need to do for your reflux. Take 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in a half glass of water on an empty stomach. Do this several times a day. I use Bragg raw organic apple cider vinegar which I get at Whole foods. I use Trader Joes baking soda. I found this info on ***********. Very informative!! I also take a good probiotic daily and digestive enzymes. Try to drink purified water also. The chlorine in the water may be a culprit. Stay away from processed food, white sugar, white flour, etc. Good Luck and try and calm down this would help immensely.

Nope, I have the Braggs in my cabinet now, tried that a few months back and it did nothing for me, not to mention it burned the he@@ out of my throat and tasted horrible, but I took it faithfully for a week. It was one week too many. but thanks for the advice anyway.

Packerbacker - One thing that has helped me with the acid in the throat is
correct posture. I'm not sure if you get esophagul spasms as a result of acid
reflux, but if you do try this. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Next sit straight up so your shoulders are in line with your hips. Tuck your
chin in towards your chest. This is a very uncomfortable positon if you have bad posture but instantly stops my esophagul spasm pain which I can only relate is due to reduction of acid in the esophagus. A lumbar cushion also helps to keep you in the correct position. It works, but is hard and uncomfortable to remain in such a position. Try a search on the web about
correct posture and acid reflux. I have bad posture because I'm on the road
all the time which means I'm slouched over the steering wheel. My previous job I was standing all day long and had no acid reflux.

Hi 2B, I just noticed we are BOTH from Menasha! What a coincidence. I totally agree with you about the posture thing. Obviously I am on the computer alot and I do slouch forward alot. I need to get off the computer for one thing! It just helps a bit to talk to others who are going through some of these same things. I feel badly for all of us. Thank you for your relies and advice.

Packerbacker,
After thinking about your post and reading the other reply's I recall someone I know not having health insurance and some of the pharmaceutical companies granting prescription medications for lower costs. I can't recall the name of the organization that I have seen advertise this on television....
Stefarina

Some pharmaceutical companies make medications available to certain patients...you can request the necessary paperwork from your doctor's office. If your doctor's office isn't aware of these services, contact the pharmaceutical company directly for information. County social service offices, aging resource agencies, and home health agencies may have social workers that can refer one to other sources of medication assistance if the pharmaceutical contacts don't pan out.

I don't have insurance either, and it's amazing the kind of treatment (not necessarily medical if you know what I mean) you get from some health care professionals when they find out you are unemployed and uninsured.

Good luck!

Bethsheba

Hi Beth, thank you very much for the advice. I really appreciate it. And what you said about the care that you receive when you are uninsured, that is a fear of mine too. Thanks again for your reply.

That's good to know Beth. It is reassuring to know there are avenues to take when one is uninisured.

I was uninsured for (3) years and getting medical treatment and medications was difficult - I definitely felt that I was treated differently and not given as many tests. SAD -- we should ALL have access to the proper treatments and medications.

Good luck to us all in our fight against acid!