Heartburn or something else

I am 65, female, and I have taken Nexium, Dexilant, Omeprazole for 20 years. Last 10 months I have pain high behind my left ribs, sometimes right side, and yellow bowel movements. So I went to the doctor and they want me to double my 40 mg of reflux pills...I don't think so. So I pushed for more tests...GI sent me to ENT and he did a barium swallow which showed moderate to severe cricopharyngeus spasm, very small hiatal hernia and numerous rounded filling defects in stomach. Recommended endoscopy. GI Dr says NO...same stuff as when I had the colonoscopy in 2014...but I wasn't in pain then. So with all the news about PPI's I decided to wean myself off the pills without my doctor's approval. I have gone from 36 pellets in a capsule to 14 (so far) taking it slow (since September gradually reducing the dosage). I also take DGL - I want to mention that different brands are really different. Some taste AWFUL. Some made me vomit - had sorbitol. I really like the ones by natural Factors. I also eat alkaline now as much as possible. But still my poop is yellow and it basically disintegrates when flushes. It looks fluffy and has torn edges...definitely not normal. So I would like some advice. I have gone to the family doctor several times and now they think my problem is depression (anxiety) and want me to take Escitalopram...I'm NOT going to. I also just completed my "Welcome to Medicare Physical"...and nothing was found. I'm in great health. So if I have a bile problem/gallbladder problem, why can't they find it?? I feel much better and definitely soft drinks, sweet tea, and chocolate are my triggers. What should I do next? I don't think my GERD is causing yellow poop.

My suggestion would be to seek a second opinion with another GI doctor. When was your last endoscopy? And yes, anxiety/stress can definitely be a cause for a color change in the stool. Also, 360 mg is the maximum dosage for Omeprazole, and over the years your system has probably built up tolerance to the medication. Many people have been prescribed antidepressants (whether needed or not for depression), because they have been found to improve GERD symptoms. If you are suspected of having a gallbladder issue you would need specific testing, starting with an ultrasound (which isn't very helpful), and ultimately a a HIDA Scan which traces bile from your liver and also gallbladder function. You can't find everything in a Physical, and a lot of people who are ultimately healthy do suffer from other medical conditions. Everyone is different, but I found absolutely no relief from DGL.

This is second GI dr this year. Previous one wanted to perform surgery and pull my stomach up and wrap it around my esophagus. No thank you. Can't get dr to do an endoscope. I do worry alot but escitalopram sounds dangerous.

I had the surgery, Nissen Fundoplication, and it was a complete success for me.

I'm happy for you. I’m weaning off the meds. We'll see.

I just really feel like my GERD is not my problem...something else but can't get doctor to look. I want a definite answer with facts backing it up instead of guessing.