Untreated GERD

[gsr96dohc]

I was diagnosed with GERD about one year ago and had it for maybe a year before that.  In this entire time I basically ignored it and drank alot of Milk and took Tums as needed.  I now realize the mistake I've made may have caused me Cancer.  I'm only 23 years old but have what feels to be a lump inside my throat (have had the lump for maybe 2 years) on my right hand side which is a symptom of Larynx Cancer.  Although I have no others especially the main one Hoarseness in the voice.  On top of not treating my GERD with the Prilosec I was prescribed, I smoked a good amount of Marijuana on top of it.  I'm also worried about developing Barretts Esophogus.  

Is it possible for someone my age to have developed Larynx cancer?  I must add that I have smoked Marijuana for about a Decade now with the middle five years being very high 3+ times per day in consumption.

[selmaS]

HI...I have it longer than 20 yrs, but I do try to avoid foods that will cause it to flare.I do have a hiatal hernia which is the root of my reflux...added weight for me has it in a flare...which I am trying to resolve.

U have to find the root of ur gerd..be it post nasal drip, diet,or a hernia....then go from there modify diet and lifestyle to help calm it down....u can balance out the acids......

BTW, if ur issue is one of motility milk and dairy is the worst thing u could have especially later in the day....as diary slows the LES and allows the acids to get up into ur esophagus where damage done can cause cancers.....

See a good GI dr.

"selma"

[driti]

Hello everyone, I am only 23 years old know and I have been having Acid Reflux in about 3 years. I never took it seriously, I would just dring milk and sometimes Prolosec. The symptoms got worse and worse everyday, now I am having bad breath, my throught hurts almost ever week, and I dont have Antiacid my heartburn will come back right away. I was wondering for how long can people treat the acid reflux before it turns into cancer. I would be more than glad to hear from someone who have had the acid reflux for at least 20 years.

[gsr96dohc]

After numerous nights of research I have learned that what your saying mark is 100% correct. My symptoms are caused by one of three things. 1. Hiatal Hernia 2. Circopharyngeal Spasm or 3. Symptoms of my untreated Gerd.  I will treat my Gerd for 60 days and I'm told by many if symptoms have not gone away or nearly disappeared I can rule that out. I myself am leaning toward the Circopharyngeal Spasm as my symptoms worsen as the day goes on and is not noticeable in the morning. Do you find the lump in your throat feeling worsens as the day progresses mark?

Thanks, Craig

[goulding_m]

Hey guys!

I have had the exact same symptoms for 4 years now.  I am also 23 years of age.  Do not be like me and expect the worst! It takes years and years of esophageal damage to develop Barrett's and even then it's a good chance it won't happen at all.  My doctor told me if I was 40+ and came to her with the same symptoms I should be worried.  The lump in your throat is just a symptom of your reflux.  It is probably due to an esophageal spasm or you may have a hiatal hernia.  Again, do not let this worry consume your life.  I have dealt with it for this long and if you had cancer, in any form, you would experience much more telling symptoms.  I hope this helps ease your mind.  Again, I have a hiatal hernia, which is very common in the population, and I do have those symptoms but they are manageable.  And if it is a hernia that you have, a fairly simple procedure is available to correct it.  Take care and good luck!

Mark

[esonk]

Hi Craig,

Thanks for sharing. I was recently diagnosed with GERD and I am trying to learn as much as I can about it, the medicines and their side affects.

Just wanted to say hi and thanks for posting.

[selmaS]

Craig
If u do not get ur $5's worth...try our expert forum.

"selma"

[gsr96dohc]

Thank you for your concern Selma.  I have payed the five dollars to aks a question in the expert forum, however it hasn't been answered yet.

I will surely continue to post here.

Craig

[selmaS]

Hi...I am sorry to hear ur dx...and at such a young age. I am not a dr and am not familiar with cancer.

We do have a expert forum if u want to ask a dr.This forum is for support...we r all like u seeking answers and someone to listen and understand.

There may be members that are able to answer ur question.From my experience, I have found that everyone is different and when it comes to our health anything is possible.

I hope u continue to post here as we can learn from u and inturn we can offer u support as u go thru ur treatments.

Good luck
Godspeed
"selma"