Scared! My heartburn is out of control. - Digestive Disorders Message Board

Hamilton92 · 02-08-2007, 03:00 PM

I constantly burn and ache in my stomach right above my belly button mostly. Everyday all day long I burn. I constantly feel like at the top of my throat is clogged up and that I'm going to choke if I eat or drink or not its always there.
I have noticeable decay of my teeth, my enamel on a few of my teeth are wearing away, I've read that is a symptom of GERD.
I haven't been to a gatroenterologist in several months since I lost my job due to a layoff so no health insurance. He just shoves prevacid at me says have a nice day. I quit taking the prevacid because it just doesn't do a thing for me.
I have been suffering for about 3 years now and I am scared that I am doing permanent, irreversible damage to my esophagus.
I begged my doctor to do an endoscopy and dialate my esophagus because it feels to me like its swollen shut sometimes and he refused, he said he didn't see a reason to.
I had an ensoscopy and colonoscopy when my problems first started about 3 years ago and not one since then, I am scared that when I finally do get back to the doctor to get one done that the damage he is going to see is going to very bad.
I wonder if by now with no treatment now in several years, and worsening swallowing problems if I have Barretts now or worse esophageal cancer.
I am so scared! I don't know what to do. I don't have insurance I can't go to the doctor. I have major panic attacks and feel like I'm going to go crazy sometimes or I'm going to die without getting the treatment and help I need.
The only thing I've been taking is over the counter liquid Gaviscon when the symptoms get real bad and ginger tea seems to help. I can't swallow solid foods and haven't been able to for several years. I can't remember the last time I ate pizza or a hamburger.
I just want help so I can lead a normal life again.

Alagaesia · 02-09-2007, 10:39 PM

There are a few things you can try. I use 3 things. After a meal I take a digestive enzyme and papaya chewable. I get these from a health store. I also take a chlorophyll pill once a day. These 3 things keep my GERD symptoms away and I feel just fine. A probiotic may also help you. Something that gets rid of yeast and puts good bacteria in your body at the same time.

BrownRice · 02-10-2007, 10:43 PM

Hello Alagaesia,
It seems like you are in a situation,not too different from mine.
Now, to start,i want to urge you to take a deep breath,and relax.
You sound like a very emotional person,and I used to feel just about the
same way when i started to experience the horror or stomach indigestion over five years ago.
Now,let me say at this point,that they way we handle ourselves(mentally),is going to affect the results we get.So,one major step towards improvement,and eventual healing,is to set the mind,to believe that there is a solution to that desease,and to be determined to find it,and stop worryng too much.
Now,there are some lifestyles that you may have to adapt to,even though you may not want it.That's avoiding foods that make your symtoms worse,and again,it's up to you to identify those foods.In my case,i found out about beef/meat,pizza,soy,cookies,chocolate, etc... And a lot of self-control is needed for it.
You might also want to commit to drinking a lot of water, regularly throughout the day,every day.Avoid,if you can,eating when you aren't hungry,and don't leave yourself hungry for long either. So be sensitive to your stomach,after three hours of eating,so you don't wait too long to eat.
If you don't take any digestive enzyme,you might want to get one from the health food store( i use "super enzyme",of "NOW" brand).some aren't mild in the stomach.Probiotic may be good as well.You have to chose the right one. I tried numerous brands,till i finally got to the one that is not harsh on my stomach.It's "Nature's way" brand.There are a lot of probiotics by nature's way,but i use "Reuteri",and "Bifidus".Reuteri should help.
Also,you might want to try a colon cleanse. I prefer the "Renew life" brand.The company is not far from me,and I highly recommend their product,because i began to have a clue about what might actually be wrong with my stomach,after using the"first clease","smart cleanse" and "advance cleanse",
all by renew life.They have other products that might help anyone with persistant and harshly uncomfortable indigestion,as the company is digestive health oriented.
Also,it's important to be aware that many digestion problems,are actually as a result of ulcer in the stomach,and stomach ulcer can take a long time to heal,and healing require abstinence from favorite foods that crash with smooth digestion.I wish you well

gallible · 02-12-2007, 12:29 PM

I agree with both Alagaesia and BrownRice. I am on enzymes and probiotics and believe strongly in natural healing and mind/body influences. I would like to add this as well...find another doctor! It is amazing what we ALL, myself included, put up with from the medical profession. Regardless of your panic attacks (I have them too) and PAST test results, you deserve to have answers to your discomforts. Please let us know how you are doing.

WannaBeFreeToRoam · 02-12-2007, 10:33 PM

Hi,

I just wanted to put in my nickels worth. I do take meds and go to a gastro dr. You do sound like you need to change drs. when you can afford to.

I also wait 2 hours after eating to lay down. It helps me to have good posture most of the time. Like sitting up straight instead of slouching or bending over a book or computer. IMO it is better to not eat big meals. That is when it feels like you are full up to your neck.

I take Nexium, 1 hour before I eat breakfast. It is the only thing that works for me. And I cannot eat fried, greasy or fatty foods. Nothing like: hot dogs, sausages or lunch meat.

Do not drink bubbly drinks or soda or too much caffeine. No alcohol either. No acidic foods, like lemons, oranges, pickles or tomatoes. Probably more that I have not listed are the no nos.

I do eat yogurt at least 1 x day. Also Dan Active which is a probiotic drink found at grocery stores. If I do not eat right for a day or two, and I do get my gerd back, I also take Pepcid Completes - up to 4 per day. And then an over counter drug for stomach acid - cannot remember its name, but it starts with a T.

I did have lots of stomach ulcers, but they are gone now. I do have esophageal varies, gastritis, Gerd, IBS, and a hernia between my esophagus and stomach (forgot that name too).

Like someone else said, breathe, breathe, breathe. If you need to go to your library or sit at Barnes and Nobles and read books pertaining to this problem and anxiety. Stress and anxiety make stomach problems much worse!!!

Sorry for the long post. More than a quarters worth, I know!!! :>

I do hope you try some of the help that everyone has given you. But, I know that a lot of it costs $ too. But you have to do something or you will go nuts!

Take care and I hope you feel better soon.

Wannabe