EE/GERD and Fundiplication

[Wessy]

Hello. I have had severe heartburn and difficulty with swallowing for many years and finally went to a GI doctor who did an EGD. During the scope, my esophagus was torn and the MD was unable to view my entire esophagus. I went in for a second scope after my esophagus rested and a biopsy was taken (and I recieved another small tear). It was determined that I have Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE). I was told the reason I have constant heartburn is that my LES does not function and the reason I have a difficult time swallowing is that my esophagus is swollen from the EE. I asked GI MD if I could get a fundiplication to stop the continuous heartburn to protect my fragile esophagus from the acid. The PPI's I take (and many OTC heartburn meds) barely stop the heartburn for 1/2 a day and I am concerned about long term affects from the acid. I went to an allergist and was told I am not allergic to any foods but was put on fluticisone to decrease the swelling (which did not work so now I am on prednisone). My GI doc told me that he would NOT recommend the Fundiplication because it would make it even harder for me to swallow and it might cause my esophagus to tear even more. Is this true? Should I persue a second opinion? Please help!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

[CalGal]

Good for you. It's probably about time that someone educated them. EE can have symptoms very similar to GERD, but all the PPIs in the world aren't going to change the condition. Do your best to make sure your diet is free of anything that causes the eosinophils a problem and you will feel a lot better.

[Wessy]

Thank you for your advice. I am still new to this EE but the more I read, the more I am beginning to think that my LES is not the problem but that the EE is causing the heartburn as well! What a wicked disease... Thank you again. I am going to figure this thing out and educate the doctors in the mean time! :)  

[CalGal]

Wessy, I hate to say it but the allergist you went to really knows nothing about EE. You ARE allergic or reacting to some foods and you've GOT to figure out what they are. It's very possible if you do clear your diet of whatever it is that's keeping you in a constant 'hyper' state, you might not be having the symptoms that you're currently having. Please, please, please do some comprehensive reading about EE and what the cause is. It's a rare enough condition that not many docs will know what to do for it, but there are several wonderful online groups that have a lot of useful information that will be able to assist you in getting the condition under control.