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New here, GERD for years, symptoms back :( (also Lap Band)

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New here, GERD for years, symptoms back :( (also Lap Band)  
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waygook12
New Member
Joined : May 2013
Posts : 3
Posted 5/26/2013 10:57 PM (GMT -7)
Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself and share what I'm going through right now. I'm 27 years old and I was diagnosed with GERD at age 10. My main symptoms at that time were lung/asthma problems, but I've had classic heartburn/acid symptoms on and off for over a decade. One doctor suggested surgery at that age, but my parents got two other opinions that stated that my GERD was mild and I was far too young for such a procedure for a mild case. I've been on and off Nexium and Prilosec, as the doctors have told me I can wean myself off as the symptoms abate. I've also been trying to go without PPIs since I don't want to be on them long term and my symptoms have been generally mild.

In 2007, I got the Lap Band surgery. It was successful in terms of weight loss, but I feel it aggravates my GERD... although after the initial period after it was placed, I didn't have much of a change in my symptoms. Unfortunately, I also developed an eating disorder (bulimia) from which I have since recovered. For most of my adult life, I've not been medicated for GERD long term. My last endoscope was right before that surgery. At the time, he said he saw some erosion but no "cell changes" (I assume he was referring to Barretts). I had asked my GP a few years ago if she thought this warranted me getting another endoscope to monitor any changes, but she felt it wasn't necessary. To be fair, I was symptom free (other than a occasional day-long flare up that would be the result of poor eating or drinking choices!).

about a year ago, I moved to South Korea.. the land of spicy everything! I had some terrible symptoms my first couple of months here, but after following a more alkaline diet, the symptoms disappeared for the most part.

Here's the weird thing... a few weeks ago, I read an article that tied Barrett's Esophagus to the Lap Band procedure. I have to admit that I'm a bit of a hypochondriac (and it's been worse since my 30 year old cousin died of the flu last year. Yes, you read that right), so this made me nervous.. and ta-da, my symptoms are back with a vengeance (my typical symptoms are chest pain, scratchy throat and the burn/taste of acid. The latter two have only been back the past 24 hours. No nausea or vomiting.). The only other change in my life that has happened recently (besides general stress and anxiety) is that I've significantly increased my exercise (stationary bike, mostly). So.. either way, my GERD is back. For the past week, I've just been watching what I eat (back on the strict alkaline diet) and using antacids with some results. Out of my anxiety, I've booked an appointment for another scope this Friday. I really hope that they don't find anything serious. I'm very afraid of developing cancer.

Anyway.. I just wanted to sort of get that out there to people who can relate. Thanks for reading.

Post Edited (waygook12) : 5/27/2013 12:02:55 AM (GMT-6)

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bazza76
Regular Member
Joined : May 2013
Posts : 20
Posted 5/27/2013 1:42 AM (GMT -7)
Try not to worry too much mate. As you say yourself you are a bit of a worrier. sounds like the tress and spicy food are playing a big role.

unfortunately I have no experience of the bank I can advise you on.
hope you feel better soon!
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waygook12
New Member
Joined : May 2013
Posts : 3
Posted 5/28/2013 12:10 AM (GMT -7)
Thanks. I know I tend to be too nervous about this sort of thing, and I'm getting it double checked by a doctor, which is about all anyone can do (besides lifestyle/eating changes). Thanks for the reply :)
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waygook12
New Member
Joined : May 2013
Posts : 3
Posted 5/30/2013 9:03 PM (GMT -7)
Just thought I'd update. I had my scope today. There is nothing more than inflammation of my esophagus, but I have two stomach ulcers! That was a little surprising, but the specialist and the GP (you see them both in the same day here in Korea) said that there's no reason to worry. They took routine biopsies.. I'll feel better when they come back clean, but some meds and diet changes should clear them up, according to the doctors. :)
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bazza76
Regular Member
Joined : May 2013
Posts : 20
Posted 6/25/2013 1:42 PM (GMT -7)

waygook12 said...
Just thought I'd update. I had my scope today. There is nothing more than inflammation of my esophagus, but I have two stomach ulcers! That was a little surprising, but the specialist and the GP (you see them both in the same day here in Korea) said that there's no reason to worry. They took routine biopsies.. I'll feel better when they come back clean, but some meds and diet changes should clear them up, according to the doctors. :)

good news mate! delighted to hear that.
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