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!).
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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)