Vividangel1984
06-19-2008, 01:25 PM
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...
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Kassie29
06-19-2008, 01:38 PM
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
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
06-20-2008, 12:10 AM
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
06-20-2008, 12:19 AM
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
Good luck
Vic
Vividangel1984
06-20-2008, 12:56 AM
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.
rush_rulz
06-20-2008, 12:28 PM
I too have trouble eating/swallowing and feel nauseaus depending on the day. I have very bad days and so-so days. But, there isn't much point worrying you are dying! Enjoy life now- so that even if something were to be wrong you enjoy the time you have and aren't making yourself crazy. There's probably a small chance you have cancer but once you can afford it, as soon as you can afford it, get tested and check and seee; share your concerns with your Dr, etc. It'll be ok!
AngieBaby77
06-20-2008, 03:22 PM
Hey sweetie...I am going through the EXACT same thing I am terrified I have cancer too.
My symptoms are a lump feeling in my esophagus that I am scared is a tumor.
I don't have insurance either, I had to apply for financial assistance through my local medical center and although only certain doctors accept it I was able to find an ear, nose throat doc.
He says he thinks it's reflux and to take Prevacid. Been taking it for about two weeks and still having this issue. I am very scared also. I want an endoscopy, barium swallow, something that will tell me EXACTLY what I'm dealing with, I feel like I'm waiting on a death sentence and the longer they wait the worse it will get.
However my doctors, friends and family think I am overreacting. It's so frustrating. I just want to know what is wrong for sure.
I can say that from the research I've done there is a very small chance you even have Barretts and a very very low percentage of that ever turns into cancer also it is less likely for women to get this cancer than men...these stats don't stop me from being scared either. I visit the Health Anxiety Centre a lot which is a great board, I take anxiety and depression meds in addition to my Prevacid and I am still freaking out about this esophagus throat thing.
Hang in there...stay strong...I know it's hard, I am suffering right along with you!
Angie
My symptoms are a lump feeling in my esophagus that I am scared is a tumor.
I don't have insurance either, I had to apply for financial assistance through my local medical center and although only certain doctors accept it I was able to find an ear, nose throat doc.
He says he thinks it's reflux and to take Prevacid. Been taking it for about two weeks and still having this issue. I am very scared also. I want an endoscopy, barium swallow, something that will tell me EXACTLY what I'm dealing with, I feel like I'm waiting on a death sentence and the longer they wait the worse it will get.
However my doctors, friends and family think I am overreacting. It's so frustrating. I just want to know what is wrong for sure.
I can say that from the research I've done there is a very small chance you even have Barretts and a very very low percentage of that ever turns into cancer also it is less likely for women to get this cancer than men...these stats don't stop me from being scared either. I visit the Health Anxiety Centre a lot which is a great board, I take anxiety and depression meds in addition to my Prevacid and I am still freaking out about this esophagus throat thing.
Hang in there...stay strong...I know it's hard, I am suffering right along with you!
Angie
Vividangel1984
06-20-2008, 03:50 PM
Thanks everyone for the replies. It has made me feel a little bit better. I suppose there is no need to worry until I know exactly whats going on. My only choice is to wait until my work provides me health insurance. My boss is trying to find out if we have another opening this year. Hopefully we do..if not then I will probably wait until I can get it. I don't have the money to just pay for an endoscopy so waiting is my only option. Or I could find another job that can provide me health insurance on the spot. My parents are also thinking that I'm crazy. But then again they don't know how I'm feeling. But whatever happens, I need to know that I have God and my family on my side.