Esophagitis

[koko2002]

Hi,
I am 53 and have had on/off GERD symptoms- sometimes severe- for about 17 years. About 2 years ago I had an endoscopy done and was diagnosed with chronic mild esophagitis and they gave me 40 mg of omeprazole for 8 weeks. After that, I started on 20 mg every day and have been on that dose regularly and still had a day or two every couple of weeks with a GERD flair up.
About 3 weeks ago I developed some lower GI issues with constipation, nausea, cramps, and was pretty sick for 2 weeks. I went to the ED and they did a CT with contrast of my abdomen and saw nothing serious. Just as soon as the lower GI symptoms got better- about 10 days ago- I developed incredibly bad esophagitis symptoms. chest pain that feels like trapped gas and burning, trouble swallowing, belching, hoarseness, and pain when I try to eat. The omeprazole isn't working anymore. I can't see a GI doc until next month. I'm having a lot of anxiety worrying that I might have developed Barrett's or esophageal cancer. Can those develop in 2 years after mild chronic esophagitis? Feeling very anxious.

[specialmom]

Hey there. I'm so sorry you didn't get any responses. I forgot about this forum. I have had GERD also on and off. One thing that is very much associated with my Gerd is my weight and my diet. When I need to lose weight, I have BAD gerd. I lose weight, it gets significantly better. I don't know if that is you or not but it's common with Gerd. Talk about motivating to get in shape. Second, what I eat and drink factors in. Carbonated beverages or coffee? Gerd. Acidic things like red sauce pasta or chili? Gerd.

I take a simple over the counter med, the generic version of tagamet. It does work for me in combination with watching what I eat that triggers it. I've tried many things over the years. I also have heard of ADDING acid to combat gerd which sounds like it would be nuts but is a way some control it. Apple cider vinegar is what is often used. Here's a good article, in my opinion, about what to eat and not eat. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gerd-diet-foods-that-help-with-acid-reflux-heartburn

Anyway, any update on how you are doing? Would love to hear it.