so confused... shouldn't there be tests done?

[worry wort]

my finace has been suffering from so many of the symptoms of GERD for about 3 years now. As I read through some of the threads on this board I can't believe how similar some of the stories are to what he is going through.
so last week he finally went to the ENT to have his ear checked out because of the constant pain he was having.
he Dr. looked ion his ear and said it doesn't really look infected. He looked in his throat and listened to the varios symptoms:
-Constant fatigue, dizziness, ear pain, nauseous every morning at the same time, heatburn and stomach irritation tothe point that Rolaids and Zantac are a staple in his diet...the list goes on.
Dr. gave samples for Nexium and Singulair and made a f/u appointment for 6 weeks. But he said nothing about performing any actual tests to prove that GERD is really the problem. A lot of ppl on this boeard talk about endoscopies. I thought the ENT would have at least mentioned getting one done to make sure there was no damage to my fiance's esophagus.
Do you think I'm reacing too much into this?

[kattjo5220]

Watch out for singular, it is very hard on reflux at least for some people. It was for me and on the insert it lists it as a side effect or something, I can't remember exactly!

As far as tests go I think people should be tested before they are drugged but thats my opinion. I think insurance companies prefer drugs over testing. I don't know.

I have only had 2 scopes done and I don't think it is enough. My GI has no conclusions and wants me medicated, which I refuse due to side effects.

Katt

[worry wort]

thank you Katt. You know, I read that in the Singulair insert too! But I thought to myself the Dr. must know more anout it than I do. And it's tough too because I can't exactly callthe Dr. every time I have a question either. If that were the case I would be on the phine with them 20 times a day!

I have so so many questions about this condition and how to help my honey feel better.
I feel so bad that he has felt this sick for so long. He even tells me that back when he was in school, and I mean as far back as middle school, he would go to the nurse's office everyday at the same time complaining of stomache ache. The nurse and his parents always brushed it off and assumed he was trying to get out of class.
It was after that, however that his asmtha was diagnosed. But now I wonder if the problem wasn't GERD related all along. Or maybe he was just taking the wrong meds for asthma?? I also read that Singulair works better for a lot of ppl who are significantly overweight. Normal inhalers are designed for ppl of average weight whihc may not be sufficient fr everyone.

[Jenny UK]

im pretty much the same. Straight onto drugs and no referral. He said because of my age it was all straight forward and nothing to worry about ! Im going back again because 4 months of drugs has done nothing and I think there is a bigger picture with me (poss. intollerence of certain foods etc).

[mskubic]

Worry Wort

Do you mind me asking how old your fiance is.

Marsha